❓ Opposition questions the government's response to concerns raised before the death of Mrs. Mazza, focusing on agency inaction and ministerial accountability. The Premier deflects, accusing the opposition of disrespect and political opportunism.
AnsweredQoN 699Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
MRS IDA MAZZA — GOVERNMENT AGENCY SUPPORT
I refer to circumstances surrounding the tragic death of Mrs Ida Mazza and neighbours’ attempts to get assistance for her son, and that when asked in the other place yesterday whether any WA government agencies had been contacted by neighbours, the answer provided by the Minister for Mental Health was that he had been briefed but that the member should put the question on notice. (1) Is it acceptable for the Minister for Mental Health to refuse to answer a question, even though he had been briefed on this matter the day before? (2) Will the Premier undertake to provide to the Parliament and the public an answer about whether any government agencies were contacted regarding issues at the Mazza house prior to the discovery of Mrs Mazza’s body, and their response, by the end of today’s sitting? (3) Who in the Premier’s government will accept ministerial responsibility for the failure of agencies to act on neighbours’ concerns? Mr C.J. BARNETT
I refer to circumstances surrounding the tragic death of Mrs Ida Mazza and neighbours’ attempts to get assistance for her son, and that when asked in the other place yesterday whether any WA government agencies had been contacted by neighbours, the answer provided by the Minister for Mental Health was that he had been briefed but that the member should put the question on notice. (1) Is it acceptable for the Minister for Mental Health to refuse to answer a question, even though he had been briefed on this matter the day before? (2) Will the Premier undertake to provide to the Parliament and the public an answer about whether any government agencies were contacted regarding issues at the Mazza house prior to the discovery of Mrs Mazza’s body, and their response, by the end of today’s sitting? (3) Who in the Premier’s government will accept ministerial responsibility for the failure of agencies to act on neighbours’ concerns? Mr C.J. BARNETT
AnswerView source ↗
(1)–(3) It is a very sad situation when any citizen, in this case Mrs Mazza, passes away and lies undetected, unknown, for months. I do not know the circumstances of her life, the circumstances of any family she may have, or the circumstances of her neighbours. To walk into this Parliament and to start to imply things, by way of accusation, against government agencies is both insensitive and improper, in my view. Mr E.S. Ripper : It is a requirement to answer a question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : This time, no! Mr E.S. Ripper : “This time”? Again! Arrogance and pomposity! What about accountability? The SPEAKER : I am sure everybody in this place would like to hear the Premier’s answer to the question the Leader of the Opposition has asked. That is what this place is about. That is what I hope everybody, particularly with this question, will respect. Mr C.J. BARNETT : People should respect this. What I find in that question and the interjections opposite is a lack of respect for the late Mrs Ida Mazza, the lady who died in sad circumstances. It has been reported in the media that she lived in that house with her son, whom I understand has a mental illness. Who knows the exact details of what happened and how people reacted? I find it so disrespectful for the deceased person that the Leader of the Opposition would raise an issue like that in the forum of the Parliament. If the Leader of the Opposition had a genuine concern, he would have gone and spoken to the minister or to me directly and asked the question. The Minister for Mental Health will, I understand—I have not spoken — Ms M.M. Quirk : What is the use of Parliament, then? The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the first time today; member for Girrawheen for the second time today. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I find it unbecoming that any member of this Parliament would ask such a question about a lady who died obviously in sad and lonely circumstances, who had, to my understanding, a mentally ill son in that house. I find that quite deplorable. However, I have not spoken to the Minister for Mental Health. He, as I understand it, is happy to provide some details. Mr Speaker, would you not think that out of respect for that sad circumstance — Ms M.M. Quirk : That is why we are asking the question; because we respect people. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They do not. The SPEAKER : Premier, take a seat. Member for Girrawheen, I do allow some latitude in this place. I think that everybody knows that. I simply want to hear the Premier’s response to this. That is all I want to hear; I do not want to hear interjections. Mr C.J. BARNETT : From my memory, this is the first time in my 20 years in this house that I have heard a member of Parliament try to score a political point over a death. That is what they are doing. Make no mistake about it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : It is not for me to give advice to people in this place; it is not for me to give advice at all. I would simply like to hear the Premier’s answer to this question. I am going to give the Leader of the Opposition an opportunity to ask a supplementary if he wishes to. I think it is something we all would like to understand far better. Constant interjections by members on both sides in this place certainly do not help this particular question progress to an answer. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I understand it from the Minister for Mental Health — Mrs M.H. Roberts : What about every death in custody that has been raised in here? The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the second time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have never heard a deceased person referred to by name when there has been a tragic death. I have never heard in 20 years a member of this Parliament seek to gain some political advantage out of a tragedy like that. The Minister for Mental Health is undertaking to examine exactly what happened and what the response of agencies was. He will do that properly, and if it takes a little time, it will take a little time; but this government will be respectful, in a very sad situation, to the deceased and also to her son. The Minister for Mental Health will do that in his own time, make the appropriate inquiries and deal with it. He will do so without the help of members opposite with their disrespectful approach.
(1) Is it acceptable for the Minister for Mental Health to refuse to answer a question, even though he had been briefed on this matter the day before? (2) Will the Premier undertake to provide to the Parliament and the public an answer about whether any government agencies were contacted regarding issues at the Mazza house prior to the discovery of Mrs Mazza’s body, and their response, by the end of today’s sitting? (3) Who in the Premier’s government will accept ministerial responsibility for the failure of agencies to act on neighbours’ concerns? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(3) It is a very sad situation when any citizen, in this case Mrs Mazza, passes away and lies undetected, unknown, for months. I do not know the circumstances of her life, the circumstances of any family she may have, or the circumstances of her neighbours. To walk into this Parliament and to start to imply things, by way of accusation, against government agencies is both insensitive and improper, in my view. Mr E.S. Ripper : It is a requirement to answer a question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : This time, no! Mr E.S. Ripper : “This time”? Again! Arrogance and pomposity! What about accountability? The SPEAKER : I am sure everybody in this place would like to hear the Premier’s answer to the question the Leader of the Opposition has asked. That is what this place is about. That is what I hope everybody, particularly with this question, will respect. Mr C.J. BARNETT : People should respect this. What I find in that question and the interjections opposite is a lack of respect for the late Mrs Ida Mazza, the lady who died in sad circumstances. It has been reported in the media that she lived in that house with her son, whom I understand has a mental illness. Who knows the exact details of what happened and how people reacted? I find it so disrespectful for the deceased person that the Leader of the Opposition would raise an issue like that in the forum of the Parliament. If the Leader of the Opposition had a genuine concern, he would have gone and spoken to the minister or to me directly and asked the question. The Minister for Mental Health will, I understand—I have not spoken — Ms M.M. Quirk : What is the use of Parliament, then? The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the first time today; member for Girrawheen for the second time today. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I find it unbecoming that any member of this Parliament would ask such a question about a lady who died obviously in sad and lonely circumstances, who had, to my understanding, a mentally ill son in that house. I find that quite deplorable. However, I have not spoken to the Minister for Mental Health. He, as I understand it, is happy to provide some details. Mr Speaker, would you not think that out of respect for that sad circumstance — Ms M.M. Quirk : That is why we are asking the question; because we respect people. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They do not. The SPEAKER : Premier, take a seat. Member for Girrawheen, I do allow some latitude in this place. I think that everybody knows that. I simply want to hear the Premier’s response to this. That is all I want to hear; I do not want to hear interjections. Mr C.J. BARNETT : From my memory, this is the first time in my 20 years in this house that I have heard a member of Parliament try to score a political point over a death. That is what they are doing. Make no mistake about it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : It is not for me to give advice to people in this place; it is not for me to give advice at all. I would simply like to hear the Premier’s answer to this question. I am going to give the Leader of the Opposition an opportunity to ask a supplementary if he wishes to. I think it is something we all would like to understand far better. Constant interjections by members on both sides in this place certainly do not help this particular question progress to an answer. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I understand it from the Minister for Mental Health — Mrs M.H. Roberts : What about every death in custody that has been raised in here? The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the second time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have never heard a deceased person referred to by name when there has been a tragic death. I have never heard in 20 years a member of this Parliament seek to gain some political advantage out of a tragedy like that. The Minister for Mental Health is undertaking to examine exactly what happened and what the response of agencies was. He will do that properly, and if it takes a little time, it will take a little time; but this government will be respectful, in a very sad situation, to the deceased and also to her son. The Minister for Mental Health will do that in his own time, make the appropriate inquiries and deal with it. He will do so without the help of members opposite with their disrespectful approach.
(2) Will the Premier undertake to provide to the Parliament and the public an answer about whether any government agencies were contacted regarding issues at the Mazza house prior to the discovery of Mrs Mazza’s body, and their response, by the end of today’s sitting? (3) Who in the Premier’s government will accept ministerial responsibility for the failure of agencies to act on neighbours’ concerns? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(3) It is a very sad situation when any citizen, in this case Mrs Mazza, passes away and lies undetected, unknown, for months. I do not know the circumstances of her life, the circumstances of any family she may have, or the circumstances of her neighbours. To walk into this Parliament and to start to imply things, by way of accusation, against government agencies is both insensitive and improper, in my view. Mr E.S. Ripper : It is a requirement to answer a question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : This time, no! Mr E.S. Ripper : “This time”? Again! Arrogance and pomposity! What about accountability? The SPEAKER : I am sure everybody in this place would like to hear the Premier’s answer to the question the Leader of the Opposition has asked. That is what this place is about. That is what I hope everybody, particularly with this question, will respect. Mr C.J. BARNETT : People should respect this. What I find in that question and the interjections opposite is a lack of respect for the late Mrs Ida Mazza, the lady who died in sad circumstances. It has been reported in the media that she lived in that house with her son, whom I understand has a mental illness. Who knows the exact details of what happened and how people reacted? I find it so disrespectful for the deceased person that the Leader of the Opposition would raise an issue like that in the forum of the Parliament. If the Leader of the Opposition had a genuine concern, he would have gone and spoken to the minister or to me directly and asked the question. The Minister for Mental Health will, I understand—I have not spoken — Ms M.M. Quirk : What is the use of Parliament, then? The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the first time today; member for Girrawheen for the second time today. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I find it unbecoming that any member of this Parliament would ask such a question about a lady who died obviously in sad and lonely circumstances, who had, to my understanding, a mentally ill son in that house. I find that quite deplorable. However, I have not spoken to the Minister for Mental Health. He, as I understand it, is happy to provide some details. Mr Speaker, would you not think that out of respect for that sad circumstance — Ms M.M. Quirk : That is why we are asking the question; because we respect people. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They do not. The SPEAKER : Premier, take a seat. Member for Girrawheen, I do allow some latitude in this place. I think that everybody knows that. I simply want to hear the Premier’s response to this. That is all I want to hear; I do not want to hear interjections. Mr C.J. BARNETT : From my memory, this is the first time in my 20 years in this house that I have heard a member of Parliament try to score a political point over a death. That is what they are doing. Make no mistake about it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : It is not for me to give advice to people in this place; it is not for me to give advice at all. I would simply like to hear the Premier’s answer to this question. I am going to give the Leader of the Opposition an opportunity to ask a supplementary if he wishes to. I think it is something we all would like to understand far better. Constant interjections by members on both sides in this place certainly do not help this particular question progress to an answer. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I understand it from the Minister for Mental Health — Mrs M.H. Roberts : What about every death in custody that has been raised in here? The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the second time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have never heard a deceased person referred to by name when there has been a tragic death. I have never heard in 20 years a member of this Parliament seek to gain some political advantage out of a tragedy like that. The Minister for Mental Health is undertaking to examine exactly what happened and what the response of agencies was. He will do that properly, and if it takes a little time, it will take a little time; but this government will be respectful, in a very sad situation, to the deceased and also to her son. The Minister for Mental Health will do that in his own time, make the appropriate inquiries and deal with it. He will do so without the help of members opposite with their disrespectful approach.
(3) Who in the Premier’s government will accept ministerial responsibility for the failure of agencies to act on neighbours’ concerns? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(3) It is a very sad situation when any citizen, in this case Mrs Mazza, passes away and lies undetected, unknown, for months. I do not know the circumstances of her life, the circumstances of any family she may have, or the circumstances of her neighbours. To walk into this Parliament and to start to imply things, by way of accusation, against government agencies is both insensitive and improper, in my view. Mr E.S. Ripper : It is a requirement to answer a question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : This time, no! Mr E.S. Ripper : “This time”? Again! Arrogance and pomposity! What about accountability? The SPEAKER : I am sure everybody in this place would like to hear the Premier’s answer to the question the Leader of the Opposition has asked. That is what this place is about. That is what I hope everybody, particularly with this question, will respect. Mr C.J. BARNETT : People should respect this. What I find in that question and the interjections opposite is a lack of respect for the late Mrs Ida Mazza, the lady who died in sad circumstances. It has been reported in the media that she lived in that house with her son, whom I understand has a mental illness. Who knows the exact details of what happened and how people reacted? I find it so disrespectful for the deceased person that the Leader of the Opposition would raise an issue like that in the forum of the Parliament. If the Leader of the Opposition had a genuine concern, he would have gone and spoken to the minister or to me directly and asked the question. The Minister for Mental Health will, I understand—I have not spoken — Ms M.M. Quirk : What is the use of Parliament, then? The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the first time today; member for Girrawheen for the second time today. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I find it unbecoming that any member of this Parliament would ask such a question about a lady who died obviously in sad and lonely circumstances, who had, to my understanding, a mentally ill son in that house. I find that quite deplorable. However, I have not spoken to the Minister for Mental Health. He, as I understand it, is happy to provide some details. Mr Speaker, would you not think that out of respect for that sad circumstance — Ms M.M. Quirk : That is why we are asking the question; because we respect people. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They do not. The SPEAKER : Premier, take a seat. Member for Girrawheen, I do allow some latitude in this place. I think that everybody knows that. I simply want to hear the Premier’s response to this. That is all I want to hear; I do not want to hear interjections. Mr C.J. BARNETT : From my memory, this is the first time in my 20 years in this house that I have heard a member of Parliament try to score a political point over a death. That is what they are doing. Make no mistake about it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : It is not for me to give advice to people in this place; it is not for me to give advice at all. I would simply like to hear the Premier’s answer to this question. I am going to give the Leader of the Opposition an opportunity to ask a supplementary if he wishes to. I think it is something we all would like to understand far better. Constant interjections by members on both sides in this place certainly do not help this particular question progress to an answer. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I understand it from the Minister for Mental Health — Mrs M.H. Roberts : What about every death in custody that has been raised in here? The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the second time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have never heard a deceased person referred to by name when there has been a tragic death. I have never heard in 20 years a member of this Parliament seek to gain some political advantage out of a tragedy like that. The Minister for Mental Health is undertaking to examine exactly what happened and what the response of agencies was. He will do that properly, and if it takes a little time, it will take a little time; but this government will be respectful, in a very sad situation, to the deceased and also to her son. The Minister for Mental Health will do that in his own time, make the appropriate inquiries and deal with it. He will do so without the help of members opposite with their disrespectful approach.
Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(3) It is a very sad situation when any citizen, in this case Mrs Mazza, passes away and lies undetected, unknown, for months. I do not know the circumstances of her life, the circumstances of any family she may have, or the circumstances of her neighbours. To walk into this Parliament and to start to imply things, by way of accusation, against government agencies is both insensitive and improper, in my view. Mr E.S. Ripper : It is a requirement to answer a question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : This time, no! Mr E.S. Ripper : “This time”? Again! Arrogance and pomposity! What about accountability? The SPEAKER : I am sure everybody in this place would like to hear the Premier’s answer to the question the Leader of the Opposition has asked. That is what this place is about. That is what I hope everybody, particularly with this question, will respect. Mr C.J. BARNETT : People should respect this. What I find in that question and the interjections opposite is a lack of respect for the late Mrs Ida Mazza, the lady who died in sad circumstances. It has been reported in the media that she lived in that house with her son, whom I understand has a mental illness. Who knows the exact details of what happened and how people reacted? I find it so disrespectful for the deceased person that the Leader of the Opposition would raise an issue like that in the forum of the Parliament. If the Leader of the Opposition had a genuine concern, he would have gone and spoken to the minister or to me directly and asked the question. The Minister for Mental Health will, I understand—I have not spoken — Ms M.M. Quirk : What is the use of Parliament, then? The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the first time today; member for Girrawheen for the second time today. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I find it unbecoming that any member of this Parliament would ask such a question about a lady who died obviously in sad and lonely circumstances, who had, to my understanding, a mentally ill son in that house. I find that quite deplorable. However, I have not spoken to the Minister for Mental Health. He, as I understand it, is happy to provide some details. Mr Speaker, would you not think that out of respect for that sad circumstance — Ms M.M. Quirk : That is why we are asking the question; because we respect people. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They do not. The SPEAKER : Premier, take a seat. Member for Girrawheen, I do allow some latitude in this place. I think that everybody knows that. I simply want to hear the Premier’s response to this. That is all I want to hear; I do not want to hear interjections. Mr C.J. BARNETT : From my memory, this is the first time in my 20 years in this house that I have heard a member of Parliament try to score a political point over a death. That is what they are doing. Make no mistake about it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : It is not for me to give advice to people in this place; it is not for me to give advice at all. I would simply like to hear the Premier’s answer to this question. I am going to give the Leader of the Opposition an opportunity to ask a supplementary if he wishes to. I think it is something we all would like to understand far better. Constant interjections by members on both sides in this place certainly do not help this particular question progress to an answer. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I understand it from the Minister for Mental Health — Mrs M.H. Roberts : What about every death in custody that has been raised in here? The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the second time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have never heard a deceased person referred to by name when there has been a tragic death. I have never heard in 20 years a member of this Parliament seek to gain some political advantage out of a tragedy like that. The Minister for Mental Health is undertaking to examine exactly what happened and what the response of agencies was. He will do that properly, and if it takes a little time, it will take a little time; but this government will be respectful, in a very sad situation, to the deceased and also to her son. The Minister for Mental Health will do that in his own time, make the appropriate inquiries and deal with it. He will do so without the help of members opposite with their disrespectful approach.
(1)–(3) It is a very sad situation when any citizen, in this case Mrs Mazza, passes away and lies undetected, unknown, for months. I do not know the circumstances of her life, the circumstances of any family she may have, or the circumstances of her neighbours. To walk into this Parliament and to start to imply things, by way of accusation, against government agencies is both insensitive and improper, in my view. Mr E.S. Ripper : It is a requirement to answer a question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : This time, no! Mr E.S. Ripper : “This time”? Again! Arrogance and pomposity! What about accountability? The SPEAKER : I am sure everybody in this place would like to hear the Premier’s answer to the question the Leader of the Opposition has asked. That is what this place is about. That is what I hope everybody, particularly with this question, will respect. Mr C.J. BARNETT : People should respect this. What I find in that question and the interjections opposite is a lack of respect for the late Mrs Ida Mazza, the lady who died in sad circumstances. It has been reported in the media that she lived in that house with her son, whom I understand has a mental illness. Who knows the exact details of what happened and how people reacted? I find it so disrespectful for the deceased person that the Leader of the Opposition would raise an issue like that in the forum of the Parliament. If the Leader of the Opposition had a genuine concern, he would have gone and spoken to the minister or to me directly and asked the question. The Minister for Mental Health will, I understand—I have not spoken — Ms M.M. Quirk : What is the use of Parliament, then? The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the first time today; member for Girrawheen for the second time today. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I find it unbecoming that any member of this Parliament would ask such a question about a lady who died obviously in sad and lonely circumstances, who had, to my understanding, a mentally ill son in that house. I find that quite deplorable. However, I have not spoken to the Minister for Mental Health. He, as I understand it, is happy to provide some details. Mr Speaker, would you not think that out of respect for that sad circumstance — Ms M.M. Quirk : That is why we are asking the question; because we respect people. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They do not. The SPEAKER : Premier, take a seat. Member for Girrawheen, I do allow some latitude in this place. I think that everybody knows that. I simply want to hear the Premier’s response to this. That is all I want to hear; I do not want to hear interjections. Mr C.J. BARNETT : From my memory, this is the first time in my 20 years in this house that I have heard a member of Parliament try to score a political point over a death. That is what they are doing. Make no mistake about it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : It is not for me to give advice to people in this place; it is not for me to give advice at all. I would simply like to hear the Premier’s answer to this question. I am going to give the Leader of the Opposition an opportunity to ask a supplementary if he wishes to. I think it is something we all would like to understand far better. Constant interjections by members on both sides in this place certainly do not help this particular question progress to an answer. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I understand it from the Minister for Mental Health — Mrs M.H. Roberts : What about every death in custody that has been raised in here? The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the second time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have never heard a deceased person referred to by name when there has been a tragic death. I have never heard in 20 years a member of this Parliament seek to gain some political advantage out of a tragedy like that. The Minister for Mental Health is undertaking to examine exactly what happened and what the response of agencies was. He will do that properly, and if it takes a little time, it will take a little time; but this government will be respectful, in a very sad situation, to the deceased and also to her son. The Minister for Mental Health will do that in his own time, make the appropriate inquiries and deal with it. He will do so without the help of members opposite with their disrespectful approach.
Mr E.S. Ripper : It is a requirement to answer a question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : This time, no! Mr E.S. Ripper : “This time”? Again! Arrogance and pomposity! What about accountability? The SPEAKER : I am sure everybody in this place would like to hear the Premier’s answer to the question the Leader of the Opposition has asked. That is what this place is about. That is what I hope everybody, particularly with this question, will respect. Mr C.J. BARNETT : People should respect this. What I find in that question and the interjections opposite is a lack of respect for the late Mrs Ida Mazza, the lady who died in sad circumstances. It has been reported in the media that she lived in that house with her son, whom I understand has a mental illness. Who knows the exact details of what happened and how people reacted? I find it so disrespectful for the deceased person that the Leader of the Opposition would raise an issue like that in the forum of the Parliament. If the Leader of the Opposition had a genuine concern, he would have gone and spoken to the minister or to me directly and asked the question. The Minister for Mental Health will, I understand—I have not spoken — Ms M.M. Quirk : What is the use of Parliament, then? The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the first time today; member for Girrawheen for the second time today. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I find it unbecoming that any member of this Parliament would ask such a question about a lady who died obviously in sad and lonely circumstances, who had, to my understanding, a mentally ill son in that house. I find that quite deplorable. However, I have not spoken to the Minister for Mental Health. He, as I understand it, is happy to provide some details. Mr Speaker, would you not think that out of respect for that sad circumstance — Ms M.M. Quirk : That is why we are asking the question; because we respect people. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They do not. The SPEAKER : Premier, take a seat. Member for Girrawheen, I do allow some latitude in this place. I think that everybody knows that. I simply want to hear the Premier’s response to this. That is all I want to hear; I do not want to hear interjections. Mr C.J. BARNETT : From my memory, this is the first time in my 20 years in this house that I have heard a member of Parliament try to score a political point over a death. That is what they are doing. Make no mistake about it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : It is not for me to give advice to people in this place; it is not for me to give advice at all. I would simply like to hear the Premier’s answer to this question. I am going to give the Leader of the Opposition an opportunity to ask a supplementary if he wishes to. I think it is something we all would like to understand far better. Constant interjections by members on both sides in this place certainly do not help this particular question progress to an answer. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I understand it from the Minister for Mental Health — Mrs M.H. Roberts : What about every death in custody that has been raised in here? The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the second time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have never heard a deceased person referred to by name when there has been a tragic death. I have never heard in 20 years a member of this Parliament seek to gain some political advantage out of a tragedy like that. The Minister for Mental Health is undertaking to examine exactly what happened and what the response of agencies was. He will do that properly, and if it takes a little time, it will take a little time; but this government will be respectful, in a very sad situation, to the deceased and also to her son. The Minister for Mental Health will do that in his own time, make the appropriate inquiries and deal with it. He will do so without the help of members opposite with their disrespectful approach.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : This time, no! Mr E.S. Ripper : “This time”? Again! Arrogance and pomposity! What about accountability? The SPEAKER : I am sure everybody in this place would like to hear the Premier’s answer to the question the Leader of the Opposition has asked. That is what this place is about. That is what I hope everybody, particularly with this question, will respect. Mr C.J. BARNETT : People should respect this. What I find in that question and the interjections opposite is a lack of respect for the late Mrs Ida Mazza, the lady who died in sad circumstances. It has been reported in the media that she lived in that house with her son, whom I understand has a mental illness. Who knows the exact details of what happened and how people reacted? I find it so disrespectful for the deceased person that the Leader of the Opposition would raise an issue like that in the forum of the Parliament. If the Leader of the Opposition had a genuine concern, he would have gone and spoken to the minister or to me directly and asked the question. The Minister for Mental Health will, I understand—I have not spoken — Ms M.M. Quirk : What is the use of Parliament, then? The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the first time today; member for Girrawheen for the second time today. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I find it unbecoming that any member of this Parliament would ask such a question about a lady who died obviously in sad and lonely circumstances, who had, to my understanding, a mentally ill son in that house. I find that quite deplorable. However, I have not spoken to the Minister for Mental Health. He, as I understand it, is happy to provide some details. Mr Speaker, would you not think that out of respect for that sad circumstance — Ms M.M. Quirk : That is why we are asking the question; because we respect people. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They do not. The SPEAKER : Premier, take a seat. Member for Girrawheen, I do allow some latitude in this place. I think that everybody knows that. I simply want to hear the Premier’s response to this. That is all I want to hear; I do not want to hear interjections. Mr C.J. BARNETT : From my memory, this is the first time in my 20 years in this house that I have heard a member of Parliament try to score a political point over a death. That is what they are doing. Make no mistake about it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : It is not for me to give advice to people in this place; it is not for me to give advice at all. I would simply like to hear the Premier’s answer to this question. I am going to give the Leader of the Opposition an opportunity to ask a supplementary if he wishes to. I think it is something we all would like to understand far better. Constant interjections by members on both sides in this place certainly do not help this particular question progress to an answer. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I understand it from the Minister for Mental Health — Mrs M.H. Roberts : What about every death in custody that has been raised in here? The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the second time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have never heard a deceased person referred to by name when there has been a tragic death. I have never heard in 20 years a member of this Parliament seek to gain some political advantage out of a tragedy like that. The Minister for Mental Health is undertaking to examine exactly what happened and what the response of agencies was. He will do that properly, and if it takes a little time, it will take a little time; but this government will be respectful, in a very sad situation, to the deceased and also to her son. The Minister for Mental Health will do that in his own time, make the appropriate inquiries and deal with it. He will do so without the help of members opposite with their disrespectful approach.
Mr E.S. Ripper : “This time”? Again! Arrogance and pomposity! What about accountability? The SPEAKER : I am sure everybody in this place would like to hear the Premier’s answer to the question the Leader of the Opposition has asked. That is what this place is about. That is what I hope everybody, particularly with this question, will respect. Mr C.J. BARNETT : People should respect this. What I find in that question and the interjections opposite is a lack of respect for the late Mrs Ida Mazza, the lady who died in sad circumstances. It has been reported in the media that she lived in that house with her son, whom I understand has a mental illness. Who knows the exact details of what happened and how people reacted? I find it so disrespectful for the deceased person that the Leader of the Opposition would raise an issue like that in the forum of the Parliament. If the Leader of the Opposition had a genuine concern, he would have gone and spoken to the minister or to me directly and asked the question. The Minister for Mental Health will, I understand—I have not spoken — Ms M.M. Quirk : What is the use of Parliament, then? The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the first time today; member for Girrawheen for the second time today. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I find it unbecoming that any member of this Parliament would ask such a question about a lady who died obviously in sad and lonely circumstances, who had, to my understanding, a mentally ill son in that house. I find that quite deplorable. However, I have not spoken to the Minister for Mental Health. He, as I understand it, is happy to provide some details. Mr Speaker, would you not think that out of respect for that sad circumstance — Ms M.M. Quirk : That is why we are asking the question; because we respect people. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They do not. The SPEAKER : Premier, take a seat. Member for Girrawheen, I do allow some latitude in this place. I think that everybody knows that. I simply want to hear the Premier’s response to this. That is all I want to hear; I do not want to hear interjections. Mr C.J. BARNETT : From my memory, this is the first time in my 20 years in this house that I have heard a member of Parliament try to score a political point over a death. That is what they are doing. Make no mistake about it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : It is not for me to give advice to people in this place; it is not for me to give advice at all. I would simply like to hear the Premier’s answer to this question. I am going to give the Leader of the Opposition an opportunity to ask a supplementary if he wishes to. I think it is something we all would like to understand far better. Constant interjections by members on both sides in this place certainly do not help this particular question progress to an answer. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I understand it from the Minister for Mental Health — Mrs M.H. Roberts : What about every death in custody that has been raised in here? The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the second time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have never heard a deceased person referred to by name when there has been a tragic death. I have never heard in 20 years a member of this Parliament seek to gain some political advantage out of a tragedy like that. The Minister for Mental Health is undertaking to examine exactly what happened and what the response of agencies was. He will do that properly, and if it takes a little time, it will take a little time; but this government will be respectful, in a very sad situation, to the deceased and also to her son. The Minister for Mental Health will do that in his own time, make the appropriate inquiries and deal with it. He will do so without the help of members opposite with their disrespectful approach.
The SPEAKER : I am sure everybody in this place would like to hear the Premier’s answer to the question the Leader of the Opposition has asked. That is what this place is about. That is what I hope everybody, particularly with this question, will respect. Mr C.J. BARNETT : People should respect this. What I find in that question and the interjections opposite is a lack of respect for the late Mrs Ida Mazza, the lady who died in sad circumstances. It has been reported in the media that she lived in that house with her son, whom I understand has a mental illness. Who knows the exact details of what happened and how people reacted? I find it so disrespectful for the deceased person that the Leader of the Opposition would raise an issue like that in the forum of the Parliament. If the Leader of the Opposition had a genuine concern, he would have gone and spoken to the minister or to me directly and asked the question. The Minister for Mental Health will, I understand—I have not spoken — Ms M.M. Quirk : What is the use of Parliament, then? The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the first time today; member for Girrawheen for the second time today. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I find it unbecoming that any member of this Parliament would ask such a question about a lady who died obviously in sad and lonely circumstances, who had, to my understanding, a mentally ill son in that house. I find that quite deplorable. However, I have not spoken to the Minister for Mental Health. He, as I understand it, is happy to provide some details. Mr Speaker, would you not think that out of respect for that sad circumstance — Ms M.M. Quirk : That is why we are asking the question; because we respect people. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They do not. The SPEAKER : Premier, take a seat. Member for Girrawheen, I do allow some latitude in this place. I think that everybody knows that. I simply want to hear the Premier’s response to this. That is all I want to hear; I do not want to hear interjections. Mr C.J. BARNETT : From my memory, this is the first time in my 20 years in this house that I have heard a member of Parliament try to score a political point over a death. That is what they are doing. Make no mistake about it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : It is not for me to give advice to people in this place; it is not for me to give advice at all. I would simply like to hear the Premier’s answer to this question. I am going to give the Leader of the Opposition an opportunity to ask a supplementary if he wishes to. I think it is something we all would like to understand far better. Constant interjections by members on both sides in this place certainly do not help this particular question progress to an answer. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I understand it from the Minister for Mental Health — Mrs M.H. Roberts : What about every death in custody that has been raised in here? The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the second time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have never heard a deceased person referred to by name when there has been a tragic death. I have never heard in 20 years a member of this Parliament seek to gain some political advantage out of a tragedy like that. The Minister for Mental Health is undertaking to examine exactly what happened and what the response of agencies was. He will do that properly, and if it takes a little time, it will take a little time; but this government will be respectful, in a very sad situation, to the deceased and also to her son. The Minister for Mental Health will do that in his own time, make the appropriate inquiries and deal with it. He will do so without the help of members opposite with their disrespectful approach.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : People should respect this. What I find in that question and the interjections opposite is a lack of respect for the late Mrs Ida Mazza, the lady who died in sad circumstances. It has been reported in the media that she lived in that house with her son, whom I understand has a mental illness. Who knows the exact details of what happened and how people reacted? I find it so disrespectful for the deceased person that the Leader of the Opposition would raise an issue like that in the forum of the Parliament. If the Leader of the Opposition had a genuine concern, he would have gone and spoken to the minister or to me directly and asked the question. The Minister for Mental Health will, I understand—I have not spoken — Ms M.M. Quirk : What is the use of Parliament, then? The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the first time today; member for Girrawheen for the second time today. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I find it unbecoming that any member of this Parliament would ask such a question about a lady who died obviously in sad and lonely circumstances, who had, to my understanding, a mentally ill son in that house. I find that quite deplorable. However, I have not spoken to the Minister for Mental Health. He, as I understand it, is happy to provide some details. Mr Speaker, would you not think that out of respect for that sad circumstance — Ms M.M. Quirk : That is why we are asking the question; because we respect people. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They do not. The SPEAKER : Premier, take a seat. Member for Girrawheen, I do allow some latitude in this place. I think that everybody knows that. I simply want to hear the Premier’s response to this. That is all I want to hear; I do not want to hear interjections. Mr C.J. BARNETT : From my memory, this is the first time in my 20 years in this house that I have heard a member of Parliament try to score a political point over a death. That is what they are doing. Make no mistake about it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : It is not for me to give advice to people in this place; it is not for me to give advice at all. I would simply like to hear the Premier’s answer to this question. I am going to give the Leader of the Opposition an opportunity to ask a supplementary if he wishes to. I think it is something we all would like to understand far better. Constant interjections by members on both sides in this place certainly do not help this particular question progress to an answer. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I understand it from the Minister for Mental Health — Mrs M.H. Roberts : What about every death in custody that has been raised in here? The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the second time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have never heard a deceased person referred to by name when there has been a tragic death. I have never heard in 20 years a member of this Parliament seek to gain some political advantage out of a tragedy like that. The Minister for Mental Health is undertaking to examine exactly what happened and what the response of agencies was. He will do that properly, and if it takes a little time, it will take a little time; but this government will be respectful, in a very sad situation, to the deceased and also to her son. The Minister for Mental Health will do that in his own time, make the appropriate inquiries and deal with it. He will do so without the help of members opposite with their disrespectful approach.
It has been reported in the media that she lived in that house with her son, whom I understand has a mental illness. Who knows the exact details of what happened and how people reacted? I find it so disrespectful for the deceased person that the Leader of the Opposition would raise an issue like that in the forum of the Parliament. If the Leader of the Opposition had a genuine concern, he would have gone and spoken to the minister or to me directly and asked the question. The Minister for Mental Health will, I understand—I have not spoken — Ms M.M. Quirk : What is the use of Parliament, then? The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the first time today; member for Girrawheen for the second time today. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I find it unbecoming that any member of this Parliament would ask such a question about a lady who died obviously in sad and lonely circumstances, who had, to my understanding, a mentally ill son in that house. I find that quite deplorable. However, I have not spoken to the Minister for Mental Health. He, as I understand it, is happy to provide some details. Mr Speaker, would you not think that out of respect for that sad circumstance — Ms M.M. Quirk : That is why we are asking the question; because we respect people. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They do not. The SPEAKER : Premier, take a seat. Member for Girrawheen, I do allow some latitude in this place. I think that everybody knows that. I simply want to hear the Premier’s response to this. That is all I want to hear; I do not want to hear interjections. Mr C.J. BARNETT : From my memory, this is the first time in my 20 years in this house that I have heard a member of Parliament try to score a political point over a death. That is what they are doing. Make no mistake about it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : It is not for me to give advice to people in this place; it is not for me to give advice at all. I would simply like to hear the Premier’s answer to this question. I am going to give the Leader of the Opposition an opportunity to ask a supplementary if he wishes to. I think it is something we all would like to understand far better. Constant interjections by members on both sides in this place certainly do not help this particular question progress to an answer. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I understand it from the Minister for Mental Health — Mrs M.H. Roberts : What about every death in custody that has been raised in here? The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the second time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have never heard a deceased person referred to by name when there has been a tragic death. I have never heard in 20 years a member of this Parliament seek to gain some political advantage out of a tragedy like that. The Minister for Mental Health is undertaking to examine exactly what happened and what the response of agencies was. He will do that properly, and if it takes a little time, it will take a little time; but this government will be respectful, in a very sad situation, to the deceased and also to her son. The Minister for Mental Health will do that in his own time, make the appropriate inquiries and deal with it. He will do so without the help of members opposite with their disrespectful approach.
Ms M.M. Quirk : What is the use of Parliament, then? The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the first time today; member for Girrawheen for the second time today. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I find it unbecoming that any member of this Parliament would ask such a question about a lady who died obviously in sad and lonely circumstances, who had, to my understanding, a mentally ill son in that house. I find that quite deplorable. However, I have not spoken to the Minister for Mental Health. He, as I understand it, is happy to provide some details. Mr Speaker, would you not think that out of respect for that sad circumstance — Ms M.M. Quirk : That is why we are asking the question; because we respect people. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They do not. The SPEAKER : Premier, take a seat. Member for Girrawheen, I do allow some latitude in this place. I think that everybody knows that. I simply want to hear the Premier’s response to this. That is all I want to hear; I do not want to hear interjections. Mr C.J. BARNETT : From my memory, this is the first time in my 20 years in this house that I have heard a member of Parliament try to score a political point over a death. That is what they are doing. Make no mistake about it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : It is not for me to give advice to people in this place; it is not for me to give advice at all. I would simply like to hear the Premier’s answer to this question. I am going to give the Leader of the Opposition an opportunity to ask a supplementary if he wishes to. I think it is something we all would like to understand far better. Constant interjections by members on both sides in this place certainly do not help this particular question progress to an answer. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I understand it from the Minister for Mental Health — Mrs M.H. Roberts : What about every death in custody that has been raised in here? The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the second time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have never heard a deceased person referred to by name when there has been a tragic death. I have never heard in 20 years a member of this Parliament seek to gain some political advantage out of a tragedy like that. The Minister for Mental Health is undertaking to examine exactly what happened and what the response of agencies was. He will do that properly, and if it takes a little time, it will take a little time; but this government will be respectful, in a very sad situation, to the deceased and also to her son. The Minister for Mental Health will do that in his own time, make the appropriate inquiries and deal with it. He will do so without the help of members opposite with their disrespectful approach.
The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the first time today; member for Girrawheen for the second time today. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I find it unbecoming that any member of this Parliament would ask such a question about a lady who died obviously in sad and lonely circumstances, who had, to my understanding, a mentally ill son in that house. I find that quite deplorable. However, I have not spoken to the Minister for Mental Health. He, as I understand it, is happy to provide some details. Mr Speaker, would you not think that out of respect for that sad circumstance — Ms M.M. Quirk : That is why we are asking the question; because we respect people. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They do not. The SPEAKER : Premier, take a seat. Member for Girrawheen, I do allow some latitude in this place. I think that everybody knows that. I simply want to hear the Premier’s response to this. That is all I want to hear; I do not want to hear interjections. Mr C.J. BARNETT : From my memory, this is the first time in my 20 years in this house that I have heard a member of Parliament try to score a political point over a death. That is what they are doing. Make no mistake about it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : It is not for me to give advice to people in this place; it is not for me to give advice at all. I would simply like to hear the Premier’s answer to this question. I am going to give the Leader of the Opposition an opportunity to ask a supplementary if he wishes to. I think it is something we all would like to understand far better. Constant interjections by members on both sides in this place certainly do not help this particular question progress to an answer. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I understand it from the Minister for Mental Health — Mrs M.H. Roberts : What about every death in custody that has been raised in here? The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the second time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have never heard a deceased person referred to by name when there has been a tragic death. I have never heard in 20 years a member of this Parliament seek to gain some political advantage out of a tragedy like that. The Minister for Mental Health is undertaking to examine exactly what happened and what the response of agencies was. He will do that properly, and if it takes a little time, it will take a little time; but this government will be respectful, in a very sad situation, to the deceased and also to her son. The Minister for Mental Health will do that in his own time, make the appropriate inquiries and deal with it. He will do so without the help of members opposite with their disrespectful approach.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the first time today; member for Girrawheen for the second time today. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I find it unbecoming that any member of this Parliament would ask such a question about a lady who died obviously in sad and lonely circumstances, who had, to my understanding, a mentally ill son in that house. I find that quite deplorable. However, I have not spoken to the Minister for Mental Health. He, as I understand it, is happy to provide some details. Mr Speaker, would you not think that out of respect for that sad circumstance — Ms M.M. Quirk : That is why we are asking the question; because we respect people. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They do not. The SPEAKER : Premier, take a seat. Member for Girrawheen, I do allow some latitude in this place. I think that everybody knows that. I simply want to hear the Premier’s response to this. That is all I want to hear; I do not want to hear interjections. Mr C.J. BARNETT : From my memory, this is the first time in my 20 years in this house that I have heard a member of Parliament try to score a political point over a death. That is what they are doing. Make no mistake about it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : It is not for me to give advice to people in this place; it is not for me to give advice at all. I would simply like to hear the Premier’s answer to this question. I am going to give the Leader of the Opposition an opportunity to ask a supplementary if he wishes to. I think it is something we all would like to understand far better. Constant interjections by members on both sides in this place certainly do not help this particular question progress to an answer. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I understand it from the Minister for Mental Health — Mrs M.H. Roberts : What about every death in custody that has been raised in here? The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the second time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have never heard a deceased person referred to by name when there has been a tragic death. I have never heard in 20 years a member of this Parliament seek to gain some political advantage out of a tragedy like that. The Minister for Mental Health is undertaking to examine exactly what happened and what the response of agencies was. He will do that properly, and if it takes a little time, it will take a little time; but this government will be respectful, in a very sad situation, to the deceased and also to her son. The Minister for Mental Health will do that in his own time, make the appropriate inquiries and deal with it. He will do so without the help of members opposite with their disrespectful approach.
The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the first time today; member for Girrawheen for the second time today. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I find it unbecoming that any member of this Parliament would ask such a question about a lady who died obviously in sad and lonely circumstances, who had, to my understanding, a mentally ill son in that house. I find that quite deplorable. However, I have not spoken to the Minister for Mental Health. He, as I understand it, is happy to provide some details. Mr Speaker, would you not think that out of respect for that sad circumstance — Ms M.M. Quirk : That is why we are asking the question; because we respect people. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They do not. The SPEAKER : Premier, take a seat. Member for Girrawheen, I do allow some latitude in this place. I think that everybody knows that. I simply want to hear the Premier’s response to this. That is all I want to hear; I do not want to hear interjections. Mr C.J. BARNETT : From my memory, this is the first time in my 20 years in this house that I have heard a member of Parliament try to score a political point over a death. That is what they are doing. Make no mistake about it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : It is not for me to give advice to people in this place; it is not for me to give advice at all. I would simply like to hear the Premier’s answer to this question. I am going to give the Leader of the Opposition an opportunity to ask a supplementary if he wishes to. I think it is something we all would like to understand far better. Constant interjections by members on both sides in this place certainly do not help this particular question progress to an answer. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I understand it from the Minister for Mental Health — Mrs M.H. Roberts : What about every death in custody that has been raised in here? The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the second time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have never heard a deceased person referred to by name when there has been a tragic death. I have never heard in 20 years a member of this Parliament seek to gain some political advantage out of a tragedy like that. The Minister for Mental Health is undertaking to examine exactly what happened and what the response of agencies was. He will do that properly, and if it takes a little time, it will take a little time; but this government will be respectful, in a very sad situation, to the deceased and also to her son. The Minister for Mental Health will do that in his own time, make the appropriate inquiries and deal with it. He will do so without the help of members opposite with their disrespectful approach.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I find it unbecoming that any member of this Parliament would ask such a question about a lady who died obviously in sad and lonely circumstances, who had, to my understanding, a mentally ill son in that house. I find that quite deplorable. However, I have not spoken to the Minister for Mental Health. He, as I understand it, is happy to provide some details. Mr Speaker, would you not think that out of respect for that sad circumstance — Ms M.M. Quirk : That is why we are asking the question; because we respect people. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They do not. The SPEAKER : Premier, take a seat. Member for Girrawheen, I do allow some latitude in this place. I think that everybody knows that. I simply want to hear the Premier’s response to this. That is all I want to hear; I do not want to hear interjections. Mr C.J. BARNETT : From my memory, this is the first time in my 20 years in this house that I have heard a member of Parliament try to score a political point over a death. That is what they are doing. Make no mistake about it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : It is not for me to give advice to people in this place; it is not for me to give advice at all. I would simply like to hear the Premier’s answer to this question. I am going to give the Leader of the Opposition an opportunity to ask a supplementary if he wishes to. I think it is something we all would like to understand far better. Constant interjections by members on both sides in this place certainly do not help this particular question progress to an answer. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I understand it from the Minister for Mental Health — Mrs M.H. Roberts : What about every death in custody that has been raised in here? The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the second time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have never heard a deceased person referred to by name when there has been a tragic death. I have never heard in 20 years a member of this Parliament seek to gain some political advantage out of a tragedy like that. The Minister for Mental Health is undertaking to examine exactly what happened and what the response of agencies was. He will do that properly, and if it takes a little time, it will take a little time; but this government will be respectful, in a very sad situation, to the deceased and also to her son. The Minister for Mental Health will do that in his own time, make the appropriate inquiries and deal with it. He will do so without the help of members opposite with their disrespectful approach.
Ms M.M. Quirk : That is why we are asking the question; because we respect people. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They do not. The SPEAKER : Premier, take a seat. Member for Girrawheen, I do allow some latitude in this place. I think that everybody knows that. I simply want to hear the Premier’s response to this. That is all I want to hear; I do not want to hear interjections. Mr C.J. BARNETT : From my memory, this is the first time in my 20 years in this house that I have heard a member of Parliament try to score a political point over a death. That is what they are doing. Make no mistake about it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : It is not for me to give advice to people in this place; it is not for me to give advice at all. I would simply like to hear the Premier’s answer to this question. I am going to give the Leader of the Opposition an opportunity to ask a supplementary if he wishes to. I think it is something we all would like to understand far better. Constant interjections by members on both sides in this place certainly do not help this particular question progress to an answer. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I understand it from the Minister for Mental Health — Mrs M.H. Roberts : What about every death in custody that has been raised in here? The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the second time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have never heard a deceased person referred to by name when there has been a tragic death. I have never heard in 20 years a member of this Parliament seek to gain some political advantage out of a tragedy like that. The Minister for Mental Health is undertaking to examine exactly what happened and what the response of agencies was. He will do that properly, and if it takes a little time, it will take a little time; but this government will be respectful, in a very sad situation, to the deceased and also to her son. The Minister for Mental Health will do that in his own time, make the appropriate inquiries and deal with it. He will do so without the help of members opposite with their disrespectful approach.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : They do not. The SPEAKER : Premier, take a seat. Member for Girrawheen, I do allow some latitude in this place. I think that everybody knows that. I simply want to hear the Premier’s response to this. That is all I want to hear; I do not want to hear interjections. Mr C.J. BARNETT : From my memory, this is the first time in my 20 years in this house that I have heard a member of Parliament try to score a political point over a death. That is what they are doing. Make no mistake about it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : It is not for me to give advice to people in this place; it is not for me to give advice at all. I would simply like to hear the Premier’s answer to this question. I am going to give the Leader of the Opposition an opportunity to ask a supplementary if he wishes to. I think it is something we all would like to understand far better. Constant interjections by members on both sides in this place certainly do not help this particular question progress to an answer. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I understand it from the Minister for Mental Health — Mrs M.H. Roberts : What about every death in custody that has been raised in here? The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the second time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have never heard a deceased person referred to by name when there has been a tragic death. I have never heard in 20 years a member of this Parliament seek to gain some political advantage out of a tragedy like that. The Minister for Mental Health is undertaking to examine exactly what happened and what the response of agencies was. He will do that properly, and if it takes a little time, it will take a little time; but this government will be respectful, in a very sad situation, to the deceased and also to her son. The Minister for Mental Health will do that in his own time, make the appropriate inquiries and deal with it. He will do so without the help of members opposite with their disrespectful approach.
The SPEAKER : Premier, take a seat. Member for Girrawheen, I do allow some latitude in this place. I think that everybody knows that. I simply want to hear the Premier’s response to this. That is all I want to hear; I do not want to hear interjections. Mr C.J. BARNETT : From my memory, this is the first time in my 20 years in this house that I have heard a member of Parliament try to score a political point over a death. That is what they are doing. Make no mistake about it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : It is not for me to give advice to people in this place; it is not for me to give advice at all. I would simply like to hear the Premier’s answer to this question. I am going to give the Leader of the Opposition an opportunity to ask a supplementary if he wishes to. I think it is something we all would like to understand far better. Constant interjections by members on both sides in this place certainly do not help this particular question progress to an answer. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I understand it from the Minister for Mental Health — Mrs M.H. Roberts : What about every death in custody that has been raised in here? The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the second time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have never heard a deceased person referred to by name when there has been a tragic death. I have never heard in 20 years a member of this Parliament seek to gain some political advantage out of a tragedy like that. The Minister for Mental Health is undertaking to examine exactly what happened and what the response of agencies was. He will do that properly, and if it takes a little time, it will take a little time; but this government will be respectful, in a very sad situation, to the deceased and also to her son. The Minister for Mental Health will do that in his own time, make the appropriate inquiries and deal with it. He will do so without the help of members opposite with their disrespectful approach.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : From my memory, this is the first time in my 20 years in this house that I have heard a member of Parliament try to score a political point over a death. That is what they are doing. Make no mistake about it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : It is not for me to give advice to people in this place; it is not for me to give advice at all. I would simply like to hear the Premier’s answer to this question. I am going to give the Leader of the Opposition an opportunity to ask a supplementary if he wishes to. I think it is something we all would like to understand far better. Constant interjections by members on both sides in this place certainly do not help this particular question progress to an answer. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I understand it from the Minister for Mental Health — Mrs M.H. Roberts : What about every death in custody that has been raised in here? The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the second time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have never heard a deceased person referred to by name when there has been a tragic death. I have never heard in 20 years a member of this Parliament seek to gain some political advantage out of a tragedy like that. The Minister for Mental Health is undertaking to examine exactly what happened and what the response of agencies was. He will do that properly, and if it takes a little time, it will take a little time; but this government will be respectful, in a very sad situation, to the deceased and also to her son. The Minister for Mental Health will do that in his own time, make the appropriate inquiries and deal with it. He will do so without the help of members opposite with their disrespectful approach.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : It is not for me to give advice to people in this place; it is not for me to give advice at all. I would simply like to hear the Premier’s answer to this question. I am going to give the Leader of the Opposition an opportunity to ask a supplementary if he wishes to. I think it is something we all would like to understand far better. Constant interjections by members on both sides in this place certainly do not help this particular question progress to an answer. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I understand it from the Minister for Mental Health — Mrs M.H. Roberts : What about every death in custody that has been raised in here? The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the second time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have never heard a deceased person referred to by name when there has been a tragic death. I have never heard in 20 years a member of this Parliament seek to gain some political advantage out of a tragedy like that. The Minister for Mental Health is undertaking to examine exactly what happened and what the response of agencies was. He will do that properly, and if it takes a little time, it will take a little time; but this government will be respectful, in a very sad situation, to the deceased and also to her son. The Minister for Mental Health will do that in his own time, make the appropriate inquiries and deal with it. He will do so without the help of members opposite with their disrespectful approach.
The SPEAKER : It is not for me to give advice to people in this place; it is not for me to give advice at all. I would simply like to hear the Premier’s answer to this question. I am going to give the Leader of the Opposition an opportunity to ask a supplementary if he wishes to. I think it is something we all would like to understand far better. Constant interjections by members on both sides in this place certainly do not help this particular question progress to an answer. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I understand it from the Minister for Mental Health — Mrs M.H. Roberts : What about every death in custody that has been raised in here? The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the second time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have never heard a deceased person referred to by name when there has been a tragic death. I have never heard in 20 years a member of this Parliament seek to gain some political advantage out of a tragedy like that. The Minister for Mental Health is undertaking to examine exactly what happened and what the response of agencies was. He will do that properly, and if it takes a little time, it will take a little time; but this government will be respectful, in a very sad situation, to the deceased and also to her son. The Minister for Mental Health will do that in his own time, make the appropriate inquiries and deal with it. He will do so without the help of members opposite with their disrespectful approach.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I understand it from the Minister for Mental Health — Mrs M.H. Roberts : What about every death in custody that has been raised in here? The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the second time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have never heard a deceased person referred to by name when there has been a tragic death. I have never heard in 20 years a member of this Parliament seek to gain some political advantage out of a tragedy like that. The Minister for Mental Health is undertaking to examine exactly what happened and what the response of agencies was. He will do that properly, and if it takes a little time, it will take a little time; but this government will be respectful, in a very sad situation, to the deceased and also to her son. The Minister for Mental Health will do that in his own time, make the appropriate inquiries and deal with it. He will do so without the help of members opposite with their disrespectful approach.
Mrs M.H. Roberts : What about every death in custody that has been raised in here? The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the second time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have never heard a deceased person referred to by name when there has been a tragic death. I have never heard in 20 years a member of this Parliament seek to gain some political advantage out of a tragedy like that. The Minister for Mental Health is undertaking to examine exactly what happened and what the response of agencies was. He will do that properly, and if it takes a little time, it will take a little time; but this government will be respectful, in a very sad situation, to the deceased and also to her son. The Minister for Mental Health will do that in his own time, make the appropriate inquiries and deal with it. He will do so without the help of members opposite with their disrespectful approach.
The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the second time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have never heard a deceased person referred to by name when there has been a tragic death. I have never heard in 20 years a member of this Parliament seek to gain some political advantage out of a tragedy like that. The Minister for Mental Health is undertaking to examine exactly what happened and what the response of agencies was. He will do that properly, and if it takes a little time, it will take a little time; but this government will be respectful, in a very sad situation, to the deceased and also to her son. The Minister for Mental Health will do that in his own time, make the appropriate inquiries and deal with it. He will do so without the help of members opposite with their disrespectful approach.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have never heard a deceased person referred to by name when there has been a tragic death. I have never heard in 20 years a member of this Parliament seek to gain some political advantage out of a tragedy like that. The Minister for Mental Health is undertaking to examine exactly what happened and what the response of agencies was. He will do that properly, and if it takes a little time, it will take a little time; but this government will be respectful, in a very sad situation, to the deceased and also to her son. The Minister for Mental Health will do that in his own time, make the appropriate inquiries and deal with it. He will do so without the help of members opposite with their disrespectful approach.
(1) Is it acceptable for the Minister for Mental Health to refuse to answer a question, even though he had been briefed on this matter the day before? (2) Will the Premier undertake to provide to the Parliament and the public an answer about whether any government agencies were contacted regarding issues at the Mazza house prior to the discovery of Mrs Mazza’s body, and their response, by the end of today’s sitting? (3) Who in the Premier’s government will accept ministerial responsibility for the failure of agencies to act on neighbours’ concerns? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(3) It is a very sad situation when any citizen, in this case Mrs Mazza, passes away and lies undetected, unknown, for months. I do not know the circumstances of her life, the circumstances of any family she may have, or the circumstances of her neighbours. To walk into this Parliament and to start to imply things, by way of accusation, against government agencies is both insensitive and improper, in my view. Mr E.S. Ripper : It is a requirement to answer a question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : This time, no! Mr E.S. Ripper : “This time”? Again! Arrogance and pomposity! What about accountability? The SPEAKER : I am sure everybody in this place would like to hear the Premier’s answer to the question the Leader of the Opposition has asked. That is what this place is about. That is what I hope everybody, particularly with this question, will respect. Mr C.J. BARNETT : People should respect this. What I find in that question and the interjections opposite is a lack of respect for the late Mrs Ida Mazza, the lady who died in sad circumstances. It has been reported in the media that she lived in that house with her son, whom I understand has a mental illness. Who knows the exact details of what happened and how people reacted? I find it so disrespectful for the deceased person that the Leader of the Opposition would raise an issue like that in the forum of the Parliament. If the Leader of the Opposition had a genuine concern, he would have gone and spoken to the minister or to me directly and asked the question. The Minister for Mental Health will, I understand—I have not spoken — Ms M.M. Quirk : What is the use of Parliament, then? The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the first time today; member for Girrawheen for the second time today. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I find it unbecoming that any member of this Parliament would ask such a question about a lady who died obviously in sad and lonely circumstances, who had, to my understanding, a mentally ill son in that house. I find that quite deplorable. However, I have not spoken to the Minister for Mental Health. He, as I understand it, is happy to provide some details. Mr Speaker, would you not think that out of respect for that sad circumstance — Ms M.M. Quirk : That is why we are asking the question; because we respect people. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They do not. The SPEAKER : Premier, take a seat. Member for Girrawheen, I do allow some latitude in this place. I think that everybody knows that. I simply want to hear the Premier’s response to this. That is all I want to hear; I do not want to hear interjections. Mr C.J. BARNETT : From my memory, this is the first time in my 20 years in this house that I have heard a member of Parliament try to score a political point over a death. That is what they are doing. Make no mistake about it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : It is not for me to give advice to people in this place; it is not for me to give advice at all. I would simply like to hear the Premier’s answer to this question. I am going to give the Leader of the Opposition an opportunity to ask a supplementary if he wishes to. I think it is something we all would like to understand far better. Constant interjections by members on both sides in this place certainly do not help this particular question progress to an answer. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I understand it from the Minister for Mental Health — Mrs M.H. Roberts : What about every death in custody that has been raised in here? The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the second time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have never heard a deceased person referred to by name when there has been a tragic death. I have never heard in 20 years a member of this Parliament seek to gain some political advantage out of a tragedy like that. The Minister for Mental Health is undertaking to examine exactly what happened and what the response of agencies was. He will do that properly, and if it takes a little time, it will take a little time; but this government will be respectful, in a very sad situation, to the deceased and also to her son. The Minister for Mental Health will do that in his own time, make the appropriate inquiries and deal with it. He will do so without the help of members opposite with their disrespectful approach.
(2) Will the Premier undertake to provide to the Parliament and the public an answer about whether any government agencies were contacted regarding issues at the Mazza house prior to the discovery of Mrs Mazza’s body, and their response, by the end of today’s sitting? (3) Who in the Premier’s government will accept ministerial responsibility for the failure of agencies to act on neighbours’ concerns? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(3) It is a very sad situation when any citizen, in this case Mrs Mazza, passes away and lies undetected, unknown, for months. I do not know the circumstances of her life, the circumstances of any family she may have, or the circumstances of her neighbours. To walk into this Parliament and to start to imply things, by way of accusation, against government agencies is both insensitive and improper, in my view. Mr E.S. Ripper : It is a requirement to answer a question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : This time, no! Mr E.S. Ripper : “This time”? Again! Arrogance and pomposity! What about accountability? The SPEAKER : I am sure everybody in this place would like to hear the Premier’s answer to the question the Leader of the Opposition has asked. That is what this place is about. That is what I hope everybody, particularly with this question, will respect. Mr C.J. BARNETT : People should respect this. What I find in that question and the interjections opposite is a lack of respect for the late Mrs Ida Mazza, the lady who died in sad circumstances. It has been reported in the media that she lived in that house with her son, whom I understand has a mental illness. Who knows the exact details of what happened and how people reacted? I find it so disrespectful for the deceased person that the Leader of the Opposition would raise an issue like that in the forum of the Parliament. If the Leader of the Opposition had a genuine concern, he would have gone and spoken to the minister or to me directly and asked the question. The Minister for Mental Health will, I understand—I have not spoken — Ms M.M. Quirk : What is the use of Parliament, then? The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the first time today; member for Girrawheen for the second time today. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I find it unbecoming that any member of this Parliament would ask such a question about a lady who died obviously in sad and lonely circumstances, who had, to my understanding, a mentally ill son in that house. I find that quite deplorable. However, I have not spoken to the Minister for Mental Health. He, as I understand it, is happy to provide some details. Mr Speaker, would you not think that out of respect for that sad circumstance — Ms M.M. Quirk : That is why we are asking the question; because we respect people. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They do not. The SPEAKER : Premier, take a seat. Member for Girrawheen, I do allow some latitude in this place. I think that everybody knows that. I simply want to hear the Premier’s response to this. That is all I want to hear; I do not want to hear interjections. Mr C.J. BARNETT : From my memory, this is the first time in my 20 years in this house that I have heard a member of Parliament try to score a political point over a death. That is what they are doing. Make no mistake about it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : It is not for me to give advice to people in this place; it is not for me to give advice at all. I would simply like to hear the Premier’s answer to this question. I am going to give the Leader of the Opposition an opportunity to ask a supplementary if he wishes to. I think it is something we all would like to understand far better. Constant interjections by members on both sides in this place certainly do not help this particular question progress to an answer. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I understand it from the Minister for Mental Health — Mrs M.H. Roberts : What about every death in custody that has been raised in here? The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the second time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have never heard a deceased person referred to by name when there has been a tragic death. I have never heard in 20 years a member of this Parliament seek to gain some political advantage out of a tragedy like that. The Minister for Mental Health is undertaking to examine exactly what happened and what the response of agencies was. He will do that properly, and if it takes a little time, it will take a little time; but this government will be respectful, in a very sad situation, to the deceased and also to her son. The Minister for Mental Health will do that in his own time, make the appropriate inquiries and deal with it. He will do so without the help of members opposite with their disrespectful approach.
(3) Who in the Premier’s government will accept ministerial responsibility for the failure of agencies to act on neighbours’ concerns? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(3) It is a very sad situation when any citizen, in this case Mrs Mazza, passes away and lies undetected, unknown, for months. I do not know the circumstances of her life, the circumstances of any family she may have, or the circumstances of her neighbours. To walk into this Parliament and to start to imply things, by way of accusation, against government agencies is both insensitive and improper, in my view. Mr E.S. Ripper : It is a requirement to answer a question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : This time, no! Mr E.S. Ripper : “This time”? Again! Arrogance and pomposity! What about accountability? The SPEAKER : I am sure everybody in this place would like to hear the Premier’s answer to the question the Leader of the Opposition has asked. That is what this place is about. That is what I hope everybody, particularly with this question, will respect. Mr C.J. BARNETT : People should respect this. What I find in that question and the interjections opposite is a lack of respect for the late Mrs Ida Mazza, the lady who died in sad circumstances. It has been reported in the media that she lived in that house with her son, whom I understand has a mental illness. Who knows the exact details of what happened and how people reacted? I find it so disrespectful for the deceased person that the Leader of the Opposition would raise an issue like that in the forum of the Parliament. If the Leader of the Opposition had a genuine concern, he would have gone and spoken to the minister or to me directly and asked the question. The Minister for Mental Health will, I understand—I have not spoken — Ms M.M. Quirk : What is the use of Parliament, then? The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the first time today; member for Girrawheen for the second time today. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I find it unbecoming that any member of this Parliament would ask such a question about a lady who died obviously in sad and lonely circumstances, who had, to my understanding, a mentally ill son in that house. I find that quite deplorable. However, I have not spoken to the Minister for Mental Health. He, as I understand it, is happy to provide some details. Mr Speaker, would you not think that out of respect for that sad circumstance — Ms M.M. Quirk : That is why we are asking the question; because we respect people. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They do not. The SPEAKER : Premier, take a seat. Member for Girrawheen, I do allow some latitude in this place. I think that everybody knows that. I simply want to hear the Premier’s response to this. That is all I want to hear; I do not want to hear interjections. Mr C.J. BARNETT : From my memory, this is the first time in my 20 years in this house that I have heard a member of Parliament try to score a political point over a death. That is what they are doing. Make no mistake about it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : It is not for me to give advice to people in this place; it is not for me to give advice at all. I would simply like to hear the Premier’s answer to this question. I am going to give the Leader of the Opposition an opportunity to ask a supplementary if he wishes to. I think it is something we all would like to understand far better. Constant interjections by members on both sides in this place certainly do not help this particular question progress to an answer. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I understand it from the Minister for Mental Health — Mrs M.H. Roberts : What about every death in custody that has been raised in here? The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the second time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have never heard a deceased person referred to by name when there has been a tragic death. I have never heard in 20 years a member of this Parliament seek to gain some political advantage out of a tragedy like that. The Minister for Mental Health is undertaking to examine exactly what happened and what the response of agencies was. He will do that properly, and if it takes a little time, it will take a little time; but this government will be respectful, in a very sad situation, to the deceased and also to her son. The Minister for Mental Health will do that in his own time, make the appropriate inquiries and deal with it. He will do so without the help of members opposite with their disrespectful approach.
Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(3) It is a very sad situation when any citizen, in this case Mrs Mazza, passes away and lies undetected, unknown, for months. I do not know the circumstances of her life, the circumstances of any family she may have, or the circumstances of her neighbours. To walk into this Parliament and to start to imply things, by way of accusation, against government agencies is both insensitive and improper, in my view. Mr E.S. Ripper : It is a requirement to answer a question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : This time, no! Mr E.S. Ripper : “This time”? Again! Arrogance and pomposity! What about accountability? The SPEAKER : I am sure everybody in this place would like to hear the Premier’s answer to the question the Leader of the Opposition has asked. That is what this place is about. That is what I hope everybody, particularly with this question, will respect. Mr C.J. BARNETT : People should respect this. What I find in that question and the interjections opposite is a lack of respect for the late Mrs Ida Mazza, the lady who died in sad circumstances. It has been reported in the media that she lived in that house with her son, whom I understand has a mental illness. Who knows the exact details of what happened and how people reacted? I find it so disrespectful for the deceased person that the Leader of the Opposition would raise an issue like that in the forum of the Parliament. If the Leader of the Opposition had a genuine concern, he would have gone and spoken to the minister or to me directly and asked the question. The Minister for Mental Health will, I understand—I have not spoken — Ms M.M. Quirk : What is the use of Parliament, then? The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the first time today; member for Girrawheen for the second time today. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I find it unbecoming that any member of this Parliament would ask such a question about a lady who died obviously in sad and lonely circumstances, who had, to my understanding, a mentally ill son in that house. I find that quite deplorable. However, I have not spoken to the Minister for Mental Health. He, as I understand it, is happy to provide some details. Mr Speaker, would you not think that out of respect for that sad circumstance — Ms M.M. Quirk : That is why we are asking the question; because we respect people. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They do not. The SPEAKER : Premier, take a seat. Member for Girrawheen, I do allow some latitude in this place. I think that everybody knows that. I simply want to hear the Premier’s response to this. That is all I want to hear; I do not want to hear interjections. Mr C.J. BARNETT : From my memory, this is the first time in my 20 years in this house that I have heard a member of Parliament try to score a political point over a death. That is what they are doing. Make no mistake about it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : It is not for me to give advice to people in this place; it is not for me to give advice at all. I would simply like to hear the Premier’s answer to this question. I am going to give the Leader of the Opposition an opportunity to ask a supplementary if he wishes to. I think it is something we all would like to understand far better. Constant interjections by members on both sides in this place certainly do not help this particular question progress to an answer. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I understand it from the Minister for Mental Health — Mrs M.H. Roberts : What about every death in custody that has been raised in here? The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the second time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have never heard a deceased person referred to by name when there has been a tragic death. I have never heard in 20 years a member of this Parliament seek to gain some political advantage out of a tragedy like that. The Minister for Mental Health is undertaking to examine exactly what happened and what the response of agencies was. He will do that properly, and if it takes a little time, it will take a little time; but this government will be respectful, in a very sad situation, to the deceased and also to her son. The Minister for Mental Health will do that in his own time, make the appropriate inquiries and deal with it. He will do so without the help of members opposite with their disrespectful approach.
(1)–(3) It is a very sad situation when any citizen, in this case Mrs Mazza, passes away and lies undetected, unknown, for months. I do not know the circumstances of her life, the circumstances of any family she may have, or the circumstances of her neighbours. To walk into this Parliament and to start to imply things, by way of accusation, against government agencies is both insensitive and improper, in my view. Mr E.S. Ripper : It is a requirement to answer a question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : This time, no! Mr E.S. Ripper : “This time”? Again! Arrogance and pomposity! What about accountability? The SPEAKER : I am sure everybody in this place would like to hear the Premier’s answer to the question the Leader of the Opposition has asked. That is what this place is about. That is what I hope everybody, particularly with this question, will respect. Mr C.J. BARNETT : People should respect this. What I find in that question and the interjections opposite is a lack of respect for the late Mrs Ida Mazza, the lady who died in sad circumstances. It has been reported in the media that she lived in that house with her son, whom I understand has a mental illness. Who knows the exact details of what happened and how people reacted? I find it so disrespectful for the deceased person that the Leader of the Opposition would raise an issue like that in the forum of the Parliament. If the Leader of the Opposition had a genuine concern, he would have gone and spoken to the minister or to me directly and asked the question. The Minister for Mental Health will, I understand—I have not spoken — Ms M.M. Quirk : What is the use of Parliament, then? The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the first time today; member for Girrawheen for the second time today. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I find it unbecoming that any member of this Parliament would ask such a question about a lady who died obviously in sad and lonely circumstances, who had, to my understanding, a mentally ill son in that house. I find that quite deplorable. However, I have not spoken to the Minister for Mental Health. He, as I understand it, is happy to provide some details. Mr Speaker, would you not think that out of respect for that sad circumstance — Ms M.M. Quirk : That is why we are asking the question; because we respect people. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They do not. The SPEAKER : Premier, take a seat. Member for Girrawheen, I do allow some latitude in this place. I think that everybody knows that. I simply want to hear the Premier’s response to this. That is all I want to hear; I do not want to hear interjections. Mr C.J. BARNETT : From my memory, this is the first time in my 20 years in this house that I have heard a member of Parliament try to score a political point over a death. That is what they are doing. Make no mistake about it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : It is not for me to give advice to people in this place; it is not for me to give advice at all. I would simply like to hear the Premier’s answer to this question. I am going to give the Leader of the Opposition an opportunity to ask a supplementary if he wishes to. I think it is something we all would like to understand far better. Constant interjections by members on both sides in this place certainly do not help this particular question progress to an answer. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I understand it from the Minister for Mental Health — Mrs M.H. Roberts : What about every death in custody that has been raised in here? The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the second time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have never heard a deceased person referred to by name when there has been a tragic death. I have never heard in 20 years a member of this Parliament seek to gain some political advantage out of a tragedy like that. The Minister for Mental Health is undertaking to examine exactly what happened and what the response of agencies was. He will do that properly, and if it takes a little time, it will take a little time; but this government will be respectful, in a very sad situation, to the deceased and also to her son. The Minister for Mental Health will do that in his own time, make the appropriate inquiries and deal with it. He will do so without the help of members opposite with their disrespectful approach.
Mr E.S. Ripper : It is a requirement to answer a question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : This time, no! Mr E.S. Ripper : “This time”? Again! Arrogance and pomposity! What about accountability? The SPEAKER : I am sure everybody in this place would like to hear the Premier’s answer to the question the Leader of the Opposition has asked. That is what this place is about. That is what I hope everybody, particularly with this question, will respect. Mr C.J. BARNETT : People should respect this. What I find in that question and the interjections opposite is a lack of respect for the late Mrs Ida Mazza, the lady who died in sad circumstances. It has been reported in the media that she lived in that house with her son, whom I understand has a mental illness. Who knows the exact details of what happened and how people reacted? I find it so disrespectful for the deceased person that the Leader of the Opposition would raise an issue like that in the forum of the Parliament. If the Leader of the Opposition had a genuine concern, he would have gone and spoken to the minister or to me directly and asked the question. The Minister for Mental Health will, I understand—I have not spoken — Ms M.M. Quirk : What is the use of Parliament, then? The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the first time today; member for Girrawheen for the second time today. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I find it unbecoming that any member of this Parliament would ask such a question about a lady who died obviously in sad and lonely circumstances, who had, to my understanding, a mentally ill son in that house. I find that quite deplorable. However, I have not spoken to the Minister for Mental Health. He, as I understand it, is happy to provide some details. Mr Speaker, would you not think that out of respect for that sad circumstance — Ms M.M. Quirk : That is why we are asking the question; because we respect people. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They do not. The SPEAKER : Premier, take a seat. Member for Girrawheen, I do allow some latitude in this place. I think that everybody knows that. I simply want to hear the Premier’s response to this. That is all I want to hear; I do not want to hear interjections. Mr C.J. BARNETT : From my memory, this is the first time in my 20 years in this house that I have heard a member of Parliament try to score a political point over a death. That is what they are doing. Make no mistake about it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : It is not for me to give advice to people in this place; it is not for me to give advice at all. I would simply like to hear the Premier’s answer to this question. I am going to give the Leader of the Opposition an opportunity to ask a supplementary if he wishes to. I think it is something we all would like to understand far better. Constant interjections by members on both sides in this place certainly do not help this particular question progress to an answer. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I understand it from the Minister for Mental Health — Mrs M.H. Roberts : What about every death in custody that has been raised in here? The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the second time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have never heard a deceased person referred to by name when there has been a tragic death. I have never heard in 20 years a member of this Parliament seek to gain some political advantage out of a tragedy like that. The Minister for Mental Health is undertaking to examine exactly what happened and what the response of agencies was. He will do that properly, and if it takes a little time, it will take a little time; but this government will be respectful, in a very sad situation, to the deceased and also to her son. The Minister for Mental Health will do that in his own time, make the appropriate inquiries and deal with it. He will do so without the help of members opposite with their disrespectful approach.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : This time, no! Mr E.S. Ripper : “This time”? Again! Arrogance and pomposity! What about accountability? The SPEAKER : I am sure everybody in this place would like to hear the Premier’s answer to the question the Leader of the Opposition has asked. That is what this place is about. That is what I hope everybody, particularly with this question, will respect. Mr C.J. BARNETT : People should respect this. What I find in that question and the interjections opposite is a lack of respect for the late Mrs Ida Mazza, the lady who died in sad circumstances. It has been reported in the media that she lived in that house with her son, whom I understand has a mental illness. Who knows the exact details of what happened and how people reacted? I find it so disrespectful for the deceased person that the Leader of the Opposition would raise an issue like that in the forum of the Parliament. If the Leader of the Opposition had a genuine concern, he would have gone and spoken to the minister or to me directly and asked the question. The Minister for Mental Health will, I understand—I have not spoken — Ms M.M. Quirk : What is the use of Parliament, then? The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the first time today; member for Girrawheen for the second time today. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I find it unbecoming that any member of this Parliament would ask such a question about a lady who died obviously in sad and lonely circumstances, who had, to my understanding, a mentally ill son in that house. I find that quite deplorable. However, I have not spoken to the Minister for Mental Health. He, as I understand it, is happy to provide some details. Mr Speaker, would you not think that out of respect for that sad circumstance — Ms M.M. Quirk : That is why we are asking the question; because we respect people. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They do not. The SPEAKER : Premier, take a seat. Member for Girrawheen, I do allow some latitude in this place. I think that everybody knows that. I simply want to hear the Premier’s response to this. That is all I want to hear; I do not want to hear interjections. Mr C.J. BARNETT : From my memory, this is the first time in my 20 years in this house that I have heard a member of Parliament try to score a political point over a death. That is what they are doing. Make no mistake about it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : It is not for me to give advice to people in this place; it is not for me to give advice at all. I would simply like to hear the Premier’s answer to this question. I am going to give the Leader of the Opposition an opportunity to ask a supplementary if he wishes to. I think it is something we all would like to understand far better. Constant interjections by members on both sides in this place certainly do not help this particular question progress to an answer. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I understand it from the Minister for Mental Health — Mrs M.H. Roberts : What about every death in custody that has been raised in here? The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the second time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have never heard a deceased person referred to by name when there has been a tragic death. I have never heard in 20 years a member of this Parliament seek to gain some political advantage out of a tragedy like that. The Minister for Mental Health is undertaking to examine exactly what happened and what the response of agencies was. He will do that properly, and if it takes a little time, it will take a little time; but this government will be respectful, in a very sad situation, to the deceased and also to her son. The Minister for Mental Health will do that in his own time, make the appropriate inquiries and deal with it. He will do so without the help of members opposite with their disrespectful approach.
Mr E.S. Ripper : “This time”? Again! Arrogance and pomposity! What about accountability? The SPEAKER : I am sure everybody in this place would like to hear the Premier’s answer to the question the Leader of the Opposition has asked. That is what this place is about. That is what I hope everybody, particularly with this question, will respect. Mr C.J. BARNETT : People should respect this. What I find in that question and the interjections opposite is a lack of respect for the late Mrs Ida Mazza, the lady who died in sad circumstances. It has been reported in the media that she lived in that house with her son, whom I understand has a mental illness. Who knows the exact details of what happened and how people reacted? I find it so disrespectful for the deceased person that the Leader of the Opposition would raise an issue like that in the forum of the Parliament. If the Leader of the Opposition had a genuine concern, he would have gone and spoken to the minister or to me directly and asked the question. The Minister for Mental Health will, I understand—I have not spoken — Ms M.M. Quirk : What is the use of Parliament, then? The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the first time today; member for Girrawheen for the second time today. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I find it unbecoming that any member of this Parliament would ask such a question about a lady who died obviously in sad and lonely circumstances, who had, to my understanding, a mentally ill son in that house. I find that quite deplorable. However, I have not spoken to the Minister for Mental Health. He, as I understand it, is happy to provide some details. Mr Speaker, would you not think that out of respect for that sad circumstance — Ms M.M. Quirk : That is why we are asking the question; because we respect people. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They do not. The SPEAKER : Premier, take a seat. Member for Girrawheen, I do allow some latitude in this place. I think that everybody knows that. I simply want to hear the Premier’s response to this. That is all I want to hear; I do not want to hear interjections. Mr C.J. BARNETT : From my memory, this is the first time in my 20 years in this house that I have heard a member of Parliament try to score a political point over a death. That is what they are doing. Make no mistake about it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : It is not for me to give advice to people in this place; it is not for me to give advice at all. I would simply like to hear the Premier’s answer to this question. I am going to give the Leader of the Opposition an opportunity to ask a supplementary if he wishes to. I think it is something we all would like to understand far better. Constant interjections by members on both sides in this place certainly do not help this particular question progress to an answer. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I understand it from the Minister for Mental Health — Mrs M.H. Roberts : What about every death in custody that has been raised in here? The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the second time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have never heard a deceased person referred to by name when there has been a tragic death. I have never heard in 20 years a member of this Parliament seek to gain some political advantage out of a tragedy like that. The Minister for Mental Health is undertaking to examine exactly what happened and what the response of agencies was. He will do that properly, and if it takes a little time, it will take a little time; but this government will be respectful, in a very sad situation, to the deceased and also to her son. The Minister for Mental Health will do that in his own time, make the appropriate inquiries and deal with it. He will do so without the help of members opposite with their disrespectful approach.
The SPEAKER : I am sure everybody in this place would like to hear the Premier’s answer to the question the Leader of the Opposition has asked. That is what this place is about. That is what I hope everybody, particularly with this question, will respect. Mr C.J. BARNETT : People should respect this. What I find in that question and the interjections opposite is a lack of respect for the late Mrs Ida Mazza, the lady who died in sad circumstances. It has been reported in the media that she lived in that house with her son, whom I understand has a mental illness. Who knows the exact details of what happened and how people reacted? I find it so disrespectful for the deceased person that the Leader of the Opposition would raise an issue like that in the forum of the Parliament. If the Leader of the Opposition had a genuine concern, he would have gone and spoken to the minister or to me directly and asked the question. The Minister for Mental Health will, I understand—I have not spoken — Ms M.M. Quirk : What is the use of Parliament, then? The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the first time today; member for Girrawheen for the second time today. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I find it unbecoming that any member of this Parliament would ask such a question about a lady who died obviously in sad and lonely circumstances, who had, to my understanding, a mentally ill son in that house. I find that quite deplorable. However, I have not spoken to the Minister for Mental Health. He, as I understand it, is happy to provide some details. Mr Speaker, would you not think that out of respect for that sad circumstance — Ms M.M. Quirk : That is why we are asking the question; because we respect people. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They do not. The SPEAKER : Premier, take a seat. Member for Girrawheen, I do allow some latitude in this place. I think that everybody knows that. I simply want to hear the Premier’s response to this. That is all I want to hear; I do not want to hear interjections. Mr C.J. BARNETT : From my memory, this is the first time in my 20 years in this house that I have heard a member of Parliament try to score a political point over a death. That is what they are doing. Make no mistake about it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : It is not for me to give advice to people in this place; it is not for me to give advice at all. I would simply like to hear the Premier’s answer to this question. I am going to give the Leader of the Opposition an opportunity to ask a supplementary if he wishes to. I think it is something we all would like to understand far better. Constant interjections by members on both sides in this place certainly do not help this particular question progress to an answer. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I understand it from the Minister for Mental Health — Mrs M.H. Roberts : What about every death in custody that has been raised in here? The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the second time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have never heard a deceased person referred to by name when there has been a tragic death. I have never heard in 20 years a member of this Parliament seek to gain some political advantage out of a tragedy like that. The Minister for Mental Health is undertaking to examine exactly what happened and what the response of agencies was. He will do that properly, and if it takes a little time, it will take a little time; but this government will be respectful, in a very sad situation, to the deceased and also to her son. The Minister for Mental Health will do that in his own time, make the appropriate inquiries and deal with it. He will do so without the help of members opposite with their disrespectful approach.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : People should respect this. What I find in that question and the interjections opposite is a lack of respect for the late Mrs Ida Mazza, the lady who died in sad circumstances. It has been reported in the media that she lived in that house with her son, whom I understand has a mental illness. Who knows the exact details of what happened and how people reacted? I find it so disrespectful for the deceased person that the Leader of the Opposition would raise an issue like that in the forum of the Parliament. If the Leader of the Opposition had a genuine concern, he would have gone and spoken to the minister or to me directly and asked the question. The Minister for Mental Health will, I understand—I have not spoken — Ms M.M. Quirk : What is the use of Parliament, then? The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the first time today; member for Girrawheen for the second time today. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I find it unbecoming that any member of this Parliament would ask such a question about a lady who died obviously in sad and lonely circumstances, who had, to my understanding, a mentally ill son in that house. I find that quite deplorable. However, I have not spoken to the Minister for Mental Health. He, as I understand it, is happy to provide some details. Mr Speaker, would you not think that out of respect for that sad circumstance — Ms M.M. Quirk : That is why we are asking the question; because we respect people. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They do not. The SPEAKER : Premier, take a seat. Member for Girrawheen, I do allow some latitude in this place. I think that everybody knows that. I simply want to hear the Premier’s response to this. That is all I want to hear; I do not want to hear interjections. Mr C.J. BARNETT : From my memory, this is the first time in my 20 years in this house that I have heard a member of Parliament try to score a political point over a death. That is what they are doing. Make no mistake about it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : It is not for me to give advice to people in this place; it is not for me to give advice at all. I would simply like to hear the Premier’s answer to this question. I am going to give the Leader of the Opposition an opportunity to ask a supplementary if he wishes to. I think it is something we all would like to understand far better. Constant interjections by members on both sides in this place certainly do not help this particular question progress to an answer. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I understand it from the Minister for Mental Health — Mrs M.H. Roberts : What about every death in custody that has been raised in here? The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the second time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have never heard a deceased person referred to by name when there has been a tragic death. I have never heard in 20 years a member of this Parliament seek to gain some political advantage out of a tragedy like that. The Minister for Mental Health is undertaking to examine exactly what happened and what the response of agencies was. He will do that properly, and if it takes a little time, it will take a little time; but this government will be respectful, in a very sad situation, to the deceased and also to her son. The Minister for Mental Health will do that in his own time, make the appropriate inquiries and deal with it. He will do so without the help of members opposite with their disrespectful approach.
It has been reported in the media that she lived in that house with her son, whom I understand has a mental illness. Who knows the exact details of what happened and how people reacted? I find it so disrespectful for the deceased person that the Leader of the Opposition would raise an issue like that in the forum of the Parliament. If the Leader of the Opposition had a genuine concern, he would have gone and spoken to the minister or to me directly and asked the question. The Minister for Mental Health will, I understand—I have not spoken — Ms M.M. Quirk : What is the use of Parliament, then? The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the first time today; member for Girrawheen for the second time today. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I find it unbecoming that any member of this Parliament would ask such a question about a lady who died obviously in sad and lonely circumstances, who had, to my understanding, a mentally ill son in that house. I find that quite deplorable. However, I have not spoken to the Minister for Mental Health. He, as I understand it, is happy to provide some details. Mr Speaker, would you not think that out of respect for that sad circumstance — Ms M.M. Quirk : That is why we are asking the question; because we respect people. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They do not. The SPEAKER : Premier, take a seat. Member for Girrawheen, I do allow some latitude in this place. I think that everybody knows that. I simply want to hear the Premier’s response to this. That is all I want to hear; I do not want to hear interjections. Mr C.J. BARNETT : From my memory, this is the first time in my 20 years in this house that I have heard a member of Parliament try to score a political point over a death. That is what they are doing. Make no mistake about it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : It is not for me to give advice to people in this place; it is not for me to give advice at all. I would simply like to hear the Premier’s answer to this question. I am going to give the Leader of the Opposition an opportunity to ask a supplementary if he wishes to. I think it is something we all would like to understand far better. Constant interjections by members on both sides in this place certainly do not help this particular question progress to an answer. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I understand it from the Minister for Mental Health — Mrs M.H. Roberts : What about every death in custody that has been raised in here? The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the second time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have never heard a deceased person referred to by name when there has been a tragic death. I have never heard in 20 years a member of this Parliament seek to gain some political advantage out of a tragedy like that. The Minister for Mental Health is undertaking to examine exactly what happened and what the response of agencies was. He will do that properly, and if it takes a little time, it will take a little time; but this government will be respectful, in a very sad situation, to the deceased and also to her son. The Minister for Mental Health will do that in his own time, make the appropriate inquiries and deal with it. He will do so without the help of members opposite with their disrespectful approach.
Ms M.M. Quirk : What is the use of Parliament, then? The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the first time today; member for Girrawheen for the second time today. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I find it unbecoming that any member of this Parliament would ask such a question about a lady who died obviously in sad and lonely circumstances, who had, to my understanding, a mentally ill son in that house. I find that quite deplorable. However, I have not spoken to the Minister for Mental Health. He, as I understand it, is happy to provide some details. Mr Speaker, would you not think that out of respect for that sad circumstance — Ms M.M. Quirk : That is why we are asking the question; because we respect people. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They do not. The SPEAKER : Premier, take a seat. Member for Girrawheen, I do allow some latitude in this place. I think that everybody knows that. I simply want to hear the Premier’s response to this. That is all I want to hear; I do not want to hear interjections. Mr C.J. BARNETT : From my memory, this is the first time in my 20 years in this house that I have heard a member of Parliament try to score a political point over a death. That is what they are doing. Make no mistake about it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : It is not for me to give advice to people in this place; it is not for me to give advice at all. I would simply like to hear the Premier’s answer to this question. I am going to give the Leader of the Opposition an opportunity to ask a supplementary if he wishes to. I think it is something we all would like to understand far better. Constant interjections by members on both sides in this place certainly do not help this particular question progress to an answer. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I understand it from the Minister for Mental Health — Mrs M.H. Roberts : What about every death in custody that has been raised in here? The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the second time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have never heard a deceased person referred to by name when there has been a tragic death. I have never heard in 20 years a member of this Parliament seek to gain some political advantage out of a tragedy like that. The Minister for Mental Health is undertaking to examine exactly what happened and what the response of agencies was. He will do that properly, and if it takes a little time, it will take a little time; but this government will be respectful, in a very sad situation, to the deceased and also to her son. The Minister for Mental Health will do that in his own time, make the appropriate inquiries and deal with it. He will do so without the help of members opposite with their disrespectful approach.
The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the first time today; member for Girrawheen for the second time today. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I find it unbecoming that any member of this Parliament would ask such a question about a lady who died obviously in sad and lonely circumstances, who had, to my understanding, a mentally ill son in that house. I find that quite deplorable. However, I have not spoken to the Minister for Mental Health. He, as I understand it, is happy to provide some details. Mr Speaker, would you not think that out of respect for that sad circumstance — Ms M.M. Quirk : That is why we are asking the question; because we respect people. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They do not. The SPEAKER : Premier, take a seat. Member for Girrawheen, I do allow some latitude in this place. I think that everybody knows that. I simply want to hear the Premier’s response to this. That is all I want to hear; I do not want to hear interjections. Mr C.J. BARNETT : From my memory, this is the first time in my 20 years in this house that I have heard a member of Parliament try to score a political point over a death. That is what they are doing. Make no mistake about it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : It is not for me to give advice to people in this place; it is not for me to give advice at all. I would simply like to hear the Premier’s answer to this question. I am going to give the Leader of the Opposition an opportunity to ask a supplementary if he wishes to. I think it is something we all would like to understand far better. Constant interjections by members on both sides in this place certainly do not help this particular question progress to an answer. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I understand it from the Minister for Mental Health — Mrs M.H. Roberts : What about every death in custody that has been raised in here? The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the second time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have never heard a deceased person referred to by name when there has been a tragic death. I have never heard in 20 years a member of this Parliament seek to gain some political advantage out of a tragedy like that. The Minister for Mental Health is undertaking to examine exactly what happened and what the response of agencies was. He will do that properly, and if it takes a little time, it will take a little time; but this government will be respectful, in a very sad situation, to the deceased and also to her son. The Minister for Mental Health will do that in his own time, make the appropriate inquiries and deal with it. He will do so without the help of members opposite with their disrespectful approach.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the first time today; member for Girrawheen for the second time today. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I find it unbecoming that any member of this Parliament would ask such a question about a lady who died obviously in sad and lonely circumstances, who had, to my understanding, a mentally ill son in that house. I find that quite deplorable. However, I have not spoken to the Minister for Mental Health. He, as I understand it, is happy to provide some details. Mr Speaker, would you not think that out of respect for that sad circumstance — Ms M.M. Quirk : That is why we are asking the question; because we respect people. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They do not. The SPEAKER : Premier, take a seat. Member for Girrawheen, I do allow some latitude in this place. I think that everybody knows that. I simply want to hear the Premier’s response to this. That is all I want to hear; I do not want to hear interjections. Mr C.J. BARNETT : From my memory, this is the first time in my 20 years in this house that I have heard a member of Parliament try to score a political point over a death. That is what they are doing. Make no mistake about it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : It is not for me to give advice to people in this place; it is not for me to give advice at all. I would simply like to hear the Premier’s answer to this question. I am going to give the Leader of the Opposition an opportunity to ask a supplementary if he wishes to. I think it is something we all would like to understand far better. Constant interjections by members on both sides in this place certainly do not help this particular question progress to an answer. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I understand it from the Minister for Mental Health — Mrs M.H. Roberts : What about every death in custody that has been raised in here? The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the second time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have never heard a deceased person referred to by name when there has been a tragic death. I have never heard in 20 years a member of this Parliament seek to gain some political advantage out of a tragedy like that. The Minister for Mental Health is undertaking to examine exactly what happened and what the response of agencies was. He will do that properly, and if it takes a little time, it will take a little time; but this government will be respectful, in a very sad situation, to the deceased and also to her son. The Minister for Mental Health will do that in his own time, make the appropriate inquiries and deal with it. He will do so without the help of members opposite with their disrespectful approach.
The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the first time today; member for Girrawheen for the second time today. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I find it unbecoming that any member of this Parliament would ask such a question about a lady who died obviously in sad and lonely circumstances, who had, to my understanding, a mentally ill son in that house. I find that quite deplorable. However, I have not spoken to the Minister for Mental Health. He, as I understand it, is happy to provide some details. Mr Speaker, would you not think that out of respect for that sad circumstance — Ms M.M. Quirk : That is why we are asking the question; because we respect people. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They do not. The SPEAKER : Premier, take a seat. Member for Girrawheen, I do allow some latitude in this place. I think that everybody knows that. I simply want to hear the Premier’s response to this. That is all I want to hear; I do not want to hear interjections. Mr C.J. BARNETT : From my memory, this is the first time in my 20 years in this house that I have heard a member of Parliament try to score a political point over a death. That is what they are doing. Make no mistake about it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : It is not for me to give advice to people in this place; it is not for me to give advice at all. I would simply like to hear the Premier’s answer to this question. I am going to give the Leader of the Opposition an opportunity to ask a supplementary if he wishes to. I think it is something we all would like to understand far better. Constant interjections by members on both sides in this place certainly do not help this particular question progress to an answer. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I understand it from the Minister for Mental Health — Mrs M.H. Roberts : What about every death in custody that has been raised in here? The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the second time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have never heard a deceased person referred to by name when there has been a tragic death. I have never heard in 20 years a member of this Parliament seek to gain some political advantage out of a tragedy like that. The Minister for Mental Health is undertaking to examine exactly what happened and what the response of agencies was. He will do that properly, and if it takes a little time, it will take a little time; but this government will be respectful, in a very sad situation, to the deceased and also to her son. The Minister for Mental Health will do that in his own time, make the appropriate inquiries and deal with it. He will do so without the help of members opposite with their disrespectful approach.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I find it unbecoming that any member of this Parliament would ask such a question about a lady who died obviously in sad and lonely circumstances, who had, to my understanding, a mentally ill son in that house. I find that quite deplorable. However, I have not spoken to the Minister for Mental Health. He, as I understand it, is happy to provide some details. Mr Speaker, would you not think that out of respect for that sad circumstance — Ms M.M. Quirk : That is why we are asking the question; because we respect people. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They do not. The SPEAKER : Premier, take a seat. Member for Girrawheen, I do allow some latitude in this place. I think that everybody knows that. I simply want to hear the Premier’s response to this. That is all I want to hear; I do not want to hear interjections. Mr C.J. BARNETT : From my memory, this is the first time in my 20 years in this house that I have heard a member of Parliament try to score a political point over a death. That is what they are doing. Make no mistake about it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : It is not for me to give advice to people in this place; it is not for me to give advice at all. I would simply like to hear the Premier’s answer to this question. I am going to give the Leader of the Opposition an opportunity to ask a supplementary if he wishes to. I think it is something we all would like to understand far better. Constant interjections by members on both sides in this place certainly do not help this particular question progress to an answer. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I understand it from the Minister for Mental Health — Mrs M.H. Roberts : What about every death in custody that has been raised in here? The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the second time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have never heard a deceased person referred to by name when there has been a tragic death. I have never heard in 20 years a member of this Parliament seek to gain some political advantage out of a tragedy like that. The Minister for Mental Health is undertaking to examine exactly what happened and what the response of agencies was. He will do that properly, and if it takes a little time, it will take a little time; but this government will be respectful, in a very sad situation, to the deceased and also to her son. The Minister for Mental Health will do that in his own time, make the appropriate inquiries and deal with it. He will do so without the help of members opposite with their disrespectful approach.
Ms M.M. Quirk : That is why we are asking the question; because we respect people. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They do not. The SPEAKER : Premier, take a seat. Member for Girrawheen, I do allow some latitude in this place. I think that everybody knows that. I simply want to hear the Premier’s response to this. That is all I want to hear; I do not want to hear interjections. Mr C.J. BARNETT : From my memory, this is the first time in my 20 years in this house that I have heard a member of Parliament try to score a political point over a death. That is what they are doing. Make no mistake about it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : It is not for me to give advice to people in this place; it is not for me to give advice at all. I would simply like to hear the Premier’s answer to this question. I am going to give the Leader of the Opposition an opportunity to ask a supplementary if he wishes to. I think it is something we all would like to understand far better. Constant interjections by members on both sides in this place certainly do not help this particular question progress to an answer. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I understand it from the Minister for Mental Health — Mrs M.H. Roberts : What about every death in custody that has been raised in here? The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the second time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have never heard a deceased person referred to by name when there has been a tragic death. I have never heard in 20 years a member of this Parliament seek to gain some political advantage out of a tragedy like that. The Minister for Mental Health is undertaking to examine exactly what happened and what the response of agencies was. He will do that properly, and if it takes a little time, it will take a little time; but this government will be respectful, in a very sad situation, to the deceased and also to her son. The Minister for Mental Health will do that in his own time, make the appropriate inquiries and deal with it. He will do so without the help of members opposite with their disrespectful approach.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : They do not. The SPEAKER : Premier, take a seat. Member for Girrawheen, I do allow some latitude in this place. I think that everybody knows that. I simply want to hear the Premier’s response to this. That is all I want to hear; I do not want to hear interjections. Mr C.J. BARNETT : From my memory, this is the first time in my 20 years in this house that I have heard a member of Parliament try to score a political point over a death. That is what they are doing. Make no mistake about it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : It is not for me to give advice to people in this place; it is not for me to give advice at all. I would simply like to hear the Premier’s answer to this question. I am going to give the Leader of the Opposition an opportunity to ask a supplementary if he wishes to. I think it is something we all would like to understand far better. Constant interjections by members on both sides in this place certainly do not help this particular question progress to an answer. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I understand it from the Minister for Mental Health — Mrs M.H. Roberts : What about every death in custody that has been raised in here? The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the second time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have never heard a deceased person referred to by name when there has been a tragic death. I have never heard in 20 years a member of this Parliament seek to gain some political advantage out of a tragedy like that. The Minister for Mental Health is undertaking to examine exactly what happened and what the response of agencies was. He will do that properly, and if it takes a little time, it will take a little time; but this government will be respectful, in a very sad situation, to the deceased and also to her son. The Minister for Mental Health will do that in his own time, make the appropriate inquiries and deal with it. He will do so without the help of members opposite with their disrespectful approach.
The SPEAKER : Premier, take a seat. Member for Girrawheen, I do allow some latitude in this place. I think that everybody knows that. I simply want to hear the Premier’s response to this. That is all I want to hear; I do not want to hear interjections. Mr C.J. BARNETT : From my memory, this is the first time in my 20 years in this house that I have heard a member of Parliament try to score a political point over a death. That is what they are doing. Make no mistake about it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : It is not for me to give advice to people in this place; it is not for me to give advice at all. I would simply like to hear the Premier’s answer to this question. I am going to give the Leader of the Opposition an opportunity to ask a supplementary if he wishes to. I think it is something we all would like to understand far better. Constant interjections by members on both sides in this place certainly do not help this particular question progress to an answer. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I understand it from the Minister for Mental Health — Mrs M.H. Roberts : What about every death in custody that has been raised in here? The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the second time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have never heard a deceased person referred to by name when there has been a tragic death. I have never heard in 20 years a member of this Parliament seek to gain some political advantage out of a tragedy like that. The Minister for Mental Health is undertaking to examine exactly what happened and what the response of agencies was. He will do that properly, and if it takes a little time, it will take a little time; but this government will be respectful, in a very sad situation, to the deceased and also to her son. The Minister for Mental Health will do that in his own time, make the appropriate inquiries and deal with it. He will do so without the help of members opposite with their disrespectful approach.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : From my memory, this is the first time in my 20 years in this house that I have heard a member of Parliament try to score a political point over a death. That is what they are doing. Make no mistake about it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : It is not for me to give advice to people in this place; it is not for me to give advice at all. I would simply like to hear the Premier’s answer to this question. I am going to give the Leader of the Opposition an opportunity to ask a supplementary if he wishes to. I think it is something we all would like to understand far better. Constant interjections by members on both sides in this place certainly do not help this particular question progress to an answer. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I understand it from the Minister for Mental Health — Mrs M.H. Roberts : What about every death in custody that has been raised in here? The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the second time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have never heard a deceased person referred to by name when there has been a tragic death. I have never heard in 20 years a member of this Parliament seek to gain some political advantage out of a tragedy like that. The Minister for Mental Health is undertaking to examine exactly what happened and what the response of agencies was. He will do that properly, and if it takes a little time, it will take a little time; but this government will be respectful, in a very sad situation, to the deceased and also to her son. The Minister for Mental Health will do that in his own time, make the appropriate inquiries and deal with it. He will do so without the help of members opposite with their disrespectful approach.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : It is not for me to give advice to people in this place; it is not for me to give advice at all. I would simply like to hear the Premier’s answer to this question. I am going to give the Leader of the Opposition an opportunity to ask a supplementary if he wishes to. I think it is something we all would like to understand far better. Constant interjections by members on both sides in this place certainly do not help this particular question progress to an answer. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I understand it from the Minister for Mental Health — Mrs M.H. Roberts : What about every death in custody that has been raised in here? The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the second time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have never heard a deceased person referred to by name when there has been a tragic death. I have never heard in 20 years a member of this Parliament seek to gain some political advantage out of a tragedy like that. The Minister for Mental Health is undertaking to examine exactly what happened and what the response of agencies was. He will do that properly, and if it takes a little time, it will take a little time; but this government will be respectful, in a very sad situation, to the deceased and also to her son. The Minister for Mental Health will do that in his own time, make the appropriate inquiries and deal with it. He will do so without the help of members opposite with their disrespectful approach.
The SPEAKER : It is not for me to give advice to people in this place; it is not for me to give advice at all. I would simply like to hear the Premier’s answer to this question. I am going to give the Leader of the Opposition an opportunity to ask a supplementary if he wishes to. I think it is something we all would like to understand far better. Constant interjections by members on both sides in this place certainly do not help this particular question progress to an answer. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I understand it from the Minister for Mental Health — Mrs M.H. Roberts : What about every death in custody that has been raised in here? The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the second time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have never heard a deceased person referred to by name when there has been a tragic death. I have never heard in 20 years a member of this Parliament seek to gain some political advantage out of a tragedy like that. The Minister for Mental Health is undertaking to examine exactly what happened and what the response of agencies was. He will do that properly, and if it takes a little time, it will take a little time; but this government will be respectful, in a very sad situation, to the deceased and also to her son. The Minister for Mental Health will do that in his own time, make the appropriate inquiries and deal with it. He will do so without the help of members opposite with their disrespectful approach.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I understand it from the Minister for Mental Health — Mrs M.H. Roberts : What about every death in custody that has been raised in here? The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the second time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have never heard a deceased person referred to by name when there has been a tragic death. I have never heard in 20 years a member of this Parliament seek to gain some political advantage out of a tragedy like that. The Minister for Mental Health is undertaking to examine exactly what happened and what the response of agencies was. He will do that properly, and if it takes a little time, it will take a little time; but this government will be respectful, in a very sad situation, to the deceased and also to her son. The Minister for Mental Health will do that in his own time, make the appropriate inquiries and deal with it. He will do so without the help of members opposite with their disrespectful approach.
Mrs M.H. Roberts : What about every death in custody that has been raised in here? The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the second time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have never heard a deceased person referred to by name when there has been a tragic death. I have never heard in 20 years a member of this Parliament seek to gain some political advantage out of a tragedy like that. The Minister for Mental Health is undertaking to examine exactly what happened and what the response of agencies was. He will do that properly, and if it takes a little time, it will take a little time; but this government will be respectful, in a very sad situation, to the deceased and also to her son. The Minister for Mental Health will do that in his own time, make the appropriate inquiries and deal with it. He will do so without the help of members opposite with their disrespectful approach.
The SPEAKER : Member for Midland, I formally call you to order for the second time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have never heard a deceased person referred to by name when there has been a tragic death. I have never heard in 20 years a member of this Parliament seek to gain some political advantage out of a tragedy like that. The Minister for Mental Health is undertaking to examine exactly what happened and what the response of agencies was. He will do that properly, and if it takes a little time, it will take a little time; but this government will be respectful, in a very sad situation, to the deceased and also to her son. The Minister for Mental Health will do that in his own time, make the appropriate inquiries and deal with it. He will do so without the help of members opposite with their disrespectful approach.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have never heard a deceased person referred to by name when there has been a tragic death. I have never heard in 20 years a member of this Parliament seek to gain some political advantage out of a tragedy like that. The Minister for Mental Health is undertaking to examine exactly what happened and what the response of agencies was. He will do that properly, and if it takes a little time, it will take a little time; but this government will be respectful, in a very sad situation, to the deceased and also to her son. The Minister for Mental Health will do that in his own time, make the appropriate inquiries and deal with it. He will do so without the help of members opposite with their disrespectful approach.
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