❓ Question regarding the consistency of ministerial involvement in Dampier and Bunbury ports with National Party policy. Minister defends involvement citing legislative responsibilities and public interest.
AnsweredQoN 476Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
DAMPIER AND BUNBURY PORTS 476. Mrs MARTIN to the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure: I refer to the question from the Leader of the National Party to the Premier yesterday complaining about ministerial involvement in issues of public interest relating to the Dampier and Bunbury ports, suggesting that it was improper for the minister to be involved in such issues. Mr Trenorden: No suggestion whatsoever! Mrs MARTIN: Excuse me; this is my question. Can the minister advise whether this is consistent with National Party policy? Ms MacTIERNAN
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for the question. It is yet another example of the amnesia that has descended upon the other side. I will now take members through - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Ms MacTIERNAN: I will take National Party members through the Bill that they introduced into this place. Hon Murray Criddle, as Minister for Transport, introduced the Bill into the Legislative Council. In the second reading speech he said - The Port Authorities Bill requires port authorities to consult with the minister before embarking on any major initiative or taking any action that is likely to have significant public interest. He went on to say that the port authorities had been expressly commercialised - not corporatised, and we supported the then Government in that - as it was recognised that it was necessary to have a level of government control and accountability to the Parliament. Mr Speaker, as you well know, there is a matter of considerable public interest in Dampier with the closing of the port control tower, which is quite contrary to the marine safety plan that was provided to me in early August. The plan states that the port control tower was central to port safety. Two weeks later I learned that the Dampier Port Authority intended to close the port control tower. Of course, that is a matter of considerable public interest and one in which we have taken an active involvement. Likewise - Mr Trenorden: You certainly have. What about accountability? Ms MacTIERNAN: We are quite happy to have a debate on it at any time. If the Leader of the National Party wants to say that it is not proper for a minister, in view of that minister’s legislative responsibilities, to have regard to port safety and to breaches and changes of the port safety plan, by all means, he should get up and say it. The other issue is the Bunbury port. The Bunbury Port Authority well understood that the issue of live sheep exports through the port of Bunbury was a matter of significant public interest. To that regard, it raised the issue with me. I gave the port authority my view of how I believe it should progress with that matter. That is entirely consistent with not only my rights but also my obligations under this legislation. I would be interested to hear from the Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party whether he believes that the issue of live sheep exports is a matter of significant public interest.
DAMPIER AND BUNBURY PORTS
I refer to the question from the Leader of the National Party to the Premier yesterday complaining about ministerial involvement in issues of public interest relating to the Dampier and Bunbury ports, suggesting that it was improper for the minister to be involved in such issues. Mr Trenorden: No suggestion whatsoever! Mrs MARTIN: Excuse me; this is my question. Can the minister advise whether this is consistent with National Party policy? Ms MacTIERNAN replied: I thank the member for the question. It is yet another example of the amnesia that has descended upon the other side. I will now take members through - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Ms MacTIERNAN: I will take National Party members through the Bill that they introduced into this place. Hon Murray Criddle, as Minister for Transport, introduced the Bill into the Legislative Council. In the second reading speech he said - The Port Authorities Bill requires port authorities to consult with the minister before embarking on any major initiative or taking any action that is likely to have significant public interest. He went on to say that the port authorities had been expressly commercialised - not corporatised, and we supported the then Government in that - as it was recognised that it was necessary to have a level of government control and accountability to the Parliament. Mr Speaker, as you well know, there is a matter of considerable public interest in Dampier with the closing of the port control tower, which is quite contrary to the marine safety plan that was provided to me in early August. The plan states that the port control tower was central to port safety. Two weeks later I learned that the Dampier Port Authority intended to close the port control tower. Of course, that is a matter of considerable public interest and one in which we have taken an active involvement. Likewise - Mr Trenorden: You certainly have. What about accountability? Ms MacTIERNAN: We are quite happy to have a debate on it at any time. If the Leader of the National Party wants to say that it is not proper for a minister, in view of that minister’s legislative responsibilities, to have regard to port safety and to breaches and changes of the port safety plan, by all means, he should get up and say it. The other issue is the Bunbury port. The Bunbury Port Authority well understood that the issue of live sheep exports through the port of Bunbury was a matter of significant public interest. To that regard, it raised the issue with me. I gave the port authority my view of how I believe it should progress with that matter. That is entirely consistent with not only my rights but also my obligations under this legislation. I would be interested to hear from the Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party whether he believes that the issue of live sheep exports is a matter of significant public interest.
Mr Trenorden: No suggestion whatsoever! Mrs MARTIN: Excuse me; this is my question. Can the minister advise whether this is consistent with National Party policy? Ms MacTIERNAN replied: I thank the member for the question. It is yet another example of the amnesia that has descended upon the other side. I will now take members through - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Ms MacTIERNAN: I will take National Party members through the Bill that they introduced into this place. Hon Murray Criddle, as Minister for Transport, introduced the Bill into the Legislative Council. In the second reading speech he said - The Port Authorities Bill requires port authorities to consult with the minister before embarking on any major initiative or taking any action that is likely to have significant public interest. He went on to say that the port authorities had been expressly commercialised - not corporatised, and we supported the then Government in that - as it was recognised that it was necessary to have a level of government control and accountability to the Parliament. Mr Speaker, as you well know, there is a matter of considerable public interest in Dampier with the closing of the port control tower, which is quite contrary to the marine safety plan that was provided to me in early August. The plan states that the port control tower was central to port safety. Two weeks later I learned that the Dampier Port Authority intended to close the port control tower. Of course, that is a matter of considerable public interest and one in which we have taken an active involvement. Likewise - Mr Trenorden: You certainly have. What about accountability? Ms MacTIERNAN: We are quite happy to have a debate on it at any time. If the Leader of the National Party wants to say that it is not proper for a minister, in view of that minister’s legislative responsibilities, to have regard to port safety and to breaches and changes of the port safety plan, by all means, he should get up and say it. The other issue is the Bunbury port. The Bunbury Port Authority well understood that the issue of live sheep exports through the port of Bunbury was a matter of significant public interest. To that regard, it raised the issue with me. I gave the port authority my view of how I believe it should progress with that matter. That is entirely consistent with not only my rights but also my obligations under this legislation. I would be interested to hear from the Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party whether he believes that the issue of live sheep exports is a matter of significant public interest.
Mrs MARTIN: Excuse me; this is my question. Can the minister advise whether this is consistent with National Party policy? Ms MacTIERNAN replied: I thank the member for the question. It is yet another example of the amnesia that has descended upon the other side. I will now take members through - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Ms MacTIERNAN: I will take National Party members through the Bill that they introduced into this place. Hon Murray Criddle, as Minister for Transport, introduced the Bill into the Legislative Council. In the second reading speech he said - The Port Authorities Bill requires port authorities to consult with the minister before embarking on any major initiative or taking any action that is likely to have significant public interest. He went on to say that the port authorities had been expressly commercialised - not corporatised, and we supported the then Government in that - as it was recognised that it was necessary to have a level of government control and accountability to the Parliament. Mr Speaker, as you well know, there is a matter of considerable public interest in Dampier with the closing of the port control tower, which is quite contrary to the marine safety plan that was provided to me in early August. The plan states that the port control tower was central to port safety. Two weeks later I learned that the Dampier Port Authority intended to close the port control tower. Of course, that is a matter of considerable public interest and one in which we have taken an active involvement. Likewise - Mr Trenorden: You certainly have. What about accountability? Ms MacTIERNAN: We are quite happy to have a debate on it at any time. If the Leader of the National Party wants to say that it is not proper for a minister, in view of that minister’s legislative responsibilities, to have regard to port safety and to breaches and changes of the port safety plan, by all means, he should get up and say it. The other issue is the Bunbury port. The Bunbury Port Authority well understood that the issue of live sheep exports through the port of Bunbury was a matter of significant public interest. To that regard, it raised the issue with me. I gave the port authority my view of how I believe it should progress with that matter. That is entirely consistent with not only my rights but also my obligations under this legislation. I would be interested to hear from the Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party whether he believes that the issue of live sheep exports is a matter of significant public interest.
Ms MacTIERNAN replied: I thank the member for the question. It is yet another example of the amnesia that has descended upon the other side. I will now take members through - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Ms MacTIERNAN: I will take National Party members through the Bill that they introduced into this place. Hon Murray Criddle, as Minister for Transport, introduced the Bill into the Legislative Council. In the second reading speech he said - The Port Authorities Bill requires port authorities to consult with the minister before embarking on any major initiative or taking any action that is likely to have significant public interest. He went on to say that the port authorities had been expressly commercialised - not corporatised, and we supported the then Government in that - as it was recognised that it was necessary to have a level of government control and accountability to the Parliament. Mr Speaker, as you well know, there is a matter of considerable public interest in Dampier with the closing of the port control tower, which is quite contrary to the marine safety plan that was provided to me in early August. The plan states that the port control tower was central to port safety. Two weeks later I learned that the Dampier Port Authority intended to close the port control tower. Of course, that is a matter of considerable public interest and one in which we have taken an active involvement. Likewise - Mr Trenorden: You certainly have. What about accountability? Ms MacTIERNAN: We are quite happy to have a debate on it at any time. If the Leader of the National Party wants to say that it is not proper for a minister, in view of that minister’s legislative responsibilities, to have regard to port safety and to breaches and changes of the port safety plan, by all means, he should get up and say it. The other issue is the Bunbury port. The Bunbury Port Authority well understood that the issue of live sheep exports through the port of Bunbury was a matter of significant public interest. To that regard, it raised the issue with me. I gave the port authority my view of how I believe it should progress with that matter. That is entirely consistent with not only my rights but also my obligations under this legislation. I would be interested to hear from the Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party whether he believes that the issue of live sheep exports is a matter of significant public interest.
I thank the member for the question. It is yet another example of the amnesia that has descended upon the other side. I will now take members through - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Ms MacTIERNAN: I will take National Party members through the Bill that they introduced into this place. Hon Murray Criddle, as Minister for Transport, introduced the Bill into the Legislative Council. In the second reading speech he said - The Port Authorities Bill requires port authorities to consult with the minister before embarking on any major initiative or taking any action that is likely to have significant public interest. He went on to say that the port authorities had been expressly commercialised - not corporatised, and we supported the then Government in that - as it was recognised that it was necessary to have a level of government control and accountability to the Parliament. Mr Speaker, as you well know, there is a matter of considerable public interest in Dampier with the closing of the port control tower, which is quite contrary to the marine safety plan that was provided to me in early August. The plan states that the port control tower was central to port safety. Two weeks later I learned that the Dampier Port Authority intended to close the port control tower. Of course, that is a matter of considerable public interest and one in which we have taken an active involvement. Likewise - Mr Trenorden: You certainly have. What about accountability? Ms MacTIERNAN: We are quite happy to have a debate on it at any time. If the Leader of the National Party wants to say that it is not proper for a minister, in view of that minister’s legislative responsibilities, to have regard to port safety and to breaches and changes of the port safety plan, by all means, he should get up and say it. The other issue is the Bunbury port. The Bunbury Port Authority well understood that the issue of live sheep exports through the port of Bunbury was a matter of significant public interest. To that regard, it raised the issue with me. I gave the port authority my view of how I believe it should progress with that matter. That is entirely consistent with not only my rights but also my obligations under this legislation. I would be interested to hear from the Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party whether he believes that the issue of live sheep exports is a matter of significant public interest.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Ms MacTIERNAN: I will take National Party members through the Bill that they introduced into this place. Hon Murray Criddle, as Minister for Transport, introduced the Bill into the Legislative Council. In the second reading speech he said - The Port Authorities Bill requires port authorities to consult with the minister before embarking on any major initiative or taking any action that is likely to have significant public interest. He went on to say that the port authorities had been expressly commercialised - not corporatised, and we supported the then Government in that - as it was recognised that it was necessary to have a level of government control and accountability to the Parliament. Mr Speaker, as you well know, there is a matter of considerable public interest in Dampier with the closing of the port control tower, which is quite contrary to the marine safety plan that was provided to me in early August. The plan states that the port control tower was central to port safety. Two weeks later I learned that the Dampier Port Authority intended to close the port control tower. Of course, that is a matter of considerable public interest and one in which we have taken an active involvement. Likewise - Mr Trenorden: You certainly have. What about accountability? Ms MacTIERNAN: We are quite happy to have a debate on it at any time. If the Leader of the National Party wants to say that it is not proper for a minister, in view of that minister’s legislative responsibilities, to have regard to port safety and to breaches and changes of the port safety plan, by all means, he should get up and say it. The other issue is the Bunbury port. The Bunbury Port Authority well understood that the issue of live sheep exports through the port of Bunbury was a matter of significant public interest. To that regard, it raised the issue with me. I gave the port authority my view of how I believe it should progress with that matter. That is entirely consistent with not only my rights but also my obligations under this legislation. I would be interested to hear from the Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party whether he believes that the issue of live sheep exports is a matter of significant public interest.
The SPEAKER: Order, members! Ms MacTIERNAN: I will take National Party members through the Bill that they introduced into this place. Hon Murray Criddle, as Minister for Transport, introduced the Bill into the Legislative Council. In the second reading speech he said - The Port Authorities Bill requires port authorities to consult with the minister before embarking on any major initiative or taking any action that is likely to have significant public interest. He went on to say that the port authorities had been expressly commercialised - not corporatised, and we supported the then Government in that - as it was recognised that it was necessary to have a level of government control and accountability to the Parliament. Mr Speaker, as you well know, there is a matter of considerable public interest in Dampier with the closing of the port control tower, which is quite contrary to the marine safety plan that was provided to me in early August. The plan states that the port control tower was central to port safety. Two weeks later I learned that the Dampier Port Authority intended to close the port control tower. Of course, that is a matter of considerable public interest and one in which we have taken an active involvement. Likewise - Mr Trenorden: You certainly have. What about accountability? Ms MacTIERNAN: We are quite happy to have a debate on it at any time. If the Leader of the National Party wants to say that it is not proper for a minister, in view of that minister’s legislative responsibilities, to have regard to port safety and to breaches and changes of the port safety plan, by all means, he should get up and say it. The other issue is the Bunbury port. The Bunbury Port Authority well understood that the issue of live sheep exports through the port of Bunbury was a matter of significant public interest. To that regard, it raised the issue with me. I gave the port authority my view of how I believe it should progress with that matter. That is entirely consistent with not only my rights but also my obligations under this legislation. I would be interested to hear from the Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party whether he believes that the issue of live sheep exports is a matter of significant public interest.
Ms MacTIERNAN: I will take National Party members through the Bill that they introduced into this place. Hon Murray Criddle, as Minister for Transport, introduced the Bill into the Legislative Council. In the second reading speech he said - The Port Authorities Bill requires port authorities to consult with the minister before embarking on any major initiative or taking any action that is likely to have significant public interest. He went on to say that the port authorities had been expressly commercialised - not corporatised, and we supported the then Government in that - as it was recognised that it was necessary to have a level of government control and accountability to the Parliament. Mr Speaker, as you well know, there is a matter of considerable public interest in Dampier with the closing of the port control tower, which is quite contrary to the marine safety plan that was provided to me in early August. The plan states that the port control tower was central to port safety. Two weeks later I learned that the Dampier Port Authority intended to close the port control tower. Of course, that is a matter of considerable public interest and one in which we have taken an active involvement. Likewise - Mr Trenorden: You certainly have. What about accountability? Ms MacTIERNAN: We are quite happy to have a debate on it at any time. If the Leader of the National Party wants to say that it is not proper for a minister, in view of that minister’s legislative responsibilities, to have regard to port safety and to breaches and changes of the port safety plan, by all means, he should get up and say it. The other issue is the Bunbury port. The Bunbury Port Authority well understood that the issue of live sheep exports through the port of Bunbury was a matter of significant public interest. To that regard, it raised the issue with me. I gave the port authority my view of how I believe it should progress with that matter. That is entirely consistent with not only my rights but also my obligations under this legislation. I would be interested to hear from the Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party whether he believes that the issue of live sheep exports is a matter of significant public interest.
Mr Speaker, as you well know, there is a matter of considerable public interest in Dampier with the closing of the port control tower, which is quite contrary to the marine safety plan that was provided to me in early August. The plan states that the port control tower was central to port safety. Two weeks later I learned that the Dampier Port Authority intended to close the port control tower. Of course, that is a matter of considerable public interest and one in which we have taken an active involvement. Likewise - Mr Trenorden: You certainly have. What about accountability? Ms MacTIERNAN: We are quite happy to have a debate on it at any time. If the Leader of the National Party wants to say that it is not proper for a minister, in view of that minister’s legislative responsibilities, to have regard to port safety and to breaches and changes of the port safety plan, by all means, he should get up and say it. The other issue is the Bunbury port. The Bunbury Port Authority well understood that the issue of live sheep exports through the port of Bunbury was a matter of significant public interest. To that regard, it raised the issue with me. I gave the port authority my view of how I believe it should progress with that matter. That is entirely consistent with not only my rights but also my obligations under this legislation. I would be interested to hear from the Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party whether he believes that the issue of live sheep exports is a matter of significant public interest.
Mr Trenorden: You certainly have. What about accountability? Ms MacTIERNAN: We are quite happy to have a debate on it at any time. If the Leader of the National Party wants to say that it is not proper for a minister, in view of that minister’s legislative responsibilities, to have regard to port safety and to breaches and changes of the port safety plan, by all means, he should get up and say it. The other issue is the Bunbury port. The Bunbury Port Authority well understood that the issue of live sheep exports through the port of Bunbury was a matter of significant public interest. To that regard, it raised the issue with me. I gave the port authority my view of how I believe it should progress with that matter. That is entirely consistent with not only my rights but also my obligations under this legislation. I would be interested to hear from the Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party whether he believes that the issue of live sheep exports is a matter of significant public interest.
Ms MacTIERNAN: We are quite happy to have a debate on it at any time. If the Leader of the National Party wants to say that it is not proper for a minister, in view of that minister’s legislative responsibilities, to have regard to port safety and to breaches and changes of the port safety plan, by all means, he should get up and say it. The other issue is the Bunbury port. The Bunbury Port Authority well understood that the issue of live sheep exports through the port of Bunbury was a matter of significant public interest. To that regard, it raised the issue with me. I gave the port authority my view of how I believe it should progress with that matter. That is entirely consistent with not only my rights but also my obligations under this legislation. I would be interested to hear from the Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party whether he believes that the issue of live sheep exports is a matter of significant public interest.
The other issue is the Bunbury port. The Bunbury Port Authority well understood that the issue of live sheep exports through the port of Bunbury was a matter of significant public interest. To that regard, it raised the issue with me. I gave the port authority my view of how I believe it should progress with that matter. That is entirely consistent with not only my rights but also my obligations under this legislation. I would be interested to hear from the Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party whether he believes that the issue of live sheep exports is a matter of significant public interest.
DAMPIER AND BUNBURY PORTS
I refer to the question from the Leader of the National Party to the Premier yesterday complaining about ministerial involvement in issues of public interest relating to the Dampier and Bunbury ports, suggesting that it was improper for the minister to be involved in such issues. Mr Trenorden: No suggestion whatsoever! Mrs MARTIN: Excuse me; this is my question. Can the minister advise whether this is consistent with National Party policy? Ms MacTIERNAN replied: I thank the member for the question. It is yet another example of the amnesia that has descended upon the other side. I will now take members through - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Ms MacTIERNAN: I will take National Party members through the Bill that they introduced into this place. Hon Murray Criddle, as Minister for Transport, introduced the Bill into the Legislative Council. In the second reading speech he said - The Port Authorities Bill requires port authorities to consult with the minister before embarking on any major initiative or taking any action that is likely to have significant public interest. He went on to say that the port authorities had been expressly commercialised - not corporatised, and we supported the then Government in that - as it was recognised that it was necessary to have a level of government control and accountability to the Parliament. Mr Speaker, as you well know, there is a matter of considerable public interest in Dampier with the closing of the port control tower, which is quite contrary to the marine safety plan that was provided to me in early August. The plan states that the port control tower was central to port safety. Two weeks later I learned that the Dampier Port Authority intended to close the port control tower. Of course, that is a matter of considerable public interest and one in which we have taken an active involvement. Likewise - Mr Trenorden: You certainly have. What about accountability? Ms MacTIERNAN: We are quite happy to have a debate on it at any time. If the Leader of the National Party wants to say that it is not proper for a minister, in view of that minister’s legislative responsibilities, to have regard to port safety and to breaches and changes of the port safety plan, by all means, he should get up and say it. The other issue is the Bunbury port. The Bunbury Port Authority well understood that the issue of live sheep exports through the port of Bunbury was a matter of significant public interest. To that regard, it raised the issue with me. I gave the port authority my view of how I believe it should progress with that matter. That is entirely consistent with not only my rights but also my obligations under this legislation. I would be interested to hear from the Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party whether he believes that the issue of live sheep exports is a matter of significant public interest.
Mr Trenorden: No suggestion whatsoever! Mrs MARTIN: Excuse me; this is my question. Can the minister advise whether this is consistent with National Party policy? Ms MacTIERNAN replied: I thank the member for the question. It is yet another example of the amnesia that has descended upon the other side. I will now take members through - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Ms MacTIERNAN: I will take National Party members through the Bill that they introduced into this place. Hon Murray Criddle, as Minister for Transport, introduced the Bill into the Legislative Council. In the second reading speech he said - The Port Authorities Bill requires port authorities to consult with the minister before embarking on any major initiative or taking any action that is likely to have significant public interest. He went on to say that the port authorities had been expressly commercialised - not corporatised, and we supported the then Government in that - as it was recognised that it was necessary to have a level of government control and accountability to the Parliament. Mr Speaker, as you well know, there is a matter of considerable public interest in Dampier with the closing of the port control tower, which is quite contrary to the marine safety plan that was provided to me in early August. The plan states that the port control tower was central to port safety. Two weeks later I learned that the Dampier Port Authority intended to close the port control tower. Of course, that is a matter of considerable public interest and one in which we have taken an active involvement. Likewise - Mr Trenorden: You certainly have. What about accountability? Ms MacTIERNAN: We are quite happy to have a debate on it at any time. If the Leader of the National Party wants to say that it is not proper for a minister, in view of that minister’s legislative responsibilities, to have regard to port safety and to breaches and changes of the port safety plan, by all means, he should get up and say it. The other issue is the Bunbury port. The Bunbury Port Authority well understood that the issue of live sheep exports through the port of Bunbury was a matter of significant public interest. To that regard, it raised the issue with me. I gave the port authority my view of how I believe it should progress with that matter. That is entirely consistent with not only my rights but also my obligations under this legislation. I would be interested to hear from the Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party whether he believes that the issue of live sheep exports is a matter of significant public interest.
Mrs MARTIN: Excuse me; this is my question. Can the minister advise whether this is consistent with National Party policy? Ms MacTIERNAN replied: I thank the member for the question. It is yet another example of the amnesia that has descended upon the other side. I will now take members through - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Ms MacTIERNAN: I will take National Party members through the Bill that they introduced into this place. Hon Murray Criddle, as Minister for Transport, introduced the Bill into the Legislative Council. In the second reading speech he said - The Port Authorities Bill requires port authorities to consult with the minister before embarking on any major initiative or taking any action that is likely to have significant public interest. He went on to say that the port authorities had been expressly commercialised - not corporatised, and we supported the then Government in that - as it was recognised that it was necessary to have a level of government control and accountability to the Parliament. Mr Speaker, as you well know, there is a matter of considerable public interest in Dampier with the closing of the port control tower, which is quite contrary to the marine safety plan that was provided to me in early August. The plan states that the port control tower was central to port safety. Two weeks later I learned that the Dampier Port Authority intended to close the port control tower. Of course, that is a matter of considerable public interest and one in which we have taken an active involvement. Likewise - Mr Trenorden: You certainly have. What about accountability? Ms MacTIERNAN: We are quite happy to have a debate on it at any time. If the Leader of the National Party wants to say that it is not proper for a minister, in view of that minister’s legislative responsibilities, to have regard to port safety and to breaches and changes of the port safety plan, by all means, he should get up and say it. The other issue is the Bunbury port. The Bunbury Port Authority well understood that the issue of live sheep exports through the port of Bunbury was a matter of significant public interest. To that regard, it raised the issue with me. I gave the port authority my view of how I believe it should progress with that matter. That is entirely consistent with not only my rights but also my obligations under this legislation. I would be interested to hear from the Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party whether he believes that the issue of live sheep exports is a matter of significant public interest.
Ms MacTIERNAN replied: I thank the member for the question. It is yet another example of the amnesia that has descended upon the other side. I will now take members through - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Ms MacTIERNAN: I will take National Party members through the Bill that they introduced into this place. Hon Murray Criddle, as Minister for Transport, introduced the Bill into the Legislative Council. In the second reading speech he said - The Port Authorities Bill requires port authorities to consult with the minister before embarking on any major initiative or taking any action that is likely to have significant public interest. He went on to say that the port authorities had been expressly commercialised - not corporatised, and we supported the then Government in that - as it was recognised that it was necessary to have a level of government control and accountability to the Parliament. Mr Speaker, as you well know, there is a matter of considerable public interest in Dampier with the closing of the port control tower, which is quite contrary to the marine safety plan that was provided to me in early August. The plan states that the port control tower was central to port safety. Two weeks later I learned that the Dampier Port Authority intended to close the port control tower. Of course, that is a matter of considerable public interest and one in which we have taken an active involvement. Likewise - Mr Trenorden: You certainly have. What about accountability? Ms MacTIERNAN: We are quite happy to have a debate on it at any time. If the Leader of the National Party wants to say that it is not proper for a minister, in view of that minister’s legislative responsibilities, to have regard to port safety and to breaches and changes of the port safety plan, by all means, he should get up and say it. The other issue is the Bunbury port. The Bunbury Port Authority well understood that the issue of live sheep exports through the port of Bunbury was a matter of significant public interest. To that regard, it raised the issue with me. I gave the port authority my view of how I believe it should progress with that matter. That is entirely consistent with not only my rights but also my obligations under this legislation. I would be interested to hear from the Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party whether he believes that the issue of live sheep exports is a matter of significant public interest.
I thank the member for the question. It is yet another example of the amnesia that has descended upon the other side. I will now take members through - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Ms MacTIERNAN: I will take National Party members through the Bill that they introduced into this place. Hon Murray Criddle, as Minister for Transport, introduced the Bill into the Legislative Council. In the second reading speech he said - The Port Authorities Bill requires port authorities to consult with the minister before embarking on any major initiative or taking any action that is likely to have significant public interest. He went on to say that the port authorities had been expressly commercialised - not corporatised, and we supported the then Government in that - as it was recognised that it was necessary to have a level of government control and accountability to the Parliament. Mr Speaker, as you well know, there is a matter of considerable public interest in Dampier with the closing of the port control tower, which is quite contrary to the marine safety plan that was provided to me in early August. The plan states that the port control tower was central to port safety. Two weeks later I learned that the Dampier Port Authority intended to close the port control tower. Of course, that is a matter of considerable public interest and one in which we have taken an active involvement. Likewise - Mr Trenorden: You certainly have. What about accountability? Ms MacTIERNAN: We are quite happy to have a debate on it at any time. If the Leader of the National Party wants to say that it is not proper for a minister, in view of that minister’s legislative responsibilities, to have regard to port safety and to breaches and changes of the port safety plan, by all means, he should get up and say it. The other issue is the Bunbury port. The Bunbury Port Authority well understood that the issue of live sheep exports through the port of Bunbury was a matter of significant public interest. To that regard, it raised the issue with me. I gave the port authority my view of how I believe it should progress with that matter. That is entirely consistent with not only my rights but also my obligations under this legislation. I would be interested to hear from the Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party whether he believes that the issue of live sheep exports is a matter of significant public interest.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Ms MacTIERNAN: I will take National Party members through the Bill that they introduced into this place. Hon Murray Criddle, as Minister for Transport, introduced the Bill into the Legislative Council. In the second reading speech he said - The Port Authorities Bill requires port authorities to consult with the minister before embarking on any major initiative or taking any action that is likely to have significant public interest. He went on to say that the port authorities had been expressly commercialised - not corporatised, and we supported the then Government in that - as it was recognised that it was necessary to have a level of government control and accountability to the Parliament. Mr Speaker, as you well know, there is a matter of considerable public interest in Dampier with the closing of the port control tower, which is quite contrary to the marine safety plan that was provided to me in early August. The plan states that the port control tower was central to port safety. Two weeks later I learned that the Dampier Port Authority intended to close the port control tower. Of course, that is a matter of considerable public interest and one in which we have taken an active involvement. Likewise - Mr Trenorden: You certainly have. What about accountability? Ms MacTIERNAN: We are quite happy to have a debate on it at any time. If the Leader of the National Party wants to say that it is not proper for a minister, in view of that minister’s legislative responsibilities, to have regard to port safety and to breaches and changes of the port safety plan, by all means, he should get up and say it. The other issue is the Bunbury port. The Bunbury Port Authority well understood that the issue of live sheep exports through the port of Bunbury was a matter of significant public interest. To that regard, it raised the issue with me. I gave the port authority my view of how I believe it should progress with that matter. That is entirely consistent with not only my rights but also my obligations under this legislation. I would be interested to hear from the Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party whether he believes that the issue of live sheep exports is a matter of significant public interest.
The SPEAKER: Order, members! Ms MacTIERNAN: I will take National Party members through the Bill that they introduced into this place. Hon Murray Criddle, as Minister for Transport, introduced the Bill into the Legislative Council. In the second reading speech he said - The Port Authorities Bill requires port authorities to consult with the minister before embarking on any major initiative or taking any action that is likely to have significant public interest. He went on to say that the port authorities had been expressly commercialised - not corporatised, and we supported the then Government in that - as it was recognised that it was necessary to have a level of government control and accountability to the Parliament. Mr Speaker, as you well know, there is a matter of considerable public interest in Dampier with the closing of the port control tower, which is quite contrary to the marine safety plan that was provided to me in early August. The plan states that the port control tower was central to port safety. Two weeks later I learned that the Dampier Port Authority intended to close the port control tower. Of course, that is a matter of considerable public interest and one in which we have taken an active involvement. Likewise - Mr Trenorden: You certainly have. What about accountability? Ms MacTIERNAN: We are quite happy to have a debate on it at any time. If the Leader of the National Party wants to say that it is not proper for a minister, in view of that minister’s legislative responsibilities, to have regard to port safety and to breaches and changes of the port safety plan, by all means, he should get up and say it. The other issue is the Bunbury port. The Bunbury Port Authority well understood that the issue of live sheep exports through the port of Bunbury was a matter of significant public interest. To that regard, it raised the issue with me. I gave the port authority my view of how I believe it should progress with that matter. That is entirely consistent with not only my rights but also my obligations under this legislation. I would be interested to hear from the Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party whether he believes that the issue of live sheep exports is a matter of significant public interest.
Ms MacTIERNAN: I will take National Party members through the Bill that they introduced into this place. Hon Murray Criddle, as Minister for Transport, introduced the Bill into the Legislative Council. In the second reading speech he said - The Port Authorities Bill requires port authorities to consult with the minister before embarking on any major initiative or taking any action that is likely to have significant public interest. He went on to say that the port authorities had been expressly commercialised - not corporatised, and we supported the then Government in that - as it was recognised that it was necessary to have a level of government control and accountability to the Parliament. Mr Speaker, as you well know, there is a matter of considerable public interest in Dampier with the closing of the port control tower, which is quite contrary to the marine safety plan that was provided to me in early August. The plan states that the port control tower was central to port safety. Two weeks later I learned that the Dampier Port Authority intended to close the port control tower. Of course, that is a matter of considerable public interest and one in which we have taken an active involvement. Likewise - Mr Trenorden: You certainly have. What about accountability? Ms MacTIERNAN: We are quite happy to have a debate on it at any time. If the Leader of the National Party wants to say that it is not proper for a minister, in view of that minister’s legislative responsibilities, to have regard to port safety and to breaches and changes of the port safety plan, by all means, he should get up and say it. The other issue is the Bunbury port. The Bunbury Port Authority well understood that the issue of live sheep exports through the port of Bunbury was a matter of significant public interest. To that regard, it raised the issue with me. I gave the port authority my view of how I believe it should progress with that matter. That is entirely consistent with not only my rights but also my obligations under this legislation. I would be interested to hear from the Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party whether he believes that the issue of live sheep exports is a matter of significant public interest.
Mr Speaker, as you well know, there is a matter of considerable public interest in Dampier with the closing of the port control tower, which is quite contrary to the marine safety plan that was provided to me in early August. The plan states that the port control tower was central to port safety. Two weeks later I learned that the Dampier Port Authority intended to close the port control tower. Of course, that is a matter of considerable public interest and one in which we have taken an active involvement. Likewise - Mr Trenorden: You certainly have. What about accountability? Ms MacTIERNAN: We are quite happy to have a debate on it at any time. If the Leader of the National Party wants to say that it is not proper for a minister, in view of that minister’s legislative responsibilities, to have regard to port safety and to breaches and changes of the port safety plan, by all means, he should get up and say it. The other issue is the Bunbury port. The Bunbury Port Authority well understood that the issue of live sheep exports through the port of Bunbury was a matter of significant public interest. To that regard, it raised the issue with me. I gave the port authority my view of how I believe it should progress with that matter. That is entirely consistent with not only my rights but also my obligations under this legislation. I would be interested to hear from the Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party whether he believes that the issue of live sheep exports is a matter of significant public interest.
Mr Trenorden: You certainly have. What about accountability? Ms MacTIERNAN: We are quite happy to have a debate on it at any time. If the Leader of the National Party wants to say that it is not proper for a minister, in view of that minister’s legislative responsibilities, to have regard to port safety and to breaches and changes of the port safety plan, by all means, he should get up and say it. The other issue is the Bunbury port. The Bunbury Port Authority well understood that the issue of live sheep exports through the port of Bunbury was a matter of significant public interest. To that regard, it raised the issue with me. I gave the port authority my view of how I believe it should progress with that matter. That is entirely consistent with not only my rights but also my obligations under this legislation. I would be interested to hear from the Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party whether he believes that the issue of live sheep exports is a matter of significant public interest.
Ms MacTIERNAN: We are quite happy to have a debate on it at any time. If the Leader of the National Party wants to say that it is not proper for a minister, in view of that minister’s legislative responsibilities, to have regard to port safety and to breaches and changes of the port safety plan, by all means, he should get up and say it. The other issue is the Bunbury port. The Bunbury Port Authority well understood that the issue of live sheep exports through the port of Bunbury was a matter of significant public interest. To that regard, it raised the issue with me. I gave the port authority my view of how I believe it should progress with that matter. That is entirely consistent with not only my rights but also my obligations under this legislation. I would be interested to hear from the Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party whether he believes that the issue of live sheep exports is a matter of significant public interest.
The other issue is the Bunbury port. The Bunbury Port Authority well understood that the issue of live sheep exports through the port of Bunbury was a matter of significant public interest. To that regard, it raised the issue with me. I gave the port authority my view of how I believe it should progress with that matter. That is entirely consistent with not only my rights but also my obligations under this legislation. I would be interested to hear from the Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party whether he believes that the issue of live sheep exports is a matter of significant public interest.
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