❓ Question regarding the government's intention to withdraw the Electoral Amendment Bill 2001 following the Greens (WA) conditional support. The Minister emphatically states the Bill will not be withdrawn and criticises the Greens' position.
AnsweredQoN 390Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
ELECTORAL AMENDMENT BILL 2001, WITHDRAWAL
It was reported in The West Australian today on page 8 that the Greens (WA) last night announced that it would not support the Government’s Electoral Amendment Bill 2001 unless major changes were made, including a provision for two extra members in the Legislative Council. Does the minister intend to capitulate to the Greens (WA) and withdraw the Bill? Opposition members: Yes! Mr McGINTY
It was reported in The West Australian today on page 8 that the Greens (WA) last night announced that it would not support the Government’s Electoral Amendment Bill 2001 unless major changes were made, including a provision for two extra members in the Legislative Council. Does the minister intend to capitulate to the Greens (WA) and withdraw the Bill? Opposition members: Yes! Mr McGINTY
AnswerView source ↗
That is wishful thinking! The answer to the member for Girrawheen’s question is a clear and emphatic no. The Government will not withdraw the Bill. I am bitterly disappointed by the response the Greens (WA) gave yesterday. The written policy of the Greens, which it campaigned on during the election, includes one vote, one value. Its position until yesterday was support - Mr Graham: Don’t you wish you had referred it to a committee now? Mr Barnett: Bring it back here and have another go. Mr McGINTY: We might have to. Until yesterday, the Greens supported this legislation. Although the Greens indicated in-principle support for the Bill, they are now attaching a condition to that support. A gun has been pointed at the Government’s head and unless it agrees to increase the size of the Legislative Council by two members, the Greens will vote down legislation that its members believe in. The Greens have adopted an incredibly unprincipled position. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr McGINTY: I thought members might appreciate that. Mr Cowan: Is that a precursor to, “I really stood by my principles, but my Cabinet rolled me”? Is that coming next? Mr McGINTY: When members talk about principle, they should remember one thing - every Parliament in Australia except that of Western Australia accepts the principle of electoral equality and applies the principle of one vote, one value. Both Houses of Parliament in Western Australia offend that fundamental democratic principle. There is no doubt that the Greens are playing political hard ball. Several members interjected. Mr McGINTY: I thought I would share that with members. The SPEAKER: This question is being elongated because of the number of interjections. Please allow the minister to finish. Mr McGINTY: I inform the House that the Government does not intend to discard the principle because of the intransigence and unprincipled position adopted by the Greens. The Government will continue to negotiate with the Greens. I also extend this offer to members opposite, who have so far successfully dealt themselves completely out of the debate by continually adopting a negative stance by saying, “We are just going to say no.” I extend a chance for those members to participate and to have a say in the future structure of this Parliament, rather than to bury their heads in the sand and look like ostriches, which is exactly the way they are coming across. This side of the House will continue to fight for the principle that we regard as crucially important to the integrity of this Parliament.
Opposition members: Yes! Mr McGINTY replied: That is wishful thinking! The answer to the member for Girrawheen’s question is a clear and emphatic no. The Government will not withdraw the Bill. I am bitterly disappointed by the response the Greens (WA) gave yesterday. The written policy of the Greens, which it campaigned on during the election, includes one vote, one value. Its position until yesterday was support - Mr Graham: Don’t you wish you had referred it to a committee now? Mr Barnett: Bring it back here and have another go. Mr McGINTY: We might have to. Until yesterday, the Greens supported this legislation. Although the Greens indicated in-principle support for the Bill, they are now attaching a condition to that support. A gun has been pointed at the Government’s head and unless it agrees to increase the size of the Legislative Council by two members, the Greens will vote down legislation that its members believe in. The Greens have adopted an incredibly unprincipled position. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr McGINTY: I thought members might appreciate that. Mr Cowan: Is that a precursor to, “I really stood by my principles, but my Cabinet rolled me”? Is that coming next? Mr McGINTY: When members talk about principle, they should remember one thing - every Parliament in Australia except that of Western Australia accepts the principle of electoral equality and applies the principle of one vote, one value. Both Houses of Parliament in Western Australia offend that fundamental democratic principle. There is no doubt that the Greens are playing political hard ball. Several members interjected. Mr McGINTY: I thought I would share that with members. The SPEAKER: This question is being elongated because of the number of interjections. Please allow the minister to finish. Mr McGINTY: I inform the House that the Government does not intend to discard the principle because of the intransigence and unprincipled position adopted by the Greens. The Government will continue to negotiate with the Greens. I also extend this offer to members opposite, who have so far successfully dealt themselves completely out of the debate by continually adopting a negative stance by saying, “We are just going to say no.” I extend a chance for those members to participate and to have a say in the future structure of this Parliament, rather than to bury their heads in the sand and look like ostriches, which is exactly the way they are coming across. This side of the House will continue to fight for the principle that we regard as crucially important to the integrity of this Parliament.
Mr McGINTY replied: That is wishful thinking! The answer to the member for Girrawheen’s question is a clear and emphatic no. The Government will not withdraw the Bill. I am bitterly disappointed by the response the Greens (WA) gave yesterday. The written policy of the Greens, which it campaigned on during the election, includes one vote, one value. Its position until yesterday was support - Mr Graham: Don’t you wish you had referred it to a committee now? Mr Barnett: Bring it back here and have another go. Mr McGINTY: We might have to. Until yesterday, the Greens supported this legislation. Although the Greens indicated in-principle support for the Bill, they are now attaching a condition to that support. A gun has been pointed at the Government’s head and unless it agrees to increase the size of the Legislative Council by two members, the Greens will vote down legislation that its members believe in. The Greens have adopted an incredibly unprincipled position. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr McGINTY: I thought members might appreciate that. Mr Cowan: Is that a precursor to, “I really stood by my principles, but my Cabinet rolled me”? Is that coming next? Mr McGINTY: When members talk about principle, they should remember one thing - every Parliament in Australia except that of Western Australia accepts the principle of electoral equality and applies the principle of one vote, one value. Both Houses of Parliament in Western Australia offend that fundamental democratic principle. There is no doubt that the Greens are playing political hard ball. Several members interjected. Mr McGINTY: I thought I would share that with members. The SPEAKER: This question is being elongated because of the number of interjections. Please allow the minister to finish. Mr McGINTY: I inform the House that the Government does not intend to discard the principle because of the intransigence and unprincipled position adopted by the Greens. The Government will continue to negotiate with the Greens. I also extend this offer to members opposite, who have so far successfully dealt themselves completely out of the debate by continually adopting a negative stance by saying, “We are just going to say no.” I extend a chance for those members to participate and to have a say in the future structure of this Parliament, rather than to bury their heads in the sand and look like ostriches, which is exactly the way they are coming across. This side of the House will continue to fight for the principle that we regard as crucially important to the integrity of this Parliament.
That is wishful thinking! The answer to the member for Girrawheen’s question is a clear and emphatic no. The Government will not withdraw the Bill. I am bitterly disappointed by the response the Greens (WA) gave yesterday. The written policy of the Greens, which it campaigned on during the election, includes one vote, one value. Its position until yesterday was support - Mr Graham: Don’t you wish you had referred it to a committee now? Mr Barnett: Bring it back here and have another go. Mr McGINTY: We might have to. Until yesterday, the Greens supported this legislation. Although the Greens indicated in-principle support for the Bill, they are now attaching a condition to that support. A gun has been pointed at the Government’s head and unless it agrees to increase the size of the Legislative Council by two members, the Greens will vote down legislation that its members believe in. The Greens have adopted an incredibly unprincipled position. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr McGINTY: I thought members might appreciate that. Mr Cowan: Is that a precursor to, “I really stood by my principles, but my Cabinet rolled me”? Is that coming next? Mr McGINTY: When members talk about principle, they should remember one thing - every Parliament in Australia except that of Western Australia accepts the principle of electoral equality and applies the principle of one vote, one value. Both Houses of Parliament in Western Australia offend that fundamental democratic principle. There is no doubt that the Greens are playing political hard ball. Several members interjected. Mr McGINTY: I thought I would share that with members. The SPEAKER: This question is being elongated because of the number of interjections. Please allow the minister to finish. Mr McGINTY: I inform the House that the Government does not intend to discard the principle because of the intransigence and unprincipled position adopted by the Greens. The Government will continue to negotiate with the Greens. I also extend this offer to members opposite, who have so far successfully dealt themselves completely out of the debate by continually adopting a negative stance by saying, “We are just going to say no.” I extend a chance for those members to participate and to have a say in the future structure of this Parliament, rather than to bury their heads in the sand and look like ostriches, which is exactly the way they are coming across. This side of the House will continue to fight for the principle that we regard as crucially important to the integrity of this Parliament.
Mr Graham: Don’t you wish you had referred it to a committee now? Mr Barnett: Bring it back here and have another go. Mr McGINTY: We might have to. Until yesterday, the Greens supported this legislation. Although the Greens indicated in-principle support for the Bill, they are now attaching a condition to that support. A gun has been pointed at the Government’s head and unless it agrees to increase the size of the Legislative Council by two members, the Greens will vote down legislation that its members believe in. The Greens have adopted an incredibly unprincipled position. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr McGINTY: I thought members might appreciate that. Mr Cowan: Is that a precursor to, “I really stood by my principles, but my Cabinet rolled me”? Is that coming next? Mr McGINTY: When members talk about principle, they should remember one thing - every Parliament in Australia except that of Western Australia accepts the principle of electoral equality and applies the principle of one vote, one value. Both Houses of Parliament in Western Australia offend that fundamental democratic principle. There is no doubt that the Greens are playing political hard ball. Several members interjected. Mr McGINTY: I thought I would share that with members. The SPEAKER: This question is being elongated because of the number of interjections. Please allow the minister to finish. Mr McGINTY: I inform the House that the Government does not intend to discard the principle because of the intransigence and unprincipled position adopted by the Greens. The Government will continue to negotiate with the Greens. I also extend this offer to members opposite, who have so far successfully dealt themselves completely out of the debate by continually adopting a negative stance by saying, “We are just going to say no.” I extend a chance for those members to participate and to have a say in the future structure of this Parliament, rather than to bury their heads in the sand and look like ostriches, which is exactly the way they are coming across. This side of the House will continue to fight for the principle that we regard as crucially important to the integrity of this Parliament.
Mr Barnett: Bring it back here and have another go. Mr McGINTY: We might have to. Until yesterday, the Greens supported this legislation. Although the Greens indicated in-principle support for the Bill, they are now attaching a condition to that support. A gun has been pointed at the Government’s head and unless it agrees to increase the size of the Legislative Council by two members, the Greens will vote down legislation that its members believe in. The Greens have adopted an incredibly unprincipled position. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr McGINTY: I thought members might appreciate that. Mr Cowan: Is that a precursor to, “I really stood by my principles, but my Cabinet rolled me”? Is that coming next? Mr McGINTY: When members talk about principle, they should remember one thing - every Parliament in Australia except that of Western Australia accepts the principle of electoral equality and applies the principle of one vote, one value. Both Houses of Parliament in Western Australia offend that fundamental democratic principle. There is no doubt that the Greens are playing political hard ball. Several members interjected. Mr McGINTY: I thought I would share that with members. The SPEAKER: This question is being elongated because of the number of interjections. Please allow the minister to finish. Mr McGINTY: I inform the House that the Government does not intend to discard the principle because of the intransigence and unprincipled position adopted by the Greens. The Government will continue to negotiate with the Greens. I also extend this offer to members opposite, who have so far successfully dealt themselves completely out of the debate by continually adopting a negative stance by saying, “We are just going to say no.” I extend a chance for those members to participate and to have a say in the future structure of this Parliament, rather than to bury their heads in the sand and look like ostriches, which is exactly the way they are coming across. This side of the House will continue to fight for the principle that we regard as crucially important to the integrity of this Parliament.
Mr McGINTY: We might have to. Until yesterday, the Greens supported this legislation. Although the Greens indicated in-principle support for the Bill, they are now attaching a condition to that support. A gun has been pointed at the Government’s head and unless it agrees to increase the size of the Legislative Council by two members, the Greens will vote down legislation that its members believe in. The Greens have adopted an incredibly unprincipled position. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr McGINTY: I thought members might appreciate that. Mr Cowan: Is that a precursor to, “I really stood by my principles, but my Cabinet rolled me”? Is that coming next? Mr McGINTY: When members talk about principle, they should remember one thing - every Parliament in Australia except that of Western Australia accepts the principle of electoral equality and applies the principle of one vote, one value. Both Houses of Parliament in Western Australia offend that fundamental democratic principle. There is no doubt that the Greens are playing political hard ball. Several members interjected. Mr McGINTY: I thought I would share that with members. The SPEAKER: This question is being elongated because of the number of interjections. Please allow the minister to finish. Mr McGINTY: I inform the House that the Government does not intend to discard the principle because of the intransigence and unprincipled position adopted by the Greens. The Government will continue to negotiate with the Greens. I also extend this offer to members opposite, who have so far successfully dealt themselves completely out of the debate by continually adopting a negative stance by saying, “We are just going to say no.” I extend a chance for those members to participate and to have a say in the future structure of this Parliament, rather than to bury their heads in the sand and look like ostriches, which is exactly the way they are coming across. This side of the House will continue to fight for the principle that we regard as crucially important to the integrity of this Parliament.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr McGINTY: I thought members might appreciate that. Mr Cowan: Is that a precursor to, “I really stood by my principles, but my Cabinet rolled me”? Is that coming next? Mr McGINTY: When members talk about principle, they should remember one thing - every Parliament in Australia except that of Western Australia accepts the principle of electoral equality and applies the principle of one vote, one value. Both Houses of Parliament in Western Australia offend that fundamental democratic principle. There is no doubt that the Greens are playing political hard ball. Several members interjected. Mr McGINTY: I thought I would share that with members. The SPEAKER: This question is being elongated because of the number of interjections. Please allow the minister to finish. Mr McGINTY: I inform the House that the Government does not intend to discard the principle because of the intransigence and unprincipled position adopted by the Greens. The Government will continue to negotiate with the Greens. I also extend this offer to members opposite, who have so far successfully dealt themselves completely out of the debate by continually adopting a negative stance by saying, “We are just going to say no.” I extend a chance for those members to participate and to have a say in the future structure of this Parliament, rather than to bury their heads in the sand and look like ostriches, which is exactly the way they are coming across. This side of the House will continue to fight for the principle that we regard as crucially important to the integrity of this Parliament.
The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr McGINTY: I thought members might appreciate that. Mr Cowan: Is that a precursor to, “I really stood by my principles, but my Cabinet rolled me”? Is that coming next? Mr McGINTY: When members talk about principle, they should remember one thing - every Parliament in Australia except that of Western Australia accepts the principle of electoral equality and applies the principle of one vote, one value. Both Houses of Parliament in Western Australia offend that fundamental democratic principle. There is no doubt that the Greens are playing political hard ball. Several members interjected. Mr McGINTY: I thought I would share that with members. The SPEAKER: This question is being elongated because of the number of interjections. Please allow the minister to finish. Mr McGINTY: I inform the House that the Government does not intend to discard the principle because of the intransigence and unprincipled position adopted by the Greens. The Government will continue to negotiate with the Greens. I also extend this offer to members opposite, who have so far successfully dealt themselves completely out of the debate by continually adopting a negative stance by saying, “We are just going to say no.” I extend a chance for those members to participate and to have a say in the future structure of this Parliament, rather than to bury their heads in the sand and look like ostriches, which is exactly the way they are coming across. This side of the House will continue to fight for the principle that we regard as crucially important to the integrity of this Parliament.
Mr McGINTY: I thought members might appreciate that. Mr Cowan: Is that a precursor to, “I really stood by my principles, but my Cabinet rolled me”? Is that coming next? Mr McGINTY: When members talk about principle, they should remember one thing - every Parliament in Australia except that of Western Australia accepts the principle of electoral equality and applies the principle of one vote, one value. Both Houses of Parliament in Western Australia offend that fundamental democratic principle. There is no doubt that the Greens are playing political hard ball. Several members interjected. Mr McGINTY: I thought I would share that with members. The SPEAKER: This question is being elongated because of the number of interjections. Please allow the minister to finish. Mr McGINTY: I inform the House that the Government does not intend to discard the principle because of the intransigence and unprincipled position adopted by the Greens. The Government will continue to negotiate with the Greens. I also extend this offer to members opposite, who have so far successfully dealt themselves completely out of the debate by continually adopting a negative stance by saying, “We are just going to say no.” I extend a chance for those members to participate and to have a say in the future structure of this Parliament, rather than to bury their heads in the sand and look like ostriches, which is exactly the way they are coming across. This side of the House will continue to fight for the principle that we regard as crucially important to the integrity of this Parliament.
Mr Cowan: Is that a precursor to, “I really stood by my principles, but my Cabinet rolled me”? Is that coming next? Mr McGINTY: When members talk about principle, they should remember one thing - every Parliament in Australia except that of Western Australia accepts the principle of electoral equality and applies the principle of one vote, one value. Both Houses of Parliament in Western Australia offend that fundamental democratic principle. There is no doubt that the Greens are playing political hard ball. Several members interjected. Mr McGINTY: I thought I would share that with members. The SPEAKER: This question is being elongated because of the number of interjections. Please allow the minister to finish. Mr McGINTY: I inform the House that the Government does not intend to discard the principle because of the intransigence and unprincipled position adopted by the Greens. The Government will continue to negotiate with the Greens. I also extend this offer to members opposite, who have so far successfully dealt themselves completely out of the debate by continually adopting a negative stance by saying, “We are just going to say no.” I extend a chance for those members to participate and to have a say in the future structure of this Parliament, rather than to bury their heads in the sand and look like ostriches, which is exactly the way they are coming across. This side of the House will continue to fight for the principle that we regard as crucially important to the integrity of this Parliament.
Mr McGINTY: When members talk about principle, they should remember one thing - every Parliament in Australia except that of Western Australia accepts the principle of electoral equality and applies the principle of one vote, one value. Both Houses of Parliament in Western Australia offend that fundamental democratic principle. There is no doubt that the Greens are playing political hard ball. Several members interjected. Mr McGINTY: I thought I would share that with members. The SPEAKER: This question is being elongated because of the number of interjections. Please allow the minister to finish. Mr McGINTY: I inform the House that the Government does not intend to discard the principle because of the intransigence and unprincipled position adopted by the Greens. The Government will continue to negotiate with the Greens. I also extend this offer to members opposite, who have so far successfully dealt themselves completely out of the debate by continually adopting a negative stance by saying, “We are just going to say no.” I extend a chance for those members to participate and to have a say in the future structure of this Parliament, rather than to bury their heads in the sand and look like ostriches, which is exactly the way they are coming across. This side of the House will continue to fight for the principle that we regard as crucially important to the integrity of this Parliament.
Several members interjected. Mr McGINTY: I thought I would share that with members. The SPEAKER: This question is being elongated because of the number of interjections. Please allow the minister to finish. Mr McGINTY: I inform the House that the Government does not intend to discard the principle because of the intransigence and unprincipled position adopted by the Greens. The Government will continue to negotiate with the Greens. I also extend this offer to members opposite, who have so far successfully dealt themselves completely out of the debate by continually adopting a negative stance by saying, “We are just going to say no.” I extend a chance for those members to participate and to have a say in the future structure of this Parliament, rather than to bury their heads in the sand and look like ostriches, which is exactly the way they are coming across. This side of the House will continue to fight for the principle that we regard as crucially important to the integrity of this Parliament.
Mr McGINTY: I thought I would share that with members. The SPEAKER: This question is being elongated because of the number of interjections. Please allow the minister to finish. Mr McGINTY: I inform the House that the Government does not intend to discard the principle because of the intransigence and unprincipled position adopted by the Greens. The Government will continue to negotiate with the Greens. I also extend this offer to members opposite, who have so far successfully dealt themselves completely out of the debate by continually adopting a negative stance by saying, “We are just going to say no.” I extend a chance for those members to participate and to have a say in the future structure of this Parliament, rather than to bury their heads in the sand and look like ostriches, which is exactly the way they are coming across. This side of the House will continue to fight for the principle that we regard as crucially important to the integrity of this Parliament.
The SPEAKER: This question is being elongated because of the number of interjections. Please allow the minister to finish. Mr McGINTY: I inform the House that the Government does not intend to discard the principle because of the intransigence and unprincipled position adopted by the Greens. The Government will continue to negotiate with the Greens. I also extend this offer to members opposite, who have so far successfully dealt themselves completely out of the debate by continually adopting a negative stance by saying, “We are just going to say no.” I extend a chance for those members to participate and to have a say in the future structure of this Parliament, rather than to bury their heads in the sand and look like ostriches, which is exactly the way they are coming across. This side of the House will continue to fight for the principle that we regard as crucially important to the integrity of this Parliament.
Mr McGINTY: I inform the House that the Government does not intend to discard the principle because of the intransigence and unprincipled position adopted by the Greens. The Government will continue to negotiate with the Greens. I also extend this offer to members opposite, who have so far successfully dealt themselves completely out of the debate by continually adopting a negative stance by saying, “We are just going to say no.” I extend a chance for those members to participate and to have a say in the future structure of this Parliament, rather than to bury their heads in the sand and look like ostriches, which is exactly the way they are coming across. This side of the House will continue to fight for the principle that we regard as crucially important to the integrity of this Parliament.
Opposition members: Yes! Mr McGINTY replied: That is wishful thinking! The answer to the member for Girrawheen’s question is a clear and emphatic no. The Government will not withdraw the Bill. I am bitterly disappointed by the response the Greens (WA) gave yesterday. The written policy of the Greens, which it campaigned on during the election, includes one vote, one value. Its position until yesterday was support - Mr Graham: Don’t you wish you had referred it to a committee now? Mr Barnett: Bring it back here and have another go. Mr McGINTY: We might have to. Until yesterday, the Greens supported this legislation. Although the Greens indicated in-principle support for the Bill, they are now attaching a condition to that support. A gun has been pointed at the Government’s head and unless it agrees to increase the size of the Legislative Council by two members, the Greens will vote down legislation that its members believe in. The Greens have adopted an incredibly unprincipled position. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr McGINTY: I thought members might appreciate that. Mr Cowan: Is that a precursor to, “I really stood by my principles, but my Cabinet rolled me”? Is that coming next? Mr McGINTY: When members talk about principle, they should remember one thing - every Parliament in Australia except that of Western Australia accepts the principle of electoral equality and applies the principle of one vote, one value. Both Houses of Parliament in Western Australia offend that fundamental democratic principle. There is no doubt that the Greens are playing political hard ball. Several members interjected. Mr McGINTY: I thought I would share that with members. The SPEAKER: This question is being elongated because of the number of interjections. Please allow the minister to finish. Mr McGINTY: I inform the House that the Government does not intend to discard the principle because of the intransigence and unprincipled position adopted by the Greens. The Government will continue to negotiate with the Greens. I also extend this offer to members opposite, who have so far successfully dealt themselves completely out of the debate by continually adopting a negative stance by saying, “We are just going to say no.” I extend a chance for those members to participate and to have a say in the future structure of this Parliament, rather than to bury their heads in the sand and look like ostriches, which is exactly the way they are coming across. This side of the House will continue to fight for the principle that we regard as crucially important to the integrity of this Parliament.
Mr McGINTY replied: That is wishful thinking! The answer to the member for Girrawheen’s question is a clear and emphatic no. The Government will not withdraw the Bill. I am bitterly disappointed by the response the Greens (WA) gave yesterday. The written policy of the Greens, which it campaigned on during the election, includes one vote, one value. Its position until yesterday was support - Mr Graham: Don’t you wish you had referred it to a committee now? Mr Barnett: Bring it back here and have another go. Mr McGINTY: We might have to. Until yesterday, the Greens supported this legislation. Although the Greens indicated in-principle support for the Bill, they are now attaching a condition to that support. A gun has been pointed at the Government’s head and unless it agrees to increase the size of the Legislative Council by two members, the Greens will vote down legislation that its members believe in. The Greens have adopted an incredibly unprincipled position. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr McGINTY: I thought members might appreciate that. Mr Cowan: Is that a precursor to, “I really stood by my principles, but my Cabinet rolled me”? Is that coming next? Mr McGINTY: When members talk about principle, they should remember one thing - every Parliament in Australia except that of Western Australia accepts the principle of electoral equality and applies the principle of one vote, one value. Both Houses of Parliament in Western Australia offend that fundamental democratic principle. There is no doubt that the Greens are playing political hard ball. Several members interjected. Mr McGINTY: I thought I would share that with members. The SPEAKER: This question is being elongated because of the number of interjections. Please allow the minister to finish. Mr McGINTY: I inform the House that the Government does not intend to discard the principle because of the intransigence and unprincipled position adopted by the Greens. The Government will continue to negotiate with the Greens. I also extend this offer to members opposite, who have so far successfully dealt themselves completely out of the debate by continually adopting a negative stance by saying, “We are just going to say no.” I extend a chance for those members to participate and to have a say in the future structure of this Parliament, rather than to bury their heads in the sand and look like ostriches, which is exactly the way they are coming across. This side of the House will continue to fight for the principle that we regard as crucially important to the integrity of this Parliament.
That is wishful thinking! The answer to the member for Girrawheen’s question is a clear and emphatic no. The Government will not withdraw the Bill. I am bitterly disappointed by the response the Greens (WA) gave yesterday. The written policy of the Greens, which it campaigned on during the election, includes one vote, one value. Its position until yesterday was support - Mr Graham: Don’t you wish you had referred it to a committee now? Mr Barnett: Bring it back here and have another go. Mr McGINTY: We might have to. Until yesterday, the Greens supported this legislation. Although the Greens indicated in-principle support for the Bill, they are now attaching a condition to that support. A gun has been pointed at the Government’s head and unless it agrees to increase the size of the Legislative Council by two members, the Greens will vote down legislation that its members believe in. The Greens have adopted an incredibly unprincipled position. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr McGINTY: I thought members might appreciate that. Mr Cowan: Is that a precursor to, “I really stood by my principles, but my Cabinet rolled me”? Is that coming next? Mr McGINTY: When members talk about principle, they should remember one thing - every Parliament in Australia except that of Western Australia accepts the principle of electoral equality and applies the principle of one vote, one value. Both Houses of Parliament in Western Australia offend that fundamental democratic principle. There is no doubt that the Greens are playing political hard ball. Several members interjected. Mr McGINTY: I thought I would share that with members. The SPEAKER: This question is being elongated because of the number of interjections. Please allow the minister to finish. Mr McGINTY: I inform the House that the Government does not intend to discard the principle because of the intransigence and unprincipled position adopted by the Greens. The Government will continue to negotiate with the Greens. I also extend this offer to members opposite, who have so far successfully dealt themselves completely out of the debate by continually adopting a negative stance by saying, “We are just going to say no.” I extend a chance for those members to participate and to have a say in the future structure of this Parliament, rather than to bury their heads in the sand and look like ostriches, which is exactly the way they are coming across. This side of the House will continue to fight for the principle that we regard as crucially important to the integrity of this Parliament.
Mr Graham: Don’t you wish you had referred it to a committee now? Mr Barnett: Bring it back here and have another go. Mr McGINTY: We might have to. Until yesterday, the Greens supported this legislation. Although the Greens indicated in-principle support for the Bill, they are now attaching a condition to that support. A gun has been pointed at the Government’s head and unless it agrees to increase the size of the Legislative Council by two members, the Greens will vote down legislation that its members believe in. The Greens have adopted an incredibly unprincipled position. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr McGINTY: I thought members might appreciate that. Mr Cowan: Is that a precursor to, “I really stood by my principles, but my Cabinet rolled me”? Is that coming next? Mr McGINTY: When members talk about principle, they should remember one thing - every Parliament in Australia except that of Western Australia accepts the principle of electoral equality and applies the principle of one vote, one value. Both Houses of Parliament in Western Australia offend that fundamental democratic principle. There is no doubt that the Greens are playing political hard ball. Several members interjected. Mr McGINTY: I thought I would share that with members. The SPEAKER: This question is being elongated because of the number of interjections. Please allow the minister to finish. Mr McGINTY: I inform the House that the Government does not intend to discard the principle because of the intransigence and unprincipled position adopted by the Greens. The Government will continue to negotiate with the Greens. I also extend this offer to members opposite, who have so far successfully dealt themselves completely out of the debate by continually adopting a negative stance by saying, “We are just going to say no.” I extend a chance for those members to participate and to have a say in the future structure of this Parliament, rather than to bury their heads in the sand and look like ostriches, which is exactly the way they are coming across. This side of the House will continue to fight for the principle that we regard as crucially important to the integrity of this Parliament.
Mr Barnett: Bring it back here and have another go. Mr McGINTY: We might have to. Until yesterday, the Greens supported this legislation. Although the Greens indicated in-principle support for the Bill, they are now attaching a condition to that support. A gun has been pointed at the Government’s head and unless it agrees to increase the size of the Legislative Council by two members, the Greens will vote down legislation that its members believe in. The Greens have adopted an incredibly unprincipled position. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr McGINTY: I thought members might appreciate that. Mr Cowan: Is that a precursor to, “I really stood by my principles, but my Cabinet rolled me”? Is that coming next? Mr McGINTY: When members talk about principle, they should remember one thing - every Parliament in Australia except that of Western Australia accepts the principle of electoral equality and applies the principle of one vote, one value. Both Houses of Parliament in Western Australia offend that fundamental democratic principle. There is no doubt that the Greens are playing political hard ball. Several members interjected. Mr McGINTY: I thought I would share that with members. The SPEAKER: This question is being elongated because of the number of interjections. Please allow the minister to finish. Mr McGINTY: I inform the House that the Government does not intend to discard the principle because of the intransigence and unprincipled position adopted by the Greens. The Government will continue to negotiate with the Greens. I also extend this offer to members opposite, who have so far successfully dealt themselves completely out of the debate by continually adopting a negative stance by saying, “We are just going to say no.” I extend a chance for those members to participate and to have a say in the future structure of this Parliament, rather than to bury their heads in the sand and look like ostriches, which is exactly the way they are coming across. This side of the House will continue to fight for the principle that we regard as crucially important to the integrity of this Parliament.
Mr McGINTY: We might have to. Until yesterday, the Greens supported this legislation. Although the Greens indicated in-principle support for the Bill, they are now attaching a condition to that support. A gun has been pointed at the Government’s head and unless it agrees to increase the size of the Legislative Council by two members, the Greens will vote down legislation that its members believe in. The Greens have adopted an incredibly unprincipled position. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr McGINTY: I thought members might appreciate that. Mr Cowan: Is that a precursor to, “I really stood by my principles, but my Cabinet rolled me”? Is that coming next? Mr McGINTY: When members talk about principle, they should remember one thing - every Parliament in Australia except that of Western Australia accepts the principle of electoral equality and applies the principle of one vote, one value. Both Houses of Parliament in Western Australia offend that fundamental democratic principle. There is no doubt that the Greens are playing political hard ball. Several members interjected. Mr McGINTY: I thought I would share that with members. The SPEAKER: This question is being elongated because of the number of interjections. Please allow the minister to finish. Mr McGINTY: I inform the House that the Government does not intend to discard the principle because of the intransigence and unprincipled position adopted by the Greens. The Government will continue to negotiate with the Greens. I also extend this offer to members opposite, who have so far successfully dealt themselves completely out of the debate by continually adopting a negative stance by saying, “We are just going to say no.” I extend a chance for those members to participate and to have a say in the future structure of this Parliament, rather than to bury their heads in the sand and look like ostriches, which is exactly the way they are coming across. This side of the House will continue to fight for the principle that we regard as crucially important to the integrity of this Parliament.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr McGINTY: I thought members might appreciate that. Mr Cowan: Is that a precursor to, “I really stood by my principles, but my Cabinet rolled me”? Is that coming next? Mr McGINTY: When members talk about principle, they should remember one thing - every Parliament in Australia except that of Western Australia accepts the principle of electoral equality and applies the principle of one vote, one value. Both Houses of Parliament in Western Australia offend that fundamental democratic principle. There is no doubt that the Greens are playing political hard ball. Several members interjected. Mr McGINTY: I thought I would share that with members. The SPEAKER: This question is being elongated because of the number of interjections. Please allow the minister to finish. Mr McGINTY: I inform the House that the Government does not intend to discard the principle because of the intransigence and unprincipled position adopted by the Greens. The Government will continue to negotiate with the Greens. I also extend this offer to members opposite, who have so far successfully dealt themselves completely out of the debate by continually adopting a negative stance by saying, “We are just going to say no.” I extend a chance for those members to participate and to have a say in the future structure of this Parliament, rather than to bury their heads in the sand and look like ostriches, which is exactly the way they are coming across. This side of the House will continue to fight for the principle that we regard as crucially important to the integrity of this Parliament.
The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr McGINTY: I thought members might appreciate that. Mr Cowan: Is that a precursor to, “I really stood by my principles, but my Cabinet rolled me”? Is that coming next? Mr McGINTY: When members talk about principle, they should remember one thing - every Parliament in Australia except that of Western Australia accepts the principle of electoral equality and applies the principle of one vote, one value. Both Houses of Parliament in Western Australia offend that fundamental democratic principle. There is no doubt that the Greens are playing political hard ball. Several members interjected. Mr McGINTY: I thought I would share that with members. The SPEAKER: This question is being elongated because of the number of interjections. Please allow the minister to finish. Mr McGINTY: I inform the House that the Government does not intend to discard the principle because of the intransigence and unprincipled position adopted by the Greens. The Government will continue to negotiate with the Greens. I also extend this offer to members opposite, who have so far successfully dealt themselves completely out of the debate by continually adopting a negative stance by saying, “We are just going to say no.” I extend a chance for those members to participate and to have a say in the future structure of this Parliament, rather than to bury their heads in the sand and look like ostriches, which is exactly the way they are coming across. This side of the House will continue to fight for the principle that we regard as crucially important to the integrity of this Parliament.
Mr McGINTY: I thought members might appreciate that. Mr Cowan: Is that a precursor to, “I really stood by my principles, but my Cabinet rolled me”? Is that coming next? Mr McGINTY: When members talk about principle, they should remember one thing - every Parliament in Australia except that of Western Australia accepts the principle of electoral equality and applies the principle of one vote, one value. Both Houses of Parliament in Western Australia offend that fundamental democratic principle. There is no doubt that the Greens are playing political hard ball. Several members interjected. Mr McGINTY: I thought I would share that with members. The SPEAKER: This question is being elongated because of the number of interjections. Please allow the minister to finish. Mr McGINTY: I inform the House that the Government does not intend to discard the principle because of the intransigence and unprincipled position adopted by the Greens. The Government will continue to negotiate with the Greens. I also extend this offer to members opposite, who have so far successfully dealt themselves completely out of the debate by continually adopting a negative stance by saying, “We are just going to say no.” I extend a chance for those members to participate and to have a say in the future structure of this Parliament, rather than to bury their heads in the sand and look like ostriches, which is exactly the way they are coming across. This side of the House will continue to fight for the principle that we regard as crucially important to the integrity of this Parliament.
Mr Cowan: Is that a precursor to, “I really stood by my principles, but my Cabinet rolled me”? Is that coming next? Mr McGINTY: When members talk about principle, they should remember one thing - every Parliament in Australia except that of Western Australia accepts the principle of electoral equality and applies the principle of one vote, one value. Both Houses of Parliament in Western Australia offend that fundamental democratic principle. There is no doubt that the Greens are playing political hard ball. Several members interjected. Mr McGINTY: I thought I would share that with members. The SPEAKER: This question is being elongated because of the number of interjections. Please allow the minister to finish. Mr McGINTY: I inform the House that the Government does not intend to discard the principle because of the intransigence and unprincipled position adopted by the Greens. The Government will continue to negotiate with the Greens. I also extend this offer to members opposite, who have so far successfully dealt themselves completely out of the debate by continually adopting a negative stance by saying, “We are just going to say no.” I extend a chance for those members to participate and to have a say in the future structure of this Parliament, rather than to bury their heads in the sand and look like ostriches, which is exactly the way they are coming across. This side of the House will continue to fight for the principle that we regard as crucially important to the integrity of this Parliament.
Mr McGINTY: When members talk about principle, they should remember one thing - every Parliament in Australia except that of Western Australia accepts the principle of electoral equality and applies the principle of one vote, one value. Both Houses of Parliament in Western Australia offend that fundamental democratic principle. There is no doubt that the Greens are playing political hard ball. Several members interjected. Mr McGINTY: I thought I would share that with members. The SPEAKER: This question is being elongated because of the number of interjections. Please allow the minister to finish. Mr McGINTY: I inform the House that the Government does not intend to discard the principle because of the intransigence and unprincipled position adopted by the Greens. The Government will continue to negotiate with the Greens. I also extend this offer to members opposite, who have so far successfully dealt themselves completely out of the debate by continually adopting a negative stance by saying, “We are just going to say no.” I extend a chance for those members to participate and to have a say in the future structure of this Parliament, rather than to bury their heads in the sand and look like ostriches, which is exactly the way they are coming across. This side of the House will continue to fight for the principle that we regard as crucially important to the integrity of this Parliament.
Several members interjected. Mr McGINTY: I thought I would share that with members. The SPEAKER: This question is being elongated because of the number of interjections. Please allow the minister to finish. Mr McGINTY: I inform the House that the Government does not intend to discard the principle because of the intransigence and unprincipled position adopted by the Greens. The Government will continue to negotiate with the Greens. I also extend this offer to members opposite, who have so far successfully dealt themselves completely out of the debate by continually adopting a negative stance by saying, “We are just going to say no.” I extend a chance for those members to participate and to have a say in the future structure of this Parliament, rather than to bury their heads in the sand and look like ostriches, which is exactly the way they are coming across. This side of the House will continue to fight for the principle that we regard as crucially important to the integrity of this Parliament.
Mr McGINTY: I thought I would share that with members. The SPEAKER: This question is being elongated because of the number of interjections. Please allow the minister to finish. Mr McGINTY: I inform the House that the Government does not intend to discard the principle because of the intransigence and unprincipled position adopted by the Greens. The Government will continue to negotiate with the Greens. I also extend this offer to members opposite, who have so far successfully dealt themselves completely out of the debate by continually adopting a negative stance by saying, “We are just going to say no.” I extend a chance for those members to participate and to have a say in the future structure of this Parliament, rather than to bury their heads in the sand and look like ostriches, which is exactly the way they are coming across. This side of the House will continue to fight for the principle that we regard as crucially important to the integrity of this Parliament.
The SPEAKER: This question is being elongated because of the number of interjections. Please allow the minister to finish. Mr McGINTY: I inform the House that the Government does not intend to discard the principle because of the intransigence and unprincipled position adopted by the Greens. The Government will continue to negotiate with the Greens. I also extend this offer to members opposite, who have so far successfully dealt themselves completely out of the debate by continually adopting a negative stance by saying, “We are just going to say no.” I extend a chance for those members to participate and to have a say in the future structure of this Parliament, rather than to bury their heads in the sand and look like ostriches, which is exactly the way they are coming across. This side of the House will continue to fight for the principle that we regard as crucially important to the integrity of this Parliament.
Mr McGINTY: I inform the House that the Government does not intend to discard the principle because of the intransigence and unprincipled position adopted by the Greens. The Government will continue to negotiate with the Greens. I also extend this offer to members opposite, who have so far successfully dealt themselves completely out of the debate by continually adopting a negative stance by saying, “We are just going to say no.” I extend a chance for those members to participate and to have a say in the future structure of this Parliament, rather than to bury their heads in the sand and look like ostriches, which is exactly the way they are coming across. This side of the House will continue to fight for the principle that we regard as crucially important to the integrity of this Parliament.
Explore WA Government Data
Search the full archive in the free dashboard, or query programmatically via API.
Explore more
Government Gazette
Appointments, regulatory notices, planning changes.
Hansard
Debates, questions, speeches and sentiment.
Tabled Papers
Reports and documents tabled in Parliament.
Committees
Committee profiles and recent reports.
Regulations
Subsidiary legislation with filters and summaries.
Bills
Proposed laws and parliamentary progress.
Acts
Current WA legislation and summaries.
Explanatory Memoranda
Bills with EMs (text/PDF) available.
Members
MP profiles, party breakdown and rankings.
Pollie Rankings
Data-driven rankings across 19 categories.
Amendment Chains
Track how schemes and regulations evolve over time.