❓ Mr. Grylls questions the Premier's refusal to sign the National Water Initiative, suggesting it was political grandstanding. The Premier defends his decision, stating the initiative unfairly favored the Murray-Darling Basin and lacked commitment to WA's water issues.
AnsweredQoN 401Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the refusal by the Premier to sign the Council of Australian Governments agreement on a National Water Initiative last week, and his media release that stated - The Premier said the plan was based almost exclusively on water issues in the Murray-Darling Basin. . . . “It is not acceptable to see a so-called national initiative focussed totally on the Murray-Darling Basin.” (1) Why has the Premier decided to abandon the National Water Initiative when the Murray-Darling commitments were clearly a separate part, and the main points of the initiative include improving the security of water access entitlements, returning over-allocated systems to sustainable allocation levels, and ensuring ecosystem health on a whole of basin, aquifer or catchment scale? (2) Did the Premier walk away from the National Water Initiative because he was not prepared to commit funding to the strategies in that initiative? (3) Given that Queensland and the Northern Territory have seen the wisdom in signing up to the agreement, despite not having the Murray-Darling river system in their States, will the Premier admit that his refusal to sign the agreement was nothing more than political grandstanding? Dr G.I. GALLOP
AnswerView source ↗
(1)-(3) Last week the Western Australian people were given a clear demonstration of the difference between this side of the House and the other side. When I go to Canberra I stand up for the people of Western Australia, and that is what I did in Canberra last week. What did the Opposition do? The Opposition got its phone call from the Prime Minister and it could not get out there quick enough to defend the interests of the Commonwealth Government and not the people of Western Australia. That was the clear choice that we had last week. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We have been debating national water issues at the Council of Australian Governments level for a couple of years. Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the National Party! Dr G.I. GALLOP: When this issue first came up I advised that important issues in the State of Western Australia needed to be addressed and that if I were to participate in this process, respect should be shown for Western Australia. What we got from the Commonwealth was a $200 million commitment to the Murray-Darling river system in the eastern States and zero commitment for the people of Western Australia. It is an absolute duty of every Premier of Western Australia to defend and promote the interests of this State at a national level, no matter what Government is in power. On Friday I stood up for Western Australia. I made it absolutely clear that the Australian nation does not end at Ceduna; it keeps going west to the Indian Ocean. Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The State of Western Australia has been vigorously pursuing water issues, both in the urban area - Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the second time. Mr M.W. Trenorden: This is a serious issue, Mr Speaker. The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the National Party! When I make a ruling that refers specifically to you, I urge you to listen to it. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I made it absolutely clear that if there were to be a national approach to this issue, it had to include all of the States and the interests of all of the people of Australia, not just the eastern States. The Opposition could not get out there quickly enough to defend its friend John Howard and the Commonwealth Government. I am happy to have a debate about the Opposition’s ideology, philosophy and prejudices on these issues, because I am very happy about what I have done for the people of Western Australia. When the interests of this State are at stake I do not take a backward step.
. . . “It is not acceptable to see a so-called national initiative focussed totally on the Murray-Darling Basin.”
“It is not acceptable to see a so-called national initiative focussed totally on the Murray-Darling Basin.”
(2) Did the Premier walk away from the National Water Initiative because he was not prepared to commit funding to the strategies in that initiative? (3) Given that Queensland and the Northern Territory have seen the wisdom in signing up to the agreement, despite not having the Murray-Darling river system in their States, will the Premier admit that his refusal to sign the agreement was nothing more than political grandstanding? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(3) Last week the Western Australian people were given a clear demonstration of the difference between this side of the House and the other side. When I go to Canberra I stand up for the people of Western Australia, and that is what I did in Canberra last week. What did the Opposition do? The Opposition got its phone call from the Prime Minister and it could not get out there quick enough to defend the interests of the Commonwealth Government and not the people of Western Australia. That was the clear choice that we had last week. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We have been debating national water issues at the Council of Australian Governments level for a couple of years. Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the National Party! Dr G.I. GALLOP: When this issue first came up I advised that important issues in the State of Western Australia needed to be addressed and that if I were to participate in this process, respect should be shown for Western Australia. What we got from the Commonwealth was a $200 million commitment to the Murray-Darling river system in the eastern States and zero commitment for the people of Western Australia. It is an absolute duty of every Premier of Western Australia to defend and promote the interests of this State at a national level, no matter what Government is in power. On Friday I stood up for Western Australia. I made it absolutely clear that the Australian nation does not end at Ceduna; it keeps going west to the Indian Ocean. Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The State of Western Australia has been vigorously pursuing water issues, both in the urban area - Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the second time. Mr M.W. Trenorden: This is a serious issue, Mr Speaker. The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the National Party! When I make a ruling that refers specifically to you, I urge you to listen to it. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I made it absolutely clear that if there were to be a national approach to this issue, it had to include all of the States and the interests of all of the people of Australia, not just the eastern States. The Opposition could not get out there quickly enough to defend its friend John Howard and the Commonwealth Government. I am happy to have a debate about the Opposition’s ideology, philosophy and prejudices on these issues, because I am very happy about what I have done for the people of Western Australia. When the interests of this State are at stake I do not take a backward step.
(3) Given that Queensland and the Northern Territory have seen the wisdom in signing up to the agreement, despite not having the Murray-Darling river system in their States, will the Premier admit that his refusal to sign the agreement was nothing more than political grandstanding? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(3) Last week the Western Australian people were given a clear demonstration of the difference between this side of the House and the other side. When I go to Canberra I stand up for the people of Western Australia, and that is what I did in Canberra last week. What did the Opposition do? The Opposition got its phone call from the Prime Minister and it could not get out there quick enough to defend the interests of the Commonwealth Government and not the people of Western Australia. That was the clear choice that we had last week. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We have been debating national water issues at the Council of Australian Governments level for a couple of years. Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the National Party! Dr G.I. GALLOP: When this issue first came up I advised that important issues in the State of Western Australia needed to be addressed and that if I were to participate in this process, respect should be shown for Western Australia. What we got from the Commonwealth was a $200 million commitment to the Murray-Darling river system in the eastern States and zero commitment for the people of Western Australia. It is an absolute duty of every Premier of Western Australia to defend and promote the interests of this State at a national level, no matter what Government is in power. On Friday I stood up for Western Australia. I made it absolutely clear that the Australian nation does not end at Ceduna; it keeps going west to the Indian Ocean. Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The State of Western Australia has been vigorously pursuing water issues, both in the urban area - Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the second time. Mr M.W. Trenorden: This is a serious issue, Mr Speaker. The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the National Party! When I make a ruling that refers specifically to you, I urge you to listen to it. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I made it absolutely clear that if there were to be a national approach to this issue, it had to include all of the States and the interests of all of the people of Australia, not just the eastern States. The Opposition could not get out there quickly enough to defend its friend John Howard and the Commonwealth Government. I am happy to have a debate about the Opposition’s ideology, philosophy and prejudices on these issues, because I am very happy about what I have done for the people of Western Australia. When the interests of this State are at stake I do not take a backward step.
Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(3) Last week the Western Australian people were given a clear demonstration of the difference between this side of the House and the other side. When I go to Canberra I stand up for the people of Western Australia, and that is what I did in Canberra last week. What did the Opposition do? The Opposition got its phone call from the Prime Minister and it could not get out there quick enough to defend the interests of the Commonwealth Government and not the people of Western Australia. That was the clear choice that we had last week. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We have been debating national water issues at the Council of Australian Governments level for a couple of years. Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the National Party! Dr G.I. GALLOP: When this issue first came up I advised that important issues in the State of Western Australia needed to be addressed and that if I were to participate in this process, respect should be shown for Western Australia. What we got from the Commonwealth was a $200 million commitment to the Murray-Darling river system in the eastern States and zero commitment for the people of Western Australia. It is an absolute duty of every Premier of Western Australia to defend and promote the interests of this State at a national level, no matter what Government is in power. On Friday I stood up for Western Australia. I made it absolutely clear that the Australian nation does not end at Ceduna; it keeps going west to the Indian Ocean. Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The State of Western Australia has been vigorously pursuing water issues, both in the urban area - Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the second time. Mr M.W. Trenorden: This is a serious issue, Mr Speaker. The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the National Party! When I make a ruling that refers specifically to you, I urge you to listen to it. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I made it absolutely clear that if there were to be a national approach to this issue, it had to include all of the States and the interests of all of the people of Australia, not just the eastern States. The Opposition could not get out there quickly enough to defend its friend John Howard and the Commonwealth Government. I am happy to have a debate about the Opposition’s ideology, philosophy and prejudices on these issues, because I am very happy about what I have done for the people of Western Australia. When the interests of this State are at stake I do not take a backward step.
(1)-(3) Last week the Western Australian people were given a clear demonstration of the difference between this side of the House and the other side. When I go to Canberra I stand up for the people of Western Australia, and that is what I did in Canberra last week. What did the Opposition do? The Opposition got its phone call from the Prime Minister and it could not get out there quick enough to defend the interests of the Commonwealth Government and not the people of Western Australia. That was the clear choice that we had last week. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We have been debating national water issues at the Council of Australian Governments level for a couple of years. Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the National Party! Dr G.I. GALLOP: When this issue first came up I advised that important issues in the State of Western Australia needed to be addressed and that if I were to participate in this process, respect should be shown for Western Australia. What we got from the Commonwealth was a $200 million commitment to the Murray-Darling river system in the eastern States and zero commitment for the people of Western Australia. It is an absolute duty of every Premier of Western Australia to defend and promote the interests of this State at a national level, no matter what Government is in power. On Friday I stood up for Western Australia. I made it absolutely clear that the Australian nation does not end at Ceduna; it keeps going west to the Indian Ocean. Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The State of Western Australia has been vigorously pursuing water issues, both in the urban area - Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the second time. Mr M.W. Trenorden: This is a serious issue, Mr Speaker. The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the National Party! When I make a ruling that refers specifically to you, I urge you to listen to it. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I made it absolutely clear that if there were to be a national approach to this issue, it had to include all of the States and the interests of all of the people of Australia, not just the eastern States. The Opposition could not get out there quickly enough to defend its friend John Howard and the Commonwealth Government. I am happy to have a debate about the Opposition’s ideology, philosophy and prejudices on these issues, because I am very happy about what I have done for the people of Western Australia. When the interests of this State are at stake I do not take a backward step.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We have been debating national water issues at the Council of Australian Governments level for a couple of years. Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the National Party! Dr G.I. GALLOP: When this issue first came up I advised that important issues in the State of Western Australia needed to be addressed and that if I were to participate in this process, respect should be shown for Western Australia. What we got from the Commonwealth was a $200 million commitment to the Murray-Darling river system in the eastern States and zero commitment for the people of Western Australia. It is an absolute duty of every Premier of Western Australia to defend and promote the interests of this State at a national level, no matter what Government is in power. On Friday I stood up for Western Australia. I made it absolutely clear that the Australian nation does not end at Ceduna; it keeps going west to the Indian Ocean. Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The State of Western Australia has been vigorously pursuing water issues, both in the urban area - Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the second time. Mr M.W. Trenorden: This is a serious issue, Mr Speaker. The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the National Party! When I make a ruling that refers specifically to you, I urge you to listen to it. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I made it absolutely clear that if there were to be a national approach to this issue, it had to include all of the States and the interests of all of the people of Australia, not just the eastern States. The Opposition could not get out there quickly enough to defend its friend John Howard and the Commonwealth Government. I am happy to have a debate about the Opposition’s ideology, philosophy and prejudices on these issues, because I am very happy about what I have done for the people of Western Australia. When the interests of this State are at stake I do not take a backward step.
The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We have been debating national water issues at the Council of Australian Governments level for a couple of years. Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the National Party! Dr G.I. GALLOP: When this issue first came up I advised that important issues in the State of Western Australia needed to be addressed and that if I were to participate in this process, respect should be shown for Western Australia. What we got from the Commonwealth was a $200 million commitment to the Murray-Darling river system in the eastern States and zero commitment for the people of Western Australia. It is an absolute duty of every Premier of Western Australia to defend and promote the interests of this State at a national level, no matter what Government is in power. On Friday I stood up for Western Australia. I made it absolutely clear that the Australian nation does not end at Ceduna; it keeps going west to the Indian Ocean. Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The State of Western Australia has been vigorously pursuing water issues, both in the urban area - Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the second time. Mr M.W. Trenorden: This is a serious issue, Mr Speaker. The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the National Party! When I make a ruling that refers specifically to you, I urge you to listen to it. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I made it absolutely clear that if there were to be a national approach to this issue, it had to include all of the States and the interests of all of the people of Australia, not just the eastern States. The Opposition could not get out there quickly enough to defend its friend John Howard and the Commonwealth Government. I am happy to have a debate about the Opposition’s ideology, philosophy and prejudices on these issues, because I am very happy about what I have done for the people of Western Australia. When the interests of this State are at stake I do not take a backward step.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: We have been debating national water issues at the Council of Australian Governments level for a couple of years. Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the National Party! Dr G.I. GALLOP: When this issue first came up I advised that important issues in the State of Western Australia needed to be addressed and that if I were to participate in this process, respect should be shown for Western Australia. What we got from the Commonwealth was a $200 million commitment to the Murray-Darling river system in the eastern States and zero commitment for the people of Western Australia. It is an absolute duty of every Premier of Western Australia to defend and promote the interests of this State at a national level, no matter what Government is in power. On Friday I stood up for Western Australia. I made it absolutely clear that the Australian nation does not end at Ceduna; it keeps going west to the Indian Ocean. Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The State of Western Australia has been vigorously pursuing water issues, both in the urban area - Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the second time. Mr M.W. Trenorden: This is a serious issue, Mr Speaker. The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the National Party! When I make a ruling that refers specifically to you, I urge you to listen to it. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I made it absolutely clear that if there were to be a national approach to this issue, it had to include all of the States and the interests of all of the people of Australia, not just the eastern States. The Opposition could not get out there quickly enough to defend its friend John Howard and the Commonwealth Government. I am happy to have a debate about the Opposition’s ideology, philosophy and prejudices on these issues, because I am very happy about what I have done for the people of Western Australia. When the interests of this State are at stake I do not take a backward step.
Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the National Party! Dr G.I. GALLOP: When this issue first came up I advised that important issues in the State of Western Australia needed to be addressed and that if I were to participate in this process, respect should be shown for Western Australia. What we got from the Commonwealth was a $200 million commitment to the Murray-Darling river system in the eastern States and zero commitment for the people of Western Australia. It is an absolute duty of every Premier of Western Australia to defend and promote the interests of this State at a national level, no matter what Government is in power. On Friday I stood up for Western Australia. I made it absolutely clear that the Australian nation does not end at Ceduna; it keeps going west to the Indian Ocean. Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The State of Western Australia has been vigorously pursuing water issues, both in the urban area - Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the second time. Mr M.W. Trenorden: This is a serious issue, Mr Speaker. The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the National Party! When I make a ruling that refers specifically to you, I urge you to listen to it. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I made it absolutely clear that if there were to be a national approach to this issue, it had to include all of the States and the interests of all of the people of Australia, not just the eastern States. The Opposition could not get out there quickly enough to defend its friend John Howard and the Commonwealth Government. I am happy to have a debate about the Opposition’s ideology, philosophy and prejudices on these issues, because I am very happy about what I have done for the people of Western Australia. When the interests of this State are at stake I do not take a backward step.
The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the National Party! Dr G.I. GALLOP: When this issue first came up I advised that important issues in the State of Western Australia needed to be addressed and that if I were to participate in this process, respect should be shown for Western Australia. What we got from the Commonwealth was a $200 million commitment to the Murray-Darling river system in the eastern States and zero commitment for the people of Western Australia. It is an absolute duty of every Premier of Western Australia to defend and promote the interests of this State at a national level, no matter what Government is in power. On Friday I stood up for Western Australia. I made it absolutely clear that the Australian nation does not end at Ceduna; it keeps going west to the Indian Ocean. Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The State of Western Australia has been vigorously pursuing water issues, both in the urban area - Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the second time. Mr M.W. Trenorden: This is a serious issue, Mr Speaker. The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the National Party! When I make a ruling that refers specifically to you, I urge you to listen to it. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I made it absolutely clear that if there were to be a national approach to this issue, it had to include all of the States and the interests of all of the people of Australia, not just the eastern States. The Opposition could not get out there quickly enough to defend its friend John Howard and the Commonwealth Government. I am happy to have a debate about the Opposition’s ideology, philosophy and prejudices on these issues, because I am very happy about what I have done for the people of Western Australia. When the interests of this State are at stake I do not take a backward step.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: When this issue first came up I advised that important issues in the State of Western Australia needed to be addressed and that if I were to participate in this process, respect should be shown for Western Australia. What we got from the Commonwealth was a $200 million commitment to the Murray-Darling river system in the eastern States and zero commitment for the people of Western Australia. It is an absolute duty of every Premier of Western Australia to defend and promote the interests of this State at a national level, no matter what Government is in power. On Friday I stood up for Western Australia. I made it absolutely clear that the Australian nation does not end at Ceduna; it keeps going west to the Indian Ocean. Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The State of Western Australia has been vigorously pursuing water issues, both in the urban area - Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the second time. Mr M.W. Trenorden: This is a serious issue, Mr Speaker. The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the National Party! When I make a ruling that refers specifically to you, I urge you to listen to it. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I made it absolutely clear that if there were to be a national approach to this issue, it had to include all of the States and the interests of all of the people of Australia, not just the eastern States. The Opposition could not get out there quickly enough to defend its friend John Howard and the Commonwealth Government. I am happy to have a debate about the Opposition’s ideology, philosophy and prejudices on these issues, because I am very happy about what I have done for the people of Western Australia. When the interests of this State are at stake I do not take a backward step.
Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The State of Western Australia has been vigorously pursuing water issues, both in the urban area - Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the second time. Mr M.W. Trenorden: This is a serious issue, Mr Speaker. The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the National Party! When I make a ruling that refers specifically to you, I urge you to listen to it. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I made it absolutely clear that if there were to be a national approach to this issue, it had to include all of the States and the interests of all of the people of Australia, not just the eastern States. The Opposition could not get out there quickly enough to defend its friend John Howard and the Commonwealth Government. I am happy to have a debate about the Opposition’s ideology, philosophy and prejudices on these issues, because I am very happy about what I have done for the people of Western Australia. When the interests of this State are at stake I do not take a backward step.
The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The State of Western Australia has been vigorously pursuing water issues, both in the urban area - Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the second time. Mr M.W. Trenorden: This is a serious issue, Mr Speaker. The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the National Party! When I make a ruling that refers specifically to you, I urge you to listen to it. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I made it absolutely clear that if there were to be a national approach to this issue, it had to include all of the States and the interests of all of the people of Australia, not just the eastern States. The Opposition could not get out there quickly enough to defend its friend John Howard and the Commonwealth Government. I am happy to have a debate about the Opposition’s ideology, philosophy and prejudices on these issues, because I am very happy about what I have done for the people of Western Australia. When the interests of this State are at stake I do not take a backward step.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: The State of Western Australia has been vigorously pursuing water issues, both in the urban area - Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the second time. Mr M.W. Trenorden: This is a serious issue, Mr Speaker. The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the National Party! When I make a ruling that refers specifically to you, I urge you to listen to it. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I made it absolutely clear that if there were to be a national approach to this issue, it had to include all of the States and the interests of all of the people of Australia, not just the eastern States. The Opposition could not get out there quickly enough to defend its friend John Howard and the Commonwealth Government. I am happy to have a debate about the Opposition’s ideology, philosophy and prejudices on these issues, because I am very happy about what I have done for the people of Western Australia. When the interests of this State are at stake I do not take a backward step.
Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the second time. Mr M.W. Trenorden: This is a serious issue, Mr Speaker. The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the National Party! When I make a ruling that refers specifically to you, I urge you to listen to it. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I made it absolutely clear that if there were to be a national approach to this issue, it had to include all of the States and the interests of all of the people of Australia, not just the eastern States. The Opposition could not get out there quickly enough to defend its friend John Howard and the Commonwealth Government. I am happy to have a debate about the Opposition’s ideology, philosophy and prejudices on these issues, because I am very happy about what I have done for the people of Western Australia. When the interests of this State are at stake I do not take a backward step.
The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the second time. Mr M.W. Trenorden: This is a serious issue, Mr Speaker. The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the National Party! When I make a ruling that refers specifically to you, I urge you to listen to it. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I made it absolutely clear that if there were to be a national approach to this issue, it had to include all of the States and the interests of all of the people of Australia, not just the eastern States. The Opposition could not get out there quickly enough to defend its friend John Howard and the Commonwealth Government. I am happy to have a debate about the Opposition’s ideology, philosophy and prejudices on these issues, because I am very happy about what I have done for the people of Western Australia. When the interests of this State are at stake I do not take a backward step.
Mr M.W. Trenorden: This is a serious issue, Mr Speaker. The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the National Party! When I make a ruling that refers specifically to you, I urge you to listen to it. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I made it absolutely clear that if there were to be a national approach to this issue, it had to include all of the States and the interests of all of the people of Australia, not just the eastern States. The Opposition could not get out there quickly enough to defend its friend John Howard and the Commonwealth Government. I am happy to have a debate about the Opposition’s ideology, philosophy and prejudices on these issues, because I am very happy about what I have done for the people of Western Australia. When the interests of this State are at stake I do not take a backward step.
The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the National Party! When I make a ruling that refers specifically to you, I urge you to listen to it. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I made it absolutely clear that if there were to be a national approach to this issue, it had to include all of the States and the interests of all of the people of Australia, not just the eastern States. The Opposition could not get out there quickly enough to defend its friend John Howard and the Commonwealth Government. I am happy to have a debate about the Opposition’s ideology, philosophy and prejudices on these issues, because I am very happy about what I have done for the people of Western Australia. When the interests of this State are at stake I do not take a backward step.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: I made it absolutely clear that if there were to be a national approach to this issue, it had to include all of the States and the interests of all of the people of Australia, not just the eastern States. The Opposition could not get out there quickly enough to defend its friend John Howard and the Commonwealth Government. I am happy to have a debate about the Opposition’s ideology, philosophy and prejudices on these issues, because I am very happy about what I have done for the people of Western Australia. When the interests of this State are at stake I do not take a backward step.
. . . “It is not acceptable to see a so-called national initiative focussed totally on the Murray-Darling Basin.”
“It is not acceptable to see a so-called national initiative focussed totally on the Murray-Darling Basin.”
(2) Did the Premier walk away from the National Water Initiative because he was not prepared to commit funding to the strategies in that initiative? (3) Given that Queensland and the Northern Territory have seen the wisdom in signing up to the agreement, despite not having the Murray-Darling river system in their States, will the Premier admit that his refusal to sign the agreement was nothing more than political grandstanding? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(3) Last week the Western Australian people were given a clear demonstration of the difference between this side of the House and the other side. When I go to Canberra I stand up for the people of Western Australia, and that is what I did in Canberra last week. What did the Opposition do? The Opposition got its phone call from the Prime Minister and it could not get out there quick enough to defend the interests of the Commonwealth Government and not the people of Western Australia. That was the clear choice that we had last week. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We have been debating national water issues at the Council of Australian Governments level for a couple of years. Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the National Party! Dr G.I. GALLOP: When this issue first came up I advised that important issues in the State of Western Australia needed to be addressed and that if I were to participate in this process, respect should be shown for Western Australia. What we got from the Commonwealth was a $200 million commitment to the Murray-Darling river system in the eastern States and zero commitment for the people of Western Australia. It is an absolute duty of every Premier of Western Australia to defend and promote the interests of this State at a national level, no matter what Government is in power. On Friday I stood up for Western Australia. I made it absolutely clear that the Australian nation does not end at Ceduna; it keeps going west to the Indian Ocean. Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The State of Western Australia has been vigorously pursuing water issues, both in the urban area - Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the second time. Mr M.W. Trenorden: This is a serious issue, Mr Speaker. The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the National Party! When I make a ruling that refers specifically to you, I urge you to listen to it. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I made it absolutely clear that if there were to be a national approach to this issue, it had to include all of the States and the interests of all of the people of Australia, not just the eastern States. The Opposition could not get out there quickly enough to defend its friend John Howard and the Commonwealth Government. I am happy to have a debate about the Opposition’s ideology, philosophy and prejudices on these issues, because I am very happy about what I have done for the people of Western Australia. When the interests of this State are at stake I do not take a backward step.
(3) Given that Queensland and the Northern Territory have seen the wisdom in signing up to the agreement, despite not having the Murray-Darling river system in their States, will the Premier admit that his refusal to sign the agreement was nothing more than political grandstanding? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(3) Last week the Western Australian people were given a clear demonstration of the difference between this side of the House and the other side. When I go to Canberra I stand up for the people of Western Australia, and that is what I did in Canberra last week. What did the Opposition do? The Opposition got its phone call from the Prime Minister and it could not get out there quick enough to defend the interests of the Commonwealth Government and not the people of Western Australia. That was the clear choice that we had last week. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We have been debating national water issues at the Council of Australian Governments level for a couple of years. Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the National Party! Dr G.I. GALLOP: When this issue first came up I advised that important issues in the State of Western Australia needed to be addressed and that if I were to participate in this process, respect should be shown for Western Australia. What we got from the Commonwealth was a $200 million commitment to the Murray-Darling river system in the eastern States and zero commitment for the people of Western Australia. It is an absolute duty of every Premier of Western Australia to defend and promote the interests of this State at a national level, no matter what Government is in power. On Friday I stood up for Western Australia. I made it absolutely clear that the Australian nation does not end at Ceduna; it keeps going west to the Indian Ocean. Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The State of Western Australia has been vigorously pursuing water issues, both in the urban area - Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the second time. Mr M.W. Trenorden: This is a serious issue, Mr Speaker. The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the National Party! When I make a ruling that refers specifically to you, I urge you to listen to it. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I made it absolutely clear that if there were to be a national approach to this issue, it had to include all of the States and the interests of all of the people of Australia, not just the eastern States. The Opposition could not get out there quickly enough to defend its friend John Howard and the Commonwealth Government. I am happy to have a debate about the Opposition’s ideology, philosophy and prejudices on these issues, because I am very happy about what I have done for the people of Western Australia. When the interests of this State are at stake I do not take a backward step.
Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(3) Last week the Western Australian people were given a clear demonstration of the difference between this side of the House and the other side. When I go to Canberra I stand up for the people of Western Australia, and that is what I did in Canberra last week. What did the Opposition do? The Opposition got its phone call from the Prime Minister and it could not get out there quick enough to defend the interests of the Commonwealth Government and not the people of Western Australia. That was the clear choice that we had last week. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We have been debating national water issues at the Council of Australian Governments level for a couple of years. Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the National Party! Dr G.I. GALLOP: When this issue first came up I advised that important issues in the State of Western Australia needed to be addressed and that if I were to participate in this process, respect should be shown for Western Australia. What we got from the Commonwealth was a $200 million commitment to the Murray-Darling river system in the eastern States and zero commitment for the people of Western Australia. It is an absolute duty of every Premier of Western Australia to defend and promote the interests of this State at a national level, no matter what Government is in power. On Friday I stood up for Western Australia. I made it absolutely clear that the Australian nation does not end at Ceduna; it keeps going west to the Indian Ocean. Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The State of Western Australia has been vigorously pursuing water issues, both in the urban area - Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the second time. Mr M.W. Trenorden: This is a serious issue, Mr Speaker. The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the National Party! When I make a ruling that refers specifically to you, I urge you to listen to it. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I made it absolutely clear that if there were to be a national approach to this issue, it had to include all of the States and the interests of all of the people of Australia, not just the eastern States. The Opposition could not get out there quickly enough to defend its friend John Howard and the Commonwealth Government. I am happy to have a debate about the Opposition’s ideology, philosophy and prejudices on these issues, because I am very happy about what I have done for the people of Western Australia. When the interests of this State are at stake I do not take a backward step.
(1)-(3) Last week the Western Australian people were given a clear demonstration of the difference between this side of the House and the other side. When I go to Canberra I stand up for the people of Western Australia, and that is what I did in Canberra last week. What did the Opposition do? The Opposition got its phone call from the Prime Minister and it could not get out there quick enough to defend the interests of the Commonwealth Government and not the people of Western Australia. That was the clear choice that we had last week. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We have been debating national water issues at the Council of Australian Governments level for a couple of years. Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the National Party! Dr G.I. GALLOP: When this issue first came up I advised that important issues in the State of Western Australia needed to be addressed and that if I were to participate in this process, respect should be shown for Western Australia. What we got from the Commonwealth was a $200 million commitment to the Murray-Darling river system in the eastern States and zero commitment for the people of Western Australia. It is an absolute duty of every Premier of Western Australia to defend and promote the interests of this State at a national level, no matter what Government is in power. On Friday I stood up for Western Australia. I made it absolutely clear that the Australian nation does not end at Ceduna; it keeps going west to the Indian Ocean. Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The State of Western Australia has been vigorously pursuing water issues, both in the urban area - Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the second time. Mr M.W. Trenorden: This is a serious issue, Mr Speaker. The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the National Party! When I make a ruling that refers specifically to you, I urge you to listen to it. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I made it absolutely clear that if there were to be a national approach to this issue, it had to include all of the States and the interests of all of the people of Australia, not just the eastern States. The Opposition could not get out there quickly enough to defend its friend John Howard and the Commonwealth Government. I am happy to have a debate about the Opposition’s ideology, philosophy and prejudices on these issues, because I am very happy about what I have done for the people of Western Australia. When the interests of this State are at stake I do not take a backward step.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We have been debating national water issues at the Council of Australian Governments level for a couple of years. Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the National Party! Dr G.I. GALLOP: When this issue first came up I advised that important issues in the State of Western Australia needed to be addressed and that if I were to participate in this process, respect should be shown for Western Australia. What we got from the Commonwealth was a $200 million commitment to the Murray-Darling river system in the eastern States and zero commitment for the people of Western Australia. It is an absolute duty of every Premier of Western Australia to defend and promote the interests of this State at a national level, no matter what Government is in power. On Friday I stood up for Western Australia. I made it absolutely clear that the Australian nation does not end at Ceduna; it keeps going west to the Indian Ocean. Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The State of Western Australia has been vigorously pursuing water issues, both in the urban area - Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the second time. Mr M.W. Trenorden: This is a serious issue, Mr Speaker. The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the National Party! When I make a ruling that refers specifically to you, I urge you to listen to it. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I made it absolutely clear that if there were to be a national approach to this issue, it had to include all of the States and the interests of all of the people of Australia, not just the eastern States. The Opposition could not get out there quickly enough to defend its friend John Howard and the Commonwealth Government. I am happy to have a debate about the Opposition’s ideology, philosophy and prejudices on these issues, because I am very happy about what I have done for the people of Western Australia. When the interests of this State are at stake I do not take a backward step.
The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We have been debating national water issues at the Council of Australian Governments level for a couple of years. Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the National Party! Dr G.I. GALLOP: When this issue first came up I advised that important issues in the State of Western Australia needed to be addressed and that if I were to participate in this process, respect should be shown for Western Australia. What we got from the Commonwealth was a $200 million commitment to the Murray-Darling river system in the eastern States and zero commitment for the people of Western Australia. It is an absolute duty of every Premier of Western Australia to defend and promote the interests of this State at a national level, no matter what Government is in power. On Friday I stood up for Western Australia. I made it absolutely clear that the Australian nation does not end at Ceduna; it keeps going west to the Indian Ocean. Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The State of Western Australia has been vigorously pursuing water issues, both in the urban area - Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the second time. Mr M.W. Trenorden: This is a serious issue, Mr Speaker. The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the National Party! When I make a ruling that refers specifically to you, I urge you to listen to it. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I made it absolutely clear that if there were to be a national approach to this issue, it had to include all of the States and the interests of all of the people of Australia, not just the eastern States. The Opposition could not get out there quickly enough to defend its friend John Howard and the Commonwealth Government. I am happy to have a debate about the Opposition’s ideology, philosophy and prejudices on these issues, because I am very happy about what I have done for the people of Western Australia. When the interests of this State are at stake I do not take a backward step.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: We have been debating national water issues at the Council of Australian Governments level for a couple of years. Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the National Party! Dr G.I. GALLOP: When this issue first came up I advised that important issues in the State of Western Australia needed to be addressed and that if I were to participate in this process, respect should be shown for Western Australia. What we got from the Commonwealth was a $200 million commitment to the Murray-Darling river system in the eastern States and zero commitment for the people of Western Australia. It is an absolute duty of every Premier of Western Australia to defend and promote the interests of this State at a national level, no matter what Government is in power. On Friday I stood up for Western Australia. I made it absolutely clear that the Australian nation does not end at Ceduna; it keeps going west to the Indian Ocean. Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The State of Western Australia has been vigorously pursuing water issues, both in the urban area - Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the second time. Mr M.W. Trenorden: This is a serious issue, Mr Speaker. The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the National Party! When I make a ruling that refers specifically to you, I urge you to listen to it. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I made it absolutely clear that if there were to be a national approach to this issue, it had to include all of the States and the interests of all of the people of Australia, not just the eastern States. The Opposition could not get out there quickly enough to defend its friend John Howard and the Commonwealth Government. I am happy to have a debate about the Opposition’s ideology, philosophy and prejudices on these issues, because I am very happy about what I have done for the people of Western Australia. When the interests of this State are at stake I do not take a backward step.
Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the National Party! Dr G.I. GALLOP: When this issue first came up I advised that important issues in the State of Western Australia needed to be addressed and that if I were to participate in this process, respect should be shown for Western Australia. What we got from the Commonwealth was a $200 million commitment to the Murray-Darling river system in the eastern States and zero commitment for the people of Western Australia. It is an absolute duty of every Premier of Western Australia to defend and promote the interests of this State at a national level, no matter what Government is in power. On Friday I stood up for Western Australia. I made it absolutely clear that the Australian nation does not end at Ceduna; it keeps going west to the Indian Ocean. Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The State of Western Australia has been vigorously pursuing water issues, both in the urban area - Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the second time. Mr M.W. Trenorden: This is a serious issue, Mr Speaker. The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the National Party! When I make a ruling that refers specifically to you, I urge you to listen to it. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I made it absolutely clear that if there were to be a national approach to this issue, it had to include all of the States and the interests of all of the people of Australia, not just the eastern States. The Opposition could not get out there quickly enough to defend its friend John Howard and the Commonwealth Government. I am happy to have a debate about the Opposition’s ideology, philosophy and prejudices on these issues, because I am very happy about what I have done for the people of Western Australia. When the interests of this State are at stake I do not take a backward step.
The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the National Party! Dr G.I. GALLOP: When this issue first came up I advised that important issues in the State of Western Australia needed to be addressed and that if I were to participate in this process, respect should be shown for Western Australia. What we got from the Commonwealth was a $200 million commitment to the Murray-Darling river system in the eastern States and zero commitment for the people of Western Australia. It is an absolute duty of every Premier of Western Australia to defend and promote the interests of this State at a national level, no matter what Government is in power. On Friday I stood up for Western Australia. I made it absolutely clear that the Australian nation does not end at Ceduna; it keeps going west to the Indian Ocean. Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The State of Western Australia has been vigorously pursuing water issues, both in the urban area - Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the second time. Mr M.W. Trenorden: This is a serious issue, Mr Speaker. The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the National Party! When I make a ruling that refers specifically to you, I urge you to listen to it. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I made it absolutely clear that if there were to be a national approach to this issue, it had to include all of the States and the interests of all of the people of Australia, not just the eastern States. The Opposition could not get out there quickly enough to defend its friend John Howard and the Commonwealth Government. I am happy to have a debate about the Opposition’s ideology, philosophy and prejudices on these issues, because I am very happy about what I have done for the people of Western Australia. When the interests of this State are at stake I do not take a backward step.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: When this issue first came up I advised that important issues in the State of Western Australia needed to be addressed and that if I were to participate in this process, respect should be shown for Western Australia. What we got from the Commonwealth was a $200 million commitment to the Murray-Darling river system in the eastern States and zero commitment for the people of Western Australia. It is an absolute duty of every Premier of Western Australia to defend and promote the interests of this State at a national level, no matter what Government is in power. On Friday I stood up for Western Australia. I made it absolutely clear that the Australian nation does not end at Ceduna; it keeps going west to the Indian Ocean. Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The State of Western Australia has been vigorously pursuing water issues, both in the urban area - Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the second time. Mr M.W. Trenorden: This is a serious issue, Mr Speaker. The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the National Party! When I make a ruling that refers specifically to you, I urge you to listen to it. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I made it absolutely clear that if there were to be a national approach to this issue, it had to include all of the States and the interests of all of the people of Australia, not just the eastern States. The Opposition could not get out there quickly enough to defend its friend John Howard and the Commonwealth Government. I am happy to have a debate about the Opposition’s ideology, philosophy and prejudices on these issues, because I am very happy about what I have done for the people of Western Australia. When the interests of this State are at stake I do not take a backward step.
Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The State of Western Australia has been vigorously pursuing water issues, both in the urban area - Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the second time. Mr M.W. Trenorden: This is a serious issue, Mr Speaker. The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the National Party! When I make a ruling that refers specifically to you, I urge you to listen to it. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I made it absolutely clear that if there were to be a national approach to this issue, it had to include all of the States and the interests of all of the people of Australia, not just the eastern States. The Opposition could not get out there quickly enough to defend its friend John Howard and the Commonwealth Government. I am happy to have a debate about the Opposition’s ideology, philosophy and prejudices on these issues, because I am very happy about what I have done for the people of Western Australia. When the interests of this State are at stake I do not take a backward step.
The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The State of Western Australia has been vigorously pursuing water issues, both in the urban area - Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the second time. Mr M.W. Trenorden: This is a serious issue, Mr Speaker. The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the National Party! When I make a ruling that refers specifically to you, I urge you to listen to it. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I made it absolutely clear that if there were to be a national approach to this issue, it had to include all of the States and the interests of all of the people of Australia, not just the eastern States. The Opposition could not get out there quickly enough to defend its friend John Howard and the Commonwealth Government. I am happy to have a debate about the Opposition’s ideology, philosophy and prejudices on these issues, because I am very happy about what I have done for the people of Western Australia. When the interests of this State are at stake I do not take a backward step.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: The State of Western Australia has been vigorously pursuing water issues, both in the urban area - Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the second time. Mr M.W. Trenorden: This is a serious issue, Mr Speaker. The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the National Party! When I make a ruling that refers specifically to you, I urge you to listen to it. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I made it absolutely clear that if there were to be a national approach to this issue, it had to include all of the States and the interests of all of the people of Australia, not just the eastern States. The Opposition could not get out there quickly enough to defend its friend John Howard and the Commonwealth Government. I am happy to have a debate about the Opposition’s ideology, philosophy and prejudices on these issues, because I am very happy about what I have done for the people of Western Australia. When the interests of this State are at stake I do not take a backward step.
Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the second time. Mr M.W. Trenorden: This is a serious issue, Mr Speaker. The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the National Party! When I make a ruling that refers specifically to you, I urge you to listen to it. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I made it absolutely clear that if there were to be a national approach to this issue, it had to include all of the States and the interests of all of the people of Australia, not just the eastern States. The Opposition could not get out there quickly enough to defend its friend John Howard and the Commonwealth Government. I am happy to have a debate about the Opposition’s ideology, philosophy and prejudices on these issues, because I am very happy about what I have done for the people of Western Australia. When the interests of this State are at stake I do not take a backward step.
The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the second time. Mr M.W. Trenorden: This is a serious issue, Mr Speaker. The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the National Party! When I make a ruling that refers specifically to you, I urge you to listen to it. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I made it absolutely clear that if there were to be a national approach to this issue, it had to include all of the States and the interests of all of the people of Australia, not just the eastern States. The Opposition could not get out there quickly enough to defend its friend John Howard and the Commonwealth Government. I am happy to have a debate about the Opposition’s ideology, philosophy and prejudices on these issues, because I am very happy about what I have done for the people of Western Australia. When the interests of this State are at stake I do not take a backward step.
Mr M.W. Trenorden: This is a serious issue, Mr Speaker. The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the National Party! When I make a ruling that refers specifically to you, I urge you to listen to it. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I made it absolutely clear that if there were to be a national approach to this issue, it had to include all of the States and the interests of all of the people of Australia, not just the eastern States. The Opposition could not get out there quickly enough to defend its friend John Howard and the Commonwealth Government. I am happy to have a debate about the Opposition’s ideology, philosophy and prejudices on these issues, because I am very happy about what I have done for the people of Western Australia. When the interests of this State are at stake I do not take a backward step.
The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the National Party! When I make a ruling that refers specifically to you, I urge you to listen to it. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I made it absolutely clear that if there were to be a national approach to this issue, it had to include all of the States and the interests of all of the people of Australia, not just the eastern States. The Opposition could not get out there quickly enough to defend its friend John Howard and the Commonwealth Government. I am happy to have a debate about the Opposition’s ideology, philosophy and prejudices on these issues, because I am very happy about what I have done for the people of Western Australia. When the interests of this State are at stake I do not take a backward step.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: I made it absolutely clear that if there were to be a national approach to this issue, it had to include all of the States and the interests of all of the people of Australia, not just the eastern States. The Opposition could not get out there quickly enough to defend its friend John Howard and the Commonwealth Government. I am happy to have a debate about the Opposition’s ideology, philosophy and prejudices on these issues, because I am very happy about what I have done for the people of Western Australia. When the interests of this State are at stake I do not take a backward step.
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