❓ Opposition questions Premier about the cost of relocating his office, alleging inflated figures and unnecessary expenses. Premier defends the project as necessary for the state's image and efficient operation.
AnsweredQoN 141Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
PREMIER’S OFFICE — RELOCATION COSTS
I refer to the Premier’s announcement that his new “Palace on the Hill” will cost $17 million. (1) Can the Premier confirm that the real cost to build his palace is in fact $25.5 million, as advised to the Public Accounts Committee hearing on Monday? (2) Why did the Premier announce the lower figure of $17 million when he knew that he had already put aside $8.5 million for the fit-out? (3) Can the Premier explain to the Western Australian public what kind of fit-out the Premier will be purchasing for this palace at a cost of $8.5 million? Mr C.J. BARNETT
I refer to the Premier’s announcement that his new “Palace on the Hill” will cost $17 million. (1) Can the Premier confirm that the real cost to build his palace is in fact $25.5 million, as advised to the Public Accounts Committee hearing on Monday? (2) Why did the Premier announce the lower figure of $17 million when he knew that he had already put aside $8.5 million for the fit-out? (3) Can the Premier explain to the Western Australian public what kind of fit-out the Premier will be purchasing for this palace at a cost of $8.5 million? Mr C.J. BARNETT
AnswerView source ↗
Mr Speaker — Mr P.B. Watson : He’s taking over the Oswalds’ house. THE SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. The question was asked of the Premier. It is not the member for Albany’s entitlement to answer it. I formally call the member to order for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I will be interested in hearing the opposition’s proposal for the Premier’s office, for the cabinet room and for the location of the staff who work in cabinet services. This building will accommodate those three groups. It is a Premier’s office, yes; it is a cabinet room, yes; and it is for the staff in cabinet services. Three groups are going into that building. That is the first point. Yes, the cost of refurbishing a heritage-listed property that is falling into disrepair is around $17 million. The original figures that were provided, which were obviously given to the opposition by someone, included all sorts of proposals for furniture and the like. I can tell members that the furniture from my existing office will be going to the new one. It is being taken out. There are also contingency figures in the original proposals that are not in there now. Mr E.S. Ripper : Do you know where the figures came from? Tim Marney’s evidence to the Public Accounts Committee. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They were not accepted. We are not going to go to that extent. We are spending the bare minimum. Mr E.S. Ripper : That is what he testified on Monday was the cost. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am telling the Leader of the Opposition what the government is doing. The government is spending the bare minimum to bring that building up to a good standard—it will not be shabby—that properly reflects the standards of — Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is fair enough. Mrs M.H. Roberts : It will have carpets and curtains. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It will probably have polished floorboards too and have the holes in the roof repaired so that water does not gush in. Mr P.B. Watson : Will it have wide enough doors for you to get through? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I tell you what, member for Albany, at least I will get there; you never will. I doubt that anyone on that side will get there for a long, long time. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The alternative, which the opposition does not have a view on, apparently, is to maintain accommodation similar to what is in use at present, which by that time would probably cost close to $2 million a year in rent. Do the sums. If the opposition does not agree with creating a proper Premier’s office and cabinet room, would the opposition commit $2 million a year for rented accommodation, or does the opposition think that it might be wise for the government to own its own property as part of the parliamentary precinct? It may be a good thing that when people come to this state to visit the Premier, whoever that may be in the future, and the cabinet room, they actually come into a proper premises that reflects well on Western Australia. If it is the opposition’s policy to downgrade the state and have a second-rate approach, I do not agree with it. I know that I get criticised and that Alston has done a great cartoon about it, but I do not mind all that, and I know that the opposition will try to make this an issue going into the election campaign. Ms M.M. Quirk : It is your belltower. Mr C.J. BARNETT : How brilliant is the member for Girrawheen? Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No member opposite will listen to this — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. I would like to get through a lot more questions today—more than we have been able to achieve over the past few sitting weeks. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Leader of the Opposition and members opposite, this state is the high-growth dominant trade state of Australia. We have a closer relationship with Japan, China, Korea and India than does any other state. If members opposite do not believe that Western Australia should put on a good front to the rapidly growing economies of Asia, they are misguided. If they believe that we should take a second-rate approach, I do not agree with them. This building will not be lavish or over the top; it will reflect well on Western Australia, the cabinet and the Premier, whoever that may be, and it is about time the state had the guts to make a decision like this. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call to order the Minister for Regional Development and, for the second time today, the member for Albany. I want to hear the Leader of the Opposition’s supplementary question.
(1) Can the Premier confirm that the real cost to build his palace is in fact $25.5 million, as advised to the Public Accounts Committee hearing on Monday? (2) Why did the Premier announce the lower figure of $17 million when he knew that he had already put aside $8.5 million for the fit-out? (3) Can the Premier explain to the Western Australian public what kind of fit-out the Premier will be purchasing for this palace at a cost of $8.5 million? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: Mr Speaker — Mr P.B. Watson : He’s taking over the Oswalds’ house. THE SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. The question was asked of the Premier. It is not the member for Albany’s entitlement to answer it. I formally call the member to order for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I will be interested in hearing the opposition’s proposal for the Premier’s office, for the cabinet room and for the location of the staff who work in cabinet services. This building will accommodate those three groups. It is a Premier’s office, yes; it is a cabinet room, yes; and it is for the staff in cabinet services. Three groups are going into that building. That is the first point. Yes, the cost of refurbishing a heritage-listed property that is falling into disrepair is around $17 million. The original figures that were provided, which were obviously given to the opposition by someone, included all sorts of proposals for furniture and the like. I can tell members that the furniture from my existing office will be going to the new one. It is being taken out. There are also contingency figures in the original proposals that are not in there now. Mr E.S. Ripper : Do you know where the figures came from? Tim Marney’s evidence to the Public Accounts Committee. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They were not accepted. We are not going to go to that extent. We are spending the bare minimum. Mr E.S. Ripper : That is what he testified on Monday was the cost. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am telling the Leader of the Opposition what the government is doing. The government is spending the bare minimum to bring that building up to a good standard—it will not be shabby—that properly reflects the standards of — Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is fair enough. Mrs M.H. Roberts : It will have carpets and curtains. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It will probably have polished floorboards too and have the holes in the roof repaired so that water does not gush in. Mr P.B. Watson : Will it have wide enough doors for you to get through? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I tell you what, member for Albany, at least I will get there; you never will. I doubt that anyone on that side will get there for a long, long time. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The alternative, which the opposition does not have a view on, apparently, is to maintain accommodation similar to what is in use at present, which by that time would probably cost close to $2 million a year in rent. Do the sums. If the opposition does not agree with creating a proper Premier’s office and cabinet room, would the opposition commit $2 million a year for rented accommodation, or does the opposition think that it might be wise for the government to own its own property as part of the parliamentary precinct? It may be a good thing that when people come to this state to visit the Premier, whoever that may be in the future, and the cabinet room, they actually come into a proper premises that reflects well on Western Australia. If it is the opposition’s policy to downgrade the state and have a second-rate approach, I do not agree with it. I know that I get criticised and that Alston has done a great cartoon about it, but I do not mind all that, and I know that the opposition will try to make this an issue going into the election campaign. Ms M.M. Quirk : It is your belltower. Mr C.J. BARNETT : How brilliant is the member for Girrawheen? Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No member opposite will listen to this — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. I would like to get through a lot more questions today—more than we have been able to achieve over the past few sitting weeks. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Leader of the Opposition and members opposite, this state is the high-growth dominant trade state of Australia. We have a closer relationship with Japan, China, Korea and India than does any other state. If members opposite do not believe that Western Australia should put on a good front to the rapidly growing economies of Asia, they are misguided. If they believe that we should take a second-rate approach, I do not agree with them. This building will not be lavish or over the top; it will reflect well on Western Australia, the cabinet and the Premier, whoever that may be, and it is about time the state had the guts to make a decision like this. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call to order the Minister for Regional Development and, for the second time today, the member for Albany. I want to hear the Leader of the Opposition’s supplementary question.
(2) Why did the Premier announce the lower figure of $17 million when he knew that he had already put aside $8.5 million for the fit-out? (3) Can the Premier explain to the Western Australian public what kind of fit-out the Premier will be purchasing for this palace at a cost of $8.5 million? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: Mr Speaker — Mr P.B. Watson : He’s taking over the Oswalds’ house. THE SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. The question was asked of the Premier. It is not the member for Albany’s entitlement to answer it. I formally call the member to order for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I will be interested in hearing the opposition’s proposal for the Premier’s office, for the cabinet room and for the location of the staff who work in cabinet services. This building will accommodate those three groups. It is a Premier’s office, yes; it is a cabinet room, yes; and it is for the staff in cabinet services. Three groups are going into that building. That is the first point. Yes, the cost of refurbishing a heritage-listed property that is falling into disrepair is around $17 million. The original figures that were provided, which were obviously given to the opposition by someone, included all sorts of proposals for furniture and the like. I can tell members that the furniture from my existing office will be going to the new one. It is being taken out. There are also contingency figures in the original proposals that are not in there now. Mr E.S. Ripper : Do you know where the figures came from? Tim Marney’s evidence to the Public Accounts Committee. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They were not accepted. We are not going to go to that extent. We are spending the bare minimum. Mr E.S. Ripper : That is what he testified on Monday was the cost. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am telling the Leader of the Opposition what the government is doing. The government is spending the bare minimum to bring that building up to a good standard—it will not be shabby—that properly reflects the standards of — Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is fair enough. Mrs M.H. Roberts : It will have carpets and curtains. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It will probably have polished floorboards too and have the holes in the roof repaired so that water does not gush in. Mr P.B. Watson : Will it have wide enough doors for you to get through? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I tell you what, member for Albany, at least I will get there; you never will. I doubt that anyone on that side will get there for a long, long time. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The alternative, which the opposition does not have a view on, apparently, is to maintain accommodation similar to what is in use at present, which by that time would probably cost close to $2 million a year in rent. Do the sums. If the opposition does not agree with creating a proper Premier’s office and cabinet room, would the opposition commit $2 million a year for rented accommodation, or does the opposition think that it might be wise for the government to own its own property as part of the parliamentary precinct? It may be a good thing that when people come to this state to visit the Premier, whoever that may be in the future, and the cabinet room, they actually come into a proper premises that reflects well on Western Australia. If it is the opposition’s policy to downgrade the state and have a second-rate approach, I do not agree with it. I know that I get criticised and that Alston has done a great cartoon about it, but I do not mind all that, and I know that the opposition will try to make this an issue going into the election campaign. Ms M.M. Quirk : It is your belltower. Mr C.J. BARNETT : How brilliant is the member for Girrawheen? Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No member opposite will listen to this — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. I would like to get through a lot more questions today—more than we have been able to achieve over the past few sitting weeks. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Leader of the Opposition and members opposite, this state is the high-growth dominant trade state of Australia. We have a closer relationship with Japan, China, Korea and India than does any other state. If members opposite do not believe that Western Australia should put on a good front to the rapidly growing economies of Asia, they are misguided. If they believe that we should take a second-rate approach, I do not agree with them. This building will not be lavish or over the top; it will reflect well on Western Australia, the cabinet and the Premier, whoever that may be, and it is about time the state had the guts to make a decision like this. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call to order the Minister for Regional Development and, for the second time today, the member for Albany. I want to hear the Leader of the Opposition’s supplementary question.
(3) Can the Premier explain to the Western Australian public what kind of fit-out the Premier will be purchasing for this palace at a cost of $8.5 million? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: Mr Speaker — Mr P.B. Watson : He’s taking over the Oswalds’ house. THE SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. The question was asked of the Premier. It is not the member for Albany’s entitlement to answer it. I formally call the member to order for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I will be interested in hearing the opposition’s proposal for the Premier’s office, for the cabinet room and for the location of the staff who work in cabinet services. This building will accommodate those three groups. It is a Premier’s office, yes; it is a cabinet room, yes; and it is for the staff in cabinet services. Three groups are going into that building. That is the first point. Yes, the cost of refurbishing a heritage-listed property that is falling into disrepair is around $17 million. The original figures that were provided, which were obviously given to the opposition by someone, included all sorts of proposals for furniture and the like. I can tell members that the furniture from my existing office will be going to the new one. It is being taken out. There are also contingency figures in the original proposals that are not in there now. Mr E.S. Ripper : Do you know where the figures came from? Tim Marney’s evidence to the Public Accounts Committee. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They were not accepted. We are not going to go to that extent. We are spending the bare minimum. Mr E.S. Ripper : That is what he testified on Monday was the cost. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am telling the Leader of the Opposition what the government is doing. The government is spending the bare minimum to bring that building up to a good standard—it will not be shabby—that properly reflects the standards of — Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is fair enough. Mrs M.H. Roberts : It will have carpets and curtains. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It will probably have polished floorboards too and have the holes in the roof repaired so that water does not gush in. Mr P.B. Watson : Will it have wide enough doors for you to get through? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I tell you what, member for Albany, at least I will get there; you never will. I doubt that anyone on that side will get there for a long, long time. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The alternative, which the opposition does not have a view on, apparently, is to maintain accommodation similar to what is in use at present, which by that time would probably cost close to $2 million a year in rent. Do the sums. If the opposition does not agree with creating a proper Premier’s office and cabinet room, would the opposition commit $2 million a year for rented accommodation, or does the opposition think that it might be wise for the government to own its own property as part of the parliamentary precinct? It may be a good thing that when people come to this state to visit the Premier, whoever that may be in the future, and the cabinet room, they actually come into a proper premises that reflects well on Western Australia. If it is the opposition’s policy to downgrade the state and have a second-rate approach, I do not agree with it. I know that I get criticised and that Alston has done a great cartoon about it, but I do not mind all that, and I know that the opposition will try to make this an issue going into the election campaign. Ms M.M. Quirk : It is your belltower. Mr C.J. BARNETT : How brilliant is the member for Girrawheen? Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No member opposite will listen to this — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. I would like to get through a lot more questions today—more than we have been able to achieve over the past few sitting weeks. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Leader of the Opposition and members opposite, this state is the high-growth dominant trade state of Australia. We have a closer relationship with Japan, China, Korea and India than does any other state. If members opposite do not believe that Western Australia should put on a good front to the rapidly growing economies of Asia, they are misguided. If they believe that we should take a second-rate approach, I do not agree with them. This building will not be lavish or over the top; it will reflect well on Western Australia, the cabinet and the Premier, whoever that may be, and it is about time the state had the guts to make a decision like this. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call to order the Minister for Regional Development and, for the second time today, the member for Albany. I want to hear the Leader of the Opposition’s supplementary question.
Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: Mr Speaker — Mr P.B. Watson : He’s taking over the Oswalds’ house. THE SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. The question was asked of the Premier. It is not the member for Albany’s entitlement to answer it. I formally call the member to order for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I will be interested in hearing the opposition’s proposal for the Premier’s office, for the cabinet room and for the location of the staff who work in cabinet services. This building will accommodate those three groups. It is a Premier’s office, yes; it is a cabinet room, yes; and it is for the staff in cabinet services. Three groups are going into that building. That is the first point. Yes, the cost of refurbishing a heritage-listed property that is falling into disrepair is around $17 million. The original figures that were provided, which were obviously given to the opposition by someone, included all sorts of proposals for furniture and the like. I can tell members that the furniture from my existing office will be going to the new one. It is being taken out. There are also contingency figures in the original proposals that are not in there now. Mr E.S. Ripper : Do you know where the figures came from? Tim Marney’s evidence to the Public Accounts Committee. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They were not accepted. We are not going to go to that extent. We are spending the bare minimum. Mr E.S. Ripper : That is what he testified on Monday was the cost. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am telling the Leader of the Opposition what the government is doing. The government is spending the bare minimum to bring that building up to a good standard—it will not be shabby—that properly reflects the standards of — Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is fair enough. Mrs M.H. Roberts : It will have carpets and curtains. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It will probably have polished floorboards too and have the holes in the roof repaired so that water does not gush in. Mr P.B. Watson : Will it have wide enough doors for you to get through? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I tell you what, member for Albany, at least I will get there; you never will. I doubt that anyone on that side will get there for a long, long time. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The alternative, which the opposition does not have a view on, apparently, is to maintain accommodation similar to what is in use at present, which by that time would probably cost close to $2 million a year in rent. Do the sums. If the opposition does not agree with creating a proper Premier’s office and cabinet room, would the opposition commit $2 million a year for rented accommodation, or does the opposition think that it might be wise for the government to own its own property as part of the parliamentary precinct? It may be a good thing that when people come to this state to visit the Premier, whoever that may be in the future, and the cabinet room, they actually come into a proper premises that reflects well on Western Australia. If it is the opposition’s policy to downgrade the state and have a second-rate approach, I do not agree with it. I know that I get criticised and that Alston has done a great cartoon about it, but I do not mind all that, and I know that the opposition will try to make this an issue going into the election campaign. Ms M.M. Quirk : It is your belltower. Mr C.J. BARNETT : How brilliant is the member for Girrawheen? Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No member opposite will listen to this — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. I would like to get through a lot more questions today—more than we have been able to achieve over the past few sitting weeks. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Leader of the Opposition and members opposite, this state is the high-growth dominant trade state of Australia. We have a closer relationship with Japan, China, Korea and India than does any other state. If members opposite do not believe that Western Australia should put on a good front to the rapidly growing economies of Asia, they are misguided. If they believe that we should take a second-rate approach, I do not agree with them. This building will not be lavish or over the top; it will reflect well on Western Australia, the cabinet and the Premier, whoever that may be, and it is about time the state had the guts to make a decision like this. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call to order the Minister for Regional Development and, for the second time today, the member for Albany. I want to hear the Leader of the Opposition’s supplementary question.
Mr Speaker — Mr P.B. Watson : He’s taking over the Oswalds’ house. THE SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. The question was asked of the Premier. It is not the member for Albany’s entitlement to answer it. I formally call the member to order for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I will be interested in hearing the opposition’s proposal for the Premier’s office, for the cabinet room and for the location of the staff who work in cabinet services. This building will accommodate those three groups. It is a Premier’s office, yes; it is a cabinet room, yes; and it is for the staff in cabinet services. Three groups are going into that building. That is the first point. Yes, the cost of refurbishing a heritage-listed property that is falling into disrepair is around $17 million. The original figures that were provided, which were obviously given to the opposition by someone, included all sorts of proposals for furniture and the like. I can tell members that the furniture from my existing office will be going to the new one. It is being taken out. There are also contingency figures in the original proposals that are not in there now. Mr E.S. Ripper : Do you know where the figures came from? Tim Marney’s evidence to the Public Accounts Committee. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They were not accepted. We are not going to go to that extent. We are spending the bare minimum. Mr E.S. Ripper : That is what he testified on Monday was the cost. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am telling the Leader of the Opposition what the government is doing. The government is spending the bare minimum to bring that building up to a good standard—it will not be shabby—that properly reflects the standards of — Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is fair enough. Mrs M.H. Roberts : It will have carpets and curtains. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It will probably have polished floorboards too and have the holes in the roof repaired so that water does not gush in. Mr P.B. Watson : Will it have wide enough doors for you to get through? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I tell you what, member for Albany, at least I will get there; you never will. I doubt that anyone on that side will get there for a long, long time. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The alternative, which the opposition does not have a view on, apparently, is to maintain accommodation similar to what is in use at present, which by that time would probably cost close to $2 million a year in rent. Do the sums. If the opposition does not agree with creating a proper Premier’s office and cabinet room, would the opposition commit $2 million a year for rented accommodation, or does the opposition think that it might be wise for the government to own its own property as part of the parliamentary precinct? It may be a good thing that when people come to this state to visit the Premier, whoever that may be in the future, and the cabinet room, they actually come into a proper premises that reflects well on Western Australia. If it is the opposition’s policy to downgrade the state and have a second-rate approach, I do not agree with it. I know that I get criticised and that Alston has done a great cartoon about it, but I do not mind all that, and I know that the opposition will try to make this an issue going into the election campaign. Ms M.M. Quirk : It is your belltower. Mr C.J. BARNETT : How brilliant is the member for Girrawheen? Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No member opposite will listen to this — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. I would like to get through a lot more questions today—more than we have been able to achieve over the past few sitting weeks. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Leader of the Opposition and members opposite, this state is the high-growth dominant trade state of Australia. We have a closer relationship with Japan, China, Korea and India than does any other state. If members opposite do not believe that Western Australia should put on a good front to the rapidly growing economies of Asia, they are misguided. If they believe that we should take a second-rate approach, I do not agree with them. This building will not be lavish or over the top; it will reflect well on Western Australia, the cabinet and the Premier, whoever that may be, and it is about time the state had the guts to make a decision like this. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call to order the Minister for Regional Development and, for the second time today, the member for Albany. I want to hear the Leader of the Opposition’s supplementary question.
Mr P.B. Watson : He’s taking over the Oswalds’ house. THE SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. The question was asked of the Premier. It is not the member for Albany’s entitlement to answer it. I formally call the member to order for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I will be interested in hearing the opposition’s proposal for the Premier’s office, for the cabinet room and for the location of the staff who work in cabinet services. This building will accommodate those three groups. It is a Premier’s office, yes; it is a cabinet room, yes; and it is for the staff in cabinet services. Three groups are going into that building. That is the first point. Yes, the cost of refurbishing a heritage-listed property that is falling into disrepair is around $17 million. The original figures that were provided, which were obviously given to the opposition by someone, included all sorts of proposals for furniture and the like. I can tell members that the furniture from my existing office will be going to the new one. It is being taken out. There are also contingency figures in the original proposals that are not in there now. Mr E.S. Ripper : Do you know where the figures came from? Tim Marney’s evidence to the Public Accounts Committee. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They were not accepted. We are not going to go to that extent. We are spending the bare minimum. Mr E.S. Ripper : That is what he testified on Monday was the cost. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am telling the Leader of the Opposition what the government is doing. The government is spending the bare minimum to bring that building up to a good standard—it will not be shabby—that properly reflects the standards of — Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is fair enough. Mrs M.H. Roberts : It will have carpets and curtains. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It will probably have polished floorboards too and have the holes in the roof repaired so that water does not gush in. Mr P.B. Watson : Will it have wide enough doors for you to get through? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I tell you what, member for Albany, at least I will get there; you never will. I doubt that anyone on that side will get there for a long, long time. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The alternative, which the opposition does not have a view on, apparently, is to maintain accommodation similar to what is in use at present, which by that time would probably cost close to $2 million a year in rent. Do the sums. If the opposition does not agree with creating a proper Premier’s office and cabinet room, would the opposition commit $2 million a year for rented accommodation, or does the opposition think that it might be wise for the government to own its own property as part of the parliamentary precinct? It may be a good thing that when people come to this state to visit the Premier, whoever that may be in the future, and the cabinet room, they actually come into a proper premises that reflects well on Western Australia. If it is the opposition’s policy to downgrade the state and have a second-rate approach, I do not agree with it. I know that I get criticised and that Alston has done a great cartoon about it, but I do not mind all that, and I know that the opposition will try to make this an issue going into the election campaign. Ms M.M. Quirk : It is your belltower. Mr C.J. BARNETT : How brilliant is the member for Girrawheen? Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No member opposite will listen to this — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. I would like to get through a lot more questions today—more than we have been able to achieve over the past few sitting weeks. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Leader of the Opposition and members opposite, this state is the high-growth dominant trade state of Australia. We have a closer relationship with Japan, China, Korea and India than does any other state. If members opposite do not believe that Western Australia should put on a good front to the rapidly growing economies of Asia, they are misguided. If they believe that we should take a second-rate approach, I do not agree with them. This building will not be lavish or over the top; it will reflect well on Western Australia, the cabinet and the Premier, whoever that may be, and it is about time the state had the guts to make a decision like this. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call to order the Minister for Regional Development and, for the second time today, the member for Albany. I want to hear the Leader of the Opposition’s supplementary question.
THE SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. The question was asked of the Premier. It is not the member for Albany’s entitlement to answer it. I formally call the member to order for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I will be interested in hearing the opposition’s proposal for the Premier’s office, for the cabinet room and for the location of the staff who work in cabinet services. This building will accommodate those three groups. It is a Premier’s office, yes; it is a cabinet room, yes; and it is for the staff in cabinet services. Three groups are going into that building. That is the first point. Yes, the cost of refurbishing a heritage-listed property that is falling into disrepair is around $17 million. The original figures that were provided, which were obviously given to the opposition by someone, included all sorts of proposals for furniture and the like. I can tell members that the furniture from my existing office will be going to the new one. It is being taken out. There are also contingency figures in the original proposals that are not in there now. Mr E.S. Ripper : Do you know where the figures came from? Tim Marney’s evidence to the Public Accounts Committee. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They were not accepted. We are not going to go to that extent. We are spending the bare minimum. Mr E.S. Ripper : That is what he testified on Monday was the cost. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am telling the Leader of the Opposition what the government is doing. The government is spending the bare minimum to bring that building up to a good standard—it will not be shabby—that properly reflects the standards of — Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is fair enough. Mrs M.H. Roberts : It will have carpets and curtains. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It will probably have polished floorboards too and have the holes in the roof repaired so that water does not gush in. Mr P.B. Watson : Will it have wide enough doors for you to get through? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I tell you what, member for Albany, at least I will get there; you never will. I doubt that anyone on that side will get there for a long, long time. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The alternative, which the opposition does not have a view on, apparently, is to maintain accommodation similar to what is in use at present, which by that time would probably cost close to $2 million a year in rent. Do the sums. If the opposition does not agree with creating a proper Premier’s office and cabinet room, would the opposition commit $2 million a year for rented accommodation, or does the opposition think that it might be wise for the government to own its own property as part of the parliamentary precinct? It may be a good thing that when people come to this state to visit the Premier, whoever that may be in the future, and the cabinet room, they actually come into a proper premises that reflects well on Western Australia. If it is the opposition’s policy to downgrade the state and have a second-rate approach, I do not agree with it. I know that I get criticised and that Alston has done a great cartoon about it, but I do not mind all that, and I know that the opposition will try to make this an issue going into the election campaign. Ms M.M. Quirk : It is your belltower. Mr C.J. BARNETT : How brilliant is the member for Girrawheen? Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No member opposite will listen to this — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. I would like to get through a lot more questions today—more than we have been able to achieve over the past few sitting weeks. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Leader of the Opposition and members opposite, this state is the high-growth dominant trade state of Australia. We have a closer relationship with Japan, China, Korea and India than does any other state. If members opposite do not believe that Western Australia should put on a good front to the rapidly growing economies of Asia, they are misguided. If they believe that we should take a second-rate approach, I do not agree with them. This building will not be lavish or over the top; it will reflect well on Western Australia, the cabinet and the Premier, whoever that may be, and it is about time the state had the guts to make a decision like this. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call to order the Minister for Regional Development and, for the second time today, the member for Albany. I want to hear the Leader of the Opposition’s supplementary question.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I will be interested in hearing the opposition’s proposal for the Premier’s office, for the cabinet room and for the location of the staff who work in cabinet services. This building will accommodate those three groups. It is a Premier’s office, yes; it is a cabinet room, yes; and it is for the staff in cabinet services. Three groups are going into that building. That is the first point. Yes, the cost of refurbishing a heritage-listed property that is falling into disrepair is around $17 million. The original figures that were provided, which were obviously given to the opposition by someone, included all sorts of proposals for furniture and the like. I can tell members that the furniture from my existing office will be going to the new one. It is being taken out. There are also contingency figures in the original proposals that are not in there now. Mr E.S. Ripper : Do you know where the figures came from? Tim Marney’s evidence to the Public Accounts Committee. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They were not accepted. We are not going to go to that extent. We are spending the bare minimum. Mr E.S. Ripper : That is what he testified on Monday was the cost. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am telling the Leader of the Opposition what the government is doing. The government is spending the bare minimum to bring that building up to a good standard—it will not be shabby—that properly reflects the standards of — Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is fair enough. Mrs M.H. Roberts : It will have carpets and curtains. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It will probably have polished floorboards too and have the holes in the roof repaired so that water does not gush in. Mr P.B. Watson : Will it have wide enough doors for you to get through? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I tell you what, member for Albany, at least I will get there; you never will. I doubt that anyone on that side will get there for a long, long time. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The alternative, which the opposition does not have a view on, apparently, is to maintain accommodation similar to what is in use at present, which by that time would probably cost close to $2 million a year in rent. Do the sums. If the opposition does not agree with creating a proper Premier’s office and cabinet room, would the opposition commit $2 million a year for rented accommodation, or does the opposition think that it might be wise for the government to own its own property as part of the parliamentary precinct? It may be a good thing that when people come to this state to visit the Premier, whoever that may be in the future, and the cabinet room, they actually come into a proper premises that reflects well on Western Australia. If it is the opposition’s policy to downgrade the state and have a second-rate approach, I do not agree with it. I know that I get criticised and that Alston has done a great cartoon about it, but I do not mind all that, and I know that the opposition will try to make this an issue going into the election campaign. Ms M.M. Quirk : It is your belltower. Mr C.J. BARNETT : How brilliant is the member for Girrawheen? Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No member opposite will listen to this — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. I would like to get through a lot more questions today—more than we have been able to achieve over the past few sitting weeks. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Leader of the Opposition and members opposite, this state is the high-growth dominant trade state of Australia. We have a closer relationship with Japan, China, Korea and India than does any other state. If members opposite do not believe that Western Australia should put on a good front to the rapidly growing economies of Asia, they are misguided. If they believe that we should take a second-rate approach, I do not agree with them. This building will not be lavish or over the top; it will reflect well on Western Australia, the cabinet and the Premier, whoever that may be, and it is about time the state had the guts to make a decision like this. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call to order the Minister for Regional Development and, for the second time today, the member for Albany. I want to hear the Leader of the Opposition’s supplementary question.
Mr E.S. Ripper : Do you know where the figures came from? Tim Marney’s evidence to the Public Accounts Committee. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They were not accepted. We are not going to go to that extent. We are spending the bare minimum. Mr E.S. Ripper : That is what he testified on Monday was the cost. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am telling the Leader of the Opposition what the government is doing. The government is spending the bare minimum to bring that building up to a good standard—it will not be shabby—that properly reflects the standards of — Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is fair enough. Mrs M.H. Roberts : It will have carpets and curtains. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It will probably have polished floorboards too and have the holes in the roof repaired so that water does not gush in. Mr P.B. Watson : Will it have wide enough doors for you to get through? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I tell you what, member for Albany, at least I will get there; you never will. I doubt that anyone on that side will get there for a long, long time. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The alternative, which the opposition does not have a view on, apparently, is to maintain accommodation similar to what is in use at present, which by that time would probably cost close to $2 million a year in rent. Do the sums. If the opposition does not agree with creating a proper Premier’s office and cabinet room, would the opposition commit $2 million a year for rented accommodation, or does the opposition think that it might be wise for the government to own its own property as part of the parliamentary precinct? It may be a good thing that when people come to this state to visit the Premier, whoever that may be in the future, and the cabinet room, they actually come into a proper premises that reflects well on Western Australia. If it is the opposition’s policy to downgrade the state and have a second-rate approach, I do not agree with it. I know that I get criticised and that Alston has done a great cartoon about it, but I do not mind all that, and I know that the opposition will try to make this an issue going into the election campaign. Ms M.M. Quirk : It is your belltower. Mr C.J. BARNETT : How brilliant is the member for Girrawheen? Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No member opposite will listen to this — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. I would like to get through a lot more questions today—more than we have been able to achieve over the past few sitting weeks. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Leader of the Opposition and members opposite, this state is the high-growth dominant trade state of Australia. We have a closer relationship with Japan, China, Korea and India than does any other state. If members opposite do not believe that Western Australia should put on a good front to the rapidly growing economies of Asia, they are misguided. If they believe that we should take a second-rate approach, I do not agree with them. This building will not be lavish or over the top; it will reflect well on Western Australia, the cabinet and the Premier, whoever that may be, and it is about time the state had the guts to make a decision like this. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call to order the Minister for Regional Development and, for the second time today, the member for Albany. I want to hear the Leader of the Opposition’s supplementary question.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : They were not accepted. We are not going to go to that extent. We are spending the bare minimum. Mr E.S. Ripper : That is what he testified on Monday was the cost. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am telling the Leader of the Opposition what the government is doing. The government is spending the bare minimum to bring that building up to a good standard—it will not be shabby—that properly reflects the standards of — Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is fair enough. Mrs M.H. Roberts : It will have carpets and curtains. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It will probably have polished floorboards too and have the holes in the roof repaired so that water does not gush in. Mr P.B. Watson : Will it have wide enough doors for you to get through? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I tell you what, member for Albany, at least I will get there; you never will. I doubt that anyone on that side will get there for a long, long time. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The alternative, which the opposition does not have a view on, apparently, is to maintain accommodation similar to what is in use at present, which by that time would probably cost close to $2 million a year in rent. Do the sums. If the opposition does not agree with creating a proper Premier’s office and cabinet room, would the opposition commit $2 million a year for rented accommodation, or does the opposition think that it might be wise for the government to own its own property as part of the parliamentary precinct? It may be a good thing that when people come to this state to visit the Premier, whoever that may be in the future, and the cabinet room, they actually come into a proper premises that reflects well on Western Australia. If it is the opposition’s policy to downgrade the state and have a second-rate approach, I do not agree with it. I know that I get criticised and that Alston has done a great cartoon about it, but I do not mind all that, and I know that the opposition will try to make this an issue going into the election campaign. Ms M.M. Quirk : It is your belltower. Mr C.J. BARNETT : How brilliant is the member for Girrawheen? Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No member opposite will listen to this — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. I would like to get through a lot more questions today—more than we have been able to achieve over the past few sitting weeks. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Leader of the Opposition and members opposite, this state is the high-growth dominant trade state of Australia. We have a closer relationship with Japan, China, Korea and India than does any other state. If members opposite do not believe that Western Australia should put on a good front to the rapidly growing economies of Asia, they are misguided. If they believe that we should take a second-rate approach, I do not agree with them. This building will not be lavish or over the top; it will reflect well on Western Australia, the cabinet and the Premier, whoever that may be, and it is about time the state had the guts to make a decision like this. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call to order the Minister for Regional Development and, for the second time today, the member for Albany. I want to hear the Leader of the Opposition’s supplementary question.
Mr E.S. Ripper : That is what he testified on Monday was the cost. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am telling the Leader of the Opposition what the government is doing. The government is spending the bare minimum to bring that building up to a good standard—it will not be shabby—that properly reflects the standards of — Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is fair enough. Mrs M.H. Roberts : It will have carpets and curtains. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It will probably have polished floorboards too and have the holes in the roof repaired so that water does not gush in. Mr P.B. Watson : Will it have wide enough doors for you to get through? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I tell you what, member for Albany, at least I will get there; you never will. I doubt that anyone on that side will get there for a long, long time. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The alternative, which the opposition does not have a view on, apparently, is to maintain accommodation similar to what is in use at present, which by that time would probably cost close to $2 million a year in rent. Do the sums. If the opposition does not agree with creating a proper Premier’s office and cabinet room, would the opposition commit $2 million a year for rented accommodation, or does the opposition think that it might be wise for the government to own its own property as part of the parliamentary precinct? It may be a good thing that when people come to this state to visit the Premier, whoever that may be in the future, and the cabinet room, they actually come into a proper premises that reflects well on Western Australia. If it is the opposition’s policy to downgrade the state and have a second-rate approach, I do not agree with it. I know that I get criticised and that Alston has done a great cartoon about it, but I do not mind all that, and I know that the opposition will try to make this an issue going into the election campaign. Ms M.M. Quirk : It is your belltower. Mr C.J. BARNETT : How brilliant is the member for Girrawheen? Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No member opposite will listen to this — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. I would like to get through a lot more questions today—more than we have been able to achieve over the past few sitting weeks. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Leader of the Opposition and members opposite, this state is the high-growth dominant trade state of Australia. We have a closer relationship with Japan, China, Korea and India than does any other state. If members opposite do not believe that Western Australia should put on a good front to the rapidly growing economies of Asia, they are misguided. If they believe that we should take a second-rate approach, I do not agree with them. This building will not be lavish or over the top; it will reflect well on Western Australia, the cabinet and the Premier, whoever that may be, and it is about time the state had the guts to make a decision like this. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call to order the Minister for Regional Development and, for the second time today, the member for Albany. I want to hear the Leader of the Opposition’s supplementary question.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am telling the Leader of the Opposition what the government is doing. The government is spending the bare minimum to bring that building up to a good standard—it will not be shabby—that properly reflects the standards of — Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is fair enough. Mrs M.H. Roberts : It will have carpets and curtains. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It will probably have polished floorboards too and have the holes in the roof repaired so that water does not gush in. Mr P.B. Watson : Will it have wide enough doors for you to get through? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I tell you what, member for Albany, at least I will get there; you never will. I doubt that anyone on that side will get there for a long, long time. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The alternative, which the opposition does not have a view on, apparently, is to maintain accommodation similar to what is in use at present, which by that time would probably cost close to $2 million a year in rent. Do the sums. If the opposition does not agree with creating a proper Premier’s office and cabinet room, would the opposition commit $2 million a year for rented accommodation, or does the opposition think that it might be wise for the government to own its own property as part of the parliamentary precinct? It may be a good thing that when people come to this state to visit the Premier, whoever that may be in the future, and the cabinet room, they actually come into a proper premises that reflects well on Western Australia. If it is the opposition’s policy to downgrade the state and have a second-rate approach, I do not agree with it. I know that I get criticised and that Alston has done a great cartoon about it, but I do not mind all that, and I know that the opposition will try to make this an issue going into the election campaign. Ms M.M. Quirk : It is your belltower. Mr C.J. BARNETT : How brilliant is the member for Girrawheen? Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No member opposite will listen to this — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. I would like to get through a lot more questions today—more than we have been able to achieve over the past few sitting weeks. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Leader of the Opposition and members opposite, this state is the high-growth dominant trade state of Australia. We have a closer relationship with Japan, China, Korea and India than does any other state. If members opposite do not believe that Western Australia should put on a good front to the rapidly growing economies of Asia, they are misguided. If they believe that we should take a second-rate approach, I do not agree with them. This building will not be lavish or over the top; it will reflect well on Western Australia, the cabinet and the Premier, whoever that may be, and it is about time the state had the guts to make a decision like this. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call to order the Minister for Regional Development and, for the second time today, the member for Albany. I want to hear the Leader of the Opposition’s supplementary question.
Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is fair enough. Mrs M.H. Roberts : It will have carpets and curtains. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It will probably have polished floorboards too and have the holes in the roof repaired so that water does not gush in. Mr P.B. Watson : Will it have wide enough doors for you to get through? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I tell you what, member for Albany, at least I will get there; you never will. I doubt that anyone on that side will get there for a long, long time. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The alternative, which the opposition does not have a view on, apparently, is to maintain accommodation similar to what is in use at present, which by that time would probably cost close to $2 million a year in rent. Do the sums. If the opposition does not agree with creating a proper Premier’s office and cabinet room, would the opposition commit $2 million a year for rented accommodation, or does the opposition think that it might be wise for the government to own its own property as part of the parliamentary precinct? It may be a good thing that when people come to this state to visit the Premier, whoever that may be in the future, and the cabinet room, they actually come into a proper premises that reflects well on Western Australia. If it is the opposition’s policy to downgrade the state and have a second-rate approach, I do not agree with it. I know that I get criticised and that Alston has done a great cartoon about it, but I do not mind all that, and I know that the opposition will try to make this an issue going into the election campaign. Ms M.M. Quirk : It is your belltower. Mr C.J. BARNETT : How brilliant is the member for Girrawheen? Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No member opposite will listen to this — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. I would like to get through a lot more questions today—more than we have been able to achieve over the past few sitting weeks. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Leader of the Opposition and members opposite, this state is the high-growth dominant trade state of Australia. We have a closer relationship with Japan, China, Korea and India than does any other state. If members opposite do not believe that Western Australia should put on a good front to the rapidly growing economies of Asia, they are misguided. If they believe that we should take a second-rate approach, I do not agree with them. This building will not be lavish or over the top; it will reflect well on Western Australia, the cabinet and the Premier, whoever that may be, and it is about time the state had the guts to make a decision like this. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call to order the Minister for Regional Development and, for the second time today, the member for Albany. I want to hear the Leader of the Opposition’s supplementary question.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is fair enough. Mrs M.H. Roberts : It will have carpets and curtains. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It will probably have polished floorboards too and have the holes in the roof repaired so that water does not gush in. Mr P.B. Watson : Will it have wide enough doors for you to get through? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I tell you what, member for Albany, at least I will get there; you never will. I doubt that anyone on that side will get there for a long, long time. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The alternative, which the opposition does not have a view on, apparently, is to maintain accommodation similar to what is in use at present, which by that time would probably cost close to $2 million a year in rent. Do the sums. If the opposition does not agree with creating a proper Premier’s office and cabinet room, would the opposition commit $2 million a year for rented accommodation, or does the opposition think that it might be wise for the government to own its own property as part of the parliamentary precinct? It may be a good thing that when people come to this state to visit the Premier, whoever that may be in the future, and the cabinet room, they actually come into a proper premises that reflects well on Western Australia. If it is the opposition’s policy to downgrade the state and have a second-rate approach, I do not agree with it. I know that I get criticised and that Alston has done a great cartoon about it, but I do not mind all that, and I know that the opposition will try to make this an issue going into the election campaign. Ms M.M. Quirk : It is your belltower. Mr C.J. BARNETT : How brilliant is the member for Girrawheen? Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No member opposite will listen to this — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. I would like to get through a lot more questions today—more than we have been able to achieve over the past few sitting weeks. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Leader of the Opposition and members opposite, this state is the high-growth dominant trade state of Australia. We have a closer relationship with Japan, China, Korea and India than does any other state. If members opposite do not believe that Western Australia should put on a good front to the rapidly growing economies of Asia, they are misguided. If they believe that we should take a second-rate approach, I do not agree with them. This building will not be lavish or over the top; it will reflect well on Western Australia, the cabinet and the Premier, whoever that may be, and it is about time the state had the guts to make a decision like this. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call to order the Minister for Regional Development and, for the second time today, the member for Albany. I want to hear the Leader of the Opposition’s supplementary question.
Mrs M.H. Roberts : It will have carpets and curtains. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It will probably have polished floorboards too and have the holes in the roof repaired so that water does not gush in. Mr P.B. Watson : Will it have wide enough doors for you to get through? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I tell you what, member for Albany, at least I will get there; you never will. I doubt that anyone on that side will get there for a long, long time. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The alternative, which the opposition does not have a view on, apparently, is to maintain accommodation similar to what is in use at present, which by that time would probably cost close to $2 million a year in rent. Do the sums. If the opposition does not agree with creating a proper Premier’s office and cabinet room, would the opposition commit $2 million a year for rented accommodation, or does the opposition think that it might be wise for the government to own its own property as part of the parliamentary precinct? It may be a good thing that when people come to this state to visit the Premier, whoever that may be in the future, and the cabinet room, they actually come into a proper premises that reflects well on Western Australia. If it is the opposition’s policy to downgrade the state and have a second-rate approach, I do not agree with it. I know that I get criticised and that Alston has done a great cartoon about it, but I do not mind all that, and I know that the opposition will try to make this an issue going into the election campaign. Ms M.M. Quirk : It is your belltower. Mr C.J. BARNETT : How brilliant is the member for Girrawheen? Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No member opposite will listen to this — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. I would like to get through a lot more questions today—more than we have been able to achieve over the past few sitting weeks. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Leader of the Opposition and members opposite, this state is the high-growth dominant trade state of Australia. We have a closer relationship with Japan, China, Korea and India than does any other state. If members opposite do not believe that Western Australia should put on a good front to the rapidly growing economies of Asia, they are misguided. If they believe that we should take a second-rate approach, I do not agree with them. This building will not be lavish or over the top; it will reflect well on Western Australia, the cabinet and the Premier, whoever that may be, and it is about time the state had the guts to make a decision like this. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call to order the Minister for Regional Development and, for the second time today, the member for Albany. I want to hear the Leader of the Opposition’s supplementary question.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : It will probably have polished floorboards too and have the holes in the roof repaired so that water does not gush in. Mr P.B. Watson : Will it have wide enough doors for you to get through? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I tell you what, member for Albany, at least I will get there; you never will. I doubt that anyone on that side will get there for a long, long time. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The alternative, which the opposition does not have a view on, apparently, is to maintain accommodation similar to what is in use at present, which by that time would probably cost close to $2 million a year in rent. Do the sums. If the opposition does not agree with creating a proper Premier’s office and cabinet room, would the opposition commit $2 million a year for rented accommodation, or does the opposition think that it might be wise for the government to own its own property as part of the parliamentary precinct? It may be a good thing that when people come to this state to visit the Premier, whoever that may be in the future, and the cabinet room, they actually come into a proper premises that reflects well on Western Australia. If it is the opposition’s policy to downgrade the state and have a second-rate approach, I do not agree with it. I know that I get criticised and that Alston has done a great cartoon about it, but I do not mind all that, and I know that the opposition will try to make this an issue going into the election campaign. Ms M.M. Quirk : It is your belltower. Mr C.J. BARNETT : How brilliant is the member for Girrawheen? Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No member opposite will listen to this — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. I would like to get through a lot more questions today—more than we have been able to achieve over the past few sitting weeks. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Leader of the Opposition and members opposite, this state is the high-growth dominant trade state of Australia. We have a closer relationship with Japan, China, Korea and India than does any other state. If members opposite do not believe that Western Australia should put on a good front to the rapidly growing economies of Asia, they are misguided. If they believe that we should take a second-rate approach, I do not agree with them. This building will not be lavish or over the top; it will reflect well on Western Australia, the cabinet and the Premier, whoever that may be, and it is about time the state had the guts to make a decision like this. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call to order the Minister for Regional Development and, for the second time today, the member for Albany. I want to hear the Leader of the Opposition’s supplementary question.
Mr P.B. Watson : Will it have wide enough doors for you to get through? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I tell you what, member for Albany, at least I will get there; you never will. I doubt that anyone on that side will get there for a long, long time. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The alternative, which the opposition does not have a view on, apparently, is to maintain accommodation similar to what is in use at present, which by that time would probably cost close to $2 million a year in rent. Do the sums. If the opposition does not agree with creating a proper Premier’s office and cabinet room, would the opposition commit $2 million a year for rented accommodation, or does the opposition think that it might be wise for the government to own its own property as part of the parliamentary precinct? It may be a good thing that when people come to this state to visit the Premier, whoever that may be in the future, and the cabinet room, they actually come into a proper premises that reflects well on Western Australia. If it is the opposition’s policy to downgrade the state and have a second-rate approach, I do not agree with it. I know that I get criticised and that Alston has done a great cartoon about it, but I do not mind all that, and I know that the opposition will try to make this an issue going into the election campaign. Ms M.M. Quirk : It is your belltower. Mr C.J. BARNETT : How brilliant is the member for Girrawheen? Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No member opposite will listen to this — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. I would like to get through a lot more questions today—more than we have been able to achieve over the past few sitting weeks. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Leader of the Opposition and members opposite, this state is the high-growth dominant trade state of Australia. We have a closer relationship with Japan, China, Korea and India than does any other state. If members opposite do not believe that Western Australia should put on a good front to the rapidly growing economies of Asia, they are misguided. If they believe that we should take a second-rate approach, I do not agree with them. This building will not be lavish or over the top; it will reflect well on Western Australia, the cabinet and the Premier, whoever that may be, and it is about time the state had the guts to make a decision like this. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call to order the Minister for Regional Development and, for the second time today, the member for Albany. I want to hear the Leader of the Opposition’s supplementary question.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I tell you what, member for Albany, at least I will get there; you never will. I doubt that anyone on that side will get there for a long, long time. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The alternative, which the opposition does not have a view on, apparently, is to maintain accommodation similar to what is in use at present, which by that time would probably cost close to $2 million a year in rent. Do the sums. If the opposition does not agree with creating a proper Premier’s office and cabinet room, would the opposition commit $2 million a year for rented accommodation, or does the opposition think that it might be wise for the government to own its own property as part of the parliamentary precinct? It may be a good thing that when people come to this state to visit the Premier, whoever that may be in the future, and the cabinet room, they actually come into a proper premises that reflects well on Western Australia. If it is the opposition’s policy to downgrade the state and have a second-rate approach, I do not agree with it. I know that I get criticised and that Alston has done a great cartoon about it, but I do not mind all that, and I know that the opposition will try to make this an issue going into the election campaign. Ms M.M. Quirk : It is your belltower. Mr C.J. BARNETT : How brilliant is the member for Girrawheen? Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No member opposite will listen to this — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. I would like to get through a lot more questions today—more than we have been able to achieve over the past few sitting weeks. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Leader of the Opposition and members opposite, this state is the high-growth dominant trade state of Australia. We have a closer relationship with Japan, China, Korea and India than does any other state. If members opposite do not believe that Western Australia should put on a good front to the rapidly growing economies of Asia, they are misguided. If they believe that we should take a second-rate approach, I do not agree with them. This building will not be lavish or over the top; it will reflect well on Western Australia, the cabinet and the Premier, whoever that may be, and it is about time the state had the guts to make a decision like this. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call to order the Minister for Regional Development and, for the second time today, the member for Albany. I want to hear the Leader of the Opposition’s supplementary question.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The alternative, which the opposition does not have a view on, apparently, is to maintain accommodation similar to what is in use at present, which by that time would probably cost close to $2 million a year in rent. Do the sums. If the opposition does not agree with creating a proper Premier’s office and cabinet room, would the opposition commit $2 million a year for rented accommodation, or does the opposition think that it might be wise for the government to own its own property as part of the parliamentary precinct? It may be a good thing that when people come to this state to visit the Premier, whoever that may be in the future, and the cabinet room, they actually come into a proper premises that reflects well on Western Australia. If it is the opposition’s policy to downgrade the state and have a second-rate approach, I do not agree with it. I know that I get criticised and that Alston has done a great cartoon about it, but I do not mind all that, and I know that the opposition will try to make this an issue going into the election campaign. Ms M.M. Quirk : It is your belltower. Mr C.J. BARNETT : How brilliant is the member for Girrawheen? Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No member opposite will listen to this — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. I would like to get through a lot more questions today—more than we have been able to achieve over the past few sitting weeks. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Leader of the Opposition and members opposite, this state is the high-growth dominant trade state of Australia. We have a closer relationship with Japan, China, Korea and India than does any other state. If members opposite do not believe that Western Australia should put on a good front to the rapidly growing economies of Asia, they are misguided. If they believe that we should take a second-rate approach, I do not agree with them. This building will not be lavish or over the top; it will reflect well on Western Australia, the cabinet and the Premier, whoever that may be, and it is about time the state had the guts to make a decision like this. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call to order the Minister for Regional Development and, for the second time today, the member for Albany. I want to hear the Leader of the Opposition’s supplementary question.
The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The alternative, which the opposition does not have a view on, apparently, is to maintain accommodation similar to what is in use at present, which by that time would probably cost close to $2 million a year in rent. Do the sums. If the opposition does not agree with creating a proper Premier’s office and cabinet room, would the opposition commit $2 million a year for rented accommodation, or does the opposition think that it might be wise for the government to own its own property as part of the parliamentary precinct? It may be a good thing that when people come to this state to visit the Premier, whoever that may be in the future, and the cabinet room, they actually come into a proper premises that reflects well on Western Australia. If it is the opposition’s policy to downgrade the state and have a second-rate approach, I do not agree with it. I know that I get criticised and that Alston has done a great cartoon about it, but I do not mind all that, and I know that the opposition will try to make this an issue going into the election campaign. Ms M.M. Quirk : It is your belltower. Mr C.J. BARNETT : How brilliant is the member for Girrawheen? Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No member opposite will listen to this — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. I would like to get through a lot more questions today—more than we have been able to achieve over the past few sitting weeks. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Leader of the Opposition and members opposite, this state is the high-growth dominant trade state of Australia. We have a closer relationship with Japan, China, Korea and India than does any other state. If members opposite do not believe that Western Australia should put on a good front to the rapidly growing economies of Asia, they are misguided. If they believe that we should take a second-rate approach, I do not agree with them. This building will not be lavish or over the top; it will reflect well on Western Australia, the cabinet and the Premier, whoever that may be, and it is about time the state had the guts to make a decision like this. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call to order the Minister for Regional Development and, for the second time today, the member for Albany. I want to hear the Leader of the Opposition’s supplementary question.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : The alternative, which the opposition does not have a view on, apparently, is to maintain accommodation similar to what is in use at present, which by that time would probably cost close to $2 million a year in rent. Do the sums. If the opposition does not agree with creating a proper Premier’s office and cabinet room, would the opposition commit $2 million a year for rented accommodation, or does the opposition think that it might be wise for the government to own its own property as part of the parliamentary precinct? It may be a good thing that when people come to this state to visit the Premier, whoever that may be in the future, and the cabinet room, they actually come into a proper premises that reflects well on Western Australia. If it is the opposition’s policy to downgrade the state and have a second-rate approach, I do not agree with it. I know that I get criticised and that Alston has done a great cartoon about it, but I do not mind all that, and I know that the opposition will try to make this an issue going into the election campaign. Ms M.M. Quirk : It is your belltower. Mr C.J. BARNETT : How brilliant is the member for Girrawheen? Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No member opposite will listen to this — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. I would like to get through a lot more questions today—more than we have been able to achieve over the past few sitting weeks. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Leader of the Opposition and members opposite, this state is the high-growth dominant trade state of Australia. We have a closer relationship with Japan, China, Korea and India than does any other state. If members opposite do not believe that Western Australia should put on a good front to the rapidly growing economies of Asia, they are misguided. If they believe that we should take a second-rate approach, I do not agree with them. This building will not be lavish or over the top; it will reflect well on Western Australia, the cabinet and the Premier, whoever that may be, and it is about time the state had the guts to make a decision like this. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call to order the Minister for Regional Development and, for the second time today, the member for Albany. I want to hear the Leader of the Opposition’s supplementary question.
Ms M.M. Quirk : It is your belltower. Mr C.J. BARNETT : How brilliant is the member for Girrawheen? Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No member opposite will listen to this — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. I would like to get through a lot more questions today—more than we have been able to achieve over the past few sitting weeks. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Leader of the Opposition and members opposite, this state is the high-growth dominant trade state of Australia. We have a closer relationship with Japan, China, Korea and India than does any other state. If members opposite do not believe that Western Australia should put on a good front to the rapidly growing economies of Asia, they are misguided. If they believe that we should take a second-rate approach, I do not agree with them. This building will not be lavish or over the top; it will reflect well on Western Australia, the cabinet and the Premier, whoever that may be, and it is about time the state had the guts to make a decision like this. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call to order the Minister for Regional Development and, for the second time today, the member for Albany. I want to hear the Leader of the Opposition’s supplementary question.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : How brilliant is the member for Girrawheen? Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No member opposite will listen to this — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. I would like to get through a lot more questions today—more than we have been able to achieve over the past few sitting weeks. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Leader of the Opposition and members opposite, this state is the high-growth dominant trade state of Australia. We have a closer relationship with Japan, China, Korea and India than does any other state. If members opposite do not believe that Western Australia should put on a good front to the rapidly growing economies of Asia, they are misguided. If they believe that we should take a second-rate approach, I do not agree with them. This building will not be lavish or over the top; it will reflect well on Western Australia, the cabinet and the Premier, whoever that may be, and it is about time the state had the guts to make a decision like this. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call to order the Minister for Regional Development and, for the second time today, the member for Albany. I want to hear the Leader of the Opposition’s supplementary question.
Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No member opposite will listen to this — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. I would like to get through a lot more questions today—more than we have been able to achieve over the past few sitting weeks. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Leader of the Opposition and members opposite, this state is the high-growth dominant trade state of Australia. We have a closer relationship with Japan, China, Korea and India than does any other state. If members opposite do not believe that Western Australia should put on a good front to the rapidly growing economies of Asia, they are misguided. If they believe that we should take a second-rate approach, I do not agree with them. This building will not be lavish or over the top; it will reflect well on Western Australia, the cabinet and the Premier, whoever that may be, and it is about time the state had the guts to make a decision like this. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call to order the Minister for Regional Development and, for the second time today, the member for Albany. I want to hear the Leader of the Opposition’s supplementary question.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : No member opposite will listen to this — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. I would like to get through a lot more questions today—more than we have been able to achieve over the past few sitting weeks. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Leader of the Opposition and members opposite, this state is the high-growth dominant trade state of Australia. We have a closer relationship with Japan, China, Korea and India than does any other state. If members opposite do not believe that Western Australia should put on a good front to the rapidly growing economies of Asia, they are misguided. If they believe that we should take a second-rate approach, I do not agree with them. This building will not be lavish or over the top; it will reflect well on Western Australia, the cabinet and the Premier, whoever that may be, and it is about time the state had the guts to make a decision like this. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call to order the Minister for Regional Development and, for the second time today, the member for Albany. I want to hear the Leader of the Opposition’s supplementary question.
The SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. I would like to get through a lot more questions today—more than we have been able to achieve over the past few sitting weeks. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Leader of the Opposition and members opposite, this state is the high-growth dominant trade state of Australia. We have a closer relationship with Japan, China, Korea and India than does any other state. If members opposite do not believe that Western Australia should put on a good front to the rapidly growing economies of Asia, they are misguided. If they believe that we should take a second-rate approach, I do not agree with them. This building will not be lavish or over the top; it will reflect well on Western Australia, the cabinet and the Premier, whoever that may be, and it is about time the state had the guts to make a decision like this. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call to order the Minister for Regional Development and, for the second time today, the member for Albany. I want to hear the Leader of the Opposition’s supplementary question.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : Leader of the Opposition and members opposite, this state is the high-growth dominant trade state of Australia. We have a closer relationship with Japan, China, Korea and India than does any other state. If members opposite do not believe that Western Australia should put on a good front to the rapidly growing economies of Asia, they are misguided. If they believe that we should take a second-rate approach, I do not agree with them. This building will not be lavish or over the top; it will reflect well on Western Australia, the cabinet and the Premier, whoever that may be, and it is about time the state had the guts to make a decision like this. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call to order the Minister for Regional Development and, for the second time today, the member for Albany. I want to hear the Leader of the Opposition’s supplementary question.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call to order the Minister for Regional Development and, for the second time today, the member for Albany. I want to hear the Leader of the Opposition’s supplementary question.
The SPEAKER : I formally call to order the Minister for Regional Development and, for the second time today, the member for Albany. I want to hear the Leader of the Opposition’s supplementary question.
(1) Can the Premier confirm that the real cost to build his palace is in fact $25.5 million, as advised to the Public Accounts Committee hearing on Monday? (2) Why did the Premier announce the lower figure of $17 million when he knew that he had already put aside $8.5 million for the fit-out? (3) Can the Premier explain to the Western Australian public what kind of fit-out the Premier will be purchasing for this palace at a cost of $8.5 million? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: Mr Speaker — Mr P.B. Watson : He’s taking over the Oswalds’ house. THE SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. The question was asked of the Premier. It is not the member for Albany’s entitlement to answer it. I formally call the member to order for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I will be interested in hearing the opposition’s proposal for the Premier’s office, for the cabinet room and for the location of the staff who work in cabinet services. This building will accommodate those three groups. It is a Premier’s office, yes; it is a cabinet room, yes; and it is for the staff in cabinet services. Three groups are going into that building. That is the first point. Yes, the cost of refurbishing a heritage-listed property that is falling into disrepair is around $17 million. The original figures that were provided, which were obviously given to the opposition by someone, included all sorts of proposals for furniture and the like. I can tell members that the furniture from my existing office will be going to the new one. It is being taken out. There are also contingency figures in the original proposals that are not in there now. Mr E.S. Ripper : Do you know where the figures came from? Tim Marney’s evidence to the Public Accounts Committee. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They were not accepted. We are not going to go to that extent. We are spending the bare minimum. Mr E.S. Ripper : That is what he testified on Monday was the cost. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am telling the Leader of the Opposition what the government is doing. The government is spending the bare minimum to bring that building up to a good standard—it will not be shabby—that properly reflects the standards of — Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is fair enough. Mrs M.H. Roberts : It will have carpets and curtains. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It will probably have polished floorboards too and have the holes in the roof repaired so that water does not gush in. Mr P.B. Watson : Will it have wide enough doors for you to get through? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I tell you what, member for Albany, at least I will get there; you never will. I doubt that anyone on that side will get there for a long, long time. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The alternative, which the opposition does not have a view on, apparently, is to maintain accommodation similar to what is in use at present, which by that time would probably cost close to $2 million a year in rent. Do the sums. If the opposition does not agree with creating a proper Premier’s office and cabinet room, would the opposition commit $2 million a year for rented accommodation, or does the opposition think that it might be wise for the government to own its own property as part of the parliamentary precinct? It may be a good thing that when people come to this state to visit the Premier, whoever that may be in the future, and the cabinet room, they actually come into a proper premises that reflects well on Western Australia. If it is the opposition’s policy to downgrade the state and have a second-rate approach, I do not agree with it. I know that I get criticised and that Alston has done a great cartoon about it, but I do not mind all that, and I know that the opposition will try to make this an issue going into the election campaign. Ms M.M. Quirk : It is your belltower. Mr C.J. BARNETT : How brilliant is the member for Girrawheen? Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No member opposite will listen to this — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. I would like to get through a lot more questions today—more than we have been able to achieve over the past few sitting weeks. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Leader of the Opposition and members opposite, this state is the high-growth dominant trade state of Australia. We have a closer relationship with Japan, China, Korea and India than does any other state. If members opposite do not believe that Western Australia should put on a good front to the rapidly growing economies of Asia, they are misguided. If they believe that we should take a second-rate approach, I do not agree with them. This building will not be lavish or over the top; it will reflect well on Western Australia, the cabinet and the Premier, whoever that may be, and it is about time the state had the guts to make a decision like this. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call to order the Minister for Regional Development and, for the second time today, the member for Albany. I want to hear the Leader of the Opposition’s supplementary question.
(2) Why did the Premier announce the lower figure of $17 million when he knew that he had already put aside $8.5 million for the fit-out? (3) Can the Premier explain to the Western Australian public what kind of fit-out the Premier will be purchasing for this palace at a cost of $8.5 million? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: Mr Speaker — Mr P.B. Watson : He’s taking over the Oswalds’ house. THE SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. The question was asked of the Premier. It is not the member for Albany’s entitlement to answer it. I formally call the member to order for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I will be interested in hearing the opposition’s proposal for the Premier’s office, for the cabinet room and for the location of the staff who work in cabinet services. This building will accommodate those three groups. It is a Premier’s office, yes; it is a cabinet room, yes; and it is for the staff in cabinet services. Three groups are going into that building. That is the first point. Yes, the cost of refurbishing a heritage-listed property that is falling into disrepair is around $17 million. The original figures that were provided, which were obviously given to the opposition by someone, included all sorts of proposals for furniture and the like. I can tell members that the furniture from my existing office will be going to the new one. It is being taken out. There are also contingency figures in the original proposals that are not in there now. Mr E.S. Ripper : Do you know where the figures came from? Tim Marney’s evidence to the Public Accounts Committee. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They were not accepted. We are not going to go to that extent. We are spending the bare minimum. Mr E.S. Ripper : That is what he testified on Monday was the cost. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am telling the Leader of the Opposition what the government is doing. The government is spending the bare minimum to bring that building up to a good standard—it will not be shabby—that properly reflects the standards of — Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is fair enough. Mrs M.H. Roberts : It will have carpets and curtains. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It will probably have polished floorboards too and have the holes in the roof repaired so that water does not gush in. Mr P.B. Watson : Will it have wide enough doors for you to get through? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I tell you what, member for Albany, at least I will get there; you never will. I doubt that anyone on that side will get there for a long, long time. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The alternative, which the opposition does not have a view on, apparently, is to maintain accommodation similar to what is in use at present, which by that time would probably cost close to $2 million a year in rent. Do the sums. If the opposition does not agree with creating a proper Premier’s office and cabinet room, would the opposition commit $2 million a year for rented accommodation, or does the opposition think that it might be wise for the government to own its own property as part of the parliamentary precinct? It may be a good thing that when people come to this state to visit the Premier, whoever that may be in the future, and the cabinet room, they actually come into a proper premises that reflects well on Western Australia. If it is the opposition’s policy to downgrade the state and have a second-rate approach, I do not agree with it. I know that I get criticised and that Alston has done a great cartoon about it, but I do not mind all that, and I know that the opposition will try to make this an issue going into the election campaign. Ms M.M. Quirk : It is your belltower. Mr C.J. BARNETT : How brilliant is the member for Girrawheen? Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No member opposite will listen to this — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. I would like to get through a lot more questions today—more than we have been able to achieve over the past few sitting weeks. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Leader of the Opposition and members opposite, this state is the high-growth dominant trade state of Australia. We have a closer relationship with Japan, China, Korea and India than does any other state. If members opposite do not believe that Western Australia should put on a good front to the rapidly growing economies of Asia, they are misguided. If they believe that we should take a second-rate approach, I do not agree with them. This building will not be lavish or over the top; it will reflect well on Western Australia, the cabinet and the Premier, whoever that may be, and it is about time the state had the guts to make a decision like this. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call to order the Minister for Regional Development and, for the second time today, the member for Albany. I want to hear the Leader of the Opposition’s supplementary question.
(3) Can the Premier explain to the Western Australian public what kind of fit-out the Premier will be purchasing for this palace at a cost of $8.5 million? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: Mr Speaker — Mr P.B. Watson : He’s taking over the Oswalds’ house. THE SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. The question was asked of the Premier. It is not the member for Albany’s entitlement to answer it. I formally call the member to order for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I will be interested in hearing the opposition’s proposal for the Premier’s office, for the cabinet room and for the location of the staff who work in cabinet services. This building will accommodate those three groups. It is a Premier’s office, yes; it is a cabinet room, yes; and it is for the staff in cabinet services. Three groups are going into that building. That is the first point. Yes, the cost of refurbishing a heritage-listed property that is falling into disrepair is around $17 million. The original figures that were provided, which were obviously given to the opposition by someone, included all sorts of proposals for furniture and the like. I can tell members that the furniture from my existing office will be going to the new one. It is being taken out. There are also contingency figures in the original proposals that are not in there now. Mr E.S. Ripper : Do you know where the figures came from? Tim Marney’s evidence to the Public Accounts Committee. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They were not accepted. We are not going to go to that extent. We are spending the bare minimum. Mr E.S. Ripper : That is what he testified on Monday was the cost. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am telling the Leader of the Opposition what the government is doing. The government is spending the bare minimum to bring that building up to a good standard—it will not be shabby—that properly reflects the standards of — Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is fair enough. Mrs M.H. Roberts : It will have carpets and curtains. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It will probably have polished floorboards too and have the holes in the roof repaired so that water does not gush in. Mr P.B. Watson : Will it have wide enough doors for you to get through? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I tell you what, member for Albany, at least I will get there; you never will. I doubt that anyone on that side will get there for a long, long time. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The alternative, which the opposition does not have a view on, apparently, is to maintain accommodation similar to what is in use at present, which by that time would probably cost close to $2 million a year in rent. Do the sums. If the opposition does not agree with creating a proper Premier’s office and cabinet room, would the opposition commit $2 million a year for rented accommodation, or does the opposition think that it might be wise for the government to own its own property as part of the parliamentary precinct? It may be a good thing that when people come to this state to visit the Premier, whoever that may be in the future, and the cabinet room, they actually come into a proper premises that reflects well on Western Australia. If it is the opposition’s policy to downgrade the state and have a second-rate approach, I do not agree with it. I know that I get criticised and that Alston has done a great cartoon about it, but I do not mind all that, and I know that the opposition will try to make this an issue going into the election campaign. Ms M.M. Quirk : It is your belltower. Mr C.J. BARNETT : How brilliant is the member for Girrawheen? Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No member opposite will listen to this — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. I would like to get through a lot more questions today—more than we have been able to achieve over the past few sitting weeks. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Leader of the Opposition and members opposite, this state is the high-growth dominant trade state of Australia. We have a closer relationship with Japan, China, Korea and India than does any other state. If members opposite do not believe that Western Australia should put on a good front to the rapidly growing economies of Asia, they are misguided. If they believe that we should take a second-rate approach, I do not agree with them. This building will not be lavish or over the top; it will reflect well on Western Australia, the cabinet and the Premier, whoever that may be, and it is about time the state had the guts to make a decision like this. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call to order the Minister for Regional Development and, for the second time today, the member for Albany. I want to hear the Leader of the Opposition’s supplementary question.
Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: Mr Speaker — Mr P.B. Watson : He’s taking over the Oswalds’ house. THE SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. The question was asked of the Premier. It is not the member for Albany’s entitlement to answer it. I formally call the member to order for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I will be interested in hearing the opposition’s proposal for the Premier’s office, for the cabinet room and for the location of the staff who work in cabinet services. This building will accommodate those three groups. It is a Premier’s office, yes; it is a cabinet room, yes; and it is for the staff in cabinet services. Three groups are going into that building. That is the first point. Yes, the cost of refurbishing a heritage-listed property that is falling into disrepair is around $17 million. The original figures that were provided, which were obviously given to the opposition by someone, included all sorts of proposals for furniture and the like. I can tell members that the furniture from my existing office will be going to the new one. It is being taken out. There are also contingency figures in the original proposals that are not in there now. Mr E.S. Ripper : Do you know where the figures came from? Tim Marney’s evidence to the Public Accounts Committee. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They were not accepted. We are not going to go to that extent. We are spending the bare minimum. Mr E.S. Ripper : That is what he testified on Monday was the cost. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am telling the Leader of the Opposition what the government is doing. The government is spending the bare minimum to bring that building up to a good standard—it will not be shabby—that properly reflects the standards of — Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is fair enough. Mrs M.H. Roberts : It will have carpets and curtains. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It will probably have polished floorboards too and have the holes in the roof repaired so that water does not gush in. Mr P.B. Watson : Will it have wide enough doors for you to get through? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I tell you what, member for Albany, at least I will get there; you never will. I doubt that anyone on that side will get there for a long, long time. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The alternative, which the opposition does not have a view on, apparently, is to maintain accommodation similar to what is in use at present, which by that time would probably cost close to $2 million a year in rent. Do the sums. If the opposition does not agree with creating a proper Premier’s office and cabinet room, would the opposition commit $2 million a year for rented accommodation, or does the opposition think that it might be wise for the government to own its own property as part of the parliamentary precinct? It may be a good thing that when people come to this state to visit the Premier, whoever that may be in the future, and the cabinet room, they actually come into a proper premises that reflects well on Western Australia. If it is the opposition’s policy to downgrade the state and have a second-rate approach, I do not agree with it. I know that I get criticised and that Alston has done a great cartoon about it, but I do not mind all that, and I know that the opposition will try to make this an issue going into the election campaign. Ms M.M. Quirk : It is your belltower. Mr C.J. BARNETT : How brilliant is the member for Girrawheen? Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No member opposite will listen to this — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. I would like to get through a lot more questions today—more than we have been able to achieve over the past few sitting weeks. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Leader of the Opposition and members opposite, this state is the high-growth dominant trade state of Australia. We have a closer relationship with Japan, China, Korea and India than does any other state. If members opposite do not believe that Western Australia should put on a good front to the rapidly growing economies of Asia, they are misguided. If they believe that we should take a second-rate approach, I do not agree with them. This building will not be lavish or over the top; it will reflect well on Western Australia, the cabinet and the Premier, whoever that may be, and it is about time the state had the guts to make a decision like this. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call to order the Minister for Regional Development and, for the second time today, the member for Albany. I want to hear the Leader of the Opposition’s supplementary question.
Mr Speaker — Mr P.B. Watson : He’s taking over the Oswalds’ house. THE SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. The question was asked of the Premier. It is not the member for Albany’s entitlement to answer it. I formally call the member to order for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I will be interested in hearing the opposition’s proposal for the Premier’s office, for the cabinet room and for the location of the staff who work in cabinet services. This building will accommodate those three groups. It is a Premier’s office, yes; it is a cabinet room, yes; and it is for the staff in cabinet services. Three groups are going into that building. That is the first point. Yes, the cost of refurbishing a heritage-listed property that is falling into disrepair is around $17 million. The original figures that were provided, which were obviously given to the opposition by someone, included all sorts of proposals for furniture and the like. I can tell members that the furniture from my existing office will be going to the new one. It is being taken out. There are also contingency figures in the original proposals that are not in there now. Mr E.S. Ripper : Do you know where the figures came from? Tim Marney’s evidence to the Public Accounts Committee. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They were not accepted. We are not going to go to that extent. We are spending the bare minimum. Mr E.S. Ripper : That is what he testified on Monday was the cost. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am telling the Leader of the Opposition what the government is doing. The government is spending the bare minimum to bring that building up to a good standard—it will not be shabby—that properly reflects the standards of — Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is fair enough. Mrs M.H. Roberts : It will have carpets and curtains. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It will probably have polished floorboards too and have the holes in the roof repaired so that water does not gush in. Mr P.B. Watson : Will it have wide enough doors for you to get through? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I tell you what, member for Albany, at least I will get there; you never will. I doubt that anyone on that side will get there for a long, long time. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The alternative, which the opposition does not have a view on, apparently, is to maintain accommodation similar to what is in use at present, which by that time would probably cost close to $2 million a year in rent. Do the sums. If the opposition does not agree with creating a proper Premier’s office and cabinet room, would the opposition commit $2 million a year for rented accommodation, or does the opposition think that it might be wise for the government to own its own property as part of the parliamentary precinct? It may be a good thing that when people come to this state to visit the Premier, whoever that may be in the future, and the cabinet room, they actually come into a proper premises that reflects well on Western Australia. If it is the opposition’s policy to downgrade the state and have a second-rate approach, I do not agree with it. I know that I get criticised and that Alston has done a great cartoon about it, but I do not mind all that, and I know that the opposition will try to make this an issue going into the election campaign. Ms M.M. Quirk : It is your belltower. Mr C.J. BARNETT : How brilliant is the member for Girrawheen? Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No member opposite will listen to this — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. I would like to get through a lot more questions today—more than we have been able to achieve over the past few sitting weeks. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Leader of the Opposition and members opposite, this state is the high-growth dominant trade state of Australia. We have a closer relationship with Japan, China, Korea and India than does any other state. If members opposite do not believe that Western Australia should put on a good front to the rapidly growing economies of Asia, they are misguided. If they believe that we should take a second-rate approach, I do not agree with them. This building will not be lavish or over the top; it will reflect well on Western Australia, the cabinet and the Premier, whoever that may be, and it is about time the state had the guts to make a decision like this. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call to order the Minister for Regional Development and, for the second time today, the member for Albany. I want to hear the Leader of the Opposition’s supplementary question.
Mr P.B. Watson : He’s taking over the Oswalds’ house. THE SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. The question was asked of the Premier. It is not the member for Albany’s entitlement to answer it. I formally call the member to order for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I will be interested in hearing the opposition’s proposal for the Premier’s office, for the cabinet room and for the location of the staff who work in cabinet services. This building will accommodate those three groups. It is a Premier’s office, yes; it is a cabinet room, yes; and it is for the staff in cabinet services. Three groups are going into that building. That is the first point. Yes, the cost of refurbishing a heritage-listed property that is falling into disrepair is around $17 million. The original figures that were provided, which were obviously given to the opposition by someone, included all sorts of proposals for furniture and the like. I can tell members that the furniture from my existing office will be going to the new one. It is being taken out. There are also contingency figures in the original proposals that are not in there now. Mr E.S. Ripper : Do you know where the figures came from? Tim Marney’s evidence to the Public Accounts Committee. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They were not accepted. We are not going to go to that extent. We are spending the bare minimum. Mr E.S. Ripper : That is what he testified on Monday was the cost. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am telling the Leader of the Opposition what the government is doing. The government is spending the bare minimum to bring that building up to a good standard—it will not be shabby—that properly reflects the standards of — Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is fair enough. Mrs M.H. Roberts : It will have carpets and curtains. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It will probably have polished floorboards too and have the holes in the roof repaired so that water does not gush in. Mr P.B. Watson : Will it have wide enough doors for you to get through? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I tell you what, member for Albany, at least I will get there; you never will. I doubt that anyone on that side will get there for a long, long time. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The alternative, which the opposition does not have a view on, apparently, is to maintain accommodation similar to what is in use at present, which by that time would probably cost close to $2 million a year in rent. Do the sums. If the opposition does not agree with creating a proper Premier’s office and cabinet room, would the opposition commit $2 million a year for rented accommodation, or does the opposition think that it might be wise for the government to own its own property as part of the parliamentary precinct? It may be a good thing that when people come to this state to visit the Premier, whoever that may be in the future, and the cabinet room, they actually come into a proper premises that reflects well on Western Australia. If it is the opposition’s policy to downgrade the state and have a second-rate approach, I do not agree with it. I know that I get criticised and that Alston has done a great cartoon about it, but I do not mind all that, and I know that the opposition will try to make this an issue going into the election campaign. Ms M.M. Quirk : It is your belltower. Mr C.J. BARNETT : How brilliant is the member for Girrawheen? Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No member opposite will listen to this — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. I would like to get through a lot more questions today—more than we have been able to achieve over the past few sitting weeks. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Leader of the Opposition and members opposite, this state is the high-growth dominant trade state of Australia. We have a closer relationship with Japan, China, Korea and India than does any other state. If members opposite do not believe that Western Australia should put on a good front to the rapidly growing economies of Asia, they are misguided. If they believe that we should take a second-rate approach, I do not agree with them. This building will not be lavish or over the top; it will reflect well on Western Australia, the cabinet and the Premier, whoever that may be, and it is about time the state had the guts to make a decision like this. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call to order the Minister for Regional Development and, for the second time today, the member for Albany. I want to hear the Leader of the Opposition’s supplementary question.
THE SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. The question was asked of the Premier. It is not the member for Albany’s entitlement to answer it. I formally call the member to order for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I will be interested in hearing the opposition’s proposal for the Premier’s office, for the cabinet room and for the location of the staff who work in cabinet services. This building will accommodate those three groups. It is a Premier’s office, yes; it is a cabinet room, yes; and it is for the staff in cabinet services. Three groups are going into that building. That is the first point. Yes, the cost of refurbishing a heritage-listed property that is falling into disrepair is around $17 million. The original figures that were provided, which were obviously given to the opposition by someone, included all sorts of proposals for furniture and the like. I can tell members that the furniture from my existing office will be going to the new one. It is being taken out. There are also contingency figures in the original proposals that are not in there now. Mr E.S. Ripper : Do you know where the figures came from? Tim Marney’s evidence to the Public Accounts Committee. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They were not accepted. We are not going to go to that extent. We are spending the bare minimum. Mr E.S. Ripper : That is what he testified on Monday was the cost. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am telling the Leader of the Opposition what the government is doing. The government is spending the bare minimum to bring that building up to a good standard—it will not be shabby—that properly reflects the standards of — Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is fair enough. Mrs M.H. Roberts : It will have carpets and curtains. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It will probably have polished floorboards too and have the holes in the roof repaired so that water does not gush in. Mr P.B. Watson : Will it have wide enough doors for you to get through? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I tell you what, member for Albany, at least I will get there; you never will. I doubt that anyone on that side will get there for a long, long time. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The alternative, which the opposition does not have a view on, apparently, is to maintain accommodation similar to what is in use at present, which by that time would probably cost close to $2 million a year in rent. Do the sums. If the opposition does not agree with creating a proper Premier’s office and cabinet room, would the opposition commit $2 million a year for rented accommodation, or does the opposition think that it might be wise for the government to own its own property as part of the parliamentary precinct? It may be a good thing that when people come to this state to visit the Premier, whoever that may be in the future, and the cabinet room, they actually come into a proper premises that reflects well on Western Australia. If it is the opposition’s policy to downgrade the state and have a second-rate approach, I do not agree with it. I know that I get criticised and that Alston has done a great cartoon about it, but I do not mind all that, and I know that the opposition will try to make this an issue going into the election campaign. Ms M.M. Quirk : It is your belltower. Mr C.J. BARNETT : How brilliant is the member for Girrawheen? Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No member opposite will listen to this — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. I would like to get through a lot more questions today—more than we have been able to achieve over the past few sitting weeks. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Leader of the Opposition and members opposite, this state is the high-growth dominant trade state of Australia. We have a closer relationship with Japan, China, Korea and India than does any other state. If members opposite do not believe that Western Australia should put on a good front to the rapidly growing economies of Asia, they are misguided. If they believe that we should take a second-rate approach, I do not agree with them. This building will not be lavish or over the top; it will reflect well on Western Australia, the cabinet and the Premier, whoever that may be, and it is about time the state had the guts to make a decision like this. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call to order the Minister for Regional Development and, for the second time today, the member for Albany. I want to hear the Leader of the Opposition’s supplementary question.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I will be interested in hearing the opposition’s proposal for the Premier’s office, for the cabinet room and for the location of the staff who work in cabinet services. This building will accommodate those three groups. It is a Premier’s office, yes; it is a cabinet room, yes; and it is for the staff in cabinet services. Three groups are going into that building. That is the first point. Yes, the cost of refurbishing a heritage-listed property that is falling into disrepair is around $17 million. The original figures that were provided, which were obviously given to the opposition by someone, included all sorts of proposals for furniture and the like. I can tell members that the furniture from my existing office will be going to the new one. It is being taken out. There are also contingency figures in the original proposals that are not in there now. Mr E.S. Ripper : Do you know where the figures came from? Tim Marney’s evidence to the Public Accounts Committee. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They were not accepted. We are not going to go to that extent. We are spending the bare minimum. Mr E.S. Ripper : That is what he testified on Monday was the cost. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am telling the Leader of the Opposition what the government is doing. The government is spending the bare minimum to bring that building up to a good standard—it will not be shabby—that properly reflects the standards of — Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is fair enough. Mrs M.H. Roberts : It will have carpets and curtains. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It will probably have polished floorboards too and have the holes in the roof repaired so that water does not gush in. Mr P.B. Watson : Will it have wide enough doors for you to get through? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I tell you what, member for Albany, at least I will get there; you never will. I doubt that anyone on that side will get there for a long, long time. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The alternative, which the opposition does not have a view on, apparently, is to maintain accommodation similar to what is in use at present, which by that time would probably cost close to $2 million a year in rent. Do the sums. If the opposition does not agree with creating a proper Premier’s office and cabinet room, would the opposition commit $2 million a year for rented accommodation, or does the opposition think that it might be wise for the government to own its own property as part of the parliamentary precinct? It may be a good thing that when people come to this state to visit the Premier, whoever that may be in the future, and the cabinet room, they actually come into a proper premises that reflects well on Western Australia. If it is the opposition’s policy to downgrade the state and have a second-rate approach, I do not agree with it. I know that I get criticised and that Alston has done a great cartoon about it, but I do not mind all that, and I know that the opposition will try to make this an issue going into the election campaign. Ms M.M. Quirk : It is your belltower. Mr C.J. BARNETT : How brilliant is the member for Girrawheen? Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No member opposite will listen to this — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. I would like to get through a lot more questions today—more than we have been able to achieve over the past few sitting weeks. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Leader of the Opposition and members opposite, this state is the high-growth dominant trade state of Australia. We have a closer relationship with Japan, China, Korea and India than does any other state. If members opposite do not believe that Western Australia should put on a good front to the rapidly growing economies of Asia, they are misguided. If they believe that we should take a second-rate approach, I do not agree with them. This building will not be lavish or over the top; it will reflect well on Western Australia, the cabinet and the Premier, whoever that may be, and it is about time the state had the guts to make a decision like this. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call to order the Minister for Regional Development and, for the second time today, the member for Albany. I want to hear the Leader of the Opposition’s supplementary question.
Mr E.S. Ripper : Do you know where the figures came from? Tim Marney’s evidence to the Public Accounts Committee. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They were not accepted. We are not going to go to that extent. We are spending the bare minimum. Mr E.S. Ripper : That is what he testified on Monday was the cost. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am telling the Leader of the Opposition what the government is doing. The government is spending the bare minimum to bring that building up to a good standard—it will not be shabby—that properly reflects the standards of — Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is fair enough. Mrs M.H. Roberts : It will have carpets and curtains. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It will probably have polished floorboards too and have the holes in the roof repaired so that water does not gush in. Mr P.B. Watson : Will it have wide enough doors for you to get through? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I tell you what, member for Albany, at least I will get there; you never will. I doubt that anyone on that side will get there for a long, long time. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The alternative, which the opposition does not have a view on, apparently, is to maintain accommodation similar to what is in use at present, which by that time would probably cost close to $2 million a year in rent. Do the sums. If the opposition does not agree with creating a proper Premier’s office and cabinet room, would the opposition commit $2 million a year for rented accommodation, or does the opposition think that it might be wise for the government to own its own property as part of the parliamentary precinct? It may be a good thing that when people come to this state to visit the Premier, whoever that may be in the future, and the cabinet room, they actually come into a proper premises that reflects well on Western Australia. If it is the opposition’s policy to downgrade the state and have a second-rate approach, I do not agree with it. I know that I get criticised and that Alston has done a great cartoon about it, but I do not mind all that, and I know that the opposition will try to make this an issue going into the election campaign. Ms M.M. Quirk : It is your belltower. Mr C.J. BARNETT : How brilliant is the member for Girrawheen? Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No member opposite will listen to this — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. I would like to get through a lot more questions today—more than we have been able to achieve over the past few sitting weeks. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Leader of the Opposition and members opposite, this state is the high-growth dominant trade state of Australia. We have a closer relationship with Japan, China, Korea and India than does any other state. If members opposite do not believe that Western Australia should put on a good front to the rapidly growing economies of Asia, they are misguided. If they believe that we should take a second-rate approach, I do not agree with them. This building will not be lavish or over the top; it will reflect well on Western Australia, the cabinet and the Premier, whoever that may be, and it is about time the state had the guts to make a decision like this. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call to order the Minister for Regional Development and, for the second time today, the member for Albany. I want to hear the Leader of the Opposition’s supplementary question.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : They were not accepted. We are not going to go to that extent. We are spending the bare minimum. Mr E.S. Ripper : That is what he testified on Monday was the cost. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am telling the Leader of the Opposition what the government is doing. The government is spending the bare minimum to bring that building up to a good standard—it will not be shabby—that properly reflects the standards of — Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is fair enough. Mrs M.H. Roberts : It will have carpets and curtains. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It will probably have polished floorboards too and have the holes in the roof repaired so that water does not gush in. Mr P.B. Watson : Will it have wide enough doors for you to get through? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I tell you what, member for Albany, at least I will get there; you never will. I doubt that anyone on that side will get there for a long, long time. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The alternative, which the opposition does not have a view on, apparently, is to maintain accommodation similar to what is in use at present, which by that time would probably cost close to $2 million a year in rent. Do the sums. If the opposition does not agree with creating a proper Premier’s office and cabinet room, would the opposition commit $2 million a year for rented accommodation, or does the opposition think that it might be wise for the government to own its own property as part of the parliamentary precinct? It may be a good thing that when people come to this state to visit the Premier, whoever that may be in the future, and the cabinet room, they actually come into a proper premises that reflects well on Western Australia. If it is the opposition’s policy to downgrade the state and have a second-rate approach, I do not agree with it. I know that I get criticised and that Alston has done a great cartoon about it, but I do not mind all that, and I know that the opposition will try to make this an issue going into the election campaign. Ms M.M. Quirk : It is your belltower. Mr C.J. BARNETT : How brilliant is the member for Girrawheen? Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No member opposite will listen to this — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. I would like to get through a lot more questions today—more than we have been able to achieve over the past few sitting weeks. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Leader of the Opposition and members opposite, this state is the high-growth dominant trade state of Australia. We have a closer relationship with Japan, China, Korea and India than does any other state. If members opposite do not believe that Western Australia should put on a good front to the rapidly growing economies of Asia, they are misguided. If they believe that we should take a second-rate approach, I do not agree with them. This building will not be lavish or over the top; it will reflect well on Western Australia, the cabinet and the Premier, whoever that may be, and it is about time the state had the guts to make a decision like this. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call to order the Minister for Regional Development and, for the second time today, the member for Albany. I want to hear the Leader of the Opposition’s supplementary question.
Mr E.S. Ripper : That is what he testified on Monday was the cost. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am telling the Leader of the Opposition what the government is doing. The government is spending the bare minimum to bring that building up to a good standard—it will not be shabby—that properly reflects the standards of — Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is fair enough. Mrs M.H. Roberts : It will have carpets and curtains. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It will probably have polished floorboards too and have the holes in the roof repaired so that water does not gush in. Mr P.B. Watson : Will it have wide enough doors for you to get through? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I tell you what, member for Albany, at least I will get there; you never will. I doubt that anyone on that side will get there for a long, long time. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The alternative, which the opposition does not have a view on, apparently, is to maintain accommodation similar to what is in use at present, which by that time would probably cost close to $2 million a year in rent. Do the sums. If the opposition does not agree with creating a proper Premier’s office and cabinet room, would the opposition commit $2 million a year for rented accommodation, or does the opposition think that it might be wise for the government to own its own property as part of the parliamentary precinct? It may be a good thing that when people come to this state to visit the Premier, whoever that may be in the future, and the cabinet room, they actually come into a proper premises that reflects well on Western Australia. If it is the opposition’s policy to downgrade the state and have a second-rate approach, I do not agree with it. I know that I get criticised and that Alston has done a great cartoon about it, but I do not mind all that, and I know that the opposition will try to make this an issue going into the election campaign. Ms M.M. Quirk : It is your belltower. Mr C.J. BARNETT : How brilliant is the member for Girrawheen? Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No member opposite will listen to this — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. I would like to get through a lot more questions today—more than we have been able to achieve over the past few sitting weeks. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Leader of the Opposition and members opposite, this state is the high-growth dominant trade state of Australia. We have a closer relationship with Japan, China, Korea and India than does any other state. If members opposite do not believe that Western Australia should put on a good front to the rapidly growing economies of Asia, they are misguided. If they believe that we should take a second-rate approach, I do not agree with them. This building will not be lavish or over the top; it will reflect well on Western Australia, the cabinet and the Premier, whoever that may be, and it is about time the state had the guts to make a decision like this. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call to order the Minister for Regional Development and, for the second time today, the member for Albany. I want to hear the Leader of the Opposition’s supplementary question.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am telling the Leader of the Opposition what the government is doing. The government is spending the bare minimum to bring that building up to a good standard—it will not be shabby—that properly reflects the standards of — Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is fair enough. Mrs M.H. Roberts : It will have carpets and curtains. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It will probably have polished floorboards too and have the holes in the roof repaired so that water does not gush in. Mr P.B. Watson : Will it have wide enough doors for you to get through? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I tell you what, member for Albany, at least I will get there; you never will. I doubt that anyone on that side will get there for a long, long time. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The alternative, which the opposition does not have a view on, apparently, is to maintain accommodation similar to what is in use at present, which by that time would probably cost close to $2 million a year in rent. Do the sums. If the opposition does not agree with creating a proper Premier’s office and cabinet room, would the opposition commit $2 million a year for rented accommodation, or does the opposition think that it might be wise for the government to own its own property as part of the parliamentary precinct? It may be a good thing that when people come to this state to visit the Premier, whoever that may be in the future, and the cabinet room, they actually come into a proper premises that reflects well on Western Australia. If it is the opposition’s policy to downgrade the state and have a second-rate approach, I do not agree with it. I know that I get criticised and that Alston has done a great cartoon about it, but I do not mind all that, and I know that the opposition will try to make this an issue going into the election campaign. Ms M.M. Quirk : It is your belltower. Mr C.J. BARNETT : How brilliant is the member for Girrawheen? Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No member opposite will listen to this — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. I would like to get through a lot more questions today—more than we have been able to achieve over the past few sitting weeks. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Leader of the Opposition and members opposite, this state is the high-growth dominant trade state of Australia. We have a closer relationship with Japan, China, Korea and India than does any other state. If members opposite do not believe that Western Australia should put on a good front to the rapidly growing economies of Asia, they are misguided. If they believe that we should take a second-rate approach, I do not agree with them. This building will not be lavish or over the top; it will reflect well on Western Australia, the cabinet and the Premier, whoever that may be, and it is about time the state had the guts to make a decision like this. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call to order the Minister for Regional Development and, for the second time today, the member for Albany. I want to hear the Leader of the Opposition’s supplementary question.
Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is fair enough. Mrs M.H. Roberts : It will have carpets and curtains. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It will probably have polished floorboards too and have the holes in the roof repaired so that water does not gush in. Mr P.B. Watson : Will it have wide enough doors for you to get through? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I tell you what, member for Albany, at least I will get there; you never will. I doubt that anyone on that side will get there for a long, long time. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The alternative, which the opposition does not have a view on, apparently, is to maintain accommodation similar to what is in use at present, which by that time would probably cost close to $2 million a year in rent. Do the sums. If the opposition does not agree with creating a proper Premier’s office and cabinet room, would the opposition commit $2 million a year for rented accommodation, or does the opposition think that it might be wise for the government to own its own property as part of the parliamentary precinct? It may be a good thing that when people come to this state to visit the Premier, whoever that may be in the future, and the cabinet room, they actually come into a proper premises that reflects well on Western Australia. If it is the opposition’s policy to downgrade the state and have a second-rate approach, I do not agree with it. I know that I get criticised and that Alston has done a great cartoon about it, but I do not mind all that, and I know that the opposition will try to make this an issue going into the election campaign. Ms M.M. Quirk : It is your belltower. Mr C.J. BARNETT : How brilliant is the member for Girrawheen? Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No member opposite will listen to this — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. I would like to get through a lot more questions today—more than we have been able to achieve over the past few sitting weeks. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Leader of the Opposition and members opposite, this state is the high-growth dominant trade state of Australia. We have a closer relationship with Japan, China, Korea and India than does any other state. If members opposite do not believe that Western Australia should put on a good front to the rapidly growing economies of Asia, they are misguided. If they believe that we should take a second-rate approach, I do not agree with them. This building will not be lavish or over the top; it will reflect well on Western Australia, the cabinet and the Premier, whoever that may be, and it is about time the state had the guts to make a decision like this. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call to order the Minister for Regional Development and, for the second time today, the member for Albany. I want to hear the Leader of the Opposition’s supplementary question.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is fair enough. Mrs M.H. Roberts : It will have carpets and curtains. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It will probably have polished floorboards too and have the holes in the roof repaired so that water does not gush in. Mr P.B. Watson : Will it have wide enough doors for you to get through? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I tell you what, member for Albany, at least I will get there; you never will. I doubt that anyone on that side will get there for a long, long time. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The alternative, which the opposition does not have a view on, apparently, is to maintain accommodation similar to what is in use at present, which by that time would probably cost close to $2 million a year in rent. Do the sums. If the opposition does not agree with creating a proper Premier’s office and cabinet room, would the opposition commit $2 million a year for rented accommodation, or does the opposition think that it might be wise for the government to own its own property as part of the parliamentary precinct? It may be a good thing that when people come to this state to visit the Premier, whoever that may be in the future, and the cabinet room, they actually come into a proper premises that reflects well on Western Australia. If it is the opposition’s policy to downgrade the state and have a second-rate approach, I do not agree with it. I know that I get criticised and that Alston has done a great cartoon about it, but I do not mind all that, and I know that the opposition will try to make this an issue going into the election campaign. Ms M.M. Quirk : It is your belltower. Mr C.J. BARNETT : How brilliant is the member for Girrawheen? Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No member opposite will listen to this — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. I would like to get through a lot more questions today—more than we have been able to achieve over the past few sitting weeks. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Leader of the Opposition and members opposite, this state is the high-growth dominant trade state of Australia. We have a closer relationship with Japan, China, Korea and India than does any other state. If members opposite do not believe that Western Australia should put on a good front to the rapidly growing economies of Asia, they are misguided. If they believe that we should take a second-rate approach, I do not agree with them. This building will not be lavish or over the top; it will reflect well on Western Australia, the cabinet and the Premier, whoever that may be, and it is about time the state had the guts to make a decision like this. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call to order the Minister for Regional Development and, for the second time today, the member for Albany. I want to hear the Leader of the Opposition’s supplementary question.
Mrs M.H. Roberts : It will have carpets and curtains. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It will probably have polished floorboards too and have the holes in the roof repaired so that water does not gush in. Mr P.B. Watson : Will it have wide enough doors for you to get through? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I tell you what, member for Albany, at least I will get there; you never will. I doubt that anyone on that side will get there for a long, long time. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The alternative, which the opposition does not have a view on, apparently, is to maintain accommodation similar to what is in use at present, which by that time would probably cost close to $2 million a year in rent. Do the sums. If the opposition does not agree with creating a proper Premier’s office and cabinet room, would the opposition commit $2 million a year for rented accommodation, or does the opposition think that it might be wise for the government to own its own property as part of the parliamentary precinct? It may be a good thing that when people come to this state to visit the Premier, whoever that may be in the future, and the cabinet room, they actually come into a proper premises that reflects well on Western Australia. If it is the opposition’s policy to downgrade the state and have a second-rate approach, I do not agree with it. I know that I get criticised and that Alston has done a great cartoon about it, but I do not mind all that, and I know that the opposition will try to make this an issue going into the election campaign. Ms M.M. Quirk : It is your belltower. Mr C.J. BARNETT : How brilliant is the member for Girrawheen? Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No member opposite will listen to this — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. I would like to get through a lot more questions today—more than we have been able to achieve over the past few sitting weeks. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Leader of the Opposition and members opposite, this state is the high-growth dominant trade state of Australia. We have a closer relationship with Japan, China, Korea and India than does any other state. If members opposite do not believe that Western Australia should put on a good front to the rapidly growing economies of Asia, they are misguided. If they believe that we should take a second-rate approach, I do not agree with them. This building will not be lavish or over the top; it will reflect well on Western Australia, the cabinet and the Premier, whoever that may be, and it is about time the state had the guts to make a decision like this. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call to order the Minister for Regional Development and, for the second time today, the member for Albany. I want to hear the Leader of the Opposition’s supplementary question.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : It will probably have polished floorboards too and have the holes in the roof repaired so that water does not gush in. Mr P.B. Watson : Will it have wide enough doors for you to get through? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I tell you what, member for Albany, at least I will get there; you never will. I doubt that anyone on that side will get there for a long, long time. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The alternative, which the opposition does not have a view on, apparently, is to maintain accommodation similar to what is in use at present, which by that time would probably cost close to $2 million a year in rent. Do the sums. If the opposition does not agree with creating a proper Premier’s office and cabinet room, would the opposition commit $2 million a year for rented accommodation, or does the opposition think that it might be wise for the government to own its own property as part of the parliamentary precinct? It may be a good thing that when people come to this state to visit the Premier, whoever that may be in the future, and the cabinet room, they actually come into a proper premises that reflects well on Western Australia. If it is the opposition’s policy to downgrade the state and have a second-rate approach, I do not agree with it. I know that I get criticised and that Alston has done a great cartoon about it, but I do not mind all that, and I know that the opposition will try to make this an issue going into the election campaign. Ms M.M. Quirk : It is your belltower. Mr C.J. BARNETT : How brilliant is the member for Girrawheen? Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No member opposite will listen to this — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. I would like to get through a lot more questions today—more than we have been able to achieve over the past few sitting weeks. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Leader of the Opposition and members opposite, this state is the high-growth dominant trade state of Australia. We have a closer relationship with Japan, China, Korea and India than does any other state. If members opposite do not believe that Western Australia should put on a good front to the rapidly growing economies of Asia, they are misguided. If they believe that we should take a second-rate approach, I do not agree with them. This building will not be lavish or over the top; it will reflect well on Western Australia, the cabinet and the Premier, whoever that may be, and it is about time the state had the guts to make a decision like this. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call to order the Minister for Regional Development and, for the second time today, the member for Albany. I want to hear the Leader of the Opposition’s supplementary question.
Mr P.B. Watson : Will it have wide enough doors for you to get through? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I tell you what, member for Albany, at least I will get there; you never will. I doubt that anyone on that side will get there for a long, long time. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The alternative, which the opposition does not have a view on, apparently, is to maintain accommodation similar to what is in use at present, which by that time would probably cost close to $2 million a year in rent. Do the sums. If the opposition does not agree with creating a proper Premier’s office and cabinet room, would the opposition commit $2 million a year for rented accommodation, or does the opposition think that it might be wise for the government to own its own property as part of the parliamentary precinct? It may be a good thing that when people come to this state to visit the Premier, whoever that may be in the future, and the cabinet room, they actually come into a proper premises that reflects well on Western Australia. If it is the opposition’s policy to downgrade the state and have a second-rate approach, I do not agree with it. I know that I get criticised and that Alston has done a great cartoon about it, but I do not mind all that, and I know that the opposition will try to make this an issue going into the election campaign. Ms M.M. Quirk : It is your belltower. Mr C.J. BARNETT : How brilliant is the member for Girrawheen? Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No member opposite will listen to this — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. I would like to get through a lot more questions today—more than we have been able to achieve over the past few sitting weeks. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Leader of the Opposition and members opposite, this state is the high-growth dominant trade state of Australia. We have a closer relationship with Japan, China, Korea and India than does any other state. If members opposite do not believe that Western Australia should put on a good front to the rapidly growing economies of Asia, they are misguided. If they believe that we should take a second-rate approach, I do not agree with them. This building will not be lavish or over the top; it will reflect well on Western Australia, the cabinet and the Premier, whoever that may be, and it is about time the state had the guts to make a decision like this. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call to order the Minister for Regional Development and, for the second time today, the member for Albany. I want to hear the Leader of the Opposition’s supplementary question.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I tell you what, member for Albany, at least I will get there; you never will. I doubt that anyone on that side will get there for a long, long time. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The alternative, which the opposition does not have a view on, apparently, is to maintain accommodation similar to what is in use at present, which by that time would probably cost close to $2 million a year in rent. Do the sums. If the opposition does not agree with creating a proper Premier’s office and cabinet room, would the opposition commit $2 million a year for rented accommodation, or does the opposition think that it might be wise for the government to own its own property as part of the parliamentary precinct? It may be a good thing that when people come to this state to visit the Premier, whoever that may be in the future, and the cabinet room, they actually come into a proper premises that reflects well on Western Australia. If it is the opposition’s policy to downgrade the state and have a second-rate approach, I do not agree with it. I know that I get criticised and that Alston has done a great cartoon about it, but I do not mind all that, and I know that the opposition will try to make this an issue going into the election campaign. Ms M.M. Quirk : It is your belltower. Mr C.J. BARNETT : How brilliant is the member for Girrawheen? Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No member opposite will listen to this — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. I would like to get through a lot more questions today—more than we have been able to achieve over the past few sitting weeks. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Leader of the Opposition and members opposite, this state is the high-growth dominant trade state of Australia. We have a closer relationship with Japan, China, Korea and India than does any other state. If members opposite do not believe that Western Australia should put on a good front to the rapidly growing economies of Asia, they are misguided. If they believe that we should take a second-rate approach, I do not agree with them. This building will not be lavish or over the top; it will reflect well on Western Australia, the cabinet and the Premier, whoever that may be, and it is about time the state had the guts to make a decision like this. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call to order the Minister for Regional Development and, for the second time today, the member for Albany. I want to hear the Leader of the Opposition’s supplementary question.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The alternative, which the opposition does not have a view on, apparently, is to maintain accommodation similar to what is in use at present, which by that time would probably cost close to $2 million a year in rent. Do the sums. If the opposition does not agree with creating a proper Premier’s office and cabinet room, would the opposition commit $2 million a year for rented accommodation, or does the opposition think that it might be wise for the government to own its own property as part of the parliamentary precinct? It may be a good thing that when people come to this state to visit the Premier, whoever that may be in the future, and the cabinet room, they actually come into a proper premises that reflects well on Western Australia. If it is the opposition’s policy to downgrade the state and have a second-rate approach, I do not agree with it. I know that I get criticised and that Alston has done a great cartoon about it, but I do not mind all that, and I know that the opposition will try to make this an issue going into the election campaign. Ms M.M. Quirk : It is your belltower. Mr C.J. BARNETT : How brilliant is the member for Girrawheen? Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No member opposite will listen to this — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. I would like to get through a lot more questions today—more than we have been able to achieve over the past few sitting weeks. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Leader of the Opposition and members opposite, this state is the high-growth dominant trade state of Australia. We have a closer relationship with Japan, China, Korea and India than does any other state. If members opposite do not believe that Western Australia should put on a good front to the rapidly growing economies of Asia, they are misguided. If they believe that we should take a second-rate approach, I do not agree with them. This building will not be lavish or over the top; it will reflect well on Western Australia, the cabinet and the Premier, whoever that may be, and it is about time the state had the guts to make a decision like this. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call to order the Minister for Regional Development and, for the second time today, the member for Albany. I want to hear the Leader of the Opposition’s supplementary question.
The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The alternative, which the opposition does not have a view on, apparently, is to maintain accommodation similar to what is in use at present, which by that time would probably cost close to $2 million a year in rent. Do the sums. If the opposition does not agree with creating a proper Premier’s office and cabinet room, would the opposition commit $2 million a year for rented accommodation, or does the opposition think that it might be wise for the government to own its own property as part of the parliamentary precinct? It may be a good thing that when people come to this state to visit the Premier, whoever that may be in the future, and the cabinet room, they actually come into a proper premises that reflects well on Western Australia. If it is the opposition’s policy to downgrade the state and have a second-rate approach, I do not agree with it. I know that I get criticised and that Alston has done a great cartoon about it, but I do not mind all that, and I know that the opposition will try to make this an issue going into the election campaign. Ms M.M. Quirk : It is your belltower. Mr C.J. BARNETT : How brilliant is the member for Girrawheen? Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No member opposite will listen to this — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. I would like to get through a lot more questions today—more than we have been able to achieve over the past few sitting weeks. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Leader of the Opposition and members opposite, this state is the high-growth dominant trade state of Australia. We have a closer relationship with Japan, China, Korea and India than does any other state. If members opposite do not believe that Western Australia should put on a good front to the rapidly growing economies of Asia, they are misguided. If they believe that we should take a second-rate approach, I do not agree with them. This building will not be lavish or over the top; it will reflect well on Western Australia, the cabinet and the Premier, whoever that may be, and it is about time the state had the guts to make a decision like this. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call to order the Minister for Regional Development and, for the second time today, the member for Albany. I want to hear the Leader of the Opposition’s supplementary question.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : The alternative, which the opposition does not have a view on, apparently, is to maintain accommodation similar to what is in use at present, which by that time would probably cost close to $2 million a year in rent. Do the sums. If the opposition does not agree with creating a proper Premier’s office and cabinet room, would the opposition commit $2 million a year for rented accommodation, or does the opposition think that it might be wise for the government to own its own property as part of the parliamentary precinct? It may be a good thing that when people come to this state to visit the Premier, whoever that may be in the future, and the cabinet room, they actually come into a proper premises that reflects well on Western Australia. If it is the opposition’s policy to downgrade the state and have a second-rate approach, I do not agree with it. I know that I get criticised and that Alston has done a great cartoon about it, but I do not mind all that, and I know that the opposition will try to make this an issue going into the election campaign. Ms M.M. Quirk : It is your belltower. Mr C.J. BARNETT : How brilliant is the member for Girrawheen? Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No member opposite will listen to this — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. I would like to get through a lot more questions today—more than we have been able to achieve over the past few sitting weeks. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Leader of the Opposition and members opposite, this state is the high-growth dominant trade state of Australia. We have a closer relationship with Japan, China, Korea and India than does any other state. If members opposite do not believe that Western Australia should put on a good front to the rapidly growing economies of Asia, they are misguided. If they believe that we should take a second-rate approach, I do not agree with them. This building will not be lavish or over the top; it will reflect well on Western Australia, the cabinet and the Premier, whoever that may be, and it is about time the state had the guts to make a decision like this. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call to order the Minister for Regional Development and, for the second time today, the member for Albany. I want to hear the Leader of the Opposition’s supplementary question.
Ms M.M. Quirk : It is your belltower. Mr C.J. BARNETT : How brilliant is the member for Girrawheen? Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No member opposite will listen to this — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. I would like to get through a lot more questions today—more than we have been able to achieve over the past few sitting weeks. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Leader of the Opposition and members opposite, this state is the high-growth dominant trade state of Australia. We have a closer relationship with Japan, China, Korea and India than does any other state. If members opposite do not believe that Western Australia should put on a good front to the rapidly growing economies of Asia, they are misguided. If they believe that we should take a second-rate approach, I do not agree with them. This building will not be lavish or over the top; it will reflect well on Western Australia, the cabinet and the Premier, whoever that may be, and it is about time the state had the guts to make a decision like this. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call to order the Minister for Regional Development and, for the second time today, the member for Albany. I want to hear the Leader of the Opposition’s supplementary question.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : How brilliant is the member for Girrawheen? Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No member opposite will listen to this — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. I would like to get through a lot more questions today—more than we have been able to achieve over the past few sitting weeks. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Leader of the Opposition and members opposite, this state is the high-growth dominant trade state of Australia. We have a closer relationship with Japan, China, Korea and India than does any other state. If members opposite do not believe that Western Australia should put on a good front to the rapidly growing economies of Asia, they are misguided. If they believe that we should take a second-rate approach, I do not agree with them. This building will not be lavish or over the top; it will reflect well on Western Australia, the cabinet and the Premier, whoever that may be, and it is about time the state had the guts to make a decision like this. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call to order the Minister for Regional Development and, for the second time today, the member for Albany. I want to hear the Leader of the Opposition’s supplementary question.
Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No member opposite will listen to this — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. I would like to get through a lot more questions today—more than we have been able to achieve over the past few sitting weeks. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Leader of the Opposition and members opposite, this state is the high-growth dominant trade state of Australia. We have a closer relationship with Japan, China, Korea and India than does any other state. If members opposite do not believe that Western Australia should put on a good front to the rapidly growing economies of Asia, they are misguided. If they believe that we should take a second-rate approach, I do not agree with them. This building will not be lavish or over the top; it will reflect well on Western Australia, the cabinet and the Premier, whoever that may be, and it is about time the state had the guts to make a decision like this. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call to order the Minister for Regional Development and, for the second time today, the member for Albany. I want to hear the Leader of the Opposition’s supplementary question.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : No member opposite will listen to this — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. I would like to get through a lot more questions today—more than we have been able to achieve over the past few sitting weeks. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Leader of the Opposition and members opposite, this state is the high-growth dominant trade state of Australia. We have a closer relationship with Japan, China, Korea and India than does any other state. If members opposite do not believe that Western Australia should put on a good front to the rapidly growing economies of Asia, they are misguided. If they believe that we should take a second-rate approach, I do not agree with them. This building will not be lavish or over the top; it will reflect well on Western Australia, the cabinet and the Premier, whoever that may be, and it is about time the state had the guts to make a decision like this. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call to order the Minister for Regional Development and, for the second time today, the member for Albany. I want to hear the Leader of the Opposition’s supplementary question.
The SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. I would like to get through a lot more questions today—more than we have been able to achieve over the past few sitting weeks. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Leader of the Opposition and members opposite, this state is the high-growth dominant trade state of Australia. We have a closer relationship with Japan, China, Korea and India than does any other state. If members opposite do not believe that Western Australia should put on a good front to the rapidly growing economies of Asia, they are misguided. If they believe that we should take a second-rate approach, I do not agree with them. This building will not be lavish or over the top; it will reflect well on Western Australia, the cabinet and the Premier, whoever that may be, and it is about time the state had the guts to make a decision like this. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call to order the Minister for Regional Development and, for the second time today, the member for Albany. I want to hear the Leader of the Opposition’s supplementary question.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : Leader of the Opposition and members opposite, this state is the high-growth dominant trade state of Australia. We have a closer relationship with Japan, China, Korea and India than does any other state. If members opposite do not believe that Western Australia should put on a good front to the rapidly growing economies of Asia, they are misguided. If they believe that we should take a second-rate approach, I do not agree with them. This building will not be lavish or over the top; it will reflect well on Western Australia, the cabinet and the Premier, whoever that may be, and it is about time the state had the guts to make a decision like this. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call to order the Minister for Regional Development and, for the second time today, the member for Albany. I want to hear the Leader of the Opposition’s supplementary question.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call to order the Minister for Regional Development and, for the second time today, the member for Albany. I want to hear the Leader of the Opposition’s supplementary question.
The SPEAKER : I formally call to order the Minister for Regional Development and, for the second time today, the member for Albany. I want to hear the Leader of the Opposition’s supplementary question.
Explore WA Government Data
Search the full archive in the free dashboard, or query programmatically via API.
Explore more
Government Gazette
Appointments, regulatory notices, planning changes.
Hansard
Debates, questions, speeches and sentiment.
Tabled Papers
Reports and documents tabled in Parliament.
Committees
Committee profiles and recent reports.
Regulations
Subsidiary legislation with filters and summaries.
Bills
Proposed laws and parliamentary progress.
Acts
Current WA legislation and summaries.
Explanatory Memoranda
Bills with EMs (text/PDF) available.
Members
MP profiles, party breakdown and rankings.
Pollie Rankings
Data-driven rankings across 19 categories.
Amendment Chains
Track how schemes and regulations evolve over time.