❓ A parliamentary question regarding a teacher's rally and the Minister's response, including accusations of incompetence and a defense against personal attacks related to her non-English speaking background.
AnsweredQoN 458Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
OUTCOMES-BASED EDUCATION - RALLY
I refer to the rally held earlier this week by teachers. (1) How many teachers need to come to the minister’s attention for her to take notice? (2) Was the reason she did not attend the rally that she wanted to continue her policy of refusing to negotiate with teachers, or was it because the Premier directed her to butt out because of her incompetence, or did she simply lack the guts to do so? The PRESIDENT : Order! I note the question was asked in relative silence. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH
I refer to the rally held earlier this week by teachers. (1) How many teachers need to come to the minister’s attention for her to take notice? (2) Was the reason she did not attend the rally that she wanted to continue her policy of refusing to negotiate with teachers, or was it because the Premier directed her to butt out because of her incompetence, or did she simply lack the guts to do so? The PRESIDENT : Order! I note the question was asked in relative silence. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH
AnswerView source ↗
(1)-(2) I thank the honourable member; I am very pleased to have that question. I do not want to put a number on it, but I think the 100 teachers out of 30 000 in the state are probably not the best indicator of the feeling in the community. I asked my appointment secretary whether I had received an invitation to be present at the rally. She said that she was sorry, but I had not received a request to address it. I probably would have said no even if I had received an invitation because 4.30 pm on Wednesday is usually question time, when I would be in the Parliament doing this job. Hon Simon O’Brien : It was not at question time yesterday, was it? Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : No, but because it was not question time, I had already scheduled an appointment with the sector heads; namely, the Director General of the Department of Education and Training; Audrey Jackson from the Independent Schools Commission; Ron Dullard, from the Catholic Education Office; Mr Dave Axworthy from the Curriculum Council; the independent union representatives; the WA State School Teachers Union representatives; and additional people, because we are making progress and moving forward on a number of issues. As a member of Parliament, I have never experienced such a personalised campaign targeted at me. Many things have been said, most of which I can bat aside and tell myself to get on with it. However, I did take offence at what the Leader of the Opposition said a couple of days ago about my diction showing that I should not be the Minister for Education and Training. I just want to make this point, Mr President, because it is very important - The PRESIDENT : I am aware that the minister is making a point that she wishes to make but I trust she is not alluding to a debate in the other place. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : No, I am not. The point I am making is that that is probably one of the nastiest things that somebody could say - Hon Simon O’Brien : Pot calling the kettle black! Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : Hang on! English is not my first language and for somebody who comes from a non-English speaking background himself, I think it is a pretty low thing to say. Is the Leader of the Opposition saying that anyone without perfect diction, anyone from a non-English speaking background, should never aspire to be a minister? Is that what he is saying? That member purports to be a supporter of ethnic people. I am the first woman born in a non-English speaking country to be elected to this Parliament, and I hope that I am not the last. I would have expected better of the Leader of the Opposition and I am sure many people in the community would have expected better from him in that regard.
(1) How many teachers need to come to the minister’s attention for her to take notice? (2) Was the reason she did not attend the rally that she wanted to continue her policy of refusing to negotiate with teachers, or was it because the Premier directed her to butt out because of her incompetence, or did she simply lack the guts to do so? The PRESIDENT : Order! I note the question was asked in relative silence. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH replied: (1)-(2) I thank the honourable member; I am very pleased to have that question. I do not want to put a number on it, but I think the 100 teachers out of 30 000 in the state are probably not the best indicator of the feeling in the community. I asked my appointment secretary whether I had received an invitation to be present at the rally. She said that she was sorry, but I had not received a request to address it. I probably would have said no even if I had received an invitation because 4.30 pm on Wednesday is usually question time, when I would be in the Parliament doing this job. Hon Simon O’Brien : It was not at question time yesterday, was it? Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : No, but because it was not question time, I had already scheduled an appointment with the sector heads; namely, the Director General of the Department of Education and Training; Audrey Jackson from the Independent Schools Commission; Ron Dullard, from the Catholic Education Office; Mr Dave Axworthy from the Curriculum Council; the independent union representatives; the WA State School Teachers Union representatives; and additional people, because we are making progress and moving forward on a number of issues. As a member of Parliament, I have never experienced such a personalised campaign targeted at me. Many things have been said, most of which I can bat aside and tell myself to get on with it. However, I did take offence at what the Leader of the Opposition said a couple of days ago about my diction showing that I should not be the Minister for Education and Training. I just want to make this point, Mr President, because it is very important - The PRESIDENT : I am aware that the minister is making a point that she wishes to make but I trust she is not alluding to a debate in the other place. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : No, I am not. The point I am making is that that is probably one of the nastiest things that somebody could say - Hon Simon O’Brien : Pot calling the kettle black! Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : Hang on! English is not my first language and for somebody who comes from a non-English speaking background himself, I think it is a pretty low thing to say. Is the Leader of the Opposition saying that anyone without perfect diction, anyone from a non-English speaking background, should never aspire to be a minister? Is that what he is saying? That member purports to be a supporter of ethnic people. I am the first woman born in a non-English speaking country to be elected to this Parliament, and I hope that I am not the last. I would have expected better of the Leader of the Opposition and I am sure many people in the community would have expected better from him in that regard.
(2) Was the reason she did not attend the rally that she wanted to continue her policy of refusing to negotiate with teachers, or was it because the Premier directed her to butt out because of her incompetence, or did she simply lack the guts to do so? The PRESIDENT : Order! I note the question was asked in relative silence. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH replied: (1)-(2) I thank the honourable member; I am very pleased to have that question. I do not want to put a number on it, but I think the 100 teachers out of 30 000 in the state are probably not the best indicator of the feeling in the community. I asked my appointment secretary whether I had received an invitation to be present at the rally. She said that she was sorry, but I had not received a request to address it. I probably would have said no even if I had received an invitation because 4.30 pm on Wednesday is usually question time, when I would be in the Parliament doing this job. Hon Simon O’Brien : It was not at question time yesterday, was it? Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : No, but because it was not question time, I had already scheduled an appointment with the sector heads; namely, the Director General of the Department of Education and Training; Audrey Jackson from the Independent Schools Commission; Ron Dullard, from the Catholic Education Office; Mr Dave Axworthy from the Curriculum Council; the independent union representatives; the WA State School Teachers Union representatives; and additional people, because we are making progress and moving forward on a number of issues. As a member of Parliament, I have never experienced such a personalised campaign targeted at me. Many things have been said, most of which I can bat aside and tell myself to get on with it. However, I did take offence at what the Leader of the Opposition said a couple of days ago about my diction showing that I should not be the Minister for Education and Training. I just want to make this point, Mr President, because it is very important - The PRESIDENT : I am aware that the minister is making a point that she wishes to make but I trust she is not alluding to a debate in the other place. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : No, I am not. The point I am making is that that is probably one of the nastiest things that somebody could say - Hon Simon O’Brien : Pot calling the kettle black! Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : Hang on! English is not my first language and for somebody who comes from a non-English speaking background himself, I think it is a pretty low thing to say. Is the Leader of the Opposition saying that anyone without perfect diction, anyone from a non-English speaking background, should never aspire to be a minister? Is that what he is saying? That member purports to be a supporter of ethnic people. I am the first woman born in a non-English speaking country to be elected to this Parliament, and I hope that I am not the last. I would have expected better of the Leader of the Opposition and I am sure many people in the community would have expected better from him in that regard.
The PRESIDENT : Order! I note the question was asked in relative silence. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH replied: (1)-(2) I thank the honourable member; I am very pleased to have that question. I do not want to put a number on it, but I think the 100 teachers out of 30 000 in the state are probably not the best indicator of the feeling in the community. I asked my appointment secretary whether I had received an invitation to be present at the rally. She said that she was sorry, but I had not received a request to address it. I probably would have said no even if I had received an invitation because 4.30 pm on Wednesday is usually question time, when I would be in the Parliament doing this job. Hon Simon O’Brien : It was not at question time yesterday, was it? Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : No, but because it was not question time, I had already scheduled an appointment with the sector heads; namely, the Director General of the Department of Education and Training; Audrey Jackson from the Independent Schools Commission; Ron Dullard, from the Catholic Education Office; Mr Dave Axworthy from the Curriculum Council; the independent union representatives; the WA State School Teachers Union representatives; and additional people, because we are making progress and moving forward on a number of issues. As a member of Parliament, I have never experienced such a personalised campaign targeted at me. Many things have been said, most of which I can bat aside and tell myself to get on with it. However, I did take offence at what the Leader of the Opposition said a couple of days ago about my diction showing that I should not be the Minister for Education and Training. I just want to make this point, Mr President, because it is very important - The PRESIDENT : I am aware that the minister is making a point that she wishes to make but I trust she is not alluding to a debate in the other place. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : No, I am not. The point I am making is that that is probably one of the nastiest things that somebody could say - Hon Simon O’Brien : Pot calling the kettle black! Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : Hang on! English is not my first language and for somebody who comes from a non-English speaking background himself, I think it is a pretty low thing to say. Is the Leader of the Opposition saying that anyone without perfect diction, anyone from a non-English speaking background, should never aspire to be a minister? Is that what he is saying? That member purports to be a supporter of ethnic people. I am the first woman born in a non-English speaking country to be elected to this Parliament, and I hope that I am not the last. I would have expected better of the Leader of the Opposition and I am sure many people in the community would have expected better from him in that regard.
Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH replied: (1)-(2) I thank the honourable member; I am very pleased to have that question. I do not want to put a number on it, but I think the 100 teachers out of 30 000 in the state are probably not the best indicator of the feeling in the community. I asked my appointment secretary whether I had received an invitation to be present at the rally. She said that she was sorry, but I had not received a request to address it. I probably would have said no even if I had received an invitation because 4.30 pm on Wednesday is usually question time, when I would be in the Parliament doing this job. Hon Simon O’Brien : It was not at question time yesterday, was it? Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : No, but because it was not question time, I had already scheduled an appointment with the sector heads; namely, the Director General of the Department of Education and Training; Audrey Jackson from the Independent Schools Commission; Ron Dullard, from the Catholic Education Office; Mr Dave Axworthy from the Curriculum Council; the independent union representatives; the WA State School Teachers Union representatives; and additional people, because we are making progress and moving forward on a number of issues. As a member of Parliament, I have never experienced such a personalised campaign targeted at me. Many things have been said, most of which I can bat aside and tell myself to get on with it. However, I did take offence at what the Leader of the Opposition said a couple of days ago about my diction showing that I should not be the Minister for Education and Training. I just want to make this point, Mr President, because it is very important - The PRESIDENT : I am aware that the minister is making a point that she wishes to make but I trust she is not alluding to a debate in the other place. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : No, I am not. The point I am making is that that is probably one of the nastiest things that somebody could say - Hon Simon O’Brien : Pot calling the kettle black! Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : Hang on! English is not my first language and for somebody who comes from a non-English speaking background himself, I think it is a pretty low thing to say. Is the Leader of the Opposition saying that anyone without perfect diction, anyone from a non-English speaking background, should never aspire to be a minister? Is that what he is saying? That member purports to be a supporter of ethnic people. I am the first woman born in a non-English speaking country to be elected to this Parliament, and I hope that I am not the last. I would have expected better of the Leader of the Opposition and I am sure many people in the community would have expected better from him in that regard.
(1)-(2) I thank the honourable member; I am very pleased to have that question. I do not want to put a number on it, but I think the 100 teachers out of 30 000 in the state are probably not the best indicator of the feeling in the community. I asked my appointment secretary whether I had received an invitation to be present at the rally. She said that she was sorry, but I had not received a request to address it. I probably would have said no even if I had received an invitation because 4.30 pm on Wednesday is usually question time, when I would be in the Parliament doing this job. Hon Simon O’Brien : It was not at question time yesterday, was it? Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : No, but because it was not question time, I had already scheduled an appointment with the sector heads; namely, the Director General of the Department of Education and Training; Audrey Jackson from the Independent Schools Commission; Ron Dullard, from the Catholic Education Office; Mr Dave Axworthy from the Curriculum Council; the independent union representatives; the WA State School Teachers Union representatives; and additional people, because we are making progress and moving forward on a number of issues. As a member of Parliament, I have never experienced such a personalised campaign targeted at me. Many things have been said, most of which I can bat aside and tell myself to get on with it. However, I did take offence at what the Leader of the Opposition said a couple of days ago about my diction showing that I should not be the Minister for Education and Training. I just want to make this point, Mr President, because it is very important - The PRESIDENT : I am aware that the minister is making a point that she wishes to make but I trust she is not alluding to a debate in the other place. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : No, I am not. The point I am making is that that is probably one of the nastiest things that somebody could say - Hon Simon O’Brien : Pot calling the kettle black! Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : Hang on! English is not my first language and for somebody who comes from a non-English speaking background himself, I think it is a pretty low thing to say. Is the Leader of the Opposition saying that anyone without perfect diction, anyone from a non-English speaking background, should never aspire to be a minister? Is that what he is saying? That member purports to be a supporter of ethnic people. I am the first woman born in a non-English speaking country to be elected to this Parliament, and I hope that I am not the last. I would have expected better of the Leader of the Opposition and I am sure many people in the community would have expected better from him in that regard.
Hon Simon O’Brien : It was not at question time yesterday, was it? Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : No, but because it was not question time, I had already scheduled an appointment with the sector heads; namely, the Director General of the Department of Education and Training; Audrey Jackson from the Independent Schools Commission; Ron Dullard, from the Catholic Education Office; Mr Dave Axworthy from the Curriculum Council; the independent union representatives; the WA State School Teachers Union representatives; and additional people, because we are making progress and moving forward on a number of issues. As a member of Parliament, I have never experienced such a personalised campaign targeted at me. Many things have been said, most of which I can bat aside and tell myself to get on with it. However, I did take offence at what the Leader of the Opposition said a couple of days ago about my diction showing that I should not be the Minister for Education and Training. I just want to make this point, Mr President, because it is very important - The PRESIDENT : I am aware that the minister is making a point that she wishes to make but I trust she is not alluding to a debate in the other place. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : No, I am not. The point I am making is that that is probably one of the nastiest things that somebody could say - Hon Simon O’Brien : Pot calling the kettle black! Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : Hang on! English is not my first language and for somebody who comes from a non-English speaking background himself, I think it is a pretty low thing to say. Is the Leader of the Opposition saying that anyone without perfect diction, anyone from a non-English speaking background, should never aspire to be a minister? Is that what he is saying? That member purports to be a supporter of ethnic people. I am the first woman born in a non-English speaking country to be elected to this Parliament, and I hope that I am not the last. I would have expected better of the Leader of the Opposition and I am sure many people in the community would have expected better from him in that regard.
Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : No, but because it was not question time, I had already scheduled an appointment with the sector heads; namely, the Director General of the Department of Education and Training; Audrey Jackson from the Independent Schools Commission; Ron Dullard, from the Catholic Education Office; Mr Dave Axworthy from the Curriculum Council; the independent union representatives; the WA State School Teachers Union representatives; and additional people, because we are making progress and moving forward on a number of issues. As a member of Parliament, I have never experienced such a personalised campaign targeted at me. Many things have been said, most of which I can bat aside and tell myself to get on with it. However, I did take offence at what the Leader of the Opposition said a couple of days ago about my diction showing that I should not be the Minister for Education and Training. I just want to make this point, Mr President, because it is very important - The PRESIDENT : I am aware that the minister is making a point that she wishes to make but I trust she is not alluding to a debate in the other place. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : No, I am not. The point I am making is that that is probably one of the nastiest things that somebody could say - Hon Simon O’Brien : Pot calling the kettle black! Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : Hang on! English is not my first language and for somebody who comes from a non-English speaking background himself, I think it is a pretty low thing to say. Is the Leader of the Opposition saying that anyone without perfect diction, anyone from a non-English speaking background, should never aspire to be a minister? Is that what he is saying? That member purports to be a supporter of ethnic people. I am the first woman born in a non-English speaking country to be elected to this Parliament, and I hope that I am not the last. I would have expected better of the Leader of the Opposition and I am sure many people in the community would have expected better from him in that regard.
As a member of Parliament, I have never experienced such a personalised campaign targeted at me. Many things have been said, most of which I can bat aside and tell myself to get on with it. However, I did take offence at what the Leader of the Opposition said a couple of days ago about my diction showing that I should not be the Minister for Education and Training. I just want to make this point, Mr President, because it is very important - The PRESIDENT : I am aware that the minister is making a point that she wishes to make but I trust she is not alluding to a debate in the other place. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : No, I am not. The point I am making is that that is probably one of the nastiest things that somebody could say - Hon Simon O’Brien : Pot calling the kettle black! Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : Hang on! English is not my first language and for somebody who comes from a non-English speaking background himself, I think it is a pretty low thing to say. Is the Leader of the Opposition saying that anyone without perfect diction, anyone from a non-English speaking background, should never aspire to be a minister? Is that what he is saying? That member purports to be a supporter of ethnic people. I am the first woman born in a non-English speaking country to be elected to this Parliament, and I hope that I am not the last. I would have expected better of the Leader of the Opposition and I am sure many people in the community would have expected better from him in that regard.
The PRESIDENT : I am aware that the minister is making a point that she wishes to make but I trust she is not alluding to a debate in the other place. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : No, I am not. The point I am making is that that is probably one of the nastiest things that somebody could say - Hon Simon O’Brien : Pot calling the kettle black! Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : Hang on! English is not my first language and for somebody who comes from a non-English speaking background himself, I think it is a pretty low thing to say. Is the Leader of the Opposition saying that anyone without perfect diction, anyone from a non-English speaking background, should never aspire to be a minister? Is that what he is saying? That member purports to be a supporter of ethnic people. I am the first woman born in a non-English speaking country to be elected to this Parliament, and I hope that I am not the last. I would have expected better of the Leader of the Opposition and I am sure many people in the community would have expected better from him in that regard.
Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : No, I am not. The point I am making is that that is probably one of the nastiest things that somebody could say - Hon Simon O’Brien : Pot calling the kettle black! Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : Hang on! English is not my first language and for somebody who comes from a non-English speaking background himself, I think it is a pretty low thing to say. Is the Leader of the Opposition saying that anyone without perfect diction, anyone from a non-English speaking background, should never aspire to be a minister? Is that what he is saying? That member purports to be a supporter of ethnic people. I am the first woman born in a non-English speaking country to be elected to this Parliament, and I hope that I am not the last. I would have expected better of the Leader of the Opposition and I am sure many people in the community would have expected better from him in that regard.
Hon Simon O’Brien : Pot calling the kettle black! Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : Hang on! English is not my first language and for somebody who comes from a non-English speaking background himself, I think it is a pretty low thing to say. Is the Leader of the Opposition saying that anyone without perfect diction, anyone from a non-English speaking background, should never aspire to be a minister? Is that what he is saying? That member purports to be a supporter of ethnic people. I am the first woman born in a non-English speaking country to be elected to this Parliament, and I hope that I am not the last. I would have expected better of the Leader of the Opposition and I am sure many people in the community would have expected better from him in that regard.
Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : Hang on! English is not my first language and for somebody who comes from a non-English speaking background himself, I think it is a pretty low thing to say. Is the Leader of the Opposition saying that anyone without perfect diction, anyone from a non-English speaking background, should never aspire to be a minister? Is that what he is saying? That member purports to be a supporter of ethnic people. I am the first woman born in a non-English speaking country to be elected to this Parliament, and I hope that I am not the last. I would have expected better of the Leader of the Opposition and I am sure many people in the community would have expected better from him in that regard.
(1) How many teachers need to come to the minister’s attention for her to take notice? (2) Was the reason she did not attend the rally that she wanted to continue her policy of refusing to negotiate with teachers, or was it because the Premier directed her to butt out because of her incompetence, or did she simply lack the guts to do so? The PRESIDENT : Order! I note the question was asked in relative silence. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH replied: (1)-(2) I thank the honourable member; I am very pleased to have that question. I do not want to put a number on it, but I think the 100 teachers out of 30 000 in the state are probably not the best indicator of the feeling in the community. I asked my appointment secretary whether I had received an invitation to be present at the rally. She said that she was sorry, but I had not received a request to address it. I probably would have said no even if I had received an invitation because 4.30 pm on Wednesday is usually question time, when I would be in the Parliament doing this job. Hon Simon O’Brien : It was not at question time yesterday, was it? Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : No, but because it was not question time, I had already scheduled an appointment with the sector heads; namely, the Director General of the Department of Education and Training; Audrey Jackson from the Independent Schools Commission; Ron Dullard, from the Catholic Education Office; Mr Dave Axworthy from the Curriculum Council; the independent union representatives; the WA State School Teachers Union representatives; and additional people, because we are making progress and moving forward on a number of issues. As a member of Parliament, I have never experienced such a personalised campaign targeted at me. Many things have been said, most of which I can bat aside and tell myself to get on with it. However, I did take offence at what the Leader of the Opposition said a couple of days ago about my diction showing that I should not be the Minister for Education and Training. I just want to make this point, Mr President, because it is very important - The PRESIDENT : I am aware that the minister is making a point that she wishes to make but I trust she is not alluding to a debate in the other place. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : No, I am not. The point I am making is that that is probably one of the nastiest things that somebody could say - Hon Simon O’Brien : Pot calling the kettle black! Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : Hang on! English is not my first language and for somebody who comes from a non-English speaking background himself, I think it is a pretty low thing to say. Is the Leader of the Opposition saying that anyone without perfect diction, anyone from a non-English speaking background, should never aspire to be a minister? Is that what he is saying? That member purports to be a supporter of ethnic people. I am the first woman born in a non-English speaking country to be elected to this Parliament, and I hope that I am not the last. I would have expected better of the Leader of the Opposition and I am sure many people in the community would have expected better from him in that regard.
(2) Was the reason she did not attend the rally that she wanted to continue her policy of refusing to negotiate with teachers, or was it because the Premier directed her to butt out because of her incompetence, or did she simply lack the guts to do so? The PRESIDENT : Order! I note the question was asked in relative silence. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH replied: (1)-(2) I thank the honourable member; I am very pleased to have that question. I do not want to put a number on it, but I think the 100 teachers out of 30 000 in the state are probably not the best indicator of the feeling in the community. I asked my appointment secretary whether I had received an invitation to be present at the rally. She said that she was sorry, but I had not received a request to address it. I probably would have said no even if I had received an invitation because 4.30 pm on Wednesday is usually question time, when I would be in the Parliament doing this job. Hon Simon O’Brien : It was not at question time yesterday, was it? Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : No, but because it was not question time, I had already scheduled an appointment with the sector heads; namely, the Director General of the Department of Education and Training; Audrey Jackson from the Independent Schools Commission; Ron Dullard, from the Catholic Education Office; Mr Dave Axworthy from the Curriculum Council; the independent union representatives; the WA State School Teachers Union representatives; and additional people, because we are making progress and moving forward on a number of issues. As a member of Parliament, I have never experienced such a personalised campaign targeted at me. Many things have been said, most of which I can bat aside and tell myself to get on with it. However, I did take offence at what the Leader of the Opposition said a couple of days ago about my diction showing that I should not be the Minister for Education and Training. I just want to make this point, Mr President, because it is very important - The PRESIDENT : I am aware that the minister is making a point that she wishes to make but I trust she is not alluding to a debate in the other place. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : No, I am not. The point I am making is that that is probably one of the nastiest things that somebody could say - Hon Simon O’Brien : Pot calling the kettle black! Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : Hang on! English is not my first language and for somebody who comes from a non-English speaking background himself, I think it is a pretty low thing to say. Is the Leader of the Opposition saying that anyone without perfect diction, anyone from a non-English speaking background, should never aspire to be a minister? Is that what he is saying? That member purports to be a supporter of ethnic people. I am the first woman born in a non-English speaking country to be elected to this Parliament, and I hope that I am not the last. I would have expected better of the Leader of the Opposition and I am sure many people in the community would have expected better from him in that regard.
The PRESIDENT : Order! I note the question was asked in relative silence. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH replied: (1)-(2) I thank the honourable member; I am very pleased to have that question. I do not want to put a number on it, but I think the 100 teachers out of 30 000 in the state are probably not the best indicator of the feeling in the community. I asked my appointment secretary whether I had received an invitation to be present at the rally. She said that she was sorry, but I had not received a request to address it. I probably would have said no even if I had received an invitation because 4.30 pm on Wednesday is usually question time, when I would be in the Parliament doing this job. Hon Simon O’Brien : It was not at question time yesterday, was it? Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : No, but because it was not question time, I had already scheduled an appointment with the sector heads; namely, the Director General of the Department of Education and Training; Audrey Jackson from the Independent Schools Commission; Ron Dullard, from the Catholic Education Office; Mr Dave Axworthy from the Curriculum Council; the independent union representatives; the WA State School Teachers Union representatives; and additional people, because we are making progress and moving forward on a number of issues. As a member of Parliament, I have never experienced such a personalised campaign targeted at me. Many things have been said, most of which I can bat aside and tell myself to get on with it. However, I did take offence at what the Leader of the Opposition said a couple of days ago about my diction showing that I should not be the Minister for Education and Training. I just want to make this point, Mr President, because it is very important - The PRESIDENT : I am aware that the minister is making a point that she wishes to make but I trust she is not alluding to a debate in the other place. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : No, I am not. The point I am making is that that is probably one of the nastiest things that somebody could say - Hon Simon O’Brien : Pot calling the kettle black! Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : Hang on! English is not my first language and for somebody who comes from a non-English speaking background himself, I think it is a pretty low thing to say. Is the Leader of the Opposition saying that anyone without perfect diction, anyone from a non-English speaking background, should never aspire to be a minister? Is that what he is saying? That member purports to be a supporter of ethnic people. I am the first woman born in a non-English speaking country to be elected to this Parliament, and I hope that I am not the last. I would have expected better of the Leader of the Opposition and I am sure many people in the community would have expected better from him in that regard.
Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH replied: (1)-(2) I thank the honourable member; I am very pleased to have that question. I do not want to put a number on it, but I think the 100 teachers out of 30 000 in the state are probably not the best indicator of the feeling in the community. I asked my appointment secretary whether I had received an invitation to be present at the rally. She said that she was sorry, but I had not received a request to address it. I probably would have said no even if I had received an invitation because 4.30 pm on Wednesday is usually question time, when I would be in the Parliament doing this job. Hon Simon O’Brien : It was not at question time yesterday, was it? Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : No, but because it was not question time, I had already scheduled an appointment with the sector heads; namely, the Director General of the Department of Education and Training; Audrey Jackson from the Independent Schools Commission; Ron Dullard, from the Catholic Education Office; Mr Dave Axworthy from the Curriculum Council; the independent union representatives; the WA State School Teachers Union representatives; and additional people, because we are making progress and moving forward on a number of issues. As a member of Parliament, I have never experienced such a personalised campaign targeted at me. Many things have been said, most of which I can bat aside and tell myself to get on with it. However, I did take offence at what the Leader of the Opposition said a couple of days ago about my diction showing that I should not be the Minister for Education and Training. I just want to make this point, Mr President, because it is very important - The PRESIDENT : I am aware that the minister is making a point that she wishes to make but I trust she is not alluding to a debate in the other place. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : No, I am not. The point I am making is that that is probably one of the nastiest things that somebody could say - Hon Simon O’Brien : Pot calling the kettle black! Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : Hang on! English is not my first language and for somebody who comes from a non-English speaking background himself, I think it is a pretty low thing to say. Is the Leader of the Opposition saying that anyone without perfect diction, anyone from a non-English speaking background, should never aspire to be a minister? Is that what he is saying? That member purports to be a supporter of ethnic people. I am the first woman born in a non-English speaking country to be elected to this Parliament, and I hope that I am not the last. I would have expected better of the Leader of the Opposition and I am sure many people in the community would have expected better from him in that regard.
(1)-(2) I thank the honourable member; I am very pleased to have that question. I do not want to put a number on it, but I think the 100 teachers out of 30 000 in the state are probably not the best indicator of the feeling in the community. I asked my appointment secretary whether I had received an invitation to be present at the rally. She said that she was sorry, but I had not received a request to address it. I probably would have said no even if I had received an invitation because 4.30 pm on Wednesday is usually question time, when I would be in the Parliament doing this job. Hon Simon O’Brien : It was not at question time yesterday, was it? Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : No, but because it was not question time, I had already scheduled an appointment with the sector heads; namely, the Director General of the Department of Education and Training; Audrey Jackson from the Independent Schools Commission; Ron Dullard, from the Catholic Education Office; Mr Dave Axworthy from the Curriculum Council; the independent union representatives; the WA State School Teachers Union representatives; and additional people, because we are making progress and moving forward on a number of issues. As a member of Parliament, I have never experienced such a personalised campaign targeted at me. Many things have been said, most of which I can bat aside and tell myself to get on with it. However, I did take offence at what the Leader of the Opposition said a couple of days ago about my diction showing that I should not be the Minister for Education and Training. I just want to make this point, Mr President, because it is very important - The PRESIDENT : I am aware that the minister is making a point that she wishes to make but I trust she is not alluding to a debate in the other place. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : No, I am not. The point I am making is that that is probably one of the nastiest things that somebody could say - Hon Simon O’Brien : Pot calling the kettle black! Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : Hang on! English is not my first language and for somebody who comes from a non-English speaking background himself, I think it is a pretty low thing to say. Is the Leader of the Opposition saying that anyone without perfect diction, anyone from a non-English speaking background, should never aspire to be a minister? Is that what he is saying? That member purports to be a supporter of ethnic people. I am the first woman born in a non-English speaking country to be elected to this Parliament, and I hope that I am not the last. I would have expected better of the Leader of the Opposition and I am sure many people in the community would have expected better from him in that regard.
Hon Simon O’Brien : It was not at question time yesterday, was it? Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : No, but because it was not question time, I had already scheduled an appointment with the sector heads; namely, the Director General of the Department of Education and Training; Audrey Jackson from the Independent Schools Commission; Ron Dullard, from the Catholic Education Office; Mr Dave Axworthy from the Curriculum Council; the independent union representatives; the WA State School Teachers Union representatives; and additional people, because we are making progress and moving forward on a number of issues. As a member of Parliament, I have never experienced such a personalised campaign targeted at me. Many things have been said, most of which I can bat aside and tell myself to get on with it. However, I did take offence at what the Leader of the Opposition said a couple of days ago about my diction showing that I should not be the Minister for Education and Training. I just want to make this point, Mr President, because it is very important - The PRESIDENT : I am aware that the minister is making a point that she wishes to make but I trust she is not alluding to a debate in the other place. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : No, I am not. The point I am making is that that is probably one of the nastiest things that somebody could say - Hon Simon O’Brien : Pot calling the kettle black! Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : Hang on! English is not my first language and for somebody who comes from a non-English speaking background himself, I think it is a pretty low thing to say. Is the Leader of the Opposition saying that anyone without perfect diction, anyone from a non-English speaking background, should never aspire to be a minister? Is that what he is saying? That member purports to be a supporter of ethnic people. I am the first woman born in a non-English speaking country to be elected to this Parliament, and I hope that I am not the last. I would have expected better of the Leader of the Opposition and I am sure many people in the community would have expected better from him in that regard.
Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : No, but because it was not question time, I had already scheduled an appointment with the sector heads; namely, the Director General of the Department of Education and Training; Audrey Jackson from the Independent Schools Commission; Ron Dullard, from the Catholic Education Office; Mr Dave Axworthy from the Curriculum Council; the independent union representatives; the WA State School Teachers Union representatives; and additional people, because we are making progress and moving forward on a number of issues. As a member of Parliament, I have never experienced such a personalised campaign targeted at me. Many things have been said, most of which I can bat aside and tell myself to get on with it. However, I did take offence at what the Leader of the Opposition said a couple of days ago about my diction showing that I should not be the Minister for Education and Training. I just want to make this point, Mr President, because it is very important - The PRESIDENT : I am aware that the minister is making a point that she wishes to make but I trust she is not alluding to a debate in the other place. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : No, I am not. The point I am making is that that is probably one of the nastiest things that somebody could say - Hon Simon O’Brien : Pot calling the kettle black! Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : Hang on! English is not my first language and for somebody who comes from a non-English speaking background himself, I think it is a pretty low thing to say. Is the Leader of the Opposition saying that anyone without perfect diction, anyone from a non-English speaking background, should never aspire to be a minister? Is that what he is saying? That member purports to be a supporter of ethnic people. I am the first woman born in a non-English speaking country to be elected to this Parliament, and I hope that I am not the last. I would have expected better of the Leader of the Opposition and I am sure many people in the community would have expected better from him in that regard.
As a member of Parliament, I have never experienced such a personalised campaign targeted at me. Many things have been said, most of which I can bat aside and tell myself to get on with it. However, I did take offence at what the Leader of the Opposition said a couple of days ago about my diction showing that I should not be the Minister for Education and Training. I just want to make this point, Mr President, because it is very important - The PRESIDENT : I am aware that the minister is making a point that she wishes to make but I trust she is not alluding to a debate in the other place. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : No, I am not. The point I am making is that that is probably one of the nastiest things that somebody could say - Hon Simon O’Brien : Pot calling the kettle black! Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : Hang on! English is not my first language and for somebody who comes from a non-English speaking background himself, I think it is a pretty low thing to say. Is the Leader of the Opposition saying that anyone without perfect diction, anyone from a non-English speaking background, should never aspire to be a minister? Is that what he is saying? That member purports to be a supporter of ethnic people. I am the first woman born in a non-English speaking country to be elected to this Parliament, and I hope that I am not the last. I would have expected better of the Leader of the Opposition and I am sure many people in the community would have expected better from him in that regard.
The PRESIDENT : I am aware that the minister is making a point that she wishes to make but I trust she is not alluding to a debate in the other place. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : No, I am not. The point I am making is that that is probably one of the nastiest things that somebody could say - Hon Simon O’Brien : Pot calling the kettle black! Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : Hang on! English is not my first language and for somebody who comes from a non-English speaking background himself, I think it is a pretty low thing to say. Is the Leader of the Opposition saying that anyone without perfect diction, anyone from a non-English speaking background, should never aspire to be a minister? Is that what he is saying? That member purports to be a supporter of ethnic people. I am the first woman born in a non-English speaking country to be elected to this Parliament, and I hope that I am not the last. I would have expected better of the Leader of the Opposition and I am sure many people in the community would have expected better from him in that regard.
Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : No, I am not. The point I am making is that that is probably one of the nastiest things that somebody could say - Hon Simon O’Brien : Pot calling the kettle black! Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : Hang on! English is not my first language and for somebody who comes from a non-English speaking background himself, I think it is a pretty low thing to say. Is the Leader of the Opposition saying that anyone without perfect diction, anyone from a non-English speaking background, should never aspire to be a minister? Is that what he is saying? That member purports to be a supporter of ethnic people. I am the first woman born in a non-English speaking country to be elected to this Parliament, and I hope that I am not the last. I would have expected better of the Leader of the Opposition and I am sure many people in the community would have expected better from him in that regard.
Hon Simon O’Brien : Pot calling the kettle black! Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : Hang on! English is not my first language and for somebody who comes from a non-English speaking background himself, I think it is a pretty low thing to say. Is the Leader of the Opposition saying that anyone without perfect diction, anyone from a non-English speaking background, should never aspire to be a minister? Is that what he is saying? That member purports to be a supporter of ethnic people. I am the first woman born in a non-English speaking country to be elected to this Parliament, and I hope that I am not the last. I would have expected better of the Leader of the Opposition and I am sure many people in the community would have expected better from him in that regard.
Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : Hang on! English is not my first language and for somebody who comes from a non-English speaking background himself, I think it is a pretty low thing to say. Is the Leader of the Opposition saying that anyone without perfect diction, anyone from a non-English speaking background, should never aspire to be a minister? Is that what he is saying? That member purports to be a supporter of ethnic people. I am the first woman born in a non-English speaking country to be elected to this Parliament, and I hope that I am not the last. I would have expected better of the Leader of the Opposition and I am sure many people in the community would have expected better from him in that regard.
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