Opposition questions the Premier about actions taken to limit Brian Burke's influence on the Labor government. The Premier denies Burke has privileged access and defends the government's fairness.

AnsweredQoN 497Legislative Assembly
Asked
13 March 2003
Portfolio
Premier

QuestionView source ↗

I have a supplementary question. Has the Premier issued any directives or taken any action to ensure that Mr Burke is no longer welcome in the political process and that he cannot gain such privileged access to the Labor Government; and, if not, why not? Dr G.I. GALLOP

AnswerView source ↗

Mr Speaker, I will repeat the point. No-one in Western Australia, outside the Cabinet and Government of Western Australia, has “privileged access”. We are open as a Government and we are fair to all interest groups in the State. We treat them all on the basis of equality and on the merits of their arguments. The assumption, therefore, behind my friend’s question is wrong. It is interesting that he asked that question when in his preliminary question he indicated clearly my view on the subject.
Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: Mr Speaker, I will repeat the point. No-one in Western Australia, outside the Cabinet and Government of Western Australia, has “privileged access”. We are open as a Government and we are fair to all interest groups in the State. We treat them all on the basis of equality and on the merits of their arguments. The assumption, therefore, behind my friend’s question is wrong. It is interesting that he asked that question when in his preliminary question he indicated clearly my view on the subject.
Mr Speaker, I will repeat the point. No-one in Western Australia, outside the Cabinet and Government of Western Australia, has “privileged access”. We are open as a Government and we are fair to all interest groups in the State. We treat them all on the basis of equality and on the merits of their arguments. The assumption, therefore, behind my friend’s question is wrong. It is interesting that he asked that question when in his preliminary question he indicated clearly my view on the subject.

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