❓ Dr. Woollard questions the Premier about the Prostitution Amendment Bill 2007, raising concerns about violence, drug abuse, trafficking, and women's rights. The Premier defends the bill, highlighting its regulatory framework and accusing the opposition of hypocrisy.
AnsweredQoN 588Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
PROSTITUTION AMENDMENT BILL 2007
A large number of prostituted women are victims of violence, drug abuse and degradation. Approximately 300 women are trafficked into Australia for prostitution each year. Will the Premier direct the Attorney General to take the Prostitution Amendment Bill, which decriminalises brothels and takes away women’s rights, off the table, or at least give Labor members a conscience vote on the bill; and, if not, why not? [Interruption from the gallery.] The SPEAKER : Order! Members in the public gallery are welcome to be in this chamber to witness the process of democracy; however, they cannot participate. Any further interference in the running of this chamber will result in people being removed from the gallery. Mr A.J. CARPENTER
A large number of prostituted women are victims of violence, drug abuse and degradation. Approximately 300 women are trafficked into Australia for prostitution each year. Will the Premier direct the Attorney General to take the Prostitution Amendment Bill, which decriminalises brothels and takes away women’s rights, off the table, or at least give Labor members a conscience vote on the bill; and, if not, why not? [Interruption from the gallery.] The SPEAKER : Order! Members in the public gallery are welcome to be in this chamber to witness the process of democracy; however, they cannot participate. Any further interference in the running of this chamber will result in people being removed from the gallery. Mr A.J. CARPENTER
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for Alfred Cove for her question and I appreciate her interest and the interest of others in the matter. I hesitate to launch into a long answer to this because the arguments for our legislation have well and truly been ventilated throughout the community over a long period. In fact, we are the first government in the history of this state that has been able to bring itself to the point at which we are able to deal with this very difficult issue - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : - in a way that will deliver much better regulatory framework and outcomes - Dr J.M. Woollard : More women being abused; more women being trafficked. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There is absolutely no evidence of that anywhere in the world. Several members interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There is absolutely no evidence for that assertion whatsoever. Unlike other governments, which have tried and failed to implement reform in this area, including the previous Liberal government, we are successfully pursuing a reform of one of the most difficult areas of government and governance that any government faces. There is no doubt in my mind that we are overwhelmingly supported by the general community. The hypocrisy and inconsistencies of the alternative position have been well and truly described. Members of the opposition have made passionate speeches about this matter, but when they are tested and asked whether they would close the existing brothels in Kalgoorlie, they say, “No.” When we test them and ask them whether they would close any existing brothel in Perth, they say, “No.” They not only say that, but also might make light of the issue. They say, “Of course not. Don’t be ridiculous. Of course we wouldn’t close the brothels in Kalgoorlie. Don’t be silly.” We are pursuing a reform that other governments, both Liberal and Labor, have sought to pursue and have failed. Where they have failed, we will succeed. We will be judged on that and I am totally confident that the overwhelming majority of the Western Australian community will think that we have made the right decision.
[Interruption from the gallery.] The SPEAKER : Order! Members in the public gallery are welcome to be in this chamber to witness the process of democracy; however, they cannot participate. Any further interference in the running of this chamber will result in people being removed from the gallery. Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: I thank the member for Alfred Cove for her question and I appreciate her interest and the interest of others in the matter. I hesitate to launch into a long answer to this because the arguments for our legislation have well and truly been ventilated throughout the community over a long period. In fact, we are the first government in the history of this state that has been able to bring itself to the point at which we are able to deal with this very difficult issue - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : - in a way that will deliver much better regulatory framework and outcomes - Dr J.M. Woollard : More women being abused; more women being trafficked. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There is absolutely no evidence of that anywhere in the world. Several members interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There is absolutely no evidence for that assertion whatsoever. Unlike other governments, which have tried and failed to implement reform in this area, including the previous Liberal government, we are successfully pursuing a reform of one of the most difficult areas of government and governance that any government faces. There is no doubt in my mind that we are overwhelmingly supported by the general community. The hypocrisy and inconsistencies of the alternative position have been well and truly described. Members of the opposition have made passionate speeches about this matter, but when they are tested and asked whether they would close the existing brothels in Kalgoorlie, they say, “No.” When we test them and ask them whether they would close any existing brothel in Perth, they say, “No.” They not only say that, but also might make light of the issue. They say, “Of course not. Don’t be ridiculous. Of course we wouldn’t close the brothels in Kalgoorlie. Don’t be silly.” We are pursuing a reform that other governments, both Liberal and Labor, have sought to pursue and have failed. Where they have failed, we will succeed. We will be judged on that and I am totally confident that the overwhelming majority of the Western Australian community will think that we have made the right decision.
The SPEAKER : Order! Members in the public gallery are welcome to be in this chamber to witness the process of democracy; however, they cannot participate. Any further interference in the running of this chamber will result in people being removed from the gallery. Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: I thank the member for Alfred Cove for her question and I appreciate her interest and the interest of others in the matter. I hesitate to launch into a long answer to this because the arguments for our legislation have well and truly been ventilated throughout the community over a long period. In fact, we are the first government in the history of this state that has been able to bring itself to the point at which we are able to deal with this very difficult issue - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : - in a way that will deliver much better regulatory framework and outcomes - Dr J.M. Woollard : More women being abused; more women being trafficked. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There is absolutely no evidence of that anywhere in the world. Several members interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There is absolutely no evidence for that assertion whatsoever. Unlike other governments, which have tried and failed to implement reform in this area, including the previous Liberal government, we are successfully pursuing a reform of one of the most difficult areas of government and governance that any government faces. There is no doubt in my mind that we are overwhelmingly supported by the general community. The hypocrisy and inconsistencies of the alternative position have been well and truly described. Members of the opposition have made passionate speeches about this matter, but when they are tested and asked whether they would close the existing brothels in Kalgoorlie, they say, “No.” When we test them and ask them whether they would close any existing brothel in Perth, they say, “No.” They not only say that, but also might make light of the issue. They say, “Of course not. Don’t be ridiculous. Of course we wouldn’t close the brothels in Kalgoorlie. Don’t be silly.” We are pursuing a reform that other governments, both Liberal and Labor, have sought to pursue and have failed. Where they have failed, we will succeed. We will be judged on that and I am totally confident that the overwhelming majority of the Western Australian community will think that we have made the right decision.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: I thank the member for Alfred Cove for her question and I appreciate her interest and the interest of others in the matter. I hesitate to launch into a long answer to this because the arguments for our legislation have well and truly been ventilated throughout the community over a long period. In fact, we are the first government in the history of this state that has been able to bring itself to the point at which we are able to deal with this very difficult issue - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : - in a way that will deliver much better regulatory framework and outcomes - Dr J.M. Woollard : More women being abused; more women being trafficked. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There is absolutely no evidence of that anywhere in the world. Several members interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There is absolutely no evidence for that assertion whatsoever. Unlike other governments, which have tried and failed to implement reform in this area, including the previous Liberal government, we are successfully pursuing a reform of one of the most difficult areas of government and governance that any government faces. There is no doubt in my mind that we are overwhelmingly supported by the general community. The hypocrisy and inconsistencies of the alternative position have been well and truly described. Members of the opposition have made passionate speeches about this matter, but when they are tested and asked whether they would close the existing brothels in Kalgoorlie, they say, “No.” When we test them and ask them whether they would close any existing brothel in Perth, they say, “No.” They not only say that, but also might make light of the issue. They say, “Of course not. Don’t be ridiculous. Of course we wouldn’t close the brothels in Kalgoorlie. Don’t be silly.” We are pursuing a reform that other governments, both Liberal and Labor, have sought to pursue and have failed. Where they have failed, we will succeed. We will be judged on that and I am totally confident that the overwhelming majority of the Western Australian community will think that we have made the right decision.
I thank the member for Alfred Cove for her question and I appreciate her interest and the interest of others in the matter. I hesitate to launch into a long answer to this because the arguments for our legislation have well and truly been ventilated throughout the community over a long period. In fact, we are the first government in the history of this state that has been able to bring itself to the point at which we are able to deal with this very difficult issue - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : - in a way that will deliver much better regulatory framework and outcomes - Dr J.M. Woollard : More women being abused; more women being trafficked. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There is absolutely no evidence of that anywhere in the world. Several members interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There is absolutely no evidence for that assertion whatsoever. Unlike other governments, which have tried and failed to implement reform in this area, including the previous Liberal government, we are successfully pursuing a reform of one of the most difficult areas of government and governance that any government faces. There is no doubt in my mind that we are overwhelmingly supported by the general community. The hypocrisy and inconsistencies of the alternative position have been well and truly described. Members of the opposition have made passionate speeches about this matter, but when they are tested and asked whether they would close the existing brothels in Kalgoorlie, they say, “No.” When we test them and ask them whether they would close any existing brothel in Perth, they say, “No.” They not only say that, but also might make light of the issue. They say, “Of course not. Don’t be ridiculous. Of course we wouldn’t close the brothels in Kalgoorlie. Don’t be silly.” We are pursuing a reform that other governments, both Liberal and Labor, have sought to pursue and have failed. Where they have failed, we will succeed. We will be judged on that and I am totally confident that the overwhelming majority of the Western Australian community will think that we have made the right decision.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : - in a way that will deliver much better regulatory framework and outcomes - Dr J.M. Woollard : More women being abused; more women being trafficked. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There is absolutely no evidence of that anywhere in the world. Several members interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There is absolutely no evidence for that assertion whatsoever. Unlike other governments, which have tried and failed to implement reform in this area, including the previous Liberal government, we are successfully pursuing a reform of one of the most difficult areas of government and governance that any government faces. There is no doubt in my mind that we are overwhelmingly supported by the general community. The hypocrisy and inconsistencies of the alternative position have been well and truly described. Members of the opposition have made passionate speeches about this matter, but when they are tested and asked whether they would close the existing brothels in Kalgoorlie, they say, “No.” When we test them and ask them whether they would close any existing brothel in Perth, they say, “No.” They not only say that, but also might make light of the issue. They say, “Of course not. Don’t be ridiculous. Of course we wouldn’t close the brothels in Kalgoorlie. Don’t be silly.” We are pursuing a reform that other governments, both Liberal and Labor, have sought to pursue and have failed. Where they have failed, we will succeed. We will be judged on that and I am totally confident that the overwhelming majority of the Western Australian community will think that we have made the right decision.
The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : - in a way that will deliver much better regulatory framework and outcomes - Dr J.M. Woollard : More women being abused; more women being trafficked. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There is absolutely no evidence of that anywhere in the world. Several members interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There is absolutely no evidence for that assertion whatsoever. Unlike other governments, which have tried and failed to implement reform in this area, including the previous Liberal government, we are successfully pursuing a reform of one of the most difficult areas of government and governance that any government faces. There is no doubt in my mind that we are overwhelmingly supported by the general community. The hypocrisy and inconsistencies of the alternative position have been well and truly described. Members of the opposition have made passionate speeches about this matter, but when they are tested and asked whether they would close the existing brothels in Kalgoorlie, they say, “No.” When we test them and ask them whether they would close any existing brothel in Perth, they say, “No.” They not only say that, but also might make light of the issue. They say, “Of course not. Don’t be ridiculous. Of course we wouldn’t close the brothels in Kalgoorlie. Don’t be silly.” We are pursuing a reform that other governments, both Liberal and Labor, have sought to pursue and have failed. Where they have failed, we will succeed. We will be judged on that and I am totally confident that the overwhelming majority of the Western Australian community will think that we have made the right decision.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : - in a way that will deliver much better regulatory framework and outcomes - Dr J.M. Woollard : More women being abused; more women being trafficked. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There is absolutely no evidence of that anywhere in the world. Several members interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There is absolutely no evidence for that assertion whatsoever. Unlike other governments, which have tried and failed to implement reform in this area, including the previous Liberal government, we are successfully pursuing a reform of one of the most difficult areas of government and governance that any government faces. There is no doubt in my mind that we are overwhelmingly supported by the general community. The hypocrisy and inconsistencies of the alternative position have been well and truly described. Members of the opposition have made passionate speeches about this matter, but when they are tested and asked whether they would close the existing brothels in Kalgoorlie, they say, “No.” When we test them and ask them whether they would close any existing brothel in Perth, they say, “No.” They not only say that, but also might make light of the issue. They say, “Of course not. Don’t be ridiculous. Of course we wouldn’t close the brothels in Kalgoorlie. Don’t be silly.” We are pursuing a reform that other governments, both Liberal and Labor, have sought to pursue and have failed. Where they have failed, we will succeed. We will be judged on that and I am totally confident that the overwhelming majority of the Western Australian community will think that we have made the right decision.
Dr J.M. Woollard : More women being abused; more women being trafficked. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There is absolutely no evidence of that anywhere in the world. Several members interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There is absolutely no evidence for that assertion whatsoever. Unlike other governments, which have tried and failed to implement reform in this area, including the previous Liberal government, we are successfully pursuing a reform of one of the most difficult areas of government and governance that any government faces. There is no doubt in my mind that we are overwhelmingly supported by the general community. The hypocrisy and inconsistencies of the alternative position have been well and truly described. Members of the opposition have made passionate speeches about this matter, but when they are tested and asked whether they would close the existing brothels in Kalgoorlie, they say, “No.” When we test them and ask them whether they would close any existing brothel in Perth, they say, “No.” They not only say that, but also might make light of the issue. They say, “Of course not. Don’t be ridiculous. Of course we wouldn’t close the brothels in Kalgoorlie. Don’t be silly.” We are pursuing a reform that other governments, both Liberal and Labor, have sought to pursue and have failed. Where they have failed, we will succeed. We will be judged on that and I am totally confident that the overwhelming majority of the Western Australian community will think that we have made the right decision.
The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There is absolutely no evidence of that anywhere in the world. Several members interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There is absolutely no evidence for that assertion whatsoever. Unlike other governments, which have tried and failed to implement reform in this area, including the previous Liberal government, we are successfully pursuing a reform of one of the most difficult areas of government and governance that any government faces. There is no doubt in my mind that we are overwhelmingly supported by the general community. The hypocrisy and inconsistencies of the alternative position have been well and truly described. Members of the opposition have made passionate speeches about this matter, but when they are tested and asked whether they would close the existing brothels in Kalgoorlie, they say, “No.” When we test them and ask them whether they would close any existing brothel in Perth, they say, “No.” They not only say that, but also might make light of the issue. They say, “Of course not. Don’t be ridiculous. Of course we wouldn’t close the brothels in Kalgoorlie. Don’t be silly.” We are pursuing a reform that other governments, both Liberal and Labor, have sought to pursue and have failed. Where they have failed, we will succeed. We will be judged on that and I am totally confident that the overwhelming majority of the Western Australian community will think that we have made the right decision.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There is absolutely no evidence of that anywhere in the world. Several members interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There is absolutely no evidence for that assertion whatsoever. Unlike other governments, which have tried and failed to implement reform in this area, including the previous Liberal government, we are successfully pursuing a reform of one of the most difficult areas of government and governance that any government faces. There is no doubt in my mind that we are overwhelmingly supported by the general community. The hypocrisy and inconsistencies of the alternative position have been well and truly described. Members of the opposition have made passionate speeches about this matter, but when they are tested and asked whether they would close the existing brothels in Kalgoorlie, they say, “No.” When we test them and ask them whether they would close any existing brothel in Perth, they say, “No.” They not only say that, but also might make light of the issue. They say, “Of course not. Don’t be ridiculous. Of course we wouldn’t close the brothels in Kalgoorlie. Don’t be silly.” We are pursuing a reform that other governments, both Liberal and Labor, have sought to pursue and have failed. Where they have failed, we will succeed. We will be judged on that and I am totally confident that the overwhelming majority of the Western Australian community will think that we have made the right decision.
Several members interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There is absolutely no evidence for that assertion whatsoever. Unlike other governments, which have tried and failed to implement reform in this area, including the previous Liberal government, we are successfully pursuing a reform of one of the most difficult areas of government and governance that any government faces. There is no doubt in my mind that we are overwhelmingly supported by the general community. The hypocrisy and inconsistencies of the alternative position have been well and truly described. Members of the opposition have made passionate speeches about this matter, but when they are tested and asked whether they would close the existing brothels in Kalgoorlie, they say, “No.” When we test them and ask them whether they would close any existing brothel in Perth, they say, “No.” They not only say that, but also might make light of the issue. They say, “Of course not. Don’t be ridiculous. Of course we wouldn’t close the brothels in Kalgoorlie. Don’t be silly.” We are pursuing a reform that other governments, both Liberal and Labor, have sought to pursue and have failed. Where they have failed, we will succeed. We will be judged on that and I am totally confident that the overwhelming majority of the Western Australian community will think that we have made the right decision.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There is absolutely no evidence for that assertion whatsoever. Unlike other governments, which have tried and failed to implement reform in this area, including the previous Liberal government, we are successfully pursuing a reform of one of the most difficult areas of government and governance that any government faces. There is no doubt in my mind that we are overwhelmingly supported by the general community. The hypocrisy and inconsistencies of the alternative position have been well and truly described. Members of the opposition have made passionate speeches about this matter, but when they are tested and asked whether they would close the existing brothels in Kalgoorlie, they say, “No.” When we test them and ask them whether they would close any existing brothel in Perth, they say, “No.” They not only say that, but also might make light of the issue. They say, “Of course not. Don’t be ridiculous. Of course we wouldn’t close the brothels in Kalgoorlie. Don’t be silly.” We are pursuing a reform that other governments, both Liberal and Labor, have sought to pursue and have failed. Where they have failed, we will succeed. We will be judged on that and I am totally confident that the overwhelming majority of the Western Australian community will think that we have made the right decision.
[Interruption from the gallery.] The SPEAKER : Order! Members in the public gallery are welcome to be in this chamber to witness the process of democracy; however, they cannot participate. Any further interference in the running of this chamber will result in people being removed from the gallery. Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: I thank the member for Alfred Cove for her question and I appreciate her interest and the interest of others in the matter. I hesitate to launch into a long answer to this because the arguments for our legislation have well and truly been ventilated throughout the community over a long period. In fact, we are the first government in the history of this state that has been able to bring itself to the point at which we are able to deal with this very difficult issue - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : - in a way that will deliver much better regulatory framework and outcomes - Dr J.M. Woollard : More women being abused; more women being trafficked. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There is absolutely no evidence of that anywhere in the world. Several members interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There is absolutely no evidence for that assertion whatsoever. Unlike other governments, which have tried and failed to implement reform in this area, including the previous Liberal government, we are successfully pursuing a reform of one of the most difficult areas of government and governance that any government faces. There is no doubt in my mind that we are overwhelmingly supported by the general community. The hypocrisy and inconsistencies of the alternative position have been well and truly described. Members of the opposition have made passionate speeches about this matter, but when they are tested and asked whether they would close the existing brothels in Kalgoorlie, they say, “No.” When we test them and ask them whether they would close any existing brothel in Perth, they say, “No.” They not only say that, but also might make light of the issue. They say, “Of course not. Don’t be ridiculous. Of course we wouldn’t close the brothels in Kalgoorlie. Don’t be silly.” We are pursuing a reform that other governments, both Liberal and Labor, have sought to pursue and have failed. Where they have failed, we will succeed. We will be judged on that and I am totally confident that the overwhelming majority of the Western Australian community will think that we have made the right decision.
The SPEAKER : Order! Members in the public gallery are welcome to be in this chamber to witness the process of democracy; however, they cannot participate. Any further interference in the running of this chamber will result in people being removed from the gallery. Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: I thank the member for Alfred Cove for her question and I appreciate her interest and the interest of others in the matter. I hesitate to launch into a long answer to this because the arguments for our legislation have well and truly been ventilated throughout the community over a long period. In fact, we are the first government in the history of this state that has been able to bring itself to the point at which we are able to deal with this very difficult issue - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : - in a way that will deliver much better regulatory framework and outcomes - Dr J.M. Woollard : More women being abused; more women being trafficked. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There is absolutely no evidence of that anywhere in the world. Several members interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There is absolutely no evidence for that assertion whatsoever. Unlike other governments, which have tried and failed to implement reform in this area, including the previous Liberal government, we are successfully pursuing a reform of one of the most difficult areas of government and governance that any government faces. There is no doubt in my mind that we are overwhelmingly supported by the general community. The hypocrisy and inconsistencies of the alternative position have been well and truly described. Members of the opposition have made passionate speeches about this matter, but when they are tested and asked whether they would close the existing brothels in Kalgoorlie, they say, “No.” When we test them and ask them whether they would close any existing brothel in Perth, they say, “No.” They not only say that, but also might make light of the issue. They say, “Of course not. Don’t be ridiculous. Of course we wouldn’t close the brothels in Kalgoorlie. Don’t be silly.” We are pursuing a reform that other governments, both Liberal and Labor, have sought to pursue and have failed. Where they have failed, we will succeed. We will be judged on that and I am totally confident that the overwhelming majority of the Western Australian community will think that we have made the right decision.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: I thank the member for Alfred Cove for her question and I appreciate her interest and the interest of others in the matter. I hesitate to launch into a long answer to this because the arguments for our legislation have well and truly been ventilated throughout the community over a long period. In fact, we are the first government in the history of this state that has been able to bring itself to the point at which we are able to deal with this very difficult issue - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : - in a way that will deliver much better regulatory framework and outcomes - Dr J.M. Woollard : More women being abused; more women being trafficked. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There is absolutely no evidence of that anywhere in the world. Several members interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There is absolutely no evidence for that assertion whatsoever. Unlike other governments, which have tried and failed to implement reform in this area, including the previous Liberal government, we are successfully pursuing a reform of one of the most difficult areas of government and governance that any government faces. There is no doubt in my mind that we are overwhelmingly supported by the general community. The hypocrisy and inconsistencies of the alternative position have been well and truly described. Members of the opposition have made passionate speeches about this matter, but when they are tested and asked whether they would close the existing brothels in Kalgoorlie, they say, “No.” When we test them and ask them whether they would close any existing brothel in Perth, they say, “No.” They not only say that, but also might make light of the issue. They say, “Of course not. Don’t be ridiculous. Of course we wouldn’t close the brothels in Kalgoorlie. Don’t be silly.” We are pursuing a reform that other governments, both Liberal and Labor, have sought to pursue and have failed. Where they have failed, we will succeed. We will be judged on that and I am totally confident that the overwhelming majority of the Western Australian community will think that we have made the right decision.
I thank the member for Alfred Cove for her question and I appreciate her interest and the interest of others in the matter. I hesitate to launch into a long answer to this because the arguments for our legislation have well and truly been ventilated throughout the community over a long period. In fact, we are the first government in the history of this state that has been able to bring itself to the point at which we are able to deal with this very difficult issue - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : - in a way that will deliver much better regulatory framework and outcomes - Dr J.M. Woollard : More women being abused; more women being trafficked. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There is absolutely no evidence of that anywhere in the world. Several members interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There is absolutely no evidence for that assertion whatsoever. Unlike other governments, which have tried and failed to implement reform in this area, including the previous Liberal government, we are successfully pursuing a reform of one of the most difficult areas of government and governance that any government faces. There is no doubt in my mind that we are overwhelmingly supported by the general community. The hypocrisy and inconsistencies of the alternative position have been well and truly described. Members of the opposition have made passionate speeches about this matter, but when they are tested and asked whether they would close the existing brothels in Kalgoorlie, they say, “No.” When we test them and ask them whether they would close any existing brothel in Perth, they say, “No.” They not only say that, but also might make light of the issue. They say, “Of course not. Don’t be ridiculous. Of course we wouldn’t close the brothels in Kalgoorlie. Don’t be silly.” We are pursuing a reform that other governments, both Liberal and Labor, have sought to pursue and have failed. Where they have failed, we will succeed. We will be judged on that and I am totally confident that the overwhelming majority of the Western Australian community will think that we have made the right decision.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : - in a way that will deliver much better regulatory framework and outcomes - Dr J.M. Woollard : More women being abused; more women being trafficked. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There is absolutely no evidence of that anywhere in the world. Several members interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There is absolutely no evidence for that assertion whatsoever. Unlike other governments, which have tried and failed to implement reform in this area, including the previous Liberal government, we are successfully pursuing a reform of one of the most difficult areas of government and governance that any government faces. There is no doubt in my mind that we are overwhelmingly supported by the general community. The hypocrisy and inconsistencies of the alternative position have been well and truly described. Members of the opposition have made passionate speeches about this matter, but when they are tested and asked whether they would close the existing brothels in Kalgoorlie, they say, “No.” When we test them and ask them whether they would close any existing brothel in Perth, they say, “No.” They not only say that, but also might make light of the issue. They say, “Of course not. Don’t be ridiculous. Of course we wouldn’t close the brothels in Kalgoorlie. Don’t be silly.” We are pursuing a reform that other governments, both Liberal and Labor, have sought to pursue and have failed. Where they have failed, we will succeed. We will be judged on that and I am totally confident that the overwhelming majority of the Western Australian community will think that we have made the right decision.
The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : - in a way that will deliver much better regulatory framework and outcomes - Dr J.M. Woollard : More women being abused; more women being trafficked. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There is absolutely no evidence of that anywhere in the world. Several members interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There is absolutely no evidence for that assertion whatsoever. Unlike other governments, which have tried and failed to implement reform in this area, including the previous Liberal government, we are successfully pursuing a reform of one of the most difficult areas of government and governance that any government faces. There is no doubt in my mind that we are overwhelmingly supported by the general community. The hypocrisy and inconsistencies of the alternative position have been well and truly described. Members of the opposition have made passionate speeches about this matter, but when they are tested and asked whether they would close the existing brothels in Kalgoorlie, they say, “No.” When we test them and ask them whether they would close any existing brothel in Perth, they say, “No.” They not only say that, but also might make light of the issue. They say, “Of course not. Don’t be ridiculous. Of course we wouldn’t close the brothels in Kalgoorlie. Don’t be silly.” We are pursuing a reform that other governments, both Liberal and Labor, have sought to pursue and have failed. Where they have failed, we will succeed. We will be judged on that and I am totally confident that the overwhelming majority of the Western Australian community will think that we have made the right decision.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : - in a way that will deliver much better regulatory framework and outcomes - Dr J.M. Woollard : More women being abused; more women being trafficked. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There is absolutely no evidence of that anywhere in the world. Several members interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There is absolutely no evidence for that assertion whatsoever. Unlike other governments, which have tried and failed to implement reform in this area, including the previous Liberal government, we are successfully pursuing a reform of one of the most difficult areas of government and governance that any government faces. There is no doubt in my mind that we are overwhelmingly supported by the general community. The hypocrisy and inconsistencies of the alternative position have been well and truly described. Members of the opposition have made passionate speeches about this matter, but when they are tested and asked whether they would close the existing brothels in Kalgoorlie, they say, “No.” When we test them and ask them whether they would close any existing brothel in Perth, they say, “No.” They not only say that, but also might make light of the issue. They say, “Of course not. Don’t be ridiculous. Of course we wouldn’t close the brothels in Kalgoorlie. Don’t be silly.” We are pursuing a reform that other governments, both Liberal and Labor, have sought to pursue and have failed. Where they have failed, we will succeed. We will be judged on that and I am totally confident that the overwhelming majority of the Western Australian community will think that we have made the right decision.
Dr J.M. Woollard : More women being abused; more women being trafficked. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There is absolutely no evidence of that anywhere in the world. Several members interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There is absolutely no evidence for that assertion whatsoever. Unlike other governments, which have tried and failed to implement reform in this area, including the previous Liberal government, we are successfully pursuing a reform of one of the most difficult areas of government and governance that any government faces. There is no doubt in my mind that we are overwhelmingly supported by the general community. The hypocrisy and inconsistencies of the alternative position have been well and truly described. Members of the opposition have made passionate speeches about this matter, but when they are tested and asked whether they would close the existing brothels in Kalgoorlie, they say, “No.” When we test them and ask them whether they would close any existing brothel in Perth, they say, “No.” They not only say that, but also might make light of the issue. They say, “Of course not. Don’t be ridiculous. Of course we wouldn’t close the brothels in Kalgoorlie. Don’t be silly.” We are pursuing a reform that other governments, both Liberal and Labor, have sought to pursue and have failed. Where they have failed, we will succeed. We will be judged on that and I am totally confident that the overwhelming majority of the Western Australian community will think that we have made the right decision.
The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There is absolutely no evidence of that anywhere in the world. Several members interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There is absolutely no evidence for that assertion whatsoever. Unlike other governments, which have tried and failed to implement reform in this area, including the previous Liberal government, we are successfully pursuing a reform of one of the most difficult areas of government and governance that any government faces. There is no doubt in my mind that we are overwhelmingly supported by the general community. The hypocrisy and inconsistencies of the alternative position have been well and truly described. Members of the opposition have made passionate speeches about this matter, but when they are tested and asked whether they would close the existing brothels in Kalgoorlie, they say, “No.” When we test them and ask them whether they would close any existing brothel in Perth, they say, “No.” They not only say that, but also might make light of the issue. They say, “Of course not. Don’t be ridiculous. Of course we wouldn’t close the brothels in Kalgoorlie. Don’t be silly.” We are pursuing a reform that other governments, both Liberal and Labor, have sought to pursue and have failed. Where they have failed, we will succeed. We will be judged on that and I am totally confident that the overwhelming majority of the Western Australian community will think that we have made the right decision.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There is absolutely no evidence of that anywhere in the world. Several members interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There is absolutely no evidence for that assertion whatsoever. Unlike other governments, which have tried and failed to implement reform in this area, including the previous Liberal government, we are successfully pursuing a reform of one of the most difficult areas of government and governance that any government faces. There is no doubt in my mind that we are overwhelmingly supported by the general community. The hypocrisy and inconsistencies of the alternative position have been well and truly described. Members of the opposition have made passionate speeches about this matter, but when they are tested and asked whether they would close the existing brothels in Kalgoorlie, they say, “No.” When we test them and ask them whether they would close any existing brothel in Perth, they say, “No.” They not only say that, but also might make light of the issue. They say, “Of course not. Don’t be ridiculous. Of course we wouldn’t close the brothels in Kalgoorlie. Don’t be silly.” We are pursuing a reform that other governments, both Liberal and Labor, have sought to pursue and have failed. Where they have failed, we will succeed. We will be judged on that and I am totally confident that the overwhelming majority of the Western Australian community will think that we have made the right decision.
Several members interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There is absolutely no evidence for that assertion whatsoever. Unlike other governments, which have tried and failed to implement reform in this area, including the previous Liberal government, we are successfully pursuing a reform of one of the most difficult areas of government and governance that any government faces. There is no doubt in my mind that we are overwhelmingly supported by the general community. The hypocrisy and inconsistencies of the alternative position have been well and truly described. Members of the opposition have made passionate speeches about this matter, but when they are tested and asked whether they would close the existing brothels in Kalgoorlie, they say, “No.” When we test them and ask them whether they would close any existing brothel in Perth, they say, “No.” They not only say that, but also might make light of the issue. They say, “Of course not. Don’t be ridiculous. Of course we wouldn’t close the brothels in Kalgoorlie. Don’t be silly.” We are pursuing a reform that other governments, both Liberal and Labor, have sought to pursue and have failed. Where they have failed, we will succeed. We will be judged on that and I am totally confident that the overwhelming majority of the Western Australian community will think that we have made the right decision.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There is absolutely no evidence for that assertion whatsoever. Unlike other governments, which have tried and failed to implement reform in this area, including the previous Liberal government, we are successfully pursuing a reform of one of the most difficult areas of government and governance that any government faces. There is no doubt in my mind that we are overwhelmingly supported by the general community. The hypocrisy and inconsistencies of the alternative position have been well and truly described. Members of the opposition have made passionate speeches about this matter, but when they are tested and asked whether they would close the existing brothels in Kalgoorlie, they say, “No.” When we test them and ask them whether they would close any existing brothel in Perth, they say, “No.” They not only say that, but also might make light of the issue. They say, “Of course not. Don’t be ridiculous. Of course we wouldn’t close the brothels in Kalgoorlie. Don’t be silly.” We are pursuing a reform that other governments, both Liberal and Labor, have sought to pursue and have failed. Where they have failed, we will succeed. We will be judged on that and I am totally confident that the overwhelming majority of the Western Australian community will think that we have made the right decision.
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