❓ Question concerns the government's response to a report on the Balga Works program. The Minister provides a historical overview, defends the department's response, and addresses concerns about employee compensation.
AnsweredQoN 125Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
BALGA WORKS PROGRAM — STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT
I refer to the government’s response to the report of the Standing Committee on Estimates and Financial Operations into the Balga Works program. (1) Has the minister read the standing committee’s report into Balga Works? (2) Is the minister satisfied with the department’s response to the report? (3) Did the minister consult with the Minister for Training before signing off on the government’s response to the report; and, if not, why not? (4) Will the minister now implement all the recommendations of the report; and, if so, in what time frame? Dr E. CONSTABLE
I refer to the government’s response to the report of the Standing Committee on Estimates and Financial Operations into the Balga Works program. (1) Has the minister read the standing committee’s report into Balga Works? (2) Is the minister satisfied with the department’s response to the report? (3) Did the minister consult with the Minister for Training before signing off on the government’s response to the report; and, if not, why not? (4) Will the minister now implement all the recommendations of the report; and, if so, in what time frame? Dr E. CONSTABLE
AnswerView source ↗
(1)-(4) It is a little bit rich for members of the opposition to come into this place and ask questions about Balga Works. Perhaps a history lesson might help. Mr M. McGowan : Have you read it? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Yes, I have read it. The story began in 2004 when the member for Willagee was the Minister for Education and Training. He showed his concern about that program quite early in the process. It continued when Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich became the minister, and I have a wonderful headline in front of me, “Ravlich endorsed troubled program”. Mr M. McGowan : Really? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Yes. Under the next Labor Minister for Education and Training, the member for Rockingham, the concern continued, and the inquiry took place when he was the minister. During that time money was thrown around like confetti by the Labor Party. Mrs M.H. Roberts : You haven’t looked at the report. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have read the report and I am satisfied with the department’s response. In fact, the report was done and dusted and completed before I became the minister. I signed off on the report after I received a very lengthy briefing and had discussed the report with the director general and other members of the department. All up, the department accepted the majority of recommendations and has put in place action to deal with those recommendations. I suspect that the recommendations that are in question in the minds of the Labor Party members, although I do not know why, are those dealing with compensation to employees of Hurson Pty Ltd. Legal advice has been obtained that it is for the employer of those workers to pay their entitlements, not the Department of Education and Training. However, if any of those people feel aggrieved, it is open for them to take action if they wish to do so.
(1) Has the minister read the standing committee’s report into Balga Works? (2) Is the minister satisfied with the department’s response to the report? (3) Did the minister consult with the Minister for Training before signing off on the government’s response to the report; and, if not, why not? (4) Will the minister now implement all the recommendations of the report; and, if so, in what time frame? Dr E. CONSTABLE replied: (1)-(4) It is a little bit rich for members of the opposition to come into this place and ask questions about Balga Works. Perhaps a history lesson might help. Mr M. McGowan : Have you read it? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Yes, I have read it. The story began in 2004 when the member for Willagee was the Minister for Education and Training. He showed his concern about that program quite early in the process. It continued when Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich became the minister, and I have a wonderful headline in front of me, “Ravlich endorsed troubled program”. Mr M. McGowan : Really? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Yes. Under the next Labor Minister for Education and Training, the member for Rockingham, the concern continued, and the inquiry took place when he was the minister. During that time money was thrown around like confetti by the Labor Party. Mrs M.H. Roberts : You haven’t looked at the report. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have read the report and I am satisfied with the department’s response. In fact, the report was done and dusted and completed before I became the minister. I signed off on the report after I received a very lengthy briefing and had discussed the report with the director general and other members of the department. All up, the department accepted the majority of recommendations and has put in place action to deal with those recommendations. I suspect that the recommendations that are in question in the minds of the Labor Party members, although I do not know why, are those dealing with compensation to employees of Hurson Pty Ltd. Legal advice has been obtained that it is for the employer of those workers to pay their entitlements, not the Department of Education and Training. However, if any of those people feel aggrieved, it is open for them to take action if they wish to do so.
(2) Is the minister satisfied with the department’s response to the report? (3) Did the minister consult with the Minister for Training before signing off on the government’s response to the report; and, if not, why not? (4) Will the minister now implement all the recommendations of the report; and, if so, in what time frame? Dr E. CONSTABLE replied: (1)-(4) It is a little bit rich for members of the opposition to come into this place and ask questions about Balga Works. Perhaps a history lesson might help. Mr M. McGowan : Have you read it? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Yes, I have read it. The story began in 2004 when the member for Willagee was the Minister for Education and Training. He showed his concern about that program quite early in the process. It continued when Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich became the minister, and I have a wonderful headline in front of me, “Ravlich endorsed troubled program”. Mr M. McGowan : Really? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Yes. Under the next Labor Minister for Education and Training, the member for Rockingham, the concern continued, and the inquiry took place when he was the minister. During that time money was thrown around like confetti by the Labor Party. Mrs M.H. Roberts : You haven’t looked at the report. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have read the report and I am satisfied with the department’s response. In fact, the report was done and dusted and completed before I became the minister. I signed off on the report after I received a very lengthy briefing and had discussed the report with the director general and other members of the department. All up, the department accepted the majority of recommendations and has put in place action to deal with those recommendations. I suspect that the recommendations that are in question in the minds of the Labor Party members, although I do not know why, are those dealing with compensation to employees of Hurson Pty Ltd. Legal advice has been obtained that it is for the employer of those workers to pay their entitlements, not the Department of Education and Training. However, if any of those people feel aggrieved, it is open for them to take action if they wish to do so.
(3) Did the minister consult with the Minister for Training before signing off on the government’s response to the report; and, if not, why not? (4) Will the minister now implement all the recommendations of the report; and, if so, in what time frame? Dr E. CONSTABLE replied: (1)-(4) It is a little bit rich for members of the opposition to come into this place and ask questions about Balga Works. Perhaps a history lesson might help. Mr M. McGowan : Have you read it? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Yes, I have read it. The story began in 2004 when the member for Willagee was the Minister for Education and Training. He showed his concern about that program quite early in the process. It continued when Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich became the minister, and I have a wonderful headline in front of me, “Ravlich endorsed troubled program”. Mr M. McGowan : Really? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Yes. Under the next Labor Minister for Education and Training, the member for Rockingham, the concern continued, and the inquiry took place when he was the minister. During that time money was thrown around like confetti by the Labor Party. Mrs M.H. Roberts : You haven’t looked at the report. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have read the report and I am satisfied with the department’s response. In fact, the report was done and dusted and completed before I became the minister. I signed off on the report after I received a very lengthy briefing and had discussed the report with the director general and other members of the department. All up, the department accepted the majority of recommendations and has put in place action to deal with those recommendations. I suspect that the recommendations that are in question in the minds of the Labor Party members, although I do not know why, are those dealing with compensation to employees of Hurson Pty Ltd. Legal advice has been obtained that it is for the employer of those workers to pay their entitlements, not the Department of Education and Training. However, if any of those people feel aggrieved, it is open for them to take action if they wish to do so.
(4) Will the minister now implement all the recommendations of the report; and, if so, in what time frame? Dr E. CONSTABLE replied: (1)-(4) It is a little bit rich for members of the opposition to come into this place and ask questions about Balga Works. Perhaps a history lesson might help. Mr M. McGowan : Have you read it? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Yes, I have read it. The story began in 2004 when the member for Willagee was the Minister for Education and Training. He showed his concern about that program quite early in the process. It continued when Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich became the minister, and I have a wonderful headline in front of me, “Ravlich endorsed troubled program”. Mr M. McGowan : Really? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Yes. Under the next Labor Minister for Education and Training, the member for Rockingham, the concern continued, and the inquiry took place when he was the minister. During that time money was thrown around like confetti by the Labor Party. Mrs M.H. Roberts : You haven’t looked at the report. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have read the report and I am satisfied with the department’s response. In fact, the report was done and dusted and completed before I became the minister. I signed off on the report after I received a very lengthy briefing and had discussed the report with the director general and other members of the department. All up, the department accepted the majority of recommendations and has put in place action to deal with those recommendations. I suspect that the recommendations that are in question in the minds of the Labor Party members, although I do not know why, are those dealing with compensation to employees of Hurson Pty Ltd. Legal advice has been obtained that it is for the employer of those workers to pay their entitlements, not the Department of Education and Training. However, if any of those people feel aggrieved, it is open for them to take action if they wish to do so.
Dr E. CONSTABLE replied: (1)-(4) It is a little bit rich for members of the opposition to come into this place and ask questions about Balga Works. Perhaps a history lesson might help. Mr M. McGowan : Have you read it? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Yes, I have read it. The story began in 2004 when the member for Willagee was the Minister for Education and Training. He showed his concern about that program quite early in the process. It continued when Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich became the minister, and I have a wonderful headline in front of me, “Ravlich endorsed troubled program”. Mr M. McGowan : Really? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Yes. Under the next Labor Minister for Education and Training, the member for Rockingham, the concern continued, and the inquiry took place when he was the minister. During that time money was thrown around like confetti by the Labor Party. Mrs M.H. Roberts : You haven’t looked at the report. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have read the report and I am satisfied with the department’s response. In fact, the report was done and dusted and completed before I became the minister. I signed off on the report after I received a very lengthy briefing and had discussed the report with the director general and other members of the department. All up, the department accepted the majority of recommendations and has put in place action to deal with those recommendations. I suspect that the recommendations that are in question in the minds of the Labor Party members, although I do not know why, are those dealing with compensation to employees of Hurson Pty Ltd. Legal advice has been obtained that it is for the employer of those workers to pay their entitlements, not the Department of Education and Training. However, if any of those people feel aggrieved, it is open for them to take action if they wish to do so.
(1)-(4) It is a little bit rich for members of the opposition to come into this place and ask questions about Balga Works. Perhaps a history lesson might help. Mr M. McGowan : Have you read it? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Yes, I have read it. The story began in 2004 when the member for Willagee was the Minister for Education and Training. He showed his concern about that program quite early in the process. It continued when Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich became the minister, and I have a wonderful headline in front of me, “Ravlich endorsed troubled program”. Mr M. McGowan : Really? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Yes. Under the next Labor Minister for Education and Training, the member for Rockingham, the concern continued, and the inquiry took place when he was the minister. During that time money was thrown around like confetti by the Labor Party. Mrs M.H. Roberts : You haven’t looked at the report. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have read the report and I am satisfied with the department’s response. In fact, the report was done and dusted and completed before I became the minister. I signed off on the report after I received a very lengthy briefing and had discussed the report with the director general and other members of the department. All up, the department accepted the majority of recommendations and has put in place action to deal with those recommendations. I suspect that the recommendations that are in question in the minds of the Labor Party members, although I do not know why, are those dealing with compensation to employees of Hurson Pty Ltd. Legal advice has been obtained that it is for the employer of those workers to pay their entitlements, not the Department of Education and Training. However, if any of those people feel aggrieved, it is open for them to take action if they wish to do so.
Mr M. McGowan : Have you read it? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Yes, I have read it. The story began in 2004 when the member for Willagee was the Minister for Education and Training. He showed his concern about that program quite early in the process. It continued when Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich became the minister, and I have a wonderful headline in front of me, “Ravlich endorsed troubled program”. Mr M. McGowan : Really? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Yes. Under the next Labor Minister for Education and Training, the member for Rockingham, the concern continued, and the inquiry took place when he was the minister. During that time money was thrown around like confetti by the Labor Party. Mrs M.H. Roberts : You haven’t looked at the report. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have read the report and I am satisfied with the department’s response. In fact, the report was done and dusted and completed before I became the minister. I signed off on the report after I received a very lengthy briefing and had discussed the report with the director general and other members of the department. All up, the department accepted the majority of recommendations and has put in place action to deal with those recommendations. I suspect that the recommendations that are in question in the minds of the Labor Party members, although I do not know why, are those dealing with compensation to employees of Hurson Pty Ltd. Legal advice has been obtained that it is for the employer of those workers to pay their entitlements, not the Department of Education and Training. However, if any of those people feel aggrieved, it is open for them to take action if they wish to do so.
Dr E. CONSTABLE : Yes, I have read it. The story began in 2004 when the member for Willagee was the Minister for Education and Training. He showed his concern about that program quite early in the process. It continued when Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich became the minister, and I have a wonderful headline in front of me, “Ravlich endorsed troubled program”. Mr M. McGowan : Really? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Yes. Under the next Labor Minister for Education and Training, the member for Rockingham, the concern continued, and the inquiry took place when he was the minister. During that time money was thrown around like confetti by the Labor Party. Mrs M.H. Roberts : You haven’t looked at the report. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have read the report and I am satisfied with the department’s response. In fact, the report was done and dusted and completed before I became the minister. I signed off on the report after I received a very lengthy briefing and had discussed the report with the director general and other members of the department. All up, the department accepted the majority of recommendations and has put in place action to deal with those recommendations. I suspect that the recommendations that are in question in the minds of the Labor Party members, although I do not know why, are those dealing with compensation to employees of Hurson Pty Ltd. Legal advice has been obtained that it is for the employer of those workers to pay their entitlements, not the Department of Education and Training. However, if any of those people feel aggrieved, it is open for them to take action if they wish to do so.
The story began in 2004 when the member for Willagee was the Minister for Education and Training. He showed his concern about that program quite early in the process. It continued when Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich became the minister, and I have a wonderful headline in front of me, “Ravlich endorsed troubled program”. Mr M. McGowan : Really? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Yes. Under the next Labor Minister for Education and Training, the member for Rockingham, the concern continued, and the inquiry took place when he was the minister. During that time money was thrown around like confetti by the Labor Party. Mrs M.H. Roberts : You haven’t looked at the report. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have read the report and I am satisfied with the department’s response. In fact, the report was done and dusted and completed before I became the minister. I signed off on the report after I received a very lengthy briefing and had discussed the report with the director general and other members of the department. All up, the department accepted the majority of recommendations and has put in place action to deal with those recommendations. I suspect that the recommendations that are in question in the minds of the Labor Party members, although I do not know why, are those dealing with compensation to employees of Hurson Pty Ltd. Legal advice has been obtained that it is for the employer of those workers to pay their entitlements, not the Department of Education and Training. However, if any of those people feel aggrieved, it is open for them to take action if they wish to do so.
Mr M. McGowan : Really? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Yes. Under the next Labor Minister for Education and Training, the member for Rockingham, the concern continued, and the inquiry took place when he was the minister. During that time money was thrown around like confetti by the Labor Party. Mrs M.H. Roberts : You haven’t looked at the report. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have read the report and I am satisfied with the department’s response. In fact, the report was done and dusted and completed before I became the minister. I signed off on the report after I received a very lengthy briefing and had discussed the report with the director general and other members of the department. All up, the department accepted the majority of recommendations and has put in place action to deal with those recommendations. I suspect that the recommendations that are in question in the minds of the Labor Party members, although I do not know why, are those dealing with compensation to employees of Hurson Pty Ltd. Legal advice has been obtained that it is for the employer of those workers to pay their entitlements, not the Department of Education and Training. However, if any of those people feel aggrieved, it is open for them to take action if they wish to do so.
Dr E. CONSTABLE : Yes. Under the next Labor Minister for Education and Training, the member for Rockingham, the concern continued, and the inquiry took place when he was the minister. During that time money was thrown around like confetti by the Labor Party. Mrs M.H. Roberts : You haven’t looked at the report. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have read the report and I am satisfied with the department’s response. In fact, the report was done and dusted and completed before I became the minister. I signed off on the report after I received a very lengthy briefing and had discussed the report with the director general and other members of the department. All up, the department accepted the majority of recommendations and has put in place action to deal with those recommendations. I suspect that the recommendations that are in question in the minds of the Labor Party members, although I do not know why, are those dealing with compensation to employees of Hurson Pty Ltd. Legal advice has been obtained that it is for the employer of those workers to pay their entitlements, not the Department of Education and Training. However, if any of those people feel aggrieved, it is open for them to take action if they wish to do so.
Mrs M.H. Roberts : You haven’t looked at the report. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have read the report and I am satisfied with the department’s response. In fact, the report was done and dusted and completed before I became the minister. I signed off on the report after I received a very lengthy briefing and had discussed the report with the director general and other members of the department. All up, the department accepted the majority of recommendations and has put in place action to deal with those recommendations. I suspect that the recommendations that are in question in the minds of the Labor Party members, although I do not know why, are those dealing with compensation to employees of Hurson Pty Ltd. Legal advice has been obtained that it is for the employer of those workers to pay their entitlements, not the Department of Education and Training. However, if any of those people feel aggrieved, it is open for them to take action if they wish to do so.
Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have read the report and I am satisfied with the department’s response. In fact, the report was done and dusted and completed before I became the minister. I signed off on the report after I received a very lengthy briefing and had discussed the report with the director general and other members of the department. All up, the department accepted the majority of recommendations and has put in place action to deal with those recommendations. I suspect that the recommendations that are in question in the minds of the Labor Party members, although I do not know why, are those dealing with compensation to employees of Hurson Pty Ltd. Legal advice has been obtained that it is for the employer of those workers to pay their entitlements, not the Department of Education and Training. However, if any of those people feel aggrieved, it is open for them to take action if they wish to do so.
I suspect that the recommendations that are in question in the minds of the Labor Party members, although I do not know why, are those dealing with compensation to employees of Hurson Pty Ltd. Legal advice has been obtained that it is for the employer of those workers to pay their entitlements, not the Department of Education and Training. However, if any of those people feel aggrieved, it is open for them to take action if they wish to do so.
(1) Has the minister read the standing committee’s report into Balga Works? (2) Is the minister satisfied with the department’s response to the report? (3) Did the minister consult with the Minister for Training before signing off on the government’s response to the report; and, if not, why not? (4) Will the minister now implement all the recommendations of the report; and, if so, in what time frame? Dr E. CONSTABLE replied: (1)-(4) It is a little bit rich for members of the opposition to come into this place and ask questions about Balga Works. Perhaps a history lesson might help. Mr M. McGowan : Have you read it? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Yes, I have read it. The story began in 2004 when the member for Willagee was the Minister for Education and Training. He showed his concern about that program quite early in the process. It continued when Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich became the minister, and I have a wonderful headline in front of me, “Ravlich endorsed troubled program”. Mr M. McGowan : Really? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Yes. Under the next Labor Minister for Education and Training, the member for Rockingham, the concern continued, and the inquiry took place when he was the minister. During that time money was thrown around like confetti by the Labor Party. Mrs M.H. Roberts : You haven’t looked at the report. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have read the report and I am satisfied with the department’s response. In fact, the report was done and dusted and completed before I became the minister. I signed off on the report after I received a very lengthy briefing and had discussed the report with the director general and other members of the department. All up, the department accepted the majority of recommendations and has put in place action to deal with those recommendations. I suspect that the recommendations that are in question in the minds of the Labor Party members, although I do not know why, are those dealing with compensation to employees of Hurson Pty Ltd. Legal advice has been obtained that it is for the employer of those workers to pay their entitlements, not the Department of Education and Training. However, if any of those people feel aggrieved, it is open for them to take action if they wish to do so.
(2) Is the minister satisfied with the department’s response to the report? (3) Did the minister consult with the Minister for Training before signing off on the government’s response to the report; and, if not, why not? (4) Will the minister now implement all the recommendations of the report; and, if so, in what time frame? Dr E. CONSTABLE replied: (1)-(4) It is a little bit rich for members of the opposition to come into this place and ask questions about Balga Works. Perhaps a history lesson might help. Mr M. McGowan : Have you read it? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Yes, I have read it. The story began in 2004 when the member for Willagee was the Minister for Education and Training. He showed his concern about that program quite early in the process. It continued when Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich became the minister, and I have a wonderful headline in front of me, “Ravlich endorsed troubled program”. Mr M. McGowan : Really? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Yes. Under the next Labor Minister for Education and Training, the member for Rockingham, the concern continued, and the inquiry took place when he was the minister. During that time money was thrown around like confetti by the Labor Party. Mrs M.H. Roberts : You haven’t looked at the report. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have read the report and I am satisfied with the department’s response. In fact, the report was done and dusted and completed before I became the minister. I signed off on the report after I received a very lengthy briefing and had discussed the report with the director general and other members of the department. All up, the department accepted the majority of recommendations and has put in place action to deal with those recommendations. I suspect that the recommendations that are in question in the minds of the Labor Party members, although I do not know why, are those dealing with compensation to employees of Hurson Pty Ltd. Legal advice has been obtained that it is for the employer of those workers to pay their entitlements, not the Department of Education and Training. However, if any of those people feel aggrieved, it is open for them to take action if they wish to do so.
(3) Did the minister consult with the Minister for Training before signing off on the government’s response to the report; and, if not, why not? (4) Will the minister now implement all the recommendations of the report; and, if so, in what time frame? Dr E. CONSTABLE replied: (1)-(4) It is a little bit rich for members of the opposition to come into this place and ask questions about Balga Works. Perhaps a history lesson might help. Mr M. McGowan : Have you read it? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Yes, I have read it. The story began in 2004 when the member for Willagee was the Minister for Education and Training. He showed his concern about that program quite early in the process. It continued when Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich became the minister, and I have a wonderful headline in front of me, “Ravlich endorsed troubled program”. Mr M. McGowan : Really? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Yes. Under the next Labor Minister for Education and Training, the member for Rockingham, the concern continued, and the inquiry took place when he was the minister. During that time money was thrown around like confetti by the Labor Party. Mrs M.H. Roberts : You haven’t looked at the report. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have read the report and I am satisfied with the department’s response. In fact, the report was done and dusted and completed before I became the minister. I signed off on the report after I received a very lengthy briefing and had discussed the report with the director general and other members of the department. All up, the department accepted the majority of recommendations and has put in place action to deal with those recommendations. I suspect that the recommendations that are in question in the minds of the Labor Party members, although I do not know why, are those dealing with compensation to employees of Hurson Pty Ltd. Legal advice has been obtained that it is for the employer of those workers to pay their entitlements, not the Department of Education and Training. However, if any of those people feel aggrieved, it is open for them to take action if they wish to do so.
(4) Will the minister now implement all the recommendations of the report; and, if so, in what time frame? Dr E. CONSTABLE replied: (1)-(4) It is a little bit rich for members of the opposition to come into this place and ask questions about Balga Works. Perhaps a history lesson might help. Mr M. McGowan : Have you read it? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Yes, I have read it. The story began in 2004 when the member for Willagee was the Minister for Education and Training. He showed his concern about that program quite early in the process. It continued when Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich became the minister, and I have a wonderful headline in front of me, “Ravlich endorsed troubled program”. Mr M. McGowan : Really? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Yes. Under the next Labor Minister for Education and Training, the member for Rockingham, the concern continued, and the inquiry took place when he was the minister. During that time money was thrown around like confetti by the Labor Party. Mrs M.H. Roberts : You haven’t looked at the report. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have read the report and I am satisfied with the department’s response. In fact, the report was done and dusted and completed before I became the minister. I signed off on the report after I received a very lengthy briefing and had discussed the report with the director general and other members of the department. All up, the department accepted the majority of recommendations and has put in place action to deal with those recommendations. I suspect that the recommendations that are in question in the minds of the Labor Party members, although I do not know why, are those dealing with compensation to employees of Hurson Pty Ltd. Legal advice has been obtained that it is for the employer of those workers to pay their entitlements, not the Department of Education and Training. However, if any of those people feel aggrieved, it is open for them to take action if they wish to do so.
Dr E. CONSTABLE replied: (1)-(4) It is a little bit rich for members of the opposition to come into this place and ask questions about Balga Works. Perhaps a history lesson might help. Mr M. McGowan : Have you read it? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Yes, I have read it. The story began in 2004 when the member for Willagee was the Minister for Education and Training. He showed his concern about that program quite early in the process. It continued when Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich became the minister, and I have a wonderful headline in front of me, “Ravlich endorsed troubled program”. Mr M. McGowan : Really? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Yes. Under the next Labor Minister for Education and Training, the member for Rockingham, the concern continued, and the inquiry took place when he was the minister. During that time money was thrown around like confetti by the Labor Party. Mrs M.H. Roberts : You haven’t looked at the report. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have read the report and I am satisfied with the department’s response. In fact, the report was done and dusted and completed before I became the minister. I signed off on the report after I received a very lengthy briefing and had discussed the report with the director general and other members of the department. All up, the department accepted the majority of recommendations and has put in place action to deal with those recommendations. I suspect that the recommendations that are in question in the minds of the Labor Party members, although I do not know why, are those dealing with compensation to employees of Hurson Pty Ltd. Legal advice has been obtained that it is for the employer of those workers to pay their entitlements, not the Department of Education and Training. However, if any of those people feel aggrieved, it is open for them to take action if they wish to do so.
(1)-(4) It is a little bit rich for members of the opposition to come into this place and ask questions about Balga Works. Perhaps a history lesson might help. Mr M. McGowan : Have you read it? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Yes, I have read it. The story began in 2004 when the member for Willagee was the Minister for Education and Training. He showed his concern about that program quite early in the process. It continued when Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich became the minister, and I have a wonderful headline in front of me, “Ravlich endorsed troubled program”. Mr M. McGowan : Really? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Yes. Under the next Labor Minister for Education and Training, the member for Rockingham, the concern continued, and the inquiry took place when he was the minister. During that time money was thrown around like confetti by the Labor Party. Mrs M.H. Roberts : You haven’t looked at the report. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have read the report and I am satisfied with the department’s response. In fact, the report was done and dusted and completed before I became the minister. I signed off on the report after I received a very lengthy briefing and had discussed the report with the director general and other members of the department. All up, the department accepted the majority of recommendations and has put in place action to deal with those recommendations. I suspect that the recommendations that are in question in the minds of the Labor Party members, although I do not know why, are those dealing with compensation to employees of Hurson Pty Ltd. Legal advice has been obtained that it is for the employer of those workers to pay their entitlements, not the Department of Education and Training. However, if any of those people feel aggrieved, it is open for them to take action if they wish to do so.
Mr M. McGowan : Have you read it? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Yes, I have read it. The story began in 2004 when the member for Willagee was the Minister for Education and Training. He showed his concern about that program quite early in the process. It continued when Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich became the minister, and I have a wonderful headline in front of me, “Ravlich endorsed troubled program”. Mr M. McGowan : Really? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Yes. Under the next Labor Minister for Education and Training, the member for Rockingham, the concern continued, and the inquiry took place when he was the minister. During that time money was thrown around like confetti by the Labor Party. Mrs M.H. Roberts : You haven’t looked at the report. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have read the report and I am satisfied with the department’s response. In fact, the report was done and dusted and completed before I became the minister. I signed off on the report after I received a very lengthy briefing and had discussed the report with the director general and other members of the department. All up, the department accepted the majority of recommendations and has put in place action to deal with those recommendations. I suspect that the recommendations that are in question in the minds of the Labor Party members, although I do not know why, are those dealing with compensation to employees of Hurson Pty Ltd. Legal advice has been obtained that it is for the employer of those workers to pay their entitlements, not the Department of Education and Training. However, if any of those people feel aggrieved, it is open for them to take action if they wish to do so.
Dr E. CONSTABLE : Yes, I have read it. The story began in 2004 when the member for Willagee was the Minister for Education and Training. He showed his concern about that program quite early in the process. It continued when Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich became the minister, and I have a wonderful headline in front of me, “Ravlich endorsed troubled program”. Mr M. McGowan : Really? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Yes. Under the next Labor Minister for Education and Training, the member for Rockingham, the concern continued, and the inquiry took place when he was the minister. During that time money was thrown around like confetti by the Labor Party. Mrs M.H. Roberts : You haven’t looked at the report. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have read the report and I am satisfied with the department’s response. In fact, the report was done and dusted and completed before I became the minister. I signed off on the report after I received a very lengthy briefing and had discussed the report with the director general and other members of the department. All up, the department accepted the majority of recommendations and has put in place action to deal with those recommendations. I suspect that the recommendations that are in question in the minds of the Labor Party members, although I do not know why, are those dealing with compensation to employees of Hurson Pty Ltd. Legal advice has been obtained that it is for the employer of those workers to pay their entitlements, not the Department of Education and Training. However, if any of those people feel aggrieved, it is open for them to take action if they wish to do so.
The story began in 2004 when the member for Willagee was the Minister for Education and Training. He showed his concern about that program quite early in the process. It continued when Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich became the minister, and I have a wonderful headline in front of me, “Ravlich endorsed troubled program”. Mr M. McGowan : Really? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Yes. Under the next Labor Minister for Education and Training, the member for Rockingham, the concern continued, and the inquiry took place when he was the minister. During that time money was thrown around like confetti by the Labor Party. Mrs M.H. Roberts : You haven’t looked at the report. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have read the report and I am satisfied with the department’s response. In fact, the report was done and dusted and completed before I became the minister. I signed off on the report after I received a very lengthy briefing and had discussed the report with the director general and other members of the department. All up, the department accepted the majority of recommendations and has put in place action to deal with those recommendations. I suspect that the recommendations that are in question in the minds of the Labor Party members, although I do not know why, are those dealing with compensation to employees of Hurson Pty Ltd. Legal advice has been obtained that it is for the employer of those workers to pay their entitlements, not the Department of Education and Training. However, if any of those people feel aggrieved, it is open for them to take action if they wish to do so.
Mr M. McGowan : Really? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Yes. Under the next Labor Minister for Education and Training, the member for Rockingham, the concern continued, and the inquiry took place when he was the minister. During that time money was thrown around like confetti by the Labor Party. Mrs M.H. Roberts : You haven’t looked at the report. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have read the report and I am satisfied with the department’s response. In fact, the report was done and dusted and completed before I became the minister. I signed off on the report after I received a very lengthy briefing and had discussed the report with the director general and other members of the department. All up, the department accepted the majority of recommendations and has put in place action to deal with those recommendations. I suspect that the recommendations that are in question in the minds of the Labor Party members, although I do not know why, are those dealing with compensation to employees of Hurson Pty Ltd. Legal advice has been obtained that it is for the employer of those workers to pay their entitlements, not the Department of Education and Training. However, if any of those people feel aggrieved, it is open for them to take action if they wish to do so.
Dr E. CONSTABLE : Yes. Under the next Labor Minister for Education and Training, the member for Rockingham, the concern continued, and the inquiry took place when he was the minister. During that time money was thrown around like confetti by the Labor Party. Mrs M.H. Roberts : You haven’t looked at the report. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have read the report and I am satisfied with the department’s response. In fact, the report was done and dusted and completed before I became the minister. I signed off on the report after I received a very lengthy briefing and had discussed the report with the director general and other members of the department. All up, the department accepted the majority of recommendations and has put in place action to deal with those recommendations. I suspect that the recommendations that are in question in the minds of the Labor Party members, although I do not know why, are those dealing with compensation to employees of Hurson Pty Ltd. Legal advice has been obtained that it is for the employer of those workers to pay their entitlements, not the Department of Education and Training. However, if any of those people feel aggrieved, it is open for them to take action if they wish to do so.
Mrs M.H. Roberts : You haven’t looked at the report. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have read the report and I am satisfied with the department’s response. In fact, the report was done and dusted and completed before I became the minister. I signed off on the report after I received a very lengthy briefing and had discussed the report with the director general and other members of the department. All up, the department accepted the majority of recommendations and has put in place action to deal with those recommendations. I suspect that the recommendations that are in question in the minds of the Labor Party members, although I do not know why, are those dealing with compensation to employees of Hurson Pty Ltd. Legal advice has been obtained that it is for the employer of those workers to pay their entitlements, not the Department of Education and Training. However, if any of those people feel aggrieved, it is open for them to take action if they wish to do so.
Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have read the report and I am satisfied with the department’s response. In fact, the report was done and dusted and completed before I became the minister. I signed off on the report after I received a very lengthy briefing and had discussed the report with the director general and other members of the department. All up, the department accepted the majority of recommendations and has put in place action to deal with those recommendations. I suspect that the recommendations that are in question in the minds of the Labor Party members, although I do not know why, are those dealing with compensation to employees of Hurson Pty Ltd. Legal advice has been obtained that it is for the employer of those workers to pay their entitlements, not the Department of Education and Training. However, if any of those people feel aggrieved, it is open for them to take action if they wish to do so.
I suspect that the recommendations that are in question in the minds of the Labor Party members, although I do not know why, are those dealing with compensation to employees of Hurson Pty Ltd. Legal advice has been obtained that it is for the employer of those workers to pay their entitlements, not the Department of Education and Training. However, if any of those people feel aggrieved, it is open for them to take action if they wish to do so.
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.