❓ Opposition questions the Premier on the cost of refurbishing Hale House for the Premier's office, citing Treasury documents suggesting a higher total cost than the Premier's stated $17 million. The Premier defends the figure as the cost of refurbishment only, excluding site works and security.
AnsweredQoN 145Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
PREMIER’S OFFICE — relocation COSTS
I have a supplementary question. Why should we believe the Premier that the total cost of this palace will be $17 million when this Department of Treasury and Finance document states — · Hale House construction & site works — $17M · Hale House fees, fitout & contingencies — $8.5M Why would we not believe this official Treasury and Finance document and believe the Premier? Mr C.J. BARNETT
I have a supplementary question. Why should we believe the Premier that the total cost of this palace will be $17 million when this Department of Treasury and Finance document states — · Hale House construction & site works — $17M · Hale House fees, fitout & contingencies — $8.5M Why would we not believe this official Treasury and Finance document and believe the Premier? Mr C.J. BARNETT
AnswerView source ↗
The $17 million figure that I released is the cost of refurbishing the building. I honestly do not know what site works will take place. I do not know what security might go into that. I do not know what will happen to the driveway up to it. I do not know what will be done about parking spaces. I do not know the answer to that; what I can tell — Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re trailing red herrings across the debate! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not, and we will not be spending large amounts of money on the internal fit-out, other than that it will be required to have a lift and disability access. All those requirements will be met, and they will be overseen by the Heritage Council to ensure that it is all done according to heritage law. Mr E.S. Ripper : Why don’t you just admit it: $25.5 million is the cost! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know that. The figure I have given is the estimate of refurbishing the building. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr R.H. Cook : You don’t know! Mr E.S. Ripper : A while ago you were saying $17 million was it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If members read the statement, $17 million is the cost of refurbishing the building. I do not know what will be done in terms of security access around the building or other services. That is the answer. I know members opposite do not like it and think that they will campaign on this for two years. Members opposite are disrespectful to this state. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are disrespectful to this state and its heritage! I simply say to the Leader of the Opposition — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition wants to pursue this issue, fair enough; it is a public issue, pursue it. I was very conscious that the Leader of the Opposition would do this, but he should tell the people of Western Australia what he would do for a Premier’s office and a cabinet room. Again, I remind the house that this was not a decision that started with the government wanting to build a new office; it was brought upon us by the decision of the owners of Governor Stirling Tower to conclude the lease and to refurbish the building. Therefore, the Premier’s office and the cabinet room had nowhere to go. We had a choice of renting similar and expensive accommodation in the city and refurbishing it, or restoring a government-owned heritage building and making that the permanently owned office for the Premier and the cabinet of the state.
· Hale House fees, fitout & contingencies — $8.5M
Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: The $17 million figure that I released is the cost of refurbishing the building. I honestly do not know what site works will take place. I do not know what security might go into that. I do not know what will happen to the driveway up to it. I do not know what will be done about parking spaces. I do not know the answer to that; what I can tell — Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re trailing red herrings across the debate! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not, and we will not be spending large amounts of money on the internal fit-out, other than that it will be required to have a lift and disability access. All those requirements will be met, and they will be overseen by the Heritage Council to ensure that it is all done according to heritage law. Mr E.S. Ripper : Why don’t you just admit it: $25.5 million is the cost! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know that. The figure I have given is the estimate of refurbishing the building. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr R.H. Cook : You don’t know! Mr E.S. Ripper : A while ago you were saying $17 million was it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If members read the statement, $17 million is the cost of refurbishing the building. I do not know what will be done in terms of security access around the building or other services. That is the answer. I know members opposite do not like it and think that they will campaign on this for two years. Members opposite are disrespectful to this state. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are disrespectful to this state and its heritage! I simply say to the Leader of the Opposition — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition wants to pursue this issue, fair enough; it is a public issue, pursue it. I was very conscious that the Leader of the Opposition would do this, but he should tell the people of Western Australia what he would do for a Premier’s office and a cabinet room. Again, I remind the house that this was not a decision that started with the government wanting to build a new office; it was brought upon us by the decision of the owners of Governor Stirling Tower to conclude the lease and to refurbish the building. Therefore, the Premier’s office and the cabinet room had nowhere to go. We had a choice of renting similar and expensive accommodation in the city and refurbishing it, or restoring a government-owned heritage building and making that the permanently owned office for the Premier and the cabinet of the state.
The $17 million figure that I released is the cost of refurbishing the building. I honestly do not know what site works will take place. I do not know what security might go into that. I do not know what will happen to the driveway up to it. I do not know what will be done about parking spaces. I do not know the answer to that; what I can tell — Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re trailing red herrings across the debate! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not, and we will not be spending large amounts of money on the internal fit-out, other than that it will be required to have a lift and disability access. All those requirements will be met, and they will be overseen by the Heritage Council to ensure that it is all done according to heritage law. Mr E.S. Ripper : Why don’t you just admit it: $25.5 million is the cost! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know that. The figure I have given is the estimate of refurbishing the building. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr R.H. Cook : You don’t know! Mr E.S. Ripper : A while ago you were saying $17 million was it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If members read the statement, $17 million is the cost of refurbishing the building. I do not know what will be done in terms of security access around the building or other services. That is the answer. I know members opposite do not like it and think that they will campaign on this for two years. Members opposite are disrespectful to this state. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are disrespectful to this state and its heritage! I simply say to the Leader of the Opposition — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition wants to pursue this issue, fair enough; it is a public issue, pursue it. I was very conscious that the Leader of the Opposition would do this, but he should tell the people of Western Australia what he would do for a Premier’s office and a cabinet room. Again, I remind the house that this was not a decision that started with the government wanting to build a new office; it was brought upon us by the decision of the owners of Governor Stirling Tower to conclude the lease and to refurbish the building. Therefore, the Premier’s office and the cabinet room had nowhere to go. We had a choice of renting similar and expensive accommodation in the city and refurbishing it, or restoring a government-owned heritage building and making that the permanently owned office for the Premier and the cabinet of the state.
Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re trailing red herrings across the debate! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not, and we will not be spending large amounts of money on the internal fit-out, other than that it will be required to have a lift and disability access. All those requirements will be met, and they will be overseen by the Heritage Council to ensure that it is all done according to heritage law. Mr E.S. Ripper : Why don’t you just admit it: $25.5 million is the cost! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know that. The figure I have given is the estimate of refurbishing the building. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr R.H. Cook : You don’t know! Mr E.S. Ripper : A while ago you were saying $17 million was it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If members read the statement, $17 million is the cost of refurbishing the building. I do not know what will be done in terms of security access around the building or other services. That is the answer. I know members opposite do not like it and think that they will campaign on this for two years. Members opposite are disrespectful to this state. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are disrespectful to this state and its heritage! I simply say to the Leader of the Opposition — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition wants to pursue this issue, fair enough; it is a public issue, pursue it. I was very conscious that the Leader of the Opposition would do this, but he should tell the people of Western Australia what he would do for a Premier’s office and a cabinet room. Again, I remind the house that this was not a decision that started with the government wanting to build a new office; it was brought upon us by the decision of the owners of Governor Stirling Tower to conclude the lease and to refurbish the building. Therefore, the Premier’s office and the cabinet room had nowhere to go. We had a choice of renting similar and expensive accommodation in the city and refurbishing it, or restoring a government-owned heritage building and making that the permanently owned office for the Premier and the cabinet of the state.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not, and we will not be spending large amounts of money on the internal fit-out, other than that it will be required to have a lift and disability access. All those requirements will be met, and they will be overseen by the Heritage Council to ensure that it is all done according to heritage law. Mr E.S. Ripper : Why don’t you just admit it: $25.5 million is the cost! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know that. The figure I have given is the estimate of refurbishing the building. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr R.H. Cook : You don’t know! Mr E.S. Ripper : A while ago you were saying $17 million was it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If members read the statement, $17 million is the cost of refurbishing the building. I do not know what will be done in terms of security access around the building or other services. That is the answer. I know members opposite do not like it and think that they will campaign on this for two years. Members opposite are disrespectful to this state. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are disrespectful to this state and its heritage! I simply say to the Leader of the Opposition — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition wants to pursue this issue, fair enough; it is a public issue, pursue it. I was very conscious that the Leader of the Opposition would do this, but he should tell the people of Western Australia what he would do for a Premier’s office and a cabinet room. Again, I remind the house that this was not a decision that started with the government wanting to build a new office; it was brought upon us by the decision of the owners of Governor Stirling Tower to conclude the lease and to refurbish the building. Therefore, the Premier’s office and the cabinet room had nowhere to go. We had a choice of renting similar and expensive accommodation in the city and refurbishing it, or restoring a government-owned heritage building and making that the permanently owned office for the Premier and the cabinet of the state.
Mr E.S. Ripper : Why don’t you just admit it: $25.5 million is the cost! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know that. The figure I have given is the estimate of refurbishing the building. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr R.H. Cook : You don’t know! Mr E.S. Ripper : A while ago you were saying $17 million was it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If members read the statement, $17 million is the cost of refurbishing the building. I do not know what will be done in terms of security access around the building or other services. That is the answer. I know members opposite do not like it and think that they will campaign on this for two years. Members opposite are disrespectful to this state. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are disrespectful to this state and its heritage! I simply say to the Leader of the Opposition — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition wants to pursue this issue, fair enough; it is a public issue, pursue it. I was very conscious that the Leader of the Opposition would do this, but he should tell the people of Western Australia what he would do for a Premier’s office and a cabinet room. Again, I remind the house that this was not a decision that started with the government wanting to build a new office; it was brought upon us by the decision of the owners of Governor Stirling Tower to conclude the lease and to refurbish the building. Therefore, the Premier’s office and the cabinet room had nowhere to go. We had a choice of renting similar and expensive accommodation in the city and refurbishing it, or restoring a government-owned heritage building and making that the permanently owned office for the Premier and the cabinet of the state.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know that. The figure I have given is the estimate of refurbishing the building. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr R.H. Cook : You don’t know! Mr E.S. Ripper : A while ago you were saying $17 million was it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If members read the statement, $17 million is the cost of refurbishing the building. I do not know what will be done in terms of security access around the building or other services. That is the answer. I know members opposite do not like it and think that they will campaign on this for two years. Members opposite are disrespectful to this state. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are disrespectful to this state and its heritage! I simply say to the Leader of the Opposition — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition wants to pursue this issue, fair enough; it is a public issue, pursue it. I was very conscious that the Leader of the Opposition would do this, but he should tell the people of Western Australia what he would do for a Premier’s office and a cabinet room. Again, I remind the house that this was not a decision that started with the government wanting to build a new office; it was brought upon us by the decision of the owners of Governor Stirling Tower to conclude the lease and to refurbish the building. Therefore, the Premier’s office and the cabinet room had nowhere to go. We had a choice of renting similar and expensive accommodation in the city and refurbishing it, or restoring a government-owned heritage building and making that the permanently owned office for the Premier and the cabinet of the state.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr R.H. Cook : You don’t know! Mr E.S. Ripper : A while ago you were saying $17 million was it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If members read the statement, $17 million is the cost of refurbishing the building. I do not know what will be done in terms of security access around the building or other services. That is the answer. I know members opposite do not like it and think that they will campaign on this for two years. Members opposite are disrespectful to this state. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are disrespectful to this state and its heritage! I simply say to the Leader of the Opposition — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition wants to pursue this issue, fair enough; it is a public issue, pursue it. I was very conscious that the Leader of the Opposition would do this, but he should tell the people of Western Australia what he would do for a Premier’s office and a cabinet room. Again, I remind the house that this was not a decision that started with the government wanting to build a new office; it was brought upon us by the decision of the owners of Governor Stirling Tower to conclude the lease and to refurbish the building. Therefore, the Premier’s office and the cabinet room had nowhere to go. We had a choice of renting similar and expensive accommodation in the city and refurbishing it, or restoring a government-owned heritage building and making that the permanently owned office for the Premier and the cabinet of the state.
The SPEAKER : Members! Mr R.H. Cook : You don’t know! Mr E.S. Ripper : A while ago you were saying $17 million was it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If members read the statement, $17 million is the cost of refurbishing the building. I do not know what will be done in terms of security access around the building or other services. That is the answer. I know members opposite do not like it and think that they will campaign on this for two years. Members opposite are disrespectful to this state. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are disrespectful to this state and its heritage! I simply say to the Leader of the Opposition — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition wants to pursue this issue, fair enough; it is a public issue, pursue it. I was very conscious that the Leader of the Opposition would do this, but he should tell the people of Western Australia what he would do for a Premier’s office and a cabinet room. Again, I remind the house that this was not a decision that started with the government wanting to build a new office; it was brought upon us by the decision of the owners of Governor Stirling Tower to conclude the lease and to refurbish the building. Therefore, the Premier’s office and the cabinet room had nowhere to go. We had a choice of renting similar and expensive accommodation in the city and refurbishing it, or restoring a government-owned heritage building and making that the permanently owned office for the Premier and the cabinet of the state.
Mr R.H. Cook : You don’t know! Mr E.S. Ripper : A while ago you were saying $17 million was it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If members read the statement, $17 million is the cost of refurbishing the building. I do not know what will be done in terms of security access around the building or other services. That is the answer. I know members opposite do not like it and think that they will campaign on this for two years. Members opposite are disrespectful to this state. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are disrespectful to this state and its heritage! I simply say to the Leader of the Opposition — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition wants to pursue this issue, fair enough; it is a public issue, pursue it. I was very conscious that the Leader of the Opposition would do this, but he should tell the people of Western Australia what he would do for a Premier’s office and a cabinet room. Again, I remind the house that this was not a decision that started with the government wanting to build a new office; it was brought upon us by the decision of the owners of Governor Stirling Tower to conclude the lease and to refurbish the building. Therefore, the Premier’s office and the cabinet room had nowhere to go. We had a choice of renting similar and expensive accommodation in the city and refurbishing it, or restoring a government-owned heritage building and making that the permanently owned office for the Premier and the cabinet of the state.
Mr E.S. Ripper : A while ago you were saying $17 million was it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If members read the statement, $17 million is the cost of refurbishing the building. I do not know what will be done in terms of security access around the building or other services. That is the answer. I know members opposite do not like it and think that they will campaign on this for two years. Members opposite are disrespectful to this state. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are disrespectful to this state and its heritage! I simply say to the Leader of the Opposition — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition wants to pursue this issue, fair enough; it is a public issue, pursue it. I was very conscious that the Leader of the Opposition would do this, but he should tell the people of Western Australia what he would do for a Premier’s office and a cabinet room. Again, I remind the house that this was not a decision that started with the government wanting to build a new office; it was brought upon us by the decision of the owners of Governor Stirling Tower to conclude the lease and to refurbish the building. Therefore, the Premier’s office and the cabinet room had nowhere to go. We had a choice of renting similar and expensive accommodation in the city and refurbishing it, or restoring a government-owned heritage building and making that the permanently owned office for the Premier and the cabinet of the state.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : If members read the statement, $17 million is the cost of refurbishing the building. I do not know what will be done in terms of security access around the building or other services. That is the answer. I know members opposite do not like it and think that they will campaign on this for two years. Members opposite are disrespectful to this state. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are disrespectful to this state and its heritage! I simply say to the Leader of the Opposition — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition wants to pursue this issue, fair enough; it is a public issue, pursue it. I was very conscious that the Leader of the Opposition would do this, but he should tell the people of Western Australia what he would do for a Premier’s office and a cabinet room. Again, I remind the house that this was not a decision that started with the government wanting to build a new office; it was brought upon us by the decision of the owners of Governor Stirling Tower to conclude the lease and to refurbish the building. Therefore, the Premier’s office and the cabinet room had nowhere to go. We had a choice of renting similar and expensive accommodation in the city and refurbishing it, or restoring a government-owned heritage building and making that the permanently owned office for the Premier and the cabinet of the state.
Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are disrespectful to this state and its heritage! I simply say to the Leader of the Opposition — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition wants to pursue this issue, fair enough; it is a public issue, pursue it. I was very conscious that the Leader of the Opposition would do this, but he should tell the people of Western Australia what he would do for a Premier’s office and a cabinet room. Again, I remind the house that this was not a decision that started with the government wanting to build a new office; it was brought upon us by the decision of the owners of Governor Stirling Tower to conclude the lease and to refurbish the building. Therefore, the Premier’s office and the cabinet room had nowhere to go. We had a choice of renting similar and expensive accommodation in the city and refurbishing it, or restoring a government-owned heritage building and making that the permanently owned office for the Premier and the cabinet of the state.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are disrespectful to this state and its heritage! I simply say to the Leader of the Opposition — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition wants to pursue this issue, fair enough; it is a public issue, pursue it. I was very conscious that the Leader of the Opposition would do this, but he should tell the people of Western Australia what he would do for a Premier’s office and a cabinet room. Again, I remind the house that this was not a decision that started with the government wanting to build a new office; it was brought upon us by the decision of the owners of Governor Stirling Tower to conclude the lease and to refurbish the building. Therefore, the Premier’s office and the cabinet room had nowhere to go. We had a choice of renting similar and expensive accommodation in the city and refurbishing it, or restoring a government-owned heritage building and making that the permanently owned office for the Premier and the cabinet of the state.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition wants to pursue this issue, fair enough; it is a public issue, pursue it. I was very conscious that the Leader of the Opposition would do this, but he should tell the people of Western Australia what he would do for a Premier’s office and a cabinet room. Again, I remind the house that this was not a decision that started with the government wanting to build a new office; it was brought upon us by the decision of the owners of Governor Stirling Tower to conclude the lease and to refurbish the building. Therefore, the Premier’s office and the cabinet room had nowhere to go. We had a choice of renting similar and expensive accommodation in the city and refurbishing it, or restoring a government-owned heritage building and making that the permanently owned office for the Premier and the cabinet of the state.
The SPEAKER : Members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition wants to pursue this issue, fair enough; it is a public issue, pursue it. I was very conscious that the Leader of the Opposition would do this, but he should tell the people of Western Australia what he would do for a Premier’s office and a cabinet room. Again, I remind the house that this was not a decision that started with the government wanting to build a new office; it was brought upon us by the decision of the owners of Governor Stirling Tower to conclude the lease and to refurbish the building. Therefore, the Premier’s office and the cabinet room had nowhere to go. We had a choice of renting similar and expensive accommodation in the city and refurbishing it, or restoring a government-owned heritage building and making that the permanently owned office for the Premier and the cabinet of the state.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition wants to pursue this issue, fair enough; it is a public issue, pursue it. I was very conscious that the Leader of the Opposition would do this, but he should tell the people of Western Australia what he would do for a Premier’s office and a cabinet room. Again, I remind the house that this was not a decision that started with the government wanting to build a new office; it was brought upon us by the decision of the owners of Governor Stirling Tower to conclude the lease and to refurbish the building. Therefore, the Premier’s office and the cabinet room had nowhere to go. We had a choice of renting similar and expensive accommodation in the city and refurbishing it, or restoring a government-owned heritage building and making that the permanently owned office for the Premier and the cabinet of the state.
· Hale House fees, fitout & contingencies — $8.5M
Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: The $17 million figure that I released is the cost of refurbishing the building. I honestly do not know what site works will take place. I do not know what security might go into that. I do not know what will happen to the driveway up to it. I do not know what will be done about parking spaces. I do not know the answer to that; what I can tell — Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re trailing red herrings across the debate! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not, and we will not be spending large amounts of money on the internal fit-out, other than that it will be required to have a lift and disability access. All those requirements will be met, and they will be overseen by the Heritage Council to ensure that it is all done according to heritage law. Mr E.S. Ripper : Why don’t you just admit it: $25.5 million is the cost! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know that. The figure I have given is the estimate of refurbishing the building. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr R.H. Cook : You don’t know! Mr E.S. Ripper : A while ago you were saying $17 million was it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If members read the statement, $17 million is the cost of refurbishing the building. I do not know what will be done in terms of security access around the building or other services. That is the answer. I know members opposite do not like it and think that they will campaign on this for two years. Members opposite are disrespectful to this state. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are disrespectful to this state and its heritage! I simply say to the Leader of the Opposition — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition wants to pursue this issue, fair enough; it is a public issue, pursue it. I was very conscious that the Leader of the Opposition would do this, but he should tell the people of Western Australia what he would do for a Premier’s office and a cabinet room. Again, I remind the house that this was not a decision that started with the government wanting to build a new office; it was brought upon us by the decision of the owners of Governor Stirling Tower to conclude the lease and to refurbish the building. Therefore, the Premier’s office and the cabinet room had nowhere to go. We had a choice of renting similar and expensive accommodation in the city and refurbishing it, or restoring a government-owned heritage building and making that the permanently owned office for the Premier and the cabinet of the state.
The $17 million figure that I released is the cost of refurbishing the building. I honestly do not know what site works will take place. I do not know what security might go into that. I do not know what will happen to the driveway up to it. I do not know what will be done about parking spaces. I do not know the answer to that; what I can tell — Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re trailing red herrings across the debate! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not, and we will not be spending large amounts of money on the internal fit-out, other than that it will be required to have a lift and disability access. All those requirements will be met, and they will be overseen by the Heritage Council to ensure that it is all done according to heritage law. Mr E.S. Ripper : Why don’t you just admit it: $25.5 million is the cost! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know that. The figure I have given is the estimate of refurbishing the building. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr R.H. Cook : You don’t know! Mr E.S. Ripper : A while ago you were saying $17 million was it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If members read the statement, $17 million is the cost of refurbishing the building. I do not know what will be done in terms of security access around the building or other services. That is the answer. I know members opposite do not like it and think that they will campaign on this for two years. Members opposite are disrespectful to this state. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are disrespectful to this state and its heritage! I simply say to the Leader of the Opposition — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition wants to pursue this issue, fair enough; it is a public issue, pursue it. I was very conscious that the Leader of the Opposition would do this, but he should tell the people of Western Australia what he would do for a Premier’s office and a cabinet room. Again, I remind the house that this was not a decision that started with the government wanting to build a new office; it was brought upon us by the decision of the owners of Governor Stirling Tower to conclude the lease and to refurbish the building. Therefore, the Premier’s office and the cabinet room had nowhere to go. We had a choice of renting similar and expensive accommodation in the city and refurbishing it, or restoring a government-owned heritage building and making that the permanently owned office for the Premier and the cabinet of the state.
Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re trailing red herrings across the debate! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not, and we will not be spending large amounts of money on the internal fit-out, other than that it will be required to have a lift and disability access. All those requirements will be met, and they will be overseen by the Heritage Council to ensure that it is all done according to heritage law. Mr E.S. Ripper : Why don’t you just admit it: $25.5 million is the cost! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know that. The figure I have given is the estimate of refurbishing the building. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr R.H. Cook : You don’t know! Mr E.S. Ripper : A while ago you were saying $17 million was it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If members read the statement, $17 million is the cost of refurbishing the building. I do not know what will be done in terms of security access around the building or other services. That is the answer. I know members opposite do not like it and think that they will campaign on this for two years. Members opposite are disrespectful to this state. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are disrespectful to this state and its heritage! I simply say to the Leader of the Opposition — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition wants to pursue this issue, fair enough; it is a public issue, pursue it. I was very conscious that the Leader of the Opposition would do this, but he should tell the people of Western Australia what he would do for a Premier’s office and a cabinet room. Again, I remind the house that this was not a decision that started with the government wanting to build a new office; it was brought upon us by the decision of the owners of Governor Stirling Tower to conclude the lease and to refurbish the building. Therefore, the Premier’s office and the cabinet room had nowhere to go. We had a choice of renting similar and expensive accommodation in the city and refurbishing it, or restoring a government-owned heritage building and making that the permanently owned office for the Premier and the cabinet of the state.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not, and we will not be spending large amounts of money on the internal fit-out, other than that it will be required to have a lift and disability access. All those requirements will be met, and they will be overseen by the Heritage Council to ensure that it is all done according to heritage law. Mr E.S. Ripper : Why don’t you just admit it: $25.5 million is the cost! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know that. The figure I have given is the estimate of refurbishing the building. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr R.H. Cook : You don’t know! Mr E.S. Ripper : A while ago you were saying $17 million was it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If members read the statement, $17 million is the cost of refurbishing the building. I do not know what will be done in terms of security access around the building or other services. That is the answer. I know members opposite do not like it and think that they will campaign on this for two years. Members opposite are disrespectful to this state. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are disrespectful to this state and its heritage! I simply say to the Leader of the Opposition — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition wants to pursue this issue, fair enough; it is a public issue, pursue it. I was very conscious that the Leader of the Opposition would do this, but he should tell the people of Western Australia what he would do for a Premier’s office and a cabinet room. Again, I remind the house that this was not a decision that started with the government wanting to build a new office; it was brought upon us by the decision of the owners of Governor Stirling Tower to conclude the lease and to refurbish the building. Therefore, the Premier’s office and the cabinet room had nowhere to go. We had a choice of renting similar and expensive accommodation in the city and refurbishing it, or restoring a government-owned heritage building and making that the permanently owned office for the Premier and the cabinet of the state.
Mr E.S. Ripper : Why don’t you just admit it: $25.5 million is the cost! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know that. The figure I have given is the estimate of refurbishing the building. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr R.H. Cook : You don’t know! Mr E.S. Ripper : A while ago you were saying $17 million was it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If members read the statement, $17 million is the cost of refurbishing the building. I do not know what will be done in terms of security access around the building or other services. That is the answer. I know members opposite do not like it and think that they will campaign on this for two years. Members opposite are disrespectful to this state. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are disrespectful to this state and its heritage! I simply say to the Leader of the Opposition — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition wants to pursue this issue, fair enough; it is a public issue, pursue it. I was very conscious that the Leader of the Opposition would do this, but he should tell the people of Western Australia what he would do for a Premier’s office and a cabinet room. Again, I remind the house that this was not a decision that started with the government wanting to build a new office; it was brought upon us by the decision of the owners of Governor Stirling Tower to conclude the lease and to refurbish the building. Therefore, the Premier’s office and the cabinet room had nowhere to go. We had a choice of renting similar and expensive accommodation in the city and refurbishing it, or restoring a government-owned heritage building and making that the permanently owned office for the Premier and the cabinet of the state.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know that. The figure I have given is the estimate of refurbishing the building. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr R.H. Cook : You don’t know! Mr E.S. Ripper : A while ago you were saying $17 million was it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If members read the statement, $17 million is the cost of refurbishing the building. I do not know what will be done in terms of security access around the building or other services. That is the answer. I know members opposite do not like it and think that they will campaign on this for two years. Members opposite are disrespectful to this state. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are disrespectful to this state and its heritage! I simply say to the Leader of the Opposition — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition wants to pursue this issue, fair enough; it is a public issue, pursue it. I was very conscious that the Leader of the Opposition would do this, but he should tell the people of Western Australia what he would do for a Premier’s office and a cabinet room. Again, I remind the house that this was not a decision that started with the government wanting to build a new office; it was brought upon us by the decision of the owners of Governor Stirling Tower to conclude the lease and to refurbish the building. Therefore, the Premier’s office and the cabinet room had nowhere to go. We had a choice of renting similar and expensive accommodation in the city and refurbishing it, or restoring a government-owned heritage building and making that the permanently owned office for the Premier and the cabinet of the state.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr R.H. Cook : You don’t know! Mr E.S. Ripper : A while ago you were saying $17 million was it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If members read the statement, $17 million is the cost of refurbishing the building. I do not know what will be done in terms of security access around the building or other services. That is the answer. I know members opposite do not like it and think that they will campaign on this for two years. Members opposite are disrespectful to this state. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are disrespectful to this state and its heritage! I simply say to the Leader of the Opposition — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition wants to pursue this issue, fair enough; it is a public issue, pursue it. I was very conscious that the Leader of the Opposition would do this, but he should tell the people of Western Australia what he would do for a Premier’s office and a cabinet room. Again, I remind the house that this was not a decision that started with the government wanting to build a new office; it was brought upon us by the decision of the owners of Governor Stirling Tower to conclude the lease and to refurbish the building. Therefore, the Premier’s office and the cabinet room had nowhere to go. We had a choice of renting similar and expensive accommodation in the city and refurbishing it, or restoring a government-owned heritage building and making that the permanently owned office for the Premier and the cabinet of the state.
The SPEAKER : Members! Mr R.H. Cook : You don’t know! Mr E.S. Ripper : A while ago you were saying $17 million was it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If members read the statement, $17 million is the cost of refurbishing the building. I do not know what will be done in terms of security access around the building or other services. That is the answer. I know members opposite do not like it and think that they will campaign on this for two years. Members opposite are disrespectful to this state. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are disrespectful to this state and its heritage! I simply say to the Leader of the Opposition — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition wants to pursue this issue, fair enough; it is a public issue, pursue it. I was very conscious that the Leader of the Opposition would do this, but he should tell the people of Western Australia what he would do for a Premier’s office and a cabinet room. Again, I remind the house that this was not a decision that started with the government wanting to build a new office; it was brought upon us by the decision of the owners of Governor Stirling Tower to conclude the lease and to refurbish the building. Therefore, the Premier’s office and the cabinet room had nowhere to go. We had a choice of renting similar and expensive accommodation in the city and refurbishing it, or restoring a government-owned heritage building and making that the permanently owned office for the Premier and the cabinet of the state.
Mr R.H. Cook : You don’t know! Mr E.S. Ripper : A while ago you were saying $17 million was it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If members read the statement, $17 million is the cost of refurbishing the building. I do not know what will be done in terms of security access around the building or other services. That is the answer. I know members opposite do not like it and think that they will campaign on this for two years. Members opposite are disrespectful to this state. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are disrespectful to this state and its heritage! I simply say to the Leader of the Opposition — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition wants to pursue this issue, fair enough; it is a public issue, pursue it. I was very conscious that the Leader of the Opposition would do this, but he should tell the people of Western Australia what he would do for a Premier’s office and a cabinet room. Again, I remind the house that this was not a decision that started with the government wanting to build a new office; it was brought upon us by the decision of the owners of Governor Stirling Tower to conclude the lease and to refurbish the building. Therefore, the Premier’s office and the cabinet room had nowhere to go. We had a choice of renting similar and expensive accommodation in the city and refurbishing it, or restoring a government-owned heritage building and making that the permanently owned office for the Premier and the cabinet of the state.
Mr E.S. Ripper : A while ago you were saying $17 million was it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If members read the statement, $17 million is the cost of refurbishing the building. I do not know what will be done in terms of security access around the building or other services. That is the answer. I know members opposite do not like it and think that they will campaign on this for two years. Members opposite are disrespectful to this state. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are disrespectful to this state and its heritage! I simply say to the Leader of the Opposition — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition wants to pursue this issue, fair enough; it is a public issue, pursue it. I was very conscious that the Leader of the Opposition would do this, but he should tell the people of Western Australia what he would do for a Premier’s office and a cabinet room. Again, I remind the house that this was not a decision that started with the government wanting to build a new office; it was brought upon us by the decision of the owners of Governor Stirling Tower to conclude the lease and to refurbish the building. Therefore, the Premier’s office and the cabinet room had nowhere to go. We had a choice of renting similar and expensive accommodation in the city and refurbishing it, or restoring a government-owned heritage building and making that the permanently owned office for the Premier and the cabinet of the state.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : If members read the statement, $17 million is the cost of refurbishing the building. I do not know what will be done in terms of security access around the building or other services. That is the answer. I know members opposite do not like it and think that they will campaign on this for two years. Members opposite are disrespectful to this state. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are disrespectful to this state and its heritage! I simply say to the Leader of the Opposition — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition wants to pursue this issue, fair enough; it is a public issue, pursue it. I was very conscious that the Leader of the Opposition would do this, but he should tell the people of Western Australia what he would do for a Premier’s office and a cabinet room. Again, I remind the house that this was not a decision that started with the government wanting to build a new office; it was brought upon us by the decision of the owners of Governor Stirling Tower to conclude the lease and to refurbish the building. Therefore, the Premier’s office and the cabinet room had nowhere to go. We had a choice of renting similar and expensive accommodation in the city and refurbishing it, or restoring a government-owned heritage building and making that the permanently owned office for the Premier and the cabinet of the state.
Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are disrespectful to this state and its heritage! I simply say to the Leader of the Opposition — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition wants to pursue this issue, fair enough; it is a public issue, pursue it. I was very conscious that the Leader of the Opposition would do this, but he should tell the people of Western Australia what he would do for a Premier’s office and a cabinet room. Again, I remind the house that this was not a decision that started with the government wanting to build a new office; it was brought upon us by the decision of the owners of Governor Stirling Tower to conclude the lease and to refurbish the building. Therefore, the Premier’s office and the cabinet room had nowhere to go. We had a choice of renting similar and expensive accommodation in the city and refurbishing it, or restoring a government-owned heritage building and making that the permanently owned office for the Premier and the cabinet of the state.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are disrespectful to this state and its heritage! I simply say to the Leader of the Opposition — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition wants to pursue this issue, fair enough; it is a public issue, pursue it. I was very conscious that the Leader of the Opposition would do this, but he should tell the people of Western Australia what he would do for a Premier’s office and a cabinet room. Again, I remind the house that this was not a decision that started with the government wanting to build a new office; it was brought upon us by the decision of the owners of Governor Stirling Tower to conclude the lease and to refurbish the building. Therefore, the Premier’s office and the cabinet room had nowhere to go. We had a choice of renting similar and expensive accommodation in the city and refurbishing it, or restoring a government-owned heritage building and making that the permanently owned office for the Premier and the cabinet of the state.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition wants to pursue this issue, fair enough; it is a public issue, pursue it. I was very conscious that the Leader of the Opposition would do this, but he should tell the people of Western Australia what he would do for a Premier’s office and a cabinet room. Again, I remind the house that this was not a decision that started with the government wanting to build a new office; it was brought upon us by the decision of the owners of Governor Stirling Tower to conclude the lease and to refurbish the building. Therefore, the Premier’s office and the cabinet room had nowhere to go. We had a choice of renting similar and expensive accommodation in the city and refurbishing it, or restoring a government-owned heritage building and making that the permanently owned office for the Premier and the cabinet of the state.
The SPEAKER : Members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition wants to pursue this issue, fair enough; it is a public issue, pursue it. I was very conscious that the Leader of the Opposition would do this, but he should tell the people of Western Australia what he would do for a Premier’s office and a cabinet room. Again, I remind the house that this was not a decision that started with the government wanting to build a new office; it was brought upon us by the decision of the owners of Governor Stirling Tower to conclude the lease and to refurbish the building. Therefore, the Premier’s office and the cabinet room had nowhere to go. We had a choice of renting similar and expensive accommodation in the city and refurbishing it, or restoring a government-owned heritage building and making that the permanently owned office for the Premier and the cabinet of the state.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition wants to pursue this issue, fair enough; it is a public issue, pursue it. I was very conscious that the Leader of the Opposition would do this, but he should tell the people of Western Australia what he would do for a Premier’s office and a cabinet room. Again, I remind the house that this was not a decision that started with the government wanting to build a new office; it was brought upon us by the decision of the owners of Governor Stirling Tower to conclude the lease and to refurbish the building. Therefore, the Premier’s office and the cabinet room had nowhere to go. We had a choice of renting similar and expensive accommodation in the city and refurbishing it, or restoring a government-owned heritage building and making that the permanently owned office for the Premier and the cabinet of the state.
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