❓ Question regarding the Premier's decision to reduce payments under the Redress WA scheme for victims of abuse in state care. The Premier defends the decision, citing funding constraints and the scheme's original design.
AnsweredQoN 649Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
REDRESS WA — PAYMENT CAP
I draw the Premier’s attention to today’s Redress WA rally and comments in The West Australian newspaper describing his actions on this issue as a betrayal. In the light of those comments and another rally, I again ask — (1) Will the Premier reverse his heartless decision to reduce the amount payable to those victims in state care who have suffered the most serious abuse? (2) If he will not reverse his decision, will he agree to maintain the maximum amount payable for the most serious cases of abuse and offset the budget impact by staggering the payment over several years? Mr C.J. BARNETT
I draw the Premier’s attention to today’s Redress WA rally and comments in The West Australian newspaper describing his actions on this issue as a betrayal. In the light of those comments and another rally, I again ask — (1) Will the Premier reverse his heartless decision to reduce the amount payable to those victims in state care who have suffered the most serious abuse? (2) If he will not reverse his decision, will he agree to maintain the maximum amount payable for the most serious cases of abuse and offset the budget impact by staggering the payment over several years? Mr C.J. BARNETT
AnswerView source ↗
(1)-(2) The government looked very carefully at this issue. I, like everyone else, recognise the abuse and suffering that so many children, including child migrants, suffered during that period. The Redress WA scheme was put in place by the previous government — Mr M.P. Murray interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : — and it will be this government that funds the scheme. In announcing the scheme, the previous government and Premier—I do not apportion blame here—set in place a scheme that would have applications and assessment, and a payment cap was set at $80 000. The funding anticipated in the forward estimates was insufficient to deliver that. That has become quite obvious; in fact, it was obvious to the previous government, as comments made by Hon Sue Ellery make very clear. My understanding from her comments is that it was rejected when considered by the previous Labor cabinet. Mr A.J. Carpenter : That’s not true! Mr C.J. BARNETT : Okay, but they were her comments, so the member should argue it with her. Mr A.J. Carpenter : No, they weren’t her comments. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Willagee! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member should talk to his upper house member and ask her to clarify her comments. I am relying on what she said. Mr A.J. Carpenter : You’ve got a responsibility to stand up and tell the truth. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I always do. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the member for Willagee to withdraw those comments. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Withdrawn, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : The previous government announced a scheme with an $80 000 maximum payment. The funding that the previous government anticipated was inadequate to provide that amount. We have maintained total scheme funding at $110 million. I have indicated that if that is insufficient, we will provide additional funding to make sure that everyone receives the payment they are assessed to receive. We have lowered the maximum payment from $80 000 to $45 000. In reality, probably very few people would have received a payment approaching $80 000. What I find distressing is not only the experience that up to 10 000 people endured as children, but also the way the scheme was promoted two years ago, which raised a false expectation amongst many people that they would receive a payment approaching $80 000. Under any scenario, that was not the case. We have maintained total funding and we will add to that total funding. If necessary, we will provide additional funding for counselling. Many people have indicated that they would rather come to grips with the issue and have requested counselling support. They are more interested in that than in a cash payment. We are also initiating, through the minister, some payments to families of those people who have passed away in the interim. We are treating this matter with respect on an individual basis. We are funding the scheme fully with the promise of additional funding if required. I notice that the Prime Minister has proposed an apology to child migrants in the federal Parliament. Good. I will support that. I think that every member in the house would support it. I do not yet know whether the federal government will provide funding for compensation because, after all, many of the child migrants came under the auspices of the commonwealth and the states were left to administer the arrangements. The state—as announced by the previous government and implemented by this government—is picking up its responsibility and is paying these amounts to people who have been assessed individually. I restate that this is not compensation and no-one should view it as compensation. It is a payment in recognition of the suffering that those young children endured a generation ago. That is what it is. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite will carry on, as they did with the rally outside. I recognise that that will continue. They should also think about what they did by unrealistically raising expectations that most people might get a payment of around $80 000 and by continuing to play on the emotions of people whom I understand want to put this episode behind them. They will receive a payment. It may not be the amount that they thought they would receive, but it will be a significant payment. Most of them would want to put this episode behind them. The opposition wants to keep it there and keep taking advantage of people who have already suffered.
(1) Will the Premier reverse his heartless decision to reduce the amount payable to those victims in state care who have suffered the most serious abuse? (2) If he will not reverse his decision, will he agree to maintain the maximum amount payable for the most serious cases of abuse and offset the budget impact by staggering the payment over several years? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)-(2) The government looked very carefully at this issue. I, like everyone else, recognise the abuse and suffering that so many children, including child migrants, suffered during that period. The Redress WA scheme was put in place by the previous government — Mr M.P. Murray interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : — and it will be this government that funds the scheme. In announcing the scheme, the previous government and Premier—I do not apportion blame here—set in place a scheme that would have applications and assessment, and a payment cap was set at $80 000. The funding anticipated in the forward estimates was insufficient to deliver that. That has become quite obvious; in fact, it was obvious to the previous government, as comments made by Hon Sue Ellery make very clear. My understanding from her comments is that it was rejected when considered by the previous Labor cabinet. Mr A.J. Carpenter : That’s not true! Mr C.J. BARNETT : Okay, but they were her comments, so the member should argue it with her. Mr A.J. Carpenter : No, they weren’t her comments. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Willagee! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member should talk to his upper house member and ask her to clarify her comments. I am relying on what she said. Mr A.J. Carpenter : You’ve got a responsibility to stand up and tell the truth. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I always do. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the member for Willagee to withdraw those comments. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Withdrawn, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : The previous government announced a scheme with an $80 000 maximum payment. The funding that the previous government anticipated was inadequate to provide that amount. We have maintained total scheme funding at $110 million. I have indicated that if that is insufficient, we will provide additional funding to make sure that everyone receives the payment they are assessed to receive. We have lowered the maximum payment from $80 000 to $45 000. In reality, probably very few people would have received a payment approaching $80 000. What I find distressing is not only the experience that up to 10 000 people endured as children, but also the way the scheme was promoted two years ago, which raised a false expectation amongst many people that they would receive a payment approaching $80 000. Under any scenario, that was not the case. We have maintained total funding and we will add to that total funding. If necessary, we will provide additional funding for counselling. Many people have indicated that they would rather come to grips with the issue and have requested counselling support. They are more interested in that than in a cash payment. We are also initiating, through the minister, some payments to families of those people who have passed away in the interim. We are treating this matter with respect on an individual basis. We are funding the scheme fully with the promise of additional funding if required. I notice that the Prime Minister has proposed an apology to child migrants in the federal Parliament. Good. I will support that. I think that every member in the house would support it. I do not yet know whether the federal government will provide funding for compensation because, after all, many of the child migrants came under the auspices of the commonwealth and the states were left to administer the arrangements. The state—as announced by the previous government and implemented by this government—is picking up its responsibility and is paying these amounts to people who have been assessed individually. I restate that this is not compensation and no-one should view it as compensation. It is a payment in recognition of the suffering that those young children endured a generation ago. That is what it is. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite will carry on, as they did with the rally outside. I recognise that that will continue. They should also think about what they did by unrealistically raising expectations that most people might get a payment of around $80 000 and by continuing to play on the emotions of people whom I understand want to put this episode behind them. They will receive a payment. It may not be the amount that they thought they would receive, but it will be a significant payment. Most of them would want to put this episode behind them. The opposition wants to keep it there and keep taking advantage of people who have already suffered.
(2) If he will not reverse his decision, will he agree to maintain the maximum amount payable for the most serious cases of abuse and offset the budget impact by staggering the payment over several years? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)-(2) The government looked very carefully at this issue. I, like everyone else, recognise the abuse and suffering that so many children, including child migrants, suffered during that period. The Redress WA scheme was put in place by the previous government — Mr M.P. Murray interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : — and it will be this government that funds the scheme. In announcing the scheme, the previous government and Premier—I do not apportion blame here—set in place a scheme that would have applications and assessment, and a payment cap was set at $80 000. The funding anticipated in the forward estimates was insufficient to deliver that. That has become quite obvious; in fact, it was obvious to the previous government, as comments made by Hon Sue Ellery make very clear. My understanding from her comments is that it was rejected when considered by the previous Labor cabinet. Mr A.J. Carpenter : That’s not true! Mr C.J. BARNETT : Okay, but they were her comments, so the member should argue it with her. Mr A.J. Carpenter : No, they weren’t her comments. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Willagee! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member should talk to his upper house member and ask her to clarify her comments. I am relying on what she said. Mr A.J. Carpenter : You’ve got a responsibility to stand up and tell the truth. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I always do. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the member for Willagee to withdraw those comments. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Withdrawn, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : The previous government announced a scheme with an $80 000 maximum payment. The funding that the previous government anticipated was inadequate to provide that amount. We have maintained total scheme funding at $110 million. I have indicated that if that is insufficient, we will provide additional funding to make sure that everyone receives the payment they are assessed to receive. We have lowered the maximum payment from $80 000 to $45 000. In reality, probably very few people would have received a payment approaching $80 000. What I find distressing is not only the experience that up to 10 000 people endured as children, but also the way the scheme was promoted two years ago, which raised a false expectation amongst many people that they would receive a payment approaching $80 000. Under any scenario, that was not the case. We have maintained total funding and we will add to that total funding. If necessary, we will provide additional funding for counselling. Many people have indicated that they would rather come to grips with the issue and have requested counselling support. They are more interested in that than in a cash payment. We are also initiating, through the minister, some payments to families of those people who have passed away in the interim. We are treating this matter with respect on an individual basis. We are funding the scheme fully with the promise of additional funding if required. I notice that the Prime Minister has proposed an apology to child migrants in the federal Parliament. Good. I will support that. I think that every member in the house would support it. I do not yet know whether the federal government will provide funding for compensation because, after all, many of the child migrants came under the auspices of the commonwealth and the states were left to administer the arrangements. The state—as announced by the previous government and implemented by this government—is picking up its responsibility and is paying these amounts to people who have been assessed individually. I restate that this is not compensation and no-one should view it as compensation. It is a payment in recognition of the suffering that those young children endured a generation ago. That is what it is. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite will carry on, as they did with the rally outside. I recognise that that will continue. They should also think about what they did by unrealistically raising expectations that most people might get a payment of around $80 000 and by continuing to play on the emotions of people whom I understand want to put this episode behind them. They will receive a payment. It may not be the amount that they thought they would receive, but it will be a significant payment. Most of them would want to put this episode behind them. The opposition wants to keep it there and keep taking advantage of people who have already suffered.
Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)-(2) The government looked very carefully at this issue. I, like everyone else, recognise the abuse and suffering that so many children, including child migrants, suffered during that period. The Redress WA scheme was put in place by the previous government — Mr M.P. Murray interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : — and it will be this government that funds the scheme. In announcing the scheme, the previous government and Premier—I do not apportion blame here—set in place a scheme that would have applications and assessment, and a payment cap was set at $80 000. The funding anticipated in the forward estimates was insufficient to deliver that. That has become quite obvious; in fact, it was obvious to the previous government, as comments made by Hon Sue Ellery make very clear. My understanding from her comments is that it was rejected when considered by the previous Labor cabinet. Mr A.J. Carpenter : That’s not true! Mr C.J. BARNETT : Okay, but they were her comments, so the member should argue it with her. Mr A.J. Carpenter : No, they weren’t her comments. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Willagee! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member should talk to his upper house member and ask her to clarify her comments. I am relying on what she said. Mr A.J. Carpenter : You’ve got a responsibility to stand up and tell the truth. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I always do. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the member for Willagee to withdraw those comments. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Withdrawn, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : The previous government announced a scheme with an $80 000 maximum payment. The funding that the previous government anticipated was inadequate to provide that amount. We have maintained total scheme funding at $110 million. I have indicated that if that is insufficient, we will provide additional funding to make sure that everyone receives the payment they are assessed to receive. We have lowered the maximum payment from $80 000 to $45 000. In reality, probably very few people would have received a payment approaching $80 000. What I find distressing is not only the experience that up to 10 000 people endured as children, but also the way the scheme was promoted two years ago, which raised a false expectation amongst many people that they would receive a payment approaching $80 000. Under any scenario, that was not the case. We have maintained total funding and we will add to that total funding. If necessary, we will provide additional funding for counselling. Many people have indicated that they would rather come to grips with the issue and have requested counselling support. They are more interested in that than in a cash payment. We are also initiating, through the minister, some payments to families of those people who have passed away in the interim. We are treating this matter with respect on an individual basis. We are funding the scheme fully with the promise of additional funding if required. I notice that the Prime Minister has proposed an apology to child migrants in the federal Parliament. Good. I will support that. I think that every member in the house would support it. I do not yet know whether the federal government will provide funding for compensation because, after all, many of the child migrants came under the auspices of the commonwealth and the states were left to administer the arrangements. The state—as announced by the previous government and implemented by this government—is picking up its responsibility and is paying these amounts to people who have been assessed individually. I restate that this is not compensation and no-one should view it as compensation. It is a payment in recognition of the suffering that those young children endured a generation ago. That is what it is. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite will carry on, as they did with the rally outside. I recognise that that will continue. They should also think about what they did by unrealistically raising expectations that most people might get a payment of around $80 000 and by continuing to play on the emotions of people whom I understand want to put this episode behind them. They will receive a payment. It may not be the amount that they thought they would receive, but it will be a significant payment. Most of them would want to put this episode behind them. The opposition wants to keep it there and keep taking advantage of people who have already suffered.
(1)-(2) The government looked very carefully at this issue. I, like everyone else, recognise the abuse and suffering that so many children, including child migrants, suffered during that period. The Redress WA scheme was put in place by the previous government — Mr M.P. Murray interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : — and it will be this government that funds the scheme. In announcing the scheme, the previous government and Premier—I do not apportion blame here—set in place a scheme that would have applications and assessment, and a payment cap was set at $80 000. The funding anticipated in the forward estimates was insufficient to deliver that. That has become quite obvious; in fact, it was obvious to the previous government, as comments made by Hon Sue Ellery make very clear. My understanding from her comments is that it was rejected when considered by the previous Labor cabinet. Mr A.J. Carpenter : That’s not true! Mr C.J. BARNETT : Okay, but they were her comments, so the member should argue it with her. Mr A.J. Carpenter : No, they weren’t her comments. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Willagee! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member should talk to his upper house member and ask her to clarify her comments. I am relying on what she said. Mr A.J. Carpenter : You’ve got a responsibility to stand up and tell the truth. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I always do. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the member for Willagee to withdraw those comments. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Withdrawn, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : The previous government announced a scheme with an $80 000 maximum payment. The funding that the previous government anticipated was inadequate to provide that amount. We have maintained total scheme funding at $110 million. I have indicated that if that is insufficient, we will provide additional funding to make sure that everyone receives the payment they are assessed to receive. We have lowered the maximum payment from $80 000 to $45 000. In reality, probably very few people would have received a payment approaching $80 000. What I find distressing is not only the experience that up to 10 000 people endured as children, but also the way the scheme was promoted two years ago, which raised a false expectation amongst many people that they would receive a payment approaching $80 000. Under any scenario, that was not the case. We have maintained total funding and we will add to that total funding. If necessary, we will provide additional funding for counselling. Many people have indicated that they would rather come to grips with the issue and have requested counselling support. They are more interested in that than in a cash payment. We are also initiating, through the minister, some payments to families of those people who have passed away in the interim. We are treating this matter with respect on an individual basis. We are funding the scheme fully with the promise of additional funding if required. I notice that the Prime Minister has proposed an apology to child migrants in the federal Parliament. Good. I will support that. I think that every member in the house would support it. I do not yet know whether the federal government will provide funding for compensation because, after all, many of the child migrants came under the auspices of the commonwealth and the states were left to administer the arrangements. The state—as announced by the previous government and implemented by this government—is picking up its responsibility and is paying these amounts to people who have been assessed individually. I restate that this is not compensation and no-one should view it as compensation. It is a payment in recognition of the suffering that those young children endured a generation ago. That is what it is. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite will carry on, as they did with the rally outside. I recognise that that will continue. They should also think about what they did by unrealistically raising expectations that most people might get a payment of around $80 000 and by continuing to play on the emotions of people whom I understand want to put this episode behind them. They will receive a payment. It may not be the amount that they thought they would receive, but it will be a significant payment. Most of them would want to put this episode behind them. The opposition wants to keep it there and keep taking advantage of people who have already suffered.
Mr M.P. Murray interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : — and it will be this government that funds the scheme. In announcing the scheme, the previous government and Premier—I do not apportion blame here—set in place a scheme that would have applications and assessment, and a payment cap was set at $80 000. The funding anticipated in the forward estimates was insufficient to deliver that. That has become quite obvious; in fact, it was obvious to the previous government, as comments made by Hon Sue Ellery make very clear. My understanding from her comments is that it was rejected when considered by the previous Labor cabinet. Mr A.J. Carpenter : That’s not true! Mr C.J. BARNETT : Okay, but they were her comments, so the member should argue it with her. Mr A.J. Carpenter : No, they weren’t her comments. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Willagee! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member should talk to his upper house member and ask her to clarify her comments. I am relying on what she said. Mr A.J. Carpenter : You’ve got a responsibility to stand up and tell the truth. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I always do. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the member for Willagee to withdraw those comments. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Withdrawn, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : The previous government announced a scheme with an $80 000 maximum payment. The funding that the previous government anticipated was inadequate to provide that amount. We have maintained total scheme funding at $110 million. I have indicated that if that is insufficient, we will provide additional funding to make sure that everyone receives the payment they are assessed to receive. We have lowered the maximum payment from $80 000 to $45 000. In reality, probably very few people would have received a payment approaching $80 000. What I find distressing is not only the experience that up to 10 000 people endured as children, but also the way the scheme was promoted two years ago, which raised a false expectation amongst many people that they would receive a payment approaching $80 000. Under any scenario, that was not the case. We have maintained total funding and we will add to that total funding. If necessary, we will provide additional funding for counselling. Many people have indicated that they would rather come to grips with the issue and have requested counselling support. They are more interested in that than in a cash payment. We are also initiating, through the minister, some payments to families of those people who have passed away in the interim. We are treating this matter with respect on an individual basis. We are funding the scheme fully with the promise of additional funding if required. I notice that the Prime Minister has proposed an apology to child migrants in the federal Parliament. Good. I will support that. I think that every member in the house would support it. I do not yet know whether the federal government will provide funding for compensation because, after all, many of the child migrants came under the auspices of the commonwealth and the states were left to administer the arrangements. The state—as announced by the previous government and implemented by this government—is picking up its responsibility and is paying these amounts to people who have been assessed individually. I restate that this is not compensation and no-one should view it as compensation. It is a payment in recognition of the suffering that those young children endured a generation ago. That is what it is. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite will carry on, as they did with the rally outside. I recognise that that will continue. They should also think about what they did by unrealistically raising expectations that most people might get a payment of around $80 000 and by continuing to play on the emotions of people whom I understand want to put this episode behind them. They will receive a payment. It may not be the amount that they thought they would receive, but it will be a significant payment. Most of them would want to put this episode behind them. The opposition wants to keep it there and keep taking advantage of people who have already suffered.
The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : — and it will be this government that funds the scheme. In announcing the scheme, the previous government and Premier—I do not apportion blame here—set in place a scheme that would have applications and assessment, and a payment cap was set at $80 000. The funding anticipated in the forward estimates was insufficient to deliver that. That has become quite obvious; in fact, it was obvious to the previous government, as comments made by Hon Sue Ellery make very clear. My understanding from her comments is that it was rejected when considered by the previous Labor cabinet. Mr A.J. Carpenter : That’s not true! Mr C.J. BARNETT : Okay, but they were her comments, so the member should argue it with her. Mr A.J. Carpenter : No, they weren’t her comments. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Willagee! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member should talk to his upper house member and ask her to clarify her comments. I am relying on what she said. Mr A.J. Carpenter : You’ve got a responsibility to stand up and tell the truth. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I always do. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the member for Willagee to withdraw those comments. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Withdrawn, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : The previous government announced a scheme with an $80 000 maximum payment. The funding that the previous government anticipated was inadequate to provide that amount. We have maintained total scheme funding at $110 million. I have indicated that if that is insufficient, we will provide additional funding to make sure that everyone receives the payment they are assessed to receive. We have lowered the maximum payment from $80 000 to $45 000. In reality, probably very few people would have received a payment approaching $80 000. What I find distressing is not only the experience that up to 10 000 people endured as children, but also the way the scheme was promoted two years ago, which raised a false expectation amongst many people that they would receive a payment approaching $80 000. Under any scenario, that was not the case. We have maintained total funding and we will add to that total funding. If necessary, we will provide additional funding for counselling. Many people have indicated that they would rather come to grips with the issue and have requested counselling support. They are more interested in that than in a cash payment. We are also initiating, through the minister, some payments to families of those people who have passed away in the interim. We are treating this matter with respect on an individual basis. We are funding the scheme fully with the promise of additional funding if required. I notice that the Prime Minister has proposed an apology to child migrants in the federal Parliament. Good. I will support that. I think that every member in the house would support it. I do not yet know whether the federal government will provide funding for compensation because, after all, many of the child migrants came under the auspices of the commonwealth and the states were left to administer the arrangements. The state—as announced by the previous government and implemented by this government—is picking up its responsibility and is paying these amounts to people who have been assessed individually. I restate that this is not compensation and no-one should view it as compensation. It is a payment in recognition of the suffering that those young children endured a generation ago. That is what it is. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite will carry on, as they did with the rally outside. I recognise that that will continue. They should also think about what they did by unrealistically raising expectations that most people might get a payment of around $80 000 and by continuing to play on the emotions of people whom I understand want to put this episode behind them. They will receive a payment. It may not be the amount that they thought they would receive, but it will be a significant payment. Most of them would want to put this episode behind them. The opposition wants to keep it there and keep taking advantage of people who have already suffered.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : — and it will be this government that funds the scheme. In announcing the scheme, the previous government and Premier—I do not apportion blame here—set in place a scheme that would have applications and assessment, and a payment cap was set at $80 000. The funding anticipated in the forward estimates was insufficient to deliver that. That has become quite obvious; in fact, it was obvious to the previous government, as comments made by Hon Sue Ellery make very clear. My understanding from her comments is that it was rejected when considered by the previous Labor cabinet. Mr A.J. Carpenter : That’s not true! Mr C.J. BARNETT : Okay, but they were her comments, so the member should argue it with her. Mr A.J. Carpenter : No, they weren’t her comments. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Willagee! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member should talk to his upper house member and ask her to clarify her comments. I am relying on what she said. Mr A.J. Carpenter : You’ve got a responsibility to stand up and tell the truth. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I always do. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the member for Willagee to withdraw those comments. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Withdrawn, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : The previous government announced a scheme with an $80 000 maximum payment. The funding that the previous government anticipated was inadequate to provide that amount. We have maintained total scheme funding at $110 million. I have indicated that if that is insufficient, we will provide additional funding to make sure that everyone receives the payment they are assessed to receive. We have lowered the maximum payment from $80 000 to $45 000. In reality, probably very few people would have received a payment approaching $80 000. What I find distressing is not only the experience that up to 10 000 people endured as children, but also the way the scheme was promoted two years ago, which raised a false expectation amongst many people that they would receive a payment approaching $80 000. Under any scenario, that was not the case. We have maintained total funding and we will add to that total funding. If necessary, we will provide additional funding for counselling. Many people have indicated that they would rather come to grips with the issue and have requested counselling support. They are more interested in that than in a cash payment. We are also initiating, through the minister, some payments to families of those people who have passed away in the interim. We are treating this matter with respect on an individual basis. We are funding the scheme fully with the promise of additional funding if required. I notice that the Prime Minister has proposed an apology to child migrants in the federal Parliament. Good. I will support that. I think that every member in the house would support it. I do not yet know whether the federal government will provide funding for compensation because, after all, many of the child migrants came under the auspices of the commonwealth and the states were left to administer the arrangements. The state—as announced by the previous government and implemented by this government—is picking up its responsibility and is paying these amounts to people who have been assessed individually. I restate that this is not compensation and no-one should view it as compensation. It is a payment in recognition of the suffering that those young children endured a generation ago. That is what it is. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite will carry on, as they did with the rally outside. I recognise that that will continue. They should also think about what they did by unrealistically raising expectations that most people might get a payment of around $80 000 and by continuing to play on the emotions of people whom I understand want to put this episode behind them. They will receive a payment. It may not be the amount that they thought they would receive, but it will be a significant payment. Most of them would want to put this episode behind them. The opposition wants to keep it there and keep taking advantage of people who have already suffered.
Mr A.J. Carpenter : That’s not true! Mr C.J. BARNETT : Okay, but they were her comments, so the member should argue it with her. Mr A.J. Carpenter : No, they weren’t her comments. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Willagee! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member should talk to his upper house member and ask her to clarify her comments. I am relying on what she said. Mr A.J. Carpenter : You’ve got a responsibility to stand up and tell the truth. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I always do. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the member for Willagee to withdraw those comments. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Withdrawn, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : The previous government announced a scheme with an $80 000 maximum payment. The funding that the previous government anticipated was inadequate to provide that amount. We have maintained total scheme funding at $110 million. I have indicated that if that is insufficient, we will provide additional funding to make sure that everyone receives the payment they are assessed to receive. We have lowered the maximum payment from $80 000 to $45 000. In reality, probably very few people would have received a payment approaching $80 000. What I find distressing is not only the experience that up to 10 000 people endured as children, but also the way the scheme was promoted two years ago, which raised a false expectation amongst many people that they would receive a payment approaching $80 000. Under any scenario, that was not the case. We have maintained total funding and we will add to that total funding. If necessary, we will provide additional funding for counselling. Many people have indicated that they would rather come to grips with the issue and have requested counselling support. They are more interested in that than in a cash payment. We are also initiating, through the minister, some payments to families of those people who have passed away in the interim. We are treating this matter with respect on an individual basis. We are funding the scheme fully with the promise of additional funding if required. I notice that the Prime Minister has proposed an apology to child migrants in the federal Parliament. Good. I will support that. I think that every member in the house would support it. I do not yet know whether the federal government will provide funding for compensation because, after all, many of the child migrants came under the auspices of the commonwealth and the states were left to administer the arrangements. The state—as announced by the previous government and implemented by this government—is picking up its responsibility and is paying these amounts to people who have been assessed individually. I restate that this is not compensation and no-one should view it as compensation. It is a payment in recognition of the suffering that those young children endured a generation ago. That is what it is. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite will carry on, as they did with the rally outside. I recognise that that will continue. They should also think about what they did by unrealistically raising expectations that most people might get a payment of around $80 000 and by continuing to play on the emotions of people whom I understand want to put this episode behind them. They will receive a payment. It may not be the amount that they thought they would receive, but it will be a significant payment. Most of them would want to put this episode behind them. The opposition wants to keep it there and keep taking advantage of people who have already suffered.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : Okay, but they were her comments, so the member should argue it with her. Mr A.J. Carpenter : No, they weren’t her comments. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Willagee! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member should talk to his upper house member and ask her to clarify her comments. I am relying on what she said. Mr A.J. Carpenter : You’ve got a responsibility to stand up and tell the truth. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I always do. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the member for Willagee to withdraw those comments. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Withdrawn, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : The previous government announced a scheme with an $80 000 maximum payment. The funding that the previous government anticipated was inadequate to provide that amount. We have maintained total scheme funding at $110 million. I have indicated that if that is insufficient, we will provide additional funding to make sure that everyone receives the payment they are assessed to receive. We have lowered the maximum payment from $80 000 to $45 000. In reality, probably very few people would have received a payment approaching $80 000. What I find distressing is not only the experience that up to 10 000 people endured as children, but also the way the scheme was promoted two years ago, which raised a false expectation amongst many people that they would receive a payment approaching $80 000. Under any scenario, that was not the case. We have maintained total funding and we will add to that total funding. If necessary, we will provide additional funding for counselling. Many people have indicated that they would rather come to grips with the issue and have requested counselling support. They are more interested in that than in a cash payment. We are also initiating, through the minister, some payments to families of those people who have passed away in the interim. We are treating this matter with respect on an individual basis. We are funding the scheme fully with the promise of additional funding if required. I notice that the Prime Minister has proposed an apology to child migrants in the federal Parliament. Good. I will support that. I think that every member in the house would support it. I do not yet know whether the federal government will provide funding for compensation because, after all, many of the child migrants came under the auspices of the commonwealth and the states were left to administer the arrangements. The state—as announced by the previous government and implemented by this government—is picking up its responsibility and is paying these amounts to people who have been assessed individually. I restate that this is not compensation and no-one should view it as compensation. It is a payment in recognition of the suffering that those young children endured a generation ago. That is what it is. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite will carry on, as they did with the rally outside. I recognise that that will continue. They should also think about what they did by unrealistically raising expectations that most people might get a payment of around $80 000 and by continuing to play on the emotions of people whom I understand want to put this episode behind them. They will receive a payment. It may not be the amount that they thought they would receive, but it will be a significant payment. Most of them would want to put this episode behind them. The opposition wants to keep it there and keep taking advantage of people who have already suffered.
Mr A.J. Carpenter : No, they weren’t her comments. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Willagee! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member should talk to his upper house member and ask her to clarify her comments. I am relying on what she said. Mr A.J. Carpenter : You’ve got a responsibility to stand up and tell the truth. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I always do. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the member for Willagee to withdraw those comments. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Withdrawn, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : The previous government announced a scheme with an $80 000 maximum payment. The funding that the previous government anticipated was inadequate to provide that amount. We have maintained total scheme funding at $110 million. I have indicated that if that is insufficient, we will provide additional funding to make sure that everyone receives the payment they are assessed to receive. We have lowered the maximum payment from $80 000 to $45 000. In reality, probably very few people would have received a payment approaching $80 000. What I find distressing is not only the experience that up to 10 000 people endured as children, but also the way the scheme was promoted two years ago, which raised a false expectation amongst many people that they would receive a payment approaching $80 000. Under any scenario, that was not the case. We have maintained total funding and we will add to that total funding. If necessary, we will provide additional funding for counselling. Many people have indicated that they would rather come to grips with the issue and have requested counselling support. They are more interested in that than in a cash payment. We are also initiating, through the minister, some payments to families of those people who have passed away in the interim. We are treating this matter with respect on an individual basis. We are funding the scheme fully with the promise of additional funding if required. I notice that the Prime Minister has proposed an apology to child migrants in the federal Parliament. Good. I will support that. I think that every member in the house would support it. I do not yet know whether the federal government will provide funding for compensation because, after all, many of the child migrants came under the auspices of the commonwealth and the states were left to administer the arrangements. The state—as announced by the previous government and implemented by this government—is picking up its responsibility and is paying these amounts to people who have been assessed individually. I restate that this is not compensation and no-one should view it as compensation. It is a payment in recognition of the suffering that those young children endured a generation ago. That is what it is. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite will carry on, as they did with the rally outside. I recognise that that will continue. They should also think about what they did by unrealistically raising expectations that most people might get a payment of around $80 000 and by continuing to play on the emotions of people whom I understand want to put this episode behind them. They will receive a payment. It may not be the amount that they thought they would receive, but it will be a significant payment. Most of them would want to put this episode behind them. The opposition wants to keep it there and keep taking advantage of people who have already suffered.
The SPEAKER : Order, member for Willagee! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member should talk to his upper house member and ask her to clarify her comments. I am relying on what she said. Mr A.J. Carpenter : You’ve got a responsibility to stand up and tell the truth. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I always do. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the member for Willagee to withdraw those comments. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Withdrawn, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : The previous government announced a scheme with an $80 000 maximum payment. The funding that the previous government anticipated was inadequate to provide that amount. We have maintained total scheme funding at $110 million. I have indicated that if that is insufficient, we will provide additional funding to make sure that everyone receives the payment they are assessed to receive. We have lowered the maximum payment from $80 000 to $45 000. In reality, probably very few people would have received a payment approaching $80 000. What I find distressing is not only the experience that up to 10 000 people endured as children, but also the way the scheme was promoted two years ago, which raised a false expectation amongst many people that they would receive a payment approaching $80 000. Under any scenario, that was not the case. We have maintained total funding and we will add to that total funding. If necessary, we will provide additional funding for counselling. Many people have indicated that they would rather come to grips with the issue and have requested counselling support. They are more interested in that than in a cash payment. We are also initiating, through the minister, some payments to families of those people who have passed away in the interim. We are treating this matter with respect on an individual basis. We are funding the scheme fully with the promise of additional funding if required. I notice that the Prime Minister has proposed an apology to child migrants in the federal Parliament. Good. I will support that. I think that every member in the house would support it. I do not yet know whether the federal government will provide funding for compensation because, after all, many of the child migrants came under the auspices of the commonwealth and the states were left to administer the arrangements. The state—as announced by the previous government and implemented by this government—is picking up its responsibility and is paying these amounts to people who have been assessed individually. I restate that this is not compensation and no-one should view it as compensation. It is a payment in recognition of the suffering that those young children endured a generation ago. That is what it is. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite will carry on, as they did with the rally outside. I recognise that that will continue. They should also think about what they did by unrealistically raising expectations that most people might get a payment of around $80 000 and by continuing to play on the emotions of people whom I understand want to put this episode behind them. They will receive a payment. It may not be the amount that they thought they would receive, but it will be a significant payment. Most of them would want to put this episode behind them. The opposition wants to keep it there and keep taking advantage of people who have already suffered.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member should talk to his upper house member and ask her to clarify her comments. I am relying on what she said. Mr A.J. Carpenter : You’ve got a responsibility to stand up and tell the truth. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I always do. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the member for Willagee to withdraw those comments. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Withdrawn, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : The previous government announced a scheme with an $80 000 maximum payment. The funding that the previous government anticipated was inadequate to provide that amount. We have maintained total scheme funding at $110 million. I have indicated that if that is insufficient, we will provide additional funding to make sure that everyone receives the payment they are assessed to receive. We have lowered the maximum payment from $80 000 to $45 000. In reality, probably very few people would have received a payment approaching $80 000. What I find distressing is not only the experience that up to 10 000 people endured as children, but also the way the scheme was promoted two years ago, which raised a false expectation amongst many people that they would receive a payment approaching $80 000. Under any scenario, that was not the case. We have maintained total funding and we will add to that total funding. If necessary, we will provide additional funding for counselling. Many people have indicated that they would rather come to grips with the issue and have requested counselling support. They are more interested in that than in a cash payment. We are also initiating, through the minister, some payments to families of those people who have passed away in the interim. We are treating this matter with respect on an individual basis. We are funding the scheme fully with the promise of additional funding if required. I notice that the Prime Minister has proposed an apology to child migrants in the federal Parliament. Good. I will support that. I think that every member in the house would support it. I do not yet know whether the federal government will provide funding for compensation because, after all, many of the child migrants came under the auspices of the commonwealth and the states were left to administer the arrangements. The state—as announced by the previous government and implemented by this government—is picking up its responsibility and is paying these amounts to people who have been assessed individually. I restate that this is not compensation and no-one should view it as compensation. It is a payment in recognition of the suffering that those young children endured a generation ago. That is what it is. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite will carry on, as they did with the rally outside. I recognise that that will continue. They should also think about what they did by unrealistically raising expectations that most people might get a payment of around $80 000 and by continuing to play on the emotions of people whom I understand want to put this episode behind them. They will receive a payment. It may not be the amount that they thought they would receive, but it will be a significant payment. Most of them would want to put this episode behind them. The opposition wants to keep it there and keep taking advantage of people who have already suffered.
Mr A.J. Carpenter : You’ve got a responsibility to stand up and tell the truth. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I always do. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the member for Willagee to withdraw those comments. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Withdrawn, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : The previous government announced a scheme with an $80 000 maximum payment. The funding that the previous government anticipated was inadequate to provide that amount. We have maintained total scheme funding at $110 million. I have indicated that if that is insufficient, we will provide additional funding to make sure that everyone receives the payment they are assessed to receive. We have lowered the maximum payment from $80 000 to $45 000. In reality, probably very few people would have received a payment approaching $80 000. What I find distressing is not only the experience that up to 10 000 people endured as children, but also the way the scheme was promoted two years ago, which raised a false expectation amongst many people that they would receive a payment approaching $80 000. Under any scenario, that was not the case. We have maintained total funding and we will add to that total funding. If necessary, we will provide additional funding for counselling. Many people have indicated that they would rather come to grips with the issue and have requested counselling support. They are more interested in that than in a cash payment. We are also initiating, through the minister, some payments to families of those people who have passed away in the interim. We are treating this matter with respect on an individual basis. We are funding the scheme fully with the promise of additional funding if required. I notice that the Prime Minister has proposed an apology to child migrants in the federal Parliament. Good. I will support that. I think that every member in the house would support it. I do not yet know whether the federal government will provide funding for compensation because, after all, many of the child migrants came under the auspices of the commonwealth and the states were left to administer the arrangements. The state—as announced by the previous government and implemented by this government—is picking up its responsibility and is paying these amounts to people who have been assessed individually. I restate that this is not compensation and no-one should view it as compensation. It is a payment in recognition of the suffering that those young children endured a generation ago. That is what it is. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite will carry on, as they did with the rally outside. I recognise that that will continue. They should also think about what they did by unrealistically raising expectations that most people might get a payment of around $80 000 and by continuing to play on the emotions of people whom I understand want to put this episode behind them. They will receive a payment. It may not be the amount that they thought they would receive, but it will be a significant payment. Most of them would want to put this episode behind them. The opposition wants to keep it there and keep taking advantage of people who have already suffered.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I always do. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the member for Willagee to withdraw those comments. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Withdrawn, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : The previous government announced a scheme with an $80 000 maximum payment. The funding that the previous government anticipated was inadequate to provide that amount. We have maintained total scheme funding at $110 million. I have indicated that if that is insufficient, we will provide additional funding to make sure that everyone receives the payment they are assessed to receive. We have lowered the maximum payment from $80 000 to $45 000. In reality, probably very few people would have received a payment approaching $80 000. What I find distressing is not only the experience that up to 10 000 people endured as children, but also the way the scheme was promoted two years ago, which raised a false expectation amongst many people that they would receive a payment approaching $80 000. Under any scenario, that was not the case. We have maintained total funding and we will add to that total funding. If necessary, we will provide additional funding for counselling. Many people have indicated that they would rather come to grips with the issue and have requested counselling support. They are more interested in that than in a cash payment. We are also initiating, through the minister, some payments to families of those people who have passed away in the interim. We are treating this matter with respect on an individual basis. We are funding the scheme fully with the promise of additional funding if required. I notice that the Prime Minister has proposed an apology to child migrants in the federal Parliament. Good. I will support that. I think that every member in the house would support it. I do not yet know whether the federal government will provide funding for compensation because, after all, many of the child migrants came under the auspices of the commonwealth and the states were left to administer the arrangements. The state—as announced by the previous government and implemented by this government—is picking up its responsibility and is paying these amounts to people who have been assessed individually. I restate that this is not compensation and no-one should view it as compensation. It is a payment in recognition of the suffering that those young children endured a generation ago. That is what it is. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite will carry on, as they did with the rally outside. I recognise that that will continue. They should also think about what they did by unrealistically raising expectations that most people might get a payment of around $80 000 and by continuing to play on the emotions of people whom I understand want to put this episode behind them. They will receive a payment. It may not be the amount that they thought they would receive, but it will be a significant payment. Most of them would want to put this episode behind them. The opposition wants to keep it there and keep taking advantage of people who have already suffered.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Withdrawn, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : The previous government announced a scheme with an $80 000 maximum payment. The funding that the previous government anticipated was inadequate to provide that amount. We have maintained total scheme funding at $110 million. I have indicated that if that is insufficient, we will provide additional funding to make sure that everyone receives the payment they are assessed to receive. We have lowered the maximum payment from $80 000 to $45 000. In reality, probably very few people would have received a payment approaching $80 000. What I find distressing is not only the experience that up to 10 000 people endured as children, but also the way the scheme was promoted two years ago, which raised a false expectation amongst many people that they would receive a payment approaching $80 000. Under any scenario, that was not the case. We have maintained total funding and we will add to that total funding. If necessary, we will provide additional funding for counselling. Many people have indicated that they would rather come to grips with the issue and have requested counselling support. They are more interested in that than in a cash payment. We are also initiating, through the minister, some payments to families of those people who have passed away in the interim. We are treating this matter with respect on an individual basis. We are funding the scheme fully with the promise of additional funding if required. I notice that the Prime Minister has proposed an apology to child migrants in the federal Parliament. Good. I will support that. I think that every member in the house would support it. I do not yet know whether the federal government will provide funding for compensation because, after all, many of the child migrants came under the auspices of the commonwealth and the states were left to administer the arrangements. The state—as announced by the previous government and implemented by this government—is picking up its responsibility and is paying these amounts to people who have been assessed individually. I restate that this is not compensation and no-one should view it as compensation. It is a payment in recognition of the suffering that those young children endured a generation ago. That is what it is. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite will carry on, as they did with the rally outside. I recognise that that will continue. They should also think about what they did by unrealistically raising expectations that most people might get a payment of around $80 000 and by continuing to play on the emotions of people whom I understand want to put this episode behind them. They will receive a payment. It may not be the amount that they thought they would receive, but it will be a significant payment. Most of them would want to put this episode behind them. The opposition wants to keep it there and keep taking advantage of people who have already suffered.
I notice that the Prime Minister has proposed an apology to child migrants in the federal Parliament. Good. I will support that. I think that every member in the house would support it. I do not yet know whether the federal government will provide funding for compensation because, after all, many of the child migrants came under the auspices of the commonwealth and the states were left to administer the arrangements. The state—as announced by the previous government and implemented by this government—is picking up its responsibility and is paying these amounts to people who have been assessed individually. I restate that this is not compensation and no-one should view it as compensation. It is a payment in recognition of the suffering that those young children endured a generation ago. That is what it is. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite will carry on, as they did with the rally outside. I recognise that that will continue. They should also think about what they did by unrealistically raising expectations that most people might get a payment of around $80 000 and by continuing to play on the emotions of people whom I understand want to put this episode behind them. They will receive a payment. It may not be the amount that they thought they would receive, but it will be a significant payment. Most of them would want to put this episode behind them. The opposition wants to keep it there and keep taking advantage of people who have already suffered.
Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite will carry on, as they did with the rally outside. I recognise that that will continue. They should also think about what they did by unrealistically raising expectations that most people might get a payment of around $80 000 and by continuing to play on the emotions of people whom I understand want to put this episode behind them. They will receive a payment. It may not be the amount that they thought they would receive, but it will be a significant payment. Most of them would want to put this episode behind them. The opposition wants to keep it there and keep taking advantage of people who have already suffered.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite will carry on, as they did with the rally outside. I recognise that that will continue. They should also think about what they did by unrealistically raising expectations that most people might get a payment of around $80 000 and by continuing to play on the emotions of people whom I understand want to put this episode behind them. They will receive a payment. It may not be the amount that they thought they would receive, but it will be a significant payment. Most of them would want to put this episode behind them. The opposition wants to keep it there and keep taking advantage of people who have already suffered.
(1) Will the Premier reverse his heartless decision to reduce the amount payable to those victims in state care who have suffered the most serious abuse? (2) If he will not reverse his decision, will he agree to maintain the maximum amount payable for the most serious cases of abuse and offset the budget impact by staggering the payment over several years? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)-(2) The government looked very carefully at this issue. I, like everyone else, recognise the abuse and suffering that so many children, including child migrants, suffered during that period. The Redress WA scheme was put in place by the previous government — Mr M.P. Murray interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : — and it will be this government that funds the scheme. In announcing the scheme, the previous government and Premier—I do not apportion blame here—set in place a scheme that would have applications and assessment, and a payment cap was set at $80 000. The funding anticipated in the forward estimates was insufficient to deliver that. That has become quite obvious; in fact, it was obvious to the previous government, as comments made by Hon Sue Ellery make very clear. My understanding from her comments is that it was rejected when considered by the previous Labor cabinet. Mr A.J. Carpenter : That’s not true! Mr C.J. BARNETT : Okay, but they were her comments, so the member should argue it with her. Mr A.J. Carpenter : No, they weren’t her comments. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Willagee! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member should talk to his upper house member and ask her to clarify her comments. I am relying on what she said. Mr A.J. Carpenter : You’ve got a responsibility to stand up and tell the truth. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I always do. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the member for Willagee to withdraw those comments. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Withdrawn, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : The previous government announced a scheme with an $80 000 maximum payment. The funding that the previous government anticipated was inadequate to provide that amount. We have maintained total scheme funding at $110 million. I have indicated that if that is insufficient, we will provide additional funding to make sure that everyone receives the payment they are assessed to receive. We have lowered the maximum payment from $80 000 to $45 000. In reality, probably very few people would have received a payment approaching $80 000. What I find distressing is not only the experience that up to 10 000 people endured as children, but also the way the scheme was promoted two years ago, which raised a false expectation amongst many people that they would receive a payment approaching $80 000. Under any scenario, that was not the case. We have maintained total funding and we will add to that total funding. If necessary, we will provide additional funding for counselling. Many people have indicated that they would rather come to grips with the issue and have requested counselling support. They are more interested in that than in a cash payment. We are also initiating, through the minister, some payments to families of those people who have passed away in the interim. We are treating this matter with respect on an individual basis. We are funding the scheme fully with the promise of additional funding if required. I notice that the Prime Minister has proposed an apology to child migrants in the federal Parliament. Good. I will support that. I think that every member in the house would support it. I do not yet know whether the federal government will provide funding for compensation because, after all, many of the child migrants came under the auspices of the commonwealth and the states were left to administer the arrangements. The state—as announced by the previous government and implemented by this government—is picking up its responsibility and is paying these amounts to people who have been assessed individually. I restate that this is not compensation and no-one should view it as compensation. It is a payment in recognition of the suffering that those young children endured a generation ago. That is what it is. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite will carry on, as they did with the rally outside. I recognise that that will continue. They should also think about what they did by unrealistically raising expectations that most people might get a payment of around $80 000 and by continuing to play on the emotions of people whom I understand want to put this episode behind them. They will receive a payment. It may not be the amount that they thought they would receive, but it will be a significant payment. Most of them would want to put this episode behind them. The opposition wants to keep it there and keep taking advantage of people who have already suffered.
(2) If he will not reverse his decision, will he agree to maintain the maximum amount payable for the most serious cases of abuse and offset the budget impact by staggering the payment over several years? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)-(2) The government looked very carefully at this issue. I, like everyone else, recognise the abuse and suffering that so many children, including child migrants, suffered during that period. The Redress WA scheme was put in place by the previous government — Mr M.P. Murray interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : — and it will be this government that funds the scheme. In announcing the scheme, the previous government and Premier—I do not apportion blame here—set in place a scheme that would have applications and assessment, and a payment cap was set at $80 000. The funding anticipated in the forward estimates was insufficient to deliver that. That has become quite obvious; in fact, it was obvious to the previous government, as comments made by Hon Sue Ellery make very clear. My understanding from her comments is that it was rejected when considered by the previous Labor cabinet. Mr A.J. Carpenter : That’s not true! Mr C.J. BARNETT : Okay, but they were her comments, so the member should argue it with her. Mr A.J. Carpenter : No, they weren’t her comments. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Willagee! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member should talk to his upper house member and ask her to clarify her comments. I am relying on what she said. Mr A.J. Carpenter : You’ve got a responsibility to stand up and tell the truth. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I always do. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the member for Willagee to withdraw those comments. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Withdrawn, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : The previous government announced a scheme with an $80 000 maximum payment. The funding that the previous government anticipated was inadequate to provide that amount. We have maintained total scheme funding at $110 million. I have indicated that if that is insufficient, we will provide additional funding to make sure that everyone receives the payment they are assessed to receive. We have lowered the maximum payment from $80 000 to $45 000. In reality, probably very few people would have received a payment approaching $80 000. What I find distressing is not only the experience that up to 10 000 people endured as children, but also the way the scheme was promoted two years ago, which raised a false expectation amongst many people that they would receive a payment approaching $80 000. Under any scenario, that was not the case. We have maintained total funding and we will add to that total funding. If necessary, we will provide additional funding for counselling. Many people have indicated that they would rather come to grips with the issue and have requested counselling support. They are more interested in that than in a cash payment. We are also initiating, through the minister, some payments to families of those people who have passed away in the interim. We are treating this matter with respect on an individual basis. We are funding the scheme fully with the promise of additional funding if required. I notice that the Prime Minister has proposed an apology to child migrants in the federal Parliament. Good. I will support that. I think that every member in the house would support it. I do not yet know whether the federal government will provide funding for compensation because, after all, many of the child migrants came under the auspices of the commonwealth and the states were left to administer the arrangements. The state—as announced by the previous government and implemented by this government—is picking up its responsibility and is paying these amounts to people who have been assessed individually. I restate that this is not compensation and no-one should view it as compensation. It is a payment in recognition of the suffering that those young children endured a generation ago. That is what it is. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite will carry on, as they did with the rally outside. I recognise that that will continue. They should also think about what they did by unrealistically raising expectations that most people might get a payment of around $80 000 and by continuing to play on the emotions of people whom I understand want to put this episode behind them. They will receive a payment. It may not be the amount that they thought they would receive, but it will be a significant payment. Most of them would want to put this episode behind them. The opposition wants to keep it there and keep taking advantage of people who have already suffered.
Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)-(2) The government looked very carefully at this issue. I, like everyone else, recognise the abuse and suffering that so many children, including child migrants, suffered during that period. The Redress WA scheme was put in place by the previous government — Mr M.P. Murray interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : — and it will be this government that funds the scheme. In announcing the scheme, the previous government and Premier—I do not apportion blame here—set in place a scheme that would have applications and assessment, and a payment cap was set at $80 000. The funding anticipated in the forward estimates was insufficient to deliver that. That has become quite obvious; in fact, it was obvious to the previous government, as comments made by Hon Sue Ellery make very clear. My understanding from her comments is that it was rejected when considered by the previous Labor cabinet. Mr A.J. Carpenter : That’s not true! Mr C.J. BARNETT : Okay, but they were her comments, so the member should argue it with her. Mr A.J. Carpenter : No, they weren’t her comments. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Willagee! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member should talk to his upper house member and ask her to clarify her comments. I am relying on what she said. Mr A.J. Carpenter : You’ve got a responsibility to stand up and tell the truth. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I always do. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the member for Willagee to withdraw those comments. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Withdrawn, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : The previous government announced a scheme with an $80 000 maximum payment. The funding that the previous government anticipated was inadequate to provide that amount. We have maintained total scheme funding at $110 million. I have indicated that if that is insufficient, we will provide additional funding to make sure that everyone receives the payment they are assessed to receive. We have lowered the maximum payment from $80 000 to $45 000. In reality, probably very few people would have received a payment approaching $80 000. What I find distressing is not only the experience that up to 10 000 people endured as children, but also the way the scheme was promoted two years ago, which raised a false expectation amongst many people that they would receive a payment approaching $80 000. Under any scenario, that was not the case. We have maintained total funding and we will add to that total funding. If necessary, we will provide additional funding for counselling. Many people have indicated that they would rather come to grips with the issue and have requested counselling support. They are more interested in that than in a cash payment. We are also initiating, through the minister, some payments to families of those people who have passed away in the interim. We are treating this matter with respect on an individual basis. We are funding the scheme fully with the promise of additional funding if required. I notice that the Prime Minister has proposed an apology to child migrants in the federal Parliament. Good. I will support that. I think that every member in the house would support it. I do not yet know whether the federal government will provide funding for compensation because, after all, many of the child migrants came under the auspices of the commonwealth and the states were left to administer the arrangements. The state—as announced by the previous government and implemented by this government—is picking up its responsibility and is paying these amounts to people who have been assessed individually. I restate that this is not compensation and no-one should view it as compensation. It is a payment in recognition of the suffering that those young children endured a generation ago. That is what it is. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite will carry on, as they did with the rally outside. I recognise that that will continue. They should also think about what they did by unrealistically raising expectations that most people might get a payment of around $80 000 and by continuing to play on the emotions of people whom I understand want to put this episode behind them. They will receive a payment. It may not be the amount that they thought they would receive, but it will be a significant payment. Most of them would want to put this episode behind them. The opposition wants to keep it there and keep taking advantage of people who have already suffered.
(1)-(2) The government looked very carefully at this issue. I, like everyone else, recognise the abuse and suffering that so many children, including child migrants, suffered during that period. The Redress WA scheme was put in place by the previous government — Mr M.P. Murray interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : — and it will be this government that funds the scheme. In announcing the scheme, the previous government and Premier—I do not apportion blame here—set in place a scheme that would have applications and assessment, and a payment cap was set at $80 000. The funding anticipated in the forward estimates was insufficient to deliver that. That has become quite obvious; in fact, it was obvious to the previous government, as comments made by Hon Sue Ellery make very clear. My understanding from her comments is that it was rejected when considered by the previous Labor cabinet. Mr A.J. Carpenter : That’s not true! Mr C.J. BARNETT : Okay, but they were her comments, so the member should argue it with her. Mr A.J. Carpenter : No, they weren’t her comments. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Willagee! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member should talk to his upper house member and ask her to clarify her comments. I am relying on what she said. Mr A.J. Carpenter : You’ve got a responsibility to stand up and tell the truth. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I always do. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the member for Willagee to withdraw those comments. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Withdrawn, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : The previous government announced a scheme with an $80 000 maximum payment. The funding that the previous government anticipated was inadequate to provide that amount. We have maintained total scheme funding at $110 million. I have indicated that if that is insufficient, we will provide additional funding to make sure that everyone receives the payment they are assessed to receive. We have lowered the maximum payment from $80 000 to $45 000. In reality, probably very few people would have received a payment approaching $80 000. What I find distressing is not only the experience that up to 10 000 people endured as children, but also the way the scheme was promoted two years ago, which raised a false expectation amongst many people that they would receive a payment approaching $80 000. Under any scenario, that was not the case. We have maintained total funding and we will add to that total funding. If necessary, we will provide additional funding for counselling. Many people have indicated that they would rather come to grips with the issue and have requested counselling support. They are more interested in that than in a cash payment. We are also initiating, through the minister, some payments to families of those people who have passed away in the interim. We are treating this matter with respect on an individual basis. We are funding the scheme fully with the promise of additional funding if required. I notice that the Prime Minister has proposed an apology to child migrants in the federal Parliament. Good. I will support that. I think that every member in the house would support it. I do not yet know whether the federal government will provide funding for compensation because, after all, many of the child migrants came under the auspices of the commonwealth and the states were left to administer the arrangements. The state—as announced by the previous government and implemented by this government—is picking up its responsibility and is paying these amounts to people who have been assessed individually. I restate that this is not compensation and no-one should view it as compensation. It is a payment in recognition of the suffering that those young children endured a generation ago. That is what it is. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite will carry on, as they did with the rally outside. I recognise that that will continue. They should also think about what they did by unrealistically raising expectations that most people might get a payment of around $80 000 and by continuing to play on the emotions of people whom I understand want to put this episode behind them. They will receive a payment. It may not be the amount that they thought they would receive, but it will be a significant payment. Most of them would want to put this episode behind them. The opposition wants to keep it there and keep taking advantage of people who have already suffered.
Mr M.P. Murray interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : — and it will be this government that funds the scheme. In announcing the scheme, the previous government and Premier—I do not apportion blame here—set in place a scheme that would have applications and assessment, and a payment cap was set at $80 000. The funding anticipated in the forward estimates was insufficient to deliver that. That has become quite obvious; in fact, it was obvious to the previous government, as comments made by Hon Sue Ellery make very clear. My understanding from her comments is that it was rejected when considered by the previous Labor cabinet. Mr A.J. Carpenter : That’s not true! Mr C.J. BARNETT : Okay, but they were her comments, so the member should argue it with her. Mr A.J. Carpenter : No, they weren’t her comments. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Willagee! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member should talk to his upper house member and ask her to clarify her comments. I am relying on what she said. Mr A.J. Carpenter : You’ve got a responsibility to stand up and tell the truth. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I always do. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the member for Willagee to withdraw those comments. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Withdrawn, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : The previous government announced a scheme with an $80 000 maximum payment. The funding that the previous government anticipated was inadequate to provide that amount. We have maintained total scheme funding at $110 million. I have indicated that if that is insufficient, we will provide additional funding to make sure that everyone receives the payment they are assessed to receive. We have lowered the maximum payment from $80 000 to $45 000. In reality, probably very few people would have received a payment approaching $80 000. What I find distressing is not only the experience that up to 10 000 people endured as children, but also the way the scheme was promoted two years ago, which raised a false expectation amongst many people that they would receive a payment approaching $80 000. Under any scenario, that was not the case. We have maintained total funding and we will add to that total funding. If necessary, we will provide additional funding for counselling. Many people have indicated that they would rather come to grips with the issue and have requested counselling support. They are more interested in that than in a cash payment. We are also initiating, through the minister, some payments to families of those people who have passed away in the interim. We are treating this matter with respect on an individual basis. We are funding the scheme fully with the promise of additional funding if required. I notice that the Prime Minister has proposed an apology to child migrants in the federal Parliament. Good. I will support that. I think that every member in the house would support it. I do not yet know whether the federal government will provide funding for compensation because, after all, many of the child migrants came under the auspices of the commonwealth and the states were left to administer the arrangements. The state—as announced by the previous government and implemented by this government—is picking up its responsibility and is paying these amounts to people who have been assessed individually. I restate that this is not compensation and no-one should view it as compensation. It is a payment in recognition of the suffering that those young children endured a generation ago. That is what it is. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite will carry on, as they did with the rally outside. I recognise that that will continue. They should also think about what they did by unrealistically raising expectations that most people might get a payment of around $80 000 and by continuing to play on the emotions of people whom I understand want to put this episode behind them. They will receive a payment. It may not be the amount that they thought they would receive, but it will be a significant payment. Most of them would want to put this episode behind them. The opposition wants to keep it there and keep taking advantage of people who have already suffered.
The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : — and it will be this government that funds the scheme. In announcing the scheme, the previous government and Premier—I do not apportion blame here—set in place a scheme that would have applications and assessment, and a payment cap was set at $80 000. The funding anticipated in the forward estimates was insufficient to deliver that. That has become quite obvious; in fact, it was obvious to the previous government, as comments made by Hon Sue Ellery make very clear. My understanding from her comments is that it was rejected when considered by the previous Labor cabinet. Mr A.J. Carpenter : That’s not true! Mr C.J. BARNETT : Okay, but they were her comments, so the member should argue it with her. Mr A.J. Carpenter : No, they weren’t her comments. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Willagee! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member should talk to his upper house member and ask her to clarify her comments. I am relying on what she said. Mr A.J. Carpenter : You’ve got a responsibility to stand up and tell the truth. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I always do. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the member for Willagee to withdraw those comments. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Withdrawn, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : The previous government announced a scheme with an $80 000 maximum payment. The funding that the previous government anticipated was inadequate to provide that amount. We have maintained total scheme funding at $110 million. I have indicated that if that is insufficient, we will provide additional funding to make sure that everyone receives the payment they are assessed to receive. We have lowered the maximum payment from $80 000 to $45 000. In reality, probably very few people would have received a payment approaching $80 000. What I find distressing is not only the experience that up to 10 000 people endured as children, but also the way the scheme was promoted two years ago, which raised a false expectation amongst many people that they would receive a payment approaching $80 000. Under any scenario, that was not the case. We have maintained total funding and we will add to that total funding. If necessary, we will provide additional funding for counselling. Many people have indicated that they would rather come to grips with the issue and have requested counselling support. They are more interested in that than in a cash payment. We are also initiating, through the minister, some payments to families of those people who have passed away in the interim. We are treating this matter with respect on an individual basis. We are funding the scheme fully with the promise of additional funding if required. I notice that the Prime Minister has proposed an apology to child migrants in the federal Parliament. Good. I will support that. I think that every member in the house would support it. I do not yet know whether the federal government will provide funding for compensation because, after all, many of the child migrants came under the auspices of the commonwealth and the states were left to administer the arrangements. The state—as announced by the previous government and implemented by this government—is picking up its responsibility and is paying these amounts to people who have been assessed individually. I restate that this is not compensation and no-one should view it as compensation. It is a payment in recognition of the suffering that those young children endured a generation ago. That is what it is. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite will carry on, as they did with the rally outside. I recognise that that will continue. They should also think about what they did by unrealistically raising expectations that most people might get a payment of around $80 000 and by continuing to play on the emotions of people whom I understand want to put this episode behind them. They will receive a payment. It may not be the amount that they thought they would receive, but it will be a significant payment. Most of them would want to put this episode behind them. The opposition wants to keep it there and keep taking advantage of people who have already suffered.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : — and it will be this government that funds the scheme. In announcing the scheme, the previous government and Premier—I do not apportion blame here—set in place a scheme that would have applications and assessment, and a payment cap was set at $80 000. The funding anticipated in the forward estimates was insufficient to deliver that. That has become quite obvious; in fact, it was obvious to the previous government, as comments made by Hon Sue Ellery make very clear. My understanding from her comments is that it was rejected when considered by the previous Labor cabinet. Mr A.J. Carpenter : That’s not true! Mr C.J. BARNETT : Okay, but they were her comments, so the member should argue it with her. Mr A.J. Carpenter : No, they weren’t her comments. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Willagee! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member should talk to his upper house member and ask her to clarify her comments. I am relying on what she said. Mr A.J. Carpenter : You’ve got a responsibility to stand up and tell the truth. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I always do. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the member for Willagee to withdraw those comments. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Withdrawn, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : The previous government announced a scheme with an $80 000 maximum payment. The funding that the previous government anticipated was inadequate to provide that amount. We have maintained total scheme funding at $110 million. I have indicated that if that is insufficient, we will provide additional funding to make sure that everyone receives the payment they are assessed to receive. We have lowered the maximum payment from $80 000 to $45 000. In reality, probably very few people would have received a payment approaching $80 000. What I find distressing is not only the experience that up to 10 000 people endured as children, but also the way the scheme was promoted two years ago, which raised a false expectation amongst many people that they would receive a payment approaching $80 000. Under any scenario, that was not the case. We have maintained total funding and we will add to that total funding. If necessary, we will provide additional funding for counselling. Many people have indicated that they would rather come to grips with the issue and have requested counselling support. They are more interested in that than in a cash payment. We are also initiating, through the minister, some payments to families of those people who have passed away in the interim. We are treating this matter with respect on an individual basis. We are funding the scheme fully with the promise of additional funding if required. I notice that the Prime Minister has proposed an apology to child migrants in the federal Parliament. Good. I will support that. I think that every member in the house would support it. I do not yet know whether the federal government will provide funding for compensation because, after all, many of the child migrants came under the auspices of the commonwealth and the states were left to administer the arrangements. The state—as announced by the previous government and implemented by this government—is picking up its responsibility and is paying these amounts to people who have been assessed individually. I restate that this is not compensation and no-one should view it as compensation. It is a payment in recognition of the suffering that those young children endured a generation ago. That is what it is. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite will carry on, as they did with the rally outside. I recognise that that will continue. They should also think about what they did by unrealistically raising expectations that most people might get a payment of around $80 000 and by continuing to play on the emotions of people whom I understand want to put this episode behind them. They will receive a payment. It may not be the amount that they thought they would receive, but it will be a significant payment. Most of them would want to put this episode behind them. The opposition wants to keep it there and keep taking advantage of people who have already suffered.
Mr A.J. Carpenter : That’s not true! Mr C.J. BARNETT : Okay, but they were her comments, so the member should argue it with her. Mr A.J. Carpenter : No, they weren’t her comments. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Willagee! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member should talk to his upper house member and ask her to clarify her comments. I am relying on what she said. Mr A.J. Carpenter : You’ve got a responsibility to stand up and tell the truth. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I always do. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the member for Willagee to withdraw those comments. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Withdrawn, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : The previous government announced a scheme with an $80 000 maximum payment. The funding that the previous government anticipated was inadequate to provide that amount. We have maintained total scheme funding at $110 million. I have indicated that if that is insufficient, we will provide additional funding to make sure that everyone receives the payment they are assessed to receive. We have lowered the maximum payment from $80 000 to $45 000. In reality, probably very few people would have received a payment approaching $80 000. What I find distressing is not only the experience that up to 10 000 people endured as children, but also the way the scheme was promoted two years ago, which raised a false expectation amongst many people that they would receive a payment approaching $80 000. Under any scenario, that was not the case. We have maintained total funding and we will add to that total funding. If necessary, we will provide additional funding for counselling. Many people have indicated that they would rather come to grips with the issue and have requested counselling support. They are more interested in that than in a cash payment. We are also initiating, through the minister, some payments to families of those people who have passed away in the interim. We are treating this matter with respect on an individual basis. We are funding the scheme fully with the promise of additional funding if required. I notice that the Prime Minister has proposed an apology to child migrants in the federal Parliament. Good. I will support that. I think that every member in the house would support it. I do not yet know whether the federal government will provide funding for compensation because, after all, many of the child migrants came under the auspices of the commonwealth and the states were left to administer the arrangements. The state—as announced by the previous government and implemented by this government—is picking up its responsibility and is paying these amounts to people who have been assessed individually. I restate that this is not compensation and no-one should view it as compensation. It is a payment in recognition of the suffering that those young children endured a generation ago. That is what it is. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite will carry on, as they did with the rally outside. I recognise that that will continue. They should also think about what they did by unrealistically raising expectations that most people might get a payment of around $80 000 and by continuing to play on the emotions of people whom I understand want to put this episode behind them. They will receive a payment. It may not be the amount that they thought they would receive, but it will be a significant payment. Most of them would want to put this episode behind them. The opposition wants to keep it there and keep taking advantage of people who have already suffered.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : Okay, but they were her comments, so the member should argue it with her. Mr A.J. Carpenter : No, they weren’t her comments. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Willagee! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member should talk to his upper house member and ask her to clarify her comments. I am relying on what she said. Mr A.J. Carpenter : You’ve got a responsibility to stand up and tell the truth. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I always do. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the member for Willagee to withdraw those comments. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Withdrawn, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : The previous government announced a scheme with an $80 000 maximum payment. The funding that the previous government anticipated was inadequate to provide that amount. We have maintained total scheme funding at $110 million. I have indicated that if that is insufficient, we will provide additional funding to make sure that everyone receives the payment they are assessed to receive. We have lowered the maximum payment from $80 000 to $45 000. In reality, probably very few people would have received a payment approaching $80 000. What I find distressing is not only the experience that up to 10 000 people endured as children, but also the way the scheme was promoted two years ago, which raised a false expectation amongst many people that they would receive a payment approaching $80 000. Under any scenario, that was not the case. We have maintained total funding and we will add to that total funding. If necessary, we will provide additional funding for counselling. Many people have indicated that they would rather come to grips with the issue and have requested counselling support. They are more interested in that than in a cash payment. We are also initiating, through the minister, some payments to families of those people who have passed away in the interim. We are treating this matter with respect on an individual basis. We are funding the scheme fully with the promise of additional funding if required. I notice that the Prime Minister has proposed an apology to child migrants in the federal Parliament. Good. I will support that. I think that every member in the house would support it. I do not yet know whether the federal government will provide funding for compensation because, after all, many of the child migrants came under the auspices of the commonwealth and the states were left to administer the arrangements. The state—as announced by the previous government and implemented by this government—is picking up its responsibility and is paying these amounts to people who have been assessed individually. I restate that this is not compensation and no-one should view it as compensation. It is a payment in recognition of the suffering that those young children endured a generation ago. That is what it is. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite will carry on, as they did with the rally outside. I recognise that that will continue. They should also think about what they did by unrealistically raising expectations that most people might get a payment of around $80 000 and by continuing to play on the emotions of people whom I understand want to put this episode behind them. They will receive a payment. It may not be the amount that they thought they would receive, but it will be a significant payment. Most of them would want to put this episode behind them. The opposition wants to keep it there and keep taking advantage of people who have already suffered.
Mr A.J. Carpenter : No, they weren’t her comments. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Willagee! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member should talk to his upper house member and ask her to clarify her comments. I am relying on what she said. Mr A.J. Carpenter : You’ve got a responsibility to stand up and tell the truth. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I always do. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the member for Willagee to withdraw those comments. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Withdrawn, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : The previous government announced a scheme with an $80 000 maximum payment. The funding that the previous government anticipated was inadequate to provide that amount. We have maintained total scheme funding at $110 million. I have indicated that if that is insufficient, we will provide additional funding to make sure that everyone receives the payment they are assessed to receive. We have lowered the maximum payment from $80 000 to $45 000. In reality, probably very few people would have received a payment approaching $80 000. What I find distressing is not only the experience that up to 10 000 people endured as children, but also the way the scheme was promoted two years ago, which raised a false expectation amongst many people that they would receive a payment approaching $80 000. Under any scenario, that was not the case. We have maintained total funding and we will add to that total funding. If necessary, we will provide additional funding for counselling. Many people have indicated that they would rather come to grips with the issue and have requested counselling support. They are more interested in that than in a cash payment. We are also initiating, through the minister, some payments to families of those people who have passed away in the interim. We are treating this matter with respect on an individual basis. We are funding the scheme fully with the promise of additional funding if required. I notice that the Prime Minister has proposed an apology to child migrants in the federal Parliament. Good. I will support that. I think that every member in the house would support it. I do not yet know whether the federal government will provide funding for compensation because, after all, many of the child migrants came under the auspices of the commonwealth and the states were left to administer the arrangements. The state—as announced by the previous government and implemented by this government—is picking up its responsibility and is paying these amounts to people who have been assessed individually. I restate that this is not compensation and no-one should view it as compensation. It is a payment in recognition of the suffering that those young children endured a generation ago. That is what it is. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite will carry on, as they did with the rally outside. I recognise that that will continue. They should also think about what they did by unrealistically raising expectations that most people might get a payment of around $80 000 and by continuing to play on the emotions of people whom I understand want to put this episode behind them. They will receive a payment. It may not be the amount that they thought they would receive, but it will be a significant payment. Most of them would want to put this episode behind them. The opposition wants to keep it there and keep taking advantage of people who have already suffered.
The SPEAKER : Order, member for Willagee! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member should talk to his upper house member and ask her to clarify her comments. I am relying on what she said. Mr A.J. Carpenter : You’ve got a responsibility to stand up and tell the truth. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I always do. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the member for Willagee to withdraw those comments. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Withdrawn, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : The previous government announced a scheme with an $80 000 maximum payment. The funding that the previous government anticipated was inadequate to provide that amount. We have maintained total scheme funding at $110 million. I have indicated that if that is insufficient, we will provide additional funding to make sure that everyone receives the payment they are assessed to receive. We have lowered the maximum payment from $80 000 to $45 000. In reality, probably very few people would have received a payment approaching $80 000. What I find distressing is not only the experience that up to 10 000 people endured as children, but also the way the scheme was promoted two years ago, which raised a false expectation amongst many people that they would receive a payment approaching $80 000. Under any scenario, that was not the case. We have maintained total funding and we will add to that total funding. If necessary, we will provide additional funding for counselling. Many people have indicated that they would rather come to grips with the issue and have requested counselling support. They are more interested in that than in a cash payment. We are also initiating, through the minister, some payments to families of those people who have passed away in the interim. We are treating this matter with respect on an individual basis. We are funding the scheme fully with the promise of additional funding if required. I notice that the Prime Minister has proposed an apology to child migrants in the federal Parliament. Good. I will support that. I think that every member in the house would support it. I do not yet know whether the federal government will provide funding for compensation because, after all, many of the child migrants came under the auspices of the commonwealth and the states were left to administer the arrangements. The state—as announced by the previous government and implemented by this government—is picking up its responsibility and is paying these amounts to people who have been assessed individually. I restate that this is not compensation and no-one should view it as compensation. It is a payment in recognition of the suffering that those young children endured a generation ago. That is what it is. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite will carry on, as they did with the rally outside. I recognise that that will continue. They should also think about what they did by unrealistically raising expectations that most people might get a payment of around $80 000 and by continuing to play on the emotions of people whom I understand want to put this episode behind them. They will receive a payment. It may not be the amount that they thought they would receive, but it will be a significant payment. Most of them would want to put this episode behind them. The opposition wants to keep it there and keep taking advantage of people who have already suffered.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member should talk to his upper house member and ask her to clarify her comments. I am relying on what she said. Mr A.J. Carpenter : You’ve got a responsibility to stand up and tell the truth. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I always do. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the member for Willagee to withdraw those comments. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Withdrawn, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : The previous government announced a scheme with an $80 000 maximum payment. The funding that the previous government anticipated was inadequate to provide that amount. We have maintained total scheme funding at $110 million. I have indicated that if that is insufficient, we will provide additional funding to make sure that everyone receives the payment they are assessed to receive. We have lowered the maximum payment from $80 000 to $45 000. In reality, probably very few people would have received a payment approaching $80 000. What I find distressing is not only the experience that up to 10 000 people endured as children, but also the way the scheme was promoted two years ago, which raised a false expectation amongst many people that they would receive a payment approaching $80 000. Under any scenario, that was not the case. We have maintained total funding and we will add to that total funding. If necessary, we will provide additional funding for counselling. Many people have indicated that they would rather come to grips with the issue and have requested counselling support. They are more interested in that than in a cash payment. We are also initiating, through the minister, some payments to families of those people who have passed away in the interim. We are treating this matter with respect on an individual basis. We are funding the scheme fully with the promise of additional funding if required. I notice that the Prime Minister has proposed an apology to child migrants in the federal Parliament. Good. I will support that. I think that every member in the house would support it. I do not yet know whether the federal government will provide funding for compensation because, after all, many of the child migrants came under the auspices of the commonwealth and the states were left to administer the arrangements. The state—as announced by the previous government and implemented by this government—is picking up its responsibility and is paying these amounts to people who have been assessed individually. I restate that this is not compensation and no-one should view it as compensation. It is a payment in recognition of the suffering that those young children endured a generation ago. That is what it is. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite will carry on, as they did with the rally outside. I recognise that that will continue. They should also think about what they did by unrealistically raising expectations that most people might get a payment of around $80 000 and by continuing to play on the emotions of people whom I understand want to put this episode behind them. They will receive a payment. It may not be the amount that they thought they would receive, but it will be a significant payment. Most of them would want to put this episode behind them. The opposition wants to keep it there and keep taking advantage of people who have already suffered.
Mr A.J. Carpenter : You’ve got a responsibility to stand up and tell the truth. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I always do. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the member for Willagee to withdraw those comments. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Withdrawn, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : The previous government announced a scheme with an $80 000 maximum payment. The funding that the previous government anticipated was inadequate to provide that amount. We have maintained total scheme funding at $110 million. I have indicated that if that is insufficient, we will provide additional funding to make sure that everyone receives the payment they are assessed to receive. We have lowered the maximum payment from $80 000 to $45 000. In reality, probably very few people would have received a payment approaching $80 000. What I find distressing is not only the experience that up to 10 000 people endured as children, but also the way the scheme was promoted two years ago, which raised a false expectation amongst many people that they would receive a payment approaching $80 000. Under any scenario, that was not the case. We have maintained total funding and we will add to that total funding. If necessary, we will provide additional funding for counselling. Many people have indicated that they would rather come to grips with the issue and have requested counselling support. They are more interested in that than in a cash payment. We are also initiating, through the minister, some payments to families of those people who have passed away in the interim. We are treating this matter with respect on an individual basis. We are funding the scheme fully with the promise of additional funding if required. I notice that the Prime Minister has proposed an apology to child migrants in the federal Parliament. Good. I will support that. I think that every member in the house would support it. I do not yet know whether the federal government will provide funding for compensation because, after all, many of the child migrants came under the auspices of the commonwealth and the states were left to administer the arrangements. The state—as announced by the previous government and implemented by this government—is picking up its responsibility and is paying these amounts to people who have been assessed individually. I restate that this is not compensation and no-one should view it as compensation. It is a payment in recognition of the suffering that those young children endured a generation ago. That is what it is. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite will carry on, as they did with the rally outside. I recognise that that will continue. They should also think about what they did by unrealistically raising expectations that most people might get a payment of around $80 000 and by continuing to play on the emotions of people whom I understand want to put this episode behind them. They will receive a payment. It may not be the amount that they thought they would receive, but it will be a significant payment. Most of them would want to put this episode behind them. The opposition wants to keep it there and keep taking advantage of people who have already suffered.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I always do. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the member for Willagee to withdraw those comments. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Withdrawn, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : The previous government announced a scheme with an $80 000 maximum payment. The funding that the previous government anticipated was inadequate to provide that amount. We have maintained total scheme funding at $110 million. I have indicated that if that is insufficient, we will provide additional funding to make sure that everyone receives the payment they are assessed to receive. We have lowered the maximum payment from $80 000 to $45 000. In reality, probably very few people would have received a payment approaching $80 000. What I find distressing is not only the experience that up to 10 000 people endured as children, but also the way the scheme was promoted two years ago, which raised a false expectation amongst many people that they would receive a payment approaching $80 000. Under any scenario, that was not the case. We have maintained total funding and we will add to that total funding. If necessary, we will provide additional funding for counselling. Many people have indicated that they would rather come to grips with the issue and have requested counselling support. They are more interested in that than in a cash payment. We are also initiating, through the minister, some payments to families of those people who have passed away in the interim. We are treating this matter with respect on an individual basis. We are funding the scheme fully with the promise of additional funding if required. I notice that the Prime Minister has proposed an apology to child migrants in the federal Parliament. Good. I will support that. I think that every member in the house would support it. I do not yet know whether the federal government will provide funding for compensation because, after all, many of the child migrants came under the auspices of the commonwealth and the states were left to administer the arrangements. The state—as announced by the previous government and implemented by this government—is picking up its responsibility and is paying these amounts to people who have been assessed individually. I restate that this is not compensation and no-one should view it as compensation. It is a payment in recognition of the suffering that those young children endured a generation ago. That is what it is. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite will carry on, as they did with the rally outside. I recognise that that will continue. They should also think about what they did by unrealistically raising expectations that most people might get a payment of around $80 000 and by continuing to play on the emotions of people whom I understand want to put this episode behind them. They will receive a payment. It may not be the amount that they thought they would receive, but it will be a significant payment. Most of them would want to put this episode behind them. The opposition wants to keep it there and keep taking advantage of people who have already suffered.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Withdrawn, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : The previous government announced a scheme with an $80 000 maximum payment. The funding that the previous government anticipated was inadequate to provide that amount. We have maintained total scheme funding at $110 million. I have indicated that if that is insufficient, we will provide additional funding to make sure that everyone receives the payment they are assessed to receive. We have lowered the maximum payment from $80 000 to $45 000. In reality, probably very few people would have received a payment approaching $80 000. What I find distressing is not only the experience that up to 10 000 people endured as children, but also the way the scheme was promoted two years ago, which raised a false expectation amongst many people that they would receive a payment approaching $80 000. Under any scenario, that was not the case. We have maintained total funding and we will add to that total funding. If necessary, we will provide additional funding for counselling. Many people have indicated that they would rather come to grips with the issue and have requested counselling support. They are more interested in that than in a cash payment. We are also initiating, through the minister, some payments to families of those people who have passed away in the interim. We are treating this matter with respect on an individual basis. We are funding the scheme fully with the promise of additional funding if required. I notice that the Prime Minister has proposed an apology to child migrants in the federal Parliament. Good. I will support that. I think that every member in the house would support it. I do not yet know whether the federal government will provide funding for compensation because, after all, many of the child migrants came under the auspices of the commonwealth and the states were left to administer the arrangements. The state—as announced by the previous government and implemented by this government—is picking up its responsibility and is paying these amounts to people who have been assessed individually. I restate that this is not compensation and no-one should view it as compensation. It is a payment in recognition of the suffering that those young children endured a generation ago. That is what it is. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite will carry on, as they did with the rally outside. I recognise that that will continue. They should also think about what they did by unrealistically raising expectations that most people might get a payment of around $80 000 and by continuing to play on the emotions of people whom I understand want to put this episode behind them. They will receive a payment. It may not be the amount that they thought they would receive, but it will be a significant payment. Most of them would want to put this episode behind them. The opposition wants to keep it there and keep taking advantage of people who have already suffered.
I notice that the Prime Minister has proposed an apology to child migrants in the federal Parliament. Good. I will support that. I think that every member in the house would support it. I do not yet know whether the federal government will provide funding for compensation because, after all, many of the child migrants came under the auspices of the commonwealth and the states were left to administer the arrangements. The state—as announced by the previous government and implemented by this government—is picking up its responsibility and is paying these amounts to people who have been assessed individually. I restate that this is not compensation and no-one should view it as compensation. It is a payment in recognition of the suffering that those young children endured a generation ago. That is what it is. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite will carry on, as they did with the rally outside. I recognise that that will continue. They should also think about what they did by unrealistically raising expectations that most people might get a payment of around $80 000 and by continuing to play on the emotions of people whom I understand want to put this episode behind them. They will receive a payment. It may not be the amount that they thought they would receive, but it will be a significant payment. Most of them would want to put this episode behind them. The opposition wants to keep it there and keep taking advantage of people who have already suffered.
Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite will carry on, as they did with the rally outside. I recognise that that will continue. They should also think about what they did by unrealistically raising expectations that most people might get a payment of around $80 000 and by continuing to play on the emotions of people whom I understand want to put this episode behind them. They will receive a payment. It may not be the amount that they thought they would receive, but it will be a significant payment. Most of them would want to put this episode behind them. The opposition wants to keep it there and keep taking advantage of people who have already suffered.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite will carry on, as they did with the rally outside. I recognise that that will continue. They should also think about what they did by unrealistically raising expectations that most people might get a payment of around $80 000 and by continuing to play on the emotions of people whom I understand want to put this episode behind them. They will receive a payment. It may not be the amount that they thought they would receive, but it will be a significant payment. Most of them would want to put this episode behind them. The opposition wants to keep it there and keep taking advantage of people who have already suffered.
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