❓ Ms. Quirk questions the government's stance on the police industrial agreement, specifically regarding potential trade-offs of existing conditions for a pay increase. The Minister deflects, stating he's not directly involved in negotiations and questions the accuracy of Ms. Quirk's claims.
AnsweredQoN 292Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
POLICE — INDUSTRIAL AGREEMENT
I refer to the police industrial agreement. (1) Can the minister explain why the government sanctions the removal of existing hard-fought conditions as a trade-off for the offer of 12 per cent over three years? (2) Why is this government seeking to freeze and review the current officer-in-charge allowances? (3) Can the minister explain the rationale for aligning conditions such as annual leave, travel concessions and recorded duty when on annual leave to public sector conditions? (4) Why does this government support the removal of the current internal affairs allowance of 10 per cent that was implemented to attract good, competent officers to work in that area? Mr R.F. JOHNSON
I refer to the police industrial agreement. (1) Can the minister explain why the government sanctions the removal of existing hard-fought conditions as a trade-off for the offer of 12 per cent over three years? (2) Why is this government seeking to freeze and review the current officer-in-charge allowances? (3) Can the minister explain the rationale for aligning conditions such as annual leave, travel concessions and recorded duty when on annual leave to public sector conditions? (4) Why does this government support the removal of the current internal affairs allowance of 10 per cent that was implemented to attract good, competent officers to work in that area? Mr R.F. JOHNSON
AnswerView source ↗
(1)–(4) I thank the member for Girrawheen for the question, and I am sure there is a lot of concern behind that question. The member has posed a lot of issues in the question. The member has put forward a lot of examples that she says the government has put to police. I am not aware of all of those because I am not handling the negotiations, as the member is abundantly aware. The member for Girrawheen will tell her colleague the same thing she told the member for Mindarie, if he is not careful! Mr C.J. Barnett : And at the CHOGM press conference; that was a low in international relations. That was very embarrassing. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Exactly! The member for Girrawheen is only too well aware that I am not handling the negotiations with the Police Union on behalf of the government, which is probably a good thing. Mr C.J. Barnett : You’re a softie! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Absolutely, because I am too much of a softie, and everybody knows that! I get on very well with our police officers and I value the work that they do. Of course, if they ask me for something I always try to give it to them. I would be overgenerous if it were me. Of course, the government has to be responsible and that is why the negotiations for all of these public sector workers are made by the Department of Commerce. That is why we have taken that route. The member for Girrawheen would be aware that the same thing happened at the last negotiations two years ago, and it was the Minister for Commerce and the Department for Communities who were directly involved in the negotiations with the Police Union. I am not aware of all the areas the member mentioned and which she claims the government is trying to invoke within that negotiation with the union. As said yesterday, I do not know that everything the member says in this place and in her numerous press releases is absolutely accurate and truthful. I do not know that what the member is saying today is truthful, quite frankly, or whether she is embellishing what is a possible fact. Until such time as I become aware, it is not appropriate for me to comment anyway. Ms M.M. Quirk : I have a supplementary question. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have not finished yet! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : My observation would be that the minister was still on his feet answering the initial question. I am quite prepared to give the member for Girrawheen a supplementary question, but I do note the time. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I would get through the answer to this question much quicker if we did not get interruptions from some members opposite. The member for Girrawheen should give them the same message that she gave to the member for Mindarie! She could give a lot of them that message, which is a very important one that they should take note of and which is very appropriate, particularly for the member for Midland, who wants to interject every time I am on my feet. As far as I am concerned, I hope the negotiations go really well for both sides. A good deal is when both sides end up happy. That is a good deal, whether one is buying or selling! Ms M.M. Quirk : If you won’t give me a supplementary, can I interject? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : A good deal is when both sides are happy. I hope that the government is happy with what it is able to offer. Ms M.M. Quirk : This is an abuse of process, minister. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : You’re an abuse of process! And I hope that the Police Union is happy with what it achieves in those negotiations.
(1) Can the minister explain why the government sanctions the removal of existing hard-fought conditions as a trade-off for the offer of 12 per cent over three years? (2) Why is this government seeking to freeze and review the current officer-in-charge allowances? (3) Can the minister explain the rationale for aligning conditions such as annual leave, travel concessions and recorded duty when on annual leave to public sector conditions? (4) Why does this government support the removal of the current internal affairs allowance of 10 per cent that was implemented to attract good, competent officers to work in that area? Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: (1)–(4) I thank the member for Girrawheen for the question, and I am sure there is a lot of concern behind that question. The member has posed a lot of issues in the question. The member has put forward a lot of examples that she says the government has put to police. I am not aware of all of those because I am not handling the negotiations, as the member is abundantly aware. The member for Girrawheen will tell her colleague the same thing she told the member for Mindarie, if he is not careful! Mr C.J. Barnett : And at the CHOGM press conference; that was a low in international relations. That was very embarrassing. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Exactly! The member for Girrawheen is only too well aware that I am not handling the negotiations with the Police Union on behalf of the government, which is probably a good thing. Mr C.J. Barnett : You’re a softie! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Absolutely, because I am too much of a softie, and everybody knows that! I get on very well with our police officers and I value the work that they do. Of course, if they ask me for something I always try to give it to them. I would be overgenerous if it were me. Of course, the government has to be responsible and that is why the negotiations for all of these public sector workers are made by the Department of Commerce. That is why we have taken that route. The member for Girrawheen would be aware that the same thing happened at the last negotiations two years ago, and it was the Minister for Commerce and the Department for Communities who were directly involved in the negotiations with the Police Union. I am not aware of all the areas the member mentioned and which she claims the government is trying to invoke within that negotiation with the union. As said yesterday, I do not know that everything the member says in this place and in her numerous press releases is absolutely accurate and truthful. I do not know that what the member is saying today is truthful, quite frankly, or whether she is embellishing what is a possible fact. Until such time as I become aware, it is not appropriate for me to comment anyway. Ms M.M. Quirk : I have a supplementary question. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have not finished yet! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : My observation would be that the minister was still on his feet answering the initial question. I am quite prepared to give the member for Girrawheen a supplementary question, but I do note the time. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I would get through the answer to this question much quicker if we did not get interruptions from some members opposite. The member for Girrawheen should give them the same message that she gave to the member for Mindarie! She could give a lot of them that message, which is a very important one that they should take note of and which is very appropriate, particularly for the member for Midland, who wants to interject every time I am on my feet. As far as I am concerned, I hope the negotiations go really well for both sides. A good deal is when both sides end up happy. That is a good deal, whether one is buying or selling! Ms M.M. Quirk : If you won’t give me a supplementary, can I interject? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : A good deal is when both sides are happy. I hope that the government is happy with what it is able to offer. Ms M.M. Quirk : This is an abuse of process, minister. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : You’re an abuse of process! And I hope that the Police Union is happy with what it achieves in those negotiations.
(2) Why is this government seeking to freeze and review the current officer-in-charge allowances? (3) Can the minister explain the rationale for aligning conditions such as annual leave, travel concessions and recorded duty when on annual leave to public sector conditions? (4) Why does this government support the removal of the current internal affairs allowance of 10 per cent that was implemented to attract good, competent officers to work in that area? Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: (1)–(4) I thank the member for Girrawheen for the question, and I am sure there is a lot of concern behind that question. The member has posed a lot of issues in the question. The member has put forward a lot of examples that she says the government has put to police. I am not aware of all of those because I am not handling the negotiations, as the member is abundantly aware. The member for Girrawheen will tell her colleague the same thing she told the member for Mindarie, if he is not careful! Mr C.J. Barnett : And at the CHOGM press conference; that was a low in international relations. That was very embarrassing. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Exactly! The member for Girrawheen is only too well aware that I am not handling the negotiations with the Police Union on behalf of the government, which is probably a good thing. Mr C.J. Barnett : You’re a softie! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Absolutely, because I am too much of a softie, and everybody knows that! I get on very well with our police officers and I value the work that they do. Of course, if they ask me for something I always try to give it to them. I would be overgenerous if it were me. Of course, the government has to be responsible and that is why the negotiations for all of these public sector workers are made by the Department of Commerce. That is why we have taken that route. The member for Girrawheen would be aware that the same thing happened at the last negotiations two years ago, and it was the Minister for Commerce and the Department for Communities who were directly involved in the negotiations with the Police Union. I am not aware of all the areas the member mentioned and which she claims the government is trying to invoke within that negotiation with the union. As said yesterday, I do not know that everything the member says in this place and in her numerous press releases is absolutely accurate and truthful. I do not know that what the member is saying today is truthful, quite frankly, or whether she is embellishing what is a possible fact. Until such time as I become aware, it is not appropriate for me to comment anyway. Ms M.M. Quirk : I have a supplementary question. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have not finished yet! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : My observation would be that the minister was still on his feet answering the initial question. I am quite prepared to give the member for Girrawheen a supplementary question, but I do note the time. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I would get through the answer to this question much quicker if we did not get interruptions from some members opposite. The member for Girrawheen should give them the same message that she gave to the member for Mindarie! She could give a lot of them that message, which is a very important one that they should take note of and which is very appropriate, particularly for the member for Midland, who wants to interject every time I am on my feet. As far as I am concerned, I hope the negotiations go really well for both sides. A good deal is when both sides end up happy. That is a good deal, whether one is buying or selling! Ms M.M. Quirk : If you won’t give me a supplementary, can I interject? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : A good deal is when both sides are happy. I hope that the government is happy with what it is able to offer. Ms M.M. Quirk : This is an abuse of process, minister. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : You’re an abuse of process! And I hope that the Police Union is happy with what it achieves in those negotiations.
(3) Can the minister explain the rationale for aligning conditions such as annual leave, travel concessions and recorded duty when on annual leave to public sector conditions? (4) Why does this government support the removal of the current internal affairs allowance of 10 per cent that was implemented to attract good, competent officers to work in that area? Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: (1)–(4) I thank the member for Girrawheen for the question, and I am sure there is a lot of concern behind that question. The member has posed a lot of issues in the question. The member has put forward a lot of examples that she says the government has put to police. I am not aware of all of those because I am not handling the negotiations, as the member is abundantly aware. The member for Girrawheen will tell her colleague the same thing she told the member for Mindarie, if he is not careful! Mr C.J. Barnett : And at the CHOGM press conference; that was a low in international relations. That was very embarrassing. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Exactly! The member for Girrawheen is only too well aware that I am not handling the negotiations with the Police Union on behalf of the government, which is probably a good thing. Mr C.J. Barnett : You’re a softie! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Absolutely, because I am too much of a softie, and everybody knows that! I get on very well with our police officers and I value the work that they do. Of course, if they ask me for something I always try to give it to them. I would be overgenerous if it were me. Of course, the government has to be responsible and that is why the negotiations for all of these public sector workers are made by the Department of Commerce. That is why we have taken that route. The member for Girrawheen would be aware that the same thing happened at the last negotiations two years ago, and it was the Minister for Commerce and the Department for Communities who were directly involved in the negotiations with the Police Union. I am not aware of all the areas the member mentioned and which she claims the government is trying to invoke within that negotiation with the union. As said yesterday, I do not know that everything the member says in this place and in her numerous press releases is absolutely accurate and truthful. I do not know that what the member is saying today is truthful, quite frankly, or whether she is embellishing what is a possible fact. Until such time as I become aware, it is not appropriate for me to comment anyway. Ms M.M. Quirk : I have a supplementary question. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have not finished yet! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : My observation would be that the minister was still on his feet answering the initial question. I am quite prepared to give the member for Girrawheen a supplementary question, but I do note the time. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I would get through the answer to this question much quicker if we did not get interruptions from some members opposite. The member for Girrawheen should give them the same message that she gave to the member for Mindarie! She could give a lot of them that message, which is a very important one that they should take note of and which is very appropriate, particularly for the member for Midland, who wants to interject every time I am on my feet. As far as I am concerned, I hope the negotiations go really well for both sides. A good deal is when both sides end up happy. That is a good deal, whether one is buying or selling! Ms M.M. Quirk : If you won’t give me a supplementary, can I interject? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : A good deal is when both sides are happy. I hope that the government is happy with what it is able to offer. Ms M.M. Quirk : This is an abuse of process, minister. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : You’re an abuse of process! And I hope that the Police Union is happy with what it achieves in those negotiations.
(4) Why does this government support the removal of the current internal affairs allowance of 10 per cent that was implemented to attract good, competent officers to work in that area? Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: (1)–(4) I thank the member for Girrawheen for the question, and I am sure there is a lot of concern behind that question. The member has posed a lot of issues in the question. The member has put forward a lot of examples that she says the government has put to police. I am not aware of all of those because I am not handling the negotiations, as the member is abundantly aware. The member for Girrawheen will tell her colleague the same thing she told the member for Mindarie, if he is not careful! Mr C.J. Barnett : And at the CHOGM press conference; that was a low in international relations. That was very embarrassing. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Exactly! The member for Girrawheen is only too well aware that I am not handling the negotiations with the Police Union on behalf of the government, which is probably a good thing. Mr C.J. Barnett : You’re a softie! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Absolutely, because I am too much of a softie, and everybody knows that! I get on very well with our police officers and I value the work that they do. Of course, if they ask me for something I always try to give it to them. I would be overgenerous if it were me. Of course, the government has to be responsible and that is why the negotiations for all of these public sector workers are made by the Department of Commerce. That is why we have taken that route. The member for Girrawheen would be aware that the same thing happened at the last negotiations two years ago, and it was the Minister for Commerce and the Department for Communities who were directly involved in the negotiations with the Police Union. I am not aware of all the areas the member mentioned and which she claims the government is trying to invoke within that negotiation with the union. As said yesterday, I do not know that everything the member says in this place and in her numerous press releases is absolutely accurate and truthful. I do not know that what the member is saying today is truthful, quite frankly, or whether she is embellishing what is a possible fact. Until such time as I become aware, it is not appropriate for me to comment anyway. Ms M.M. Quirk : I have a supplementary question. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have not finished yet! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : My observation would be that the minister was still on his feet answering the initial question. I am quite prepared to give the member for Girrawheen a supplementary question, but I do note the time. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I would get through the answer to this question much quicker if we did not get interruptions from some members opposite. The member for Girrawheen should give them the same message that she gave to the member for Mindarie! She could give a lot of them that message, which is a very important one that they should take note of and which is very appropriate, particularly for the member for Midland, who wants to interject every time I am on my feet. As far as I am concerned, I hope the negotiations go really well for both sides. A good deal is when both sides end up happy. That is a good deal, whether one is buying or selling! Ms M.M. Quirk : If you won’t give me a supplementary, can I interject? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : A good deal is when both sides are happy. I hope that the government is happy with what it is able to offer. Ms M.M. Quirk : This is an abuse of process, minister. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : You’re an abuse of process! And I hope that the Police Union is happy with what it achieves in those negotiations.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: (1)–(4) I thank the member for Girrawheen for the question, and I am sure there is a lot of concern behind that question. The member has posed a lot of issues in the question. The member has put forward a lot of examples that she says the government has put to police. I am not aware of all of those because I am not handling the negotiations, as the member is abundantly aware. The member for Girrawheen will tell her colleague the same thing she told the member for Mindarie, if he is not careful! Mr C.J. Barnett : And at the CHOGM press conference; that was a low in international relations. That was very embarrassing. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Exactly! The member for Girrawheen is only too well aware that I am not handling the negotiations with the Police Union on behalf of the government, which is probably a good thing. Mr C.J. Barnett : You’re a softie! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Absolutely, because I am too much of a softie, and everybody knows that! I get on very well with our police officers and I value the work that they do. Of course, if they ask me for something I always try to give it to them. I would be overgenerous if it were me. Of course, the government has to be responsible and that is why the negotiations for all of these public sector workers are made by the Department of Commerce. That is why we have taken that route. The member for Girrawheen would be aware that the same thing happened at the last negotiations two years ago, and it was the Minister for Commerce and the Department for Communities who were directly involved in the negotiations with the Police Union. I am not aware of all the areas the member mentioned and which she claims the government is trying to invoke within that negotiation with the union. As said yesterday, I do not know that everything the member says in this place and in her numerous press releases is absolutely accurate and truthful. I do not know that what the member is saying today is truthful, quite frankly, or whether she is embellishing what is a possible fact. Until such time as I become aware, it is not appropriate for me to comment anyway. Ms M.M. Quirk : I have a supplementary question. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have not finished yet! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : My observation would be that the minister was still on his feet answering the initial question. I am quite prepared to give the member for Girrawheen a supplementary question, but I do note the time. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I would get through the answer to this question much quicker if we did not get interruptions from some members opposite. The member for Girrawheen should give them the same message that she gave to the member for Mindarie! She could give a lot of them that message, which is a very important one that they should take note of and which is very appropriate, particularly for the member for Midland, who wants to interject every time I am on my feet. As far as I am concerned, I hope the negotiations go really well for both sides. A good deal is when both sides end up happy. That is a good deal, whether one is buying or selling! Ms M.M. Quirk : If you won’t give me a supplementary, can I interject? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : A good deal is when both sides are happy. I hope that the government is happy with what it is able to offer. Ms M.M. Quirk : This is an abuse of process, minister. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : You’re an abuse of process! And I hope that the Police Union is happy with what it achieves in those negotiations.
(1)–(4) I thank the member for Girrawheen for the question, and I am sure there is a lot of concern behind that question. The member has posed a lot of issues in the question. The member has put forward a lot of examples that she says the government has put to police. I am not aware of all of those because I am not handling the negotiations, as the member is abundantly aware. The member for Girrawheen will tell her colleague the same thing she told the member for Mindarie, if he is not careful! Mr C.J. Barnett : And at the CHOGM press conference; that was a low in international relations. That was very embarrassing. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Exactly! The member for Girrawheen is only too well aware that I am not handling the negotiations with the Police Union on behalf of the government, which is probably a good thing. Mr C.J. Barnett : You’re a softie! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Absolutely, because I am too much of a softie, and everybody knows that! I get on very well with our police officers and I value the work that they do. Of course, if they ask me for something I always try to give it to them. I would be overgenerous if it were me. Of course, the government has to be responsible and that is why the negotiations for all of these public sector workers are made by the Department of Commerce. That is why we have taken that route. The member for Girrawheen would be aware that the same thing happened at the last negotiations two years ago, and it was the Minister for Commerce and the Department for Communities who were directly involved in the negotiations with the Police Union. I am not aware of all the areas the member mentioned and which she claims the government is trying to invoke within that negotiation with the union. As said yesterday, I do not know that everything the member says in this place and in her numerous press releases is absolutely accurate and truthful. I do not know that what the member is saying today is truthful, quite frankly, or whether she is embellishing what is a possible fact. Until such time as I become aware, it is not appropriate for me to comment anyway. Ms M.M. Quirk : I have a supplementary question. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have not finished yet! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : My observation would be that the minister was still on his feet answering the initial question. I am quite prepared to give the member for Girrawheen a supplementary question, but I do note the time. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I would get through the answer to this question much quicker if we did not get interruptions from some members opposite. The member for Girrawheen should give them the same message that she gave to the member for Mindarie! She could give a lot of them that message, which is a very important one that they should take note of and which is very appropriate, particularly for the member for Midland, who wants to interject every time I am on my feet. As far as I am concerned, I hope the negotiations go really well for both sides. A good deal is when both sides end up happy. That is a good deal, whether one is buying or selling! Ms M.M. Quirk : If you won’t give me a supplementary, can I interject? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : A good deal is when both sides are happy. I hope that the government is happy with what it is able to offer. Ms M.M. Quirk : This is an abuse of process, minister. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : You’re an abuse of process! And I hope that the Police Union is happy with what it achieves in those negotiations.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Exactly! The member for Girrawheen is only too well aware that I am not handling the negotiations with the Police Union on behalf of the government, which is probably a good thing. Mr C.J. Barnett : You’re a softie! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Absolutely, because I am too much of a softie, and everybody knows that! I get on very well with our police officers and I value the work that they do. Of course, if they ask me for something I always try to give it to them. I would be overgenerous if it were me. Of course, the government has to be responsible and that is why the negotiations for all of these public sector workers are made by the Department of Commerce. That is why we have taken that route. The member for Girrawheen would be aware that the same thing happened at the last negotiations two years ago, and it was the Minister for Commerce and the Department for Communities who were directly involved in the negotiations with the Police Union. I am not aware of all the areas the member mentioned and which she claims the government is trying to invoke within that negotiation with the union. As said yesterday, I do not know that everything the member says in this place and in her numerous press releases is absolutely accurate and truthful. I do not know that what the member is saying today is truthful, quite frankly, or whether she is embellishing what is a possible fact. Until such time as I become aware, it is not appropriate for me to comment anyway. Ms M.M. Quirk : I have a supplementary question. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have not finished yet! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : My observation would be that the minister was still on his feet answering the initial question. I am quite prepared to give the member for Girrawheen a supplementary question, but I do note the time. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I would get through the answer to this question much quicker if we did not get interruptions from some members opposite. The member for Girrawheen should give them the same message that she gave to the member for Mindarie! She could give a lot of them that message, which is a very important one that they should take note of and which is very appropriate, particularly for the member for Midland, who wants to interject every time I am on my feet. As far as I am concerned, I hope the negotiations go really well for both sides. A good deal is when both sides end up happy. That is a good deal, whether one is buying or selling! Ms M.M. Quirk : If you won’t give me a supplementary, can I interject? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : A good deal is when both sides are happy. I hope that the government is happy with what it is able to offer. Ms M.M. Quirk : This is an abuse of process, minister. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : You’re an abuse of process! And I hope that the Police Union is happy with what it achieves in those negotiations.
Mr C.J. Barnett : You’re a softie! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Absolutely, because I am too much of a softie, and everybody knows that! I get on very well with our police officers and I value the work that they do. Of course, if they ask me for something I always try to give it to them. I would be overgenerous if it were me. Of course, the government has to be responsible and that is why the negotiations for all of these public sector workers are made by the Department of Commerce. That is why we have taken that route. The member for Girrawheen would be aware that the same thing happened at the last negotiations two years ago, and it was the Minister for Commerce and the Department for Communities who were directly involved in the negotiations with the Police Union. I am not aware of all the areas the member mentioned and which she claims the government is trying to invoke within that negotiation with the union. As said yesterday, I do not know that everything the member says in this place and in her numerous press releases is absolutely accurate and truthful. I do not know that what the member is saying today is truthful, quite frankly, or whether she is embellishing what is a possible fact. Until such time as I become aware, it is not appropriate for me to comment anyway. Ms M.M. Quirk : I have a supplementary question. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have not finished yet! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : My observation would be that the minister was still on his feet answering the initial question. I am quite prepared to give the member for Girrawheen a supplementary question, but I do note the time. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I would get through the answer to this question much quicker if we did not get interruptions from some members opposite. The member for Girrawheen should give them the same message that she gave to the member for Mindarie! She could give a lot of them that message, which is a very important one that they should take note of and which is very appropriate, particularly for the member for Midland, who wants to interject every time I am on my feet. As far as I am concerned, I hope the negotiations go really well for both sides. A good deal is when both sides end up happy. That is a good deal, whether one is buying or selling! Ms M.M. Quirk : If you won’t give me a supplementary, can I interject? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : A good deal is when both sides are happy. I hope that the government is happy with what it is able to offer. Ms M.M. Quirk : This is an abuse of process, minister. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : You’re an abuse of process! And I hope that the Police Union is happy with what it achieves in those negotiations.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Absolutely, because I am too much of a softie, and everybody knows that! I get on very well with our police officers and I value the work that they do. Of course, if they ask me for something I always try to give it to them. I would be overgenerous if it were me. Of course, the government has to be responsible and that is why the negotiations for all of these public sector workers are made by the Department of Commerce. That is why we have taken that route. The member for Girrawheen would be aware that the same thing happened at the last negotiations two years ago, and it was the Minister for Commerce and the Department for Communities who were directly involved in the negotiations with the Police Union. I am not aware of all the areas the member mentioned and which she claims the government is trying to invoke within that negotiation with the union. As said yesterday, I do not know that everything the member says in this place and in her numerous press releases is absolutely accurate and truthful. I do not know that what the member is saying today is truthful, quite frankly, or whether she is embellishing what is a possible fact. Until such time as I become aware, it is not appropriate for me to comment anyway. Ms M.M. Quirk : I have a supplementary question. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have not finished yet! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : My observation would be that the minister was still on his feet answering the initial question. I am quite prepared to give the member for Girrawheen a supplementary question, but I do note the time. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I would get through the answer to this question much quicker if we did not get interruptions from some members opposite. The member for Girrawheen should give them the same message that she gave to the member for Mindarie! She could give a lot of them that message, which is a very important one that they should take note of and which is very appropriate, particularly for the member for Midland, who wants to interject every time I am on my feet. As far as I am concerned, I hope the negotiations go really well for both sides. A good deal is when both sides end up happy. That is a good deal, whether one is buying or selling! Ms M.M. Quirk : If you won’t give me a supplementary, can I interject? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : A good deal is when both sides are happy. I hope that the government is happy with what it is able to offer. Ms M.M. Quirk : This is an abuse of process, minister. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : You’re an abuse of process! And I hope that the Police Union is happy with what it achieves in those negotiations.
I am not aware of all the areas the member mentioned and which she claims the government is trying to invoke within that negotiation with the union. As said yesterday, I do not know that everything the member says in this place and in her numerous press releases is absolutely accurate and truthful. I do not know that what the member is saying today is truthful, quite frankly, or whether she is embellishing what is a possible fact. Until such time as I become aware, it is not appropriate for me to comment anyway. Ms M.M. Quirk : I have a supplementary question. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have not finished yet! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : My observation would be that the minister was still on his feet answering the initial question. I am quite prepared to give the member for Girrawheen a supplementary question, but I do note the time. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I would get through the answer to this question much quicker if we did not get interruptions from some members opposite. The member for Girrawheen should give them the same message that she gave to the member for Mindarie! She could give a lot of them that message, which is a very important one that they should take note of and which is very appropriate, particularly for the member for Midland, who wants to interject every time I am on my feet. As far as I am concerned, I hope the negotiations go really well for both sides. A good deal is when both sides end up happy. That is a good deal, whether one is buying or selling! Ms M.M. Quirk : If you won’t give me a supplementary, can I interject? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : A good deal is when both sides are happy. I hope that the government is happy with what it is able to offer. Ms M.M. Quirk : This is an abuse of process, minister. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : You’re an abuse of process! And I hope that the Police Union is happy with what it achieves in those negotiations.
Ms M.M. Quirk : I have a supplementary question. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have not finished yet! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : My observation would be that the minister was still on his feet answering the initial question. I am quite prepared to give the member for Girrawheen a supplementary question, but I do note the time. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I would get through the answer to this question much quicker if we did not get interruptions from some members opposite. The member for Girrawheen should give them the same message that she gave to the member for Mindarie! She could give a lot of them that message, which is a very important one that they should take note of and which is very appropriate, particularly for the member for Midland, who wants to interject every time I am on my feet. As far as I am concerned, I hope the negotiations go really well for both sides. A good deal is when both sides end up happy. That is a good deal, whether one is buying or selling! Ms M.M. Quirk : If you won’t give me a supplementary, can I interject? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : A good deal is when both sides are happy. I hope that the government is happy with what it is able to offer. Ms M.M. Quirk : This is an abuse of process, minister. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : You’re an abuse of process! And I hope that the Police Union is happy with what it achieves in those negotiations.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have not finished yet! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : My observation would be that the minister was still on his feet answering the initial question. I am quite prepared to give the member for Girrawheen a supplementary question, but I do note the time. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I would get through the answer to this question much quicker if we did not get interruptions from some members opposite. The member for Girrawheen should give them the same message that she gave to the member for Mindarie! She could give a lot of them that message, which is a very important one that they should take note of and which is very appropriate, particularly for the member for Midland, who wants to interject every time I am on my feet. As far as I am concerned, I hope the negotiations go really well for both sides. A good deal is when both sides end up happy. That is a good deal, whether one is buying or selling! Ms M.M. Quirk : If you won’t give me a supplementary, can I interject? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : A good deal is when both sides are happy. I hope that the government is happy with what it is able to offer. Ms M.M. Quirk : This is an abuse of process, minister. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : You’re an abuse of process! And I hope that the Police Union is happy with what it achieves in those negotiations.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : My observation would be that the minister was still on his feet answering the initial question. I am quite prepared to give the member for Girrawheen a supplementary question, but I do note the time. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I would get through the answer to this question much quicker if we did not get interruptions from some members opposite. The member for Girrawheen should give them the same message that she gave to the member for Mindarie! She could give a lot of them that message, which is a very important one that they should take note of and which is very appropriate, particularly for the member for Midland, who wants to interject every time I am on my feet. As far as I am concerned, I hope the negotiations go really well for both sides. A good deal is when both sides end up happy. That is a good deal, whether one is buying or selling! Ms M.M. Quirk : If you won’t give me a supplementary, can I interject? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : A good deal is when both sides are happy. I hope that the government is happy with what it is able to offer. Ms M.M. Quirk : This is an abuse of process, minister. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : You’re an abuse of process! And I hope that the Police Union is happy with what it achieves in those negotiations.
The SPEAKER : My observation would be that the minister was still on his feet answering the initial question. I am quite prepared to give the member for Girrawheen a supplementary question, but I do note the time. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I would get through the answer to this question much quicker if we did not get interruptions from some members opposite. The member for Girrawheen should give them the same message that she gave to the member for Mindarie! She could give a lot of them that message, which is a very important one that they should take note of and which is very appropriate, particularly for the member for Midland, who wants to interject every time I am on my feet. As far as I am concerned, I hope the negotiations go really well for both sides. A good deal is when both sides end up happy. That is a good deal, whether one is buying or selling! Ms M.M. Quirk : If you won’t give me a supplementary, can I interject? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : A good deal is when both sides are happy. I hope that the government is happy with what it is able to offer. Ms M.M. Quirk : This is an abuse of process, minister. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : You’re an abuse of process! And I hope that the Police Union is happy with what it achieves in those negotiations.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I would get through the answer to this question much quicker if we did not get interruptions from some members opposite. The member for Girrawheen should give them the same message that she gave to the member for Mindarie! She could give a lot of them that message, which is a very important one that they should take note of and which is very appropriate, particularly for the member for Midland, who wants to interject every time I am on my feet. As far as I am concerned, I hope the negotiations go really well for both sides. A good deal is when both sides end up happy. That is a good deal, whether one is buying or selling! Ms M.M. Quirk : If you won’t give me a supplementary, can I interject? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : A good deal is when both sides are happy. I hope that the government is happy with what it is able to offer. Ms M.M. Quirk : This is an abuse of process, minister. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : You’re an abuse of process! And I hope that the Police Union is happy with what it achieves in those negotiations.
Ms M.M. Quirk : If you won’t give me a supplementary, can I interject? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : A good deal is when both sides are happy. I hope that the government is happy with what it is able to offer. Ms M.M. Quirk : This is an abuse of process, minister. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : You’re an abuse of process! And I hope that the Police Union is happy with what it achieves in those negotiations.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : A good deal is when both sides are happy. I hope that the government is happy with what it is able to offer. Ms M.M. Quirk : This is an abuse of process, minister. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : You’re an abuse of process! And I hope that the Police Union is happy with what it achieves in those negotiations.
Ms M.M. Quirk : This is an abuse of process, minister. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : You’re an abuse of process! And I hope that the Police Union is happy with what it achieves in those negotiations.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : You’re an abuse of process! And I hope that the Police Union is happy with what it achieves in those negotiations.
And I hope that the Police Union is happy with what it achieves in those negotiations.
(1) Can the minister explain why the government sanctions the removal of existing hard-fought conditions as a trade-off for the offer of 12 per cent over three years? (2) Why is this government seeking to freeze and review the current officer-in-charge allowances? (3) Can the minister explain the rationale for aligning conditions such as annual leave, travel concessions and recorded duty when on annual leave to public sector conditions? (4) Why does this government support the removal of the current internal affairs allowance of 10 per cent that was implemented to attract good, competent officers to work in that area? Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: (1)–(4) I thank the member for Girrawheen for the question, and I am sure there is a lot of concern behind that question. The member has posed a lot of issues in the question. The member has put forward a lot of examples that she says the government has put to police. I am not aware of all of those because I am not handling the negotiations, as the member is abundantly aware. The member for Girrawheen will tell her colleague the same thing she told the member for Mindarie, if he is not careful! Mr C.J. Barnett : And at the CHOGM press conference; that was a low in international relations. That was very embarrassing. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Exactly! The member for Girrawheen is only too well aware that I am not handling the negotiations with the Police Union on behalf of the government, which is probably a good thing. Mr C.J. Barnett : You’re a softie! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Absolutely, because I am too much of a softie, and everybody knows that! I get on very well with our police officers and I value the work that they do. Of course, if they ask me for something I always try to give it to them. I would be overgenerous if it were me. Of course, the government has to be responsible and that is why the negotiations for all of these public sector workers are made by the Department of Commerce. That is why we have taken that route. The member for Girrawheen would be aware that the same thing happened at the last negotiations two years ago, and it was the Minister for Commerce and the Department for Communities who were directly involved in the negotiations with the Police Union. I am not aware of all the areas the member mentioned and which she claims the government is trying to invoke within that negotiation with the union. As said yesterday, I do not know that everything the member says in this place and in her numerous press releases is absolutely accurate and truthful. I do not know that what the member is saying today is truthful, quite frankly, or whether she is embellishing what is a possible fact. Until such time as I become aware, it is not appropriate for me to comment anyway. Ms M.M. Quirk : I have a supplementary question. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have not finished yet! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : My observation would be that the minister was still on his feet answering the initial question. I am quite prepared to give the member for Girrawheen a supplementary question, but I do note the time. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I would get through the answer to this question much quicker if we did not get interruptions from some members opposite. The member for Girrawheen should give them the same message that she gave to the member for Mindarie! She could give a lot of them that message, which is a very important one that they should take note of and which is very appropriate, particularly for the member for Midland, who wants to interject every time I am on my feet. As far as I am concerned, I hope the negotiations go really well for both sides. A good deal is when both sides end up happy. That is a good deal, whether one is buying or selling! Ms M.M. Quirk : If you won’t give me a supplementary, can I interject? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : A good deal is when both sides are happy. I hope that the government is happy with what it is able to offer. Ms M.M. Quirk : This is an abuse of process, minister. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : You’re an abuse of process! And I hope that the Police Union is happy with what it achieves in those negotiations.
(2) Why is this government seeking to freeze and review the current officer-in-charge allowances? (3) Can the minister explain the rationale for aligning conditions such as annual leave, travel concessions and recorded duty when on annual leave to public sector conditions? (4) Why does this government support the removal of the current internal affairs allowance of 10 per cent that was implemented to attract good, competent officers to work in that area? Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: (1)–(4) I thank the member for Girrawheen for the question, and I am sure there is a lot of concern behind that question. The member has posed a lot of issues in the question. The member has put forward a lot of examples that she says the government has put to police. I am not aware of all of those because I am not handling the negotiations, as the member is abundantly aware. The member for Girrawheen will tell her colleague the same thing she told the member for Mindarie, if he is not careful! Mr C.J. Barnett : And at the CHOGM press conference; that was a low in international relations. That was very embarrassing. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Exactly! The member for Girrawheen is only too well aware that I am not handling the negotiations with the Police Union on behalf of the government, which is probably a good thing. Mr C.J. Barnett : You’re a softie! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Absolutely, because I am too much of a softie, and everybody knows that! I get on very well with our police officers and I value the work that they do. Of course, if they ask me for something I always try to give it to them. I would be overgenerous if it were me. Of course, the government has to be responsible and that is why the negotiations for all of these public sector workers are made by the Department of Commerce. That is why we have taken that route. The member for Girrawheen would be aware that the same thing happened at the last negotiations two years ago, and it was the Minister for Commerce and the Department for Communities who were directly involved in the negotiations with the Police Union. I am not aware of all the areas the member mentioned and which she claims the government is trying to invoke within that negotiation with the union. As said yesterday, I do not know that everything the member says in this place and in her numerous press releases is absolutely accurate and truthful. I do not know that what the member is saying today is truthful, quite frankly, or whether she is embellishing what is a possible fact. Until such time as I become aware, it is not appropriate for me to comment anyway. Ms M.M. Quirk : I have a supplementary question. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have not finished yet! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : My observation would be that the minister was still on his feet answering the initial question. I am quite prepared to give the member for Girrawheen a supplementary question, but I do note the time. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I would get through the answer to this question much quicker if we did not get interruptions from some members opposite. The member for Girrawheen should give them the same message that she gave to the member for Mindarie! She could give a lot of them that message, which is a very important one that they should take note of and which is very appropriate, particularly for the member for Midland, who wants to interject every time I am on my feet. As far as I am concerned, I hope the negotiations go really well for both sides. A good deal is when both sides end up happy. That is a good deal, whether one is buying or selling! Ms M.M. Quirk : If you won’t give me a supplementary, can I interject? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : A good deal is when both sides are happy. I hope that the government is happy with what it is able to offer. Ms M.M. Quirk : This is an abuse of process, minister. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : You’re an abuse of process! And I hope that the Police Union is happy with what it achieves in those negotiations.
(3) Can the minister explain the rationale for aligning conditions such as annual leave, travel concessions and recorded duty when on annual leave to public sector conditions? (4) Why does this government support the removal of the current internal affairs allowance of 10 per cent that was implemented to attract good, competent officers to work in that area? Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: (1)–(4) I thank the member for Girrawheen for the question, and I am sure there is a lot of concern behind that question. The member has posed a lot of issues in the question. The member has put forward a lot of examples that she says the government has put to police. I am not aware of all of those because I am not handling the negotiations, as the member is abundantly aware. The member for Girrawheen will tell her colleague the same thing she told the member for Mindarie, if he is not careful! Mr C.J. Barnett : And at the CHOGM press conference; that was a low in international relations. That was very embarrassing. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Exactly! The member for Girrawheen is only too well aware that I am not handling the negotiations with the Police Union on behalf of the government, which is probably a good thing. Mr C.J. Barnett : You’re a softie! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Absolutely, because I am too much of a softie, and everybody knows that! I get on very well with our police officers and I value the work that they do. Of course, if they ask me for something I always try to give it to them. I would be overgenerous if it were me. Of course, the government has to be responsible and that is why the negotiations for all of these public sector workers are made by the Department of Commerce. That is why we have taken that route. The member for Girrawheen would be aware that the same thing happened at the last negotiations two years ago, and it was the Minister for Commerce and the Department for Communities who were directly involved in the negotiations with the Police Union. I am not aware of all the areas the member mentioned and which she claims the government is trying to invoke within that negotiation with the union. As said yesterday, I do not know that everything the member says in this place and in her numerous press releases is absolutely accurate and truthful. I do not know that what the member is saying today is truthful, quite frankly, or whether she is embellishing what is a possible fact. Until such time as I become aware, it is not appropriate for me to comment anyway. Ms M.M. Quirk : I have a supplementary question. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have not finished yet! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : My observation would be that the minister was still on his feet answering the initial question. I am quite prepared to give the member for Girrawheen a supplementary question, but I do note the time. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I would get through the answer to this question much quicker if we did not get interruptions from some members opposite. The member for Girrawheen should give them the same message that she gave to the member for Mindarie! She could give a lot of them that message, which is a very important one that they should take note of and which is very appropriate, particularly for the member for Midland, who wants to interject every time I am on my feet. As far as I am concerned, I hope the negotiations go really well for both sides. A good deal is when both sides end up happy. That is a good deal, whether one is buying or selling! Ms M.M. Quirk : If you won’t give me a supplementary, can I interject? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : A good deal is when both sides are happy. I hope that the government is happy with what it is able to offer. Ms M.M. Quirk : This is an abuse of process, minister. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : You’re an abuse of process! And I hope that the Police Union is happy with what it achieves in those negotiations.
(4) Why does this government support the removal of the current internal affairs allowance of 10 per cent that was implemented to attract good, competent officers to work in that area? Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: (1)–(4) I thank the member for Girrawheen for the question, and I am sure there is a lot of concern behind that question. The member has posed a lot of issues in the question. The member has put forward a lot of examples that she says the government has put to police. I am not aware of all of those because I am not handling the negotiations, as the member is abundantly aware. The member for Girrawheen will tell her colleague the same thing she told the member for Mindarie, if he is not careful! Mr C.J. Barnett : And at the CHOGM press conference; that was a low in international relations. That was very embarrassing. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Exactly! The member for Girrawheen is only too well aware that I am not handling the negotiations with the Police Union on behalf of the government, which is probably a good thing. Mr C.J. Barnett : You’re a softie! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Absolutely, because I am too much of a softie, and everybody knows that! I get on very well with our police officers and I value the work that they do. Of course, if they ask me for something I always try to give it to them. I would be overgenerous if it were me. Of course, the government has to be responsible and that is why the negotiations for all of these public sector workers are made by the Department of Commerce. That is why we have taken that route. The member for Girrawheen would be aware that the same thing happened at the last negotiations two years ago, and it was the Minister for Commerce and the Department for Communities who were directly involved in the negotiations with the Police Union. I am not aware of all the areas the member mentioned and which she claims the government is trying to invoke within that negotiation with the union. As said yesterday, I do not know that everything the member says in this place and in her numerous press releases is absolutely accurate and truthful. I do not know that what the member is saying today is truthful, quite frankly, or whether she is embellishing what is a possible fact. Until such time as I become aware, it is not appropriate for me to comment anyway. Ms M.M. Quirk : I have a supplementary question. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have not finished yet! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : My observation would be that the minister was still on his feet answering the initial question. I am quite prepared to give the member for Girrawheen a supplementary question, but I do note the time. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I would get through the answer to this question much quicker if we did not get interruptions from some members opposite. The member for Girrawheen should give them the same message that she gave to the member for Mindarie! She could give a lot of them that message, which is a very important one that they should take note of and which is very appropriate, particularly for the member for Midland, who wants to interject every time I am on my feet. As far as I am concerned, I hope the negotiations go really well for both sides. A good deal is when both sides end up happy. That is a good deal, whether one is buying or selling! Ms M.M. Quirk : If you won’t give me a supplementary, can I interject? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : A good deal is when both sides are happy. I hope that the government is happy with what it is able to offer. Ms M.M. Quirk : This is an abuse of process, minister. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : You’re an abuse of process! And I hope that the Police Union is happy with what it achieves in those negotiations.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: (1)–(4) I thank the member for Girrawheen for the question, and I am sure there is a lot of concern behind that question. The member has posed a lot of issues in the question. The member has put forward a lot of examples that she says the government has put to police. I am not aware of all of those because I am not handling the negotiations, as the member is abundantly aware. The member for Girrawheen will tell her colleague the same thing she told the member for Mindarie, if he is not careful! Mr C.J. Barnett : And at the CHOGM press conference; that was a low in international relations. That was very embarrassing. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Exactly! The member for Girrawheen is only too well aware that I am not handling the negotiations with the Police Union on behalf of the government, which is probably a good thing. Mr C.J. Barnett : You’re a softie! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Absolutely, because I am too much of a softie, and everybody knows that! I get on very well with our police officers and I value the work that they do. Of course, if they ask me for something I always try to give it to them. I would be overgenerous if it were me. Of course, the government has to be responsible and that is why the negotiations for all of these public sector workers are made by the Department of Commerce. That is why we have taken that route. The member for Girrawheen would be aware that the same thing happened at the last negotiations two years ago, and it was the Minister for Commerce and the Department for Communities who were directly involved in the negotiations with the Police Union. I am not aware of all the areas the member mentioned and which she claims the government is trying to invoke within that negotiation with the union. As said yesterday, I do not know that everything the member says in this place and in her numerous press releases is absolutely accurate and truthful. I do not know that what the member is saying today is truthful, quite frankly, or whether she is embellishing what is a possible fact. Until such time as I become aware, it is not appropriate for me to comment anyway. Ms M.M. Quirk : I have a supplementary question. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have not finished yet! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : My observation would be that the minister was still on his feet answering the initial question. I am quite prepared to give the member for Girrawheen a supplementary question, but I do note the time. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I would get through the answer to this question much quicker if we did not get interruptions from some members opposite. The member for Girrawheen should give them the same message that she gave to the member for Mindarie! She could give a lot of them that message, which is a very important one that they should take note of and which is very appropriate, particularly for the member for Midland, who wants to interject every time I am on my feet. As far as I am concerned, I hope the negotiations go really well for both sides. A good deal is when both sides end up happy. That is a good deal, whether one is buying or selling! Ms M.M. Quirk : If you won’t give me a supplementary, can I interject? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : A good deal is when both sides are happy. I hope that the government is happy with what it is able to offer. Ms M.M. Quirk : This is an abuse of process, minister. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : You’re an abuse of process! And I hope that the Police Union is happy with what it achieves in those negotiations.
(1)–(4) I thank the member for Girrawheen for the question, and I am sure there is a lot of concern behind that question. The member has posed a lot of issues in the question. The member has put forward a lot of examples that she says the government has put to police. I am not aware of all of those because I am not handling the negotiations, as the member is abundantly aware. The member for Girrawheen will tell her colleague the same thing she told the member for Mindarie, if he is not careful! Mr C.J. Barnett : And at the CHOGM press conference; that was a low in international relations. That was very embarrassing. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Exactly! The member for Girrawheen is only too well aware that I am not handling the negotiations with the Police Union on behalf of the government, which is probably a good thing. Mr C.J. Barnett : You’re a softie! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Absolutely, because I am too much of a softie, and everybody knows that! I get on very well with our police officers and I value the work that they do. Of course, if they ask me for something I always try to give it to them. I would be overgenerous if it were me. Of course, the government has to be responsible and that is why the negotiations for all of these public sector workers are made by the Department of Commerce. That is why we have taken that route. The member for Girrawheen would be aware that the same thing happened at the last negotiations two years ago, and it was the Minister for Commerce and the Department for Communities who were directly involved in the negotiations with the Police Union. I am not aware of all the areas the member mentioned and which she claims the government is trying to invoke within that negotiation with the union. As said yesterday, I do not know that everything the member says in this place and in her numerous press releases is absolutely accurate and truthful. I do not know that what the member is saying today is truthful, quite frankly, or whether she is embellishing what is a possible fact. Until such time as I become aware, it is not appropriate for me to comment anyway. Ms M.M. Quirk : I have a supplementary question. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have not finished yet! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : My observation would be that the minister was still on his feet answering the initial question. I am quite prepared to give the member for Girrawheen a supplementary question, but I do note the time. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I would get through the answer to this question much quicker if we did not get interruptions from some members opposite. The member for Girrawheen should give them the same message that she gave to the member for Mindarie! She could give a lot of them that message, which is a very important one that they should take note of and which is very appropriate, particularly for the member for Midland, who wants to interject every time I am on my feet. As far as I am concerned, I hope the negotiations go really well for both sides. A good deal is when both sides end up happy. That is a good deal, whether one is buying or selling! Ms M.M. Quirk : If you won’t give me a supplementary, can I interject? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : A good deal is when both sides are happy. I hope that the government is happy with what it is able to offer. Ms M.M. Quirk : This is an abuse of process, minister. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : You’re an abuse of process! And I hope that the Police Union is happy with what it achieves in those negotiations.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Exactly! The member for Girrawheen is only too well aware that I am not handling the negotiations with the Police Union on behalf of the government, which is probably a good thing. Mr C.J. Barnett : You’re a softie! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Absolutely, because I am too much of a softie, and everybody knows that! I get on very well with our police officers and I value the work that they do. Of course, if they ask me for something I always try to give it to them. I would be overgenerous if it were me. Of course, the government has to be responsible and that is why the negotiations for all of these public sector workers are made by the Department of Commerce. That is why we have taken that route. The member for Girrawheen would be aware that the same thing happened at the last negotiations two years ago, and it was the Minister for Commerce and the Department for Communities who were directly involved in the negotiations with the Police Union. I am not aware of all the areas the member mentioned and which she claims the government is trying to invoke within that negotiation with the union. As said yesterday, I do not know that everything the member says in this place and in her numerous press releases is absolutely accurate and truthful. I do not know that what the member is saying today is truthful, quite frankly, or whether she is embellishing what is a possible fact. Until such time as I become aware, it is not appropriate for me to comment anyway. Ms M.M. Quirk : I have a supplementary question. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have not finished yet! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : My observation would be that the minister was still on his feet answering the initial question. I am quite prepared to give the member for Girrawheen a supplementary question, but I do note the time. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I would get through the answer to this question much quicker if we did not get interruptions from some members opposite. The member for Girrawheen should give them the same message that she gave to the member for Mindarie! She could give a lot of them that message, which is a very important one that they should take note of and which is very appropriate, particularly for the member for Midland, who wants to interject every time I am on my feet. As far as I am concerned, I hope the negotiations go really well for both sides. A good deal is when both sides end up happy. That is a good deal, whether one is buying or selling! Ms M.M. Quirk : If you won’t give me a supplementary, can I interject? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : A good deal is when both sides are happy. I hope that the government is happy with what it is able to offer. Ms M.M. Quirk : This is an abuse of process, minister. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : You’re an abuse of process! And I hope that the Police Union is happy with what it achieves in those negotiations.
Mr C.J. Barnett : You’re a softie! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Absolutely, because I am too much of a softie, and everybody knows that! I get on very well with our police officers and I value the work that they do. Of course, if they ask me for something I always try to give it to them. I would be overgenerous if it were me. Of course, the government has to be responsible and that is why the negotiations for all of these public sector workers are made by the Department of Commerce. That is why we have taken that route. The member for Girrawheen would be aware that the same thing happened at the last negotiations two years ago, and it was the Minister for Commerce and the Department for Communities who were directly involved in the negotiations with the Police Union. I am not aware of all the areas the member mentioned and which she claims the government is trying to invoke within that negotiation with the union. As said yesterday, I do not know that everything the member says in this place and in her numerous press releases is absolutely accurate and truthful. I do not know that what the member is saying today is truthful, quite frankly, or whether she is embellishing what is a possible fact. Until such time as I become aware, it is not appropriate for me to comment anyway. Ms M.M. Quirk : I have a supplementary question. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have not finished yet! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : My observation would be that the minister was still on his feet answering the initial question. I am quite prepared to give the member for Girrawheen a supplementary question, but I do note the time. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I would get through the answer to this question much quicker if we did not get interruptions from some members opposite. The member for Girrawheen should give them the same message that she gave to the member for Mindarie! She could give a lot of them that message, which is a very important one that they should take note of and which is very appropriate, particularly for the member for Midland, who wants to interject every time I am on my feet. As far as I am concerned, I hope the negotiations go really well for both sides. A good deal is when both sides end up happy. That is a good deal, whether one is buying or selling! Ms M.M. Quirk : If you won’t give me a supplementary, can I interject? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : A good deal is when both sides are happy. I hope that the government is happy with what it is able to offer. Ms M.M. Quirk : This is an abuse of process, minister. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : You’re an abuse of process! And I hope that the Police Union is happy with what it achieves in those negotiations.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Absolutely, because I am too much of a softie, and everybody knows that! I get on very well with our police officers and I value the work that they do. Of course, if they ask me for something I always try to give it to them. I would be overgenerous if it were me. Of course, the government has to be responsible and that is why the negotiations for all of these public sector workers are made by the Department of Commerce. That is why we have taken that route. The member for Girrawheen would be aware that the same thing happened at the last negotiations two years ago, and it was the Minister for Commerce and the Department for Communities who were directly involved in the negotiations with the Police Union. I am not aware of all the areas the member mentioned and which she claims the government is trying to invoke within that negotiation with the union. As said yesterday, I do not know that everything the member says in this place and in her numerous press releases is absolutely accurate and truthful. I do not know that what the member is saying today is truthful, quite frankly, or whether she is embellishing what is a possible fact. Until such time as I become aware, it is not appropriate for me to comment anyway. Ms M.M. Quirk : I have a supplementary question. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have not finished yet! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : My observation would be that the minister was still on his feet answering the initial question. I am quite prepared to give the member for Girrawheen a supplementary question, but I do note the time. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I would get through the answer to this question much quicker if we did not get interruptions from some members opposite. The member for Girrawheen should give them the same message that she gave to the member for Mindarie! She could give a lot of them that message, which is a very important one that they should take note of and which is very appropriate, particularly for the member for Midland, who wants to interject every time I am on my feet. As far as I am concerned, I hope the negotiations go really well for both sides. A good deal is when both sides end up happy. That is a good deal, whether one is buying or selling! Ms M.M. Quirk : If you won’t give me a supplementary, can I interject? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : A good deal is when both sides are happy. I hope that the government is happy with what it is able to offer. Ms M.M. Quirk : This is an abuse of process, minister. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : You’re an abuse of process! And I hope that the Police Union is happy with what it achieves in those negotiations.
I am not aware of all the areas the member mentioned and which she claims the government is trying to invoke within that negotiation with the union. As said yesterday, I do not know that everything the member says in this place and in her numerous press releases is absolutely accurate and truthful. I do not know that what the member is saying today is truthful, quite frankly, or whether she is embellishing what is a possible fact. Until such time as I become aware, it is not appropriate for me to comment anyway. Ms M.M. Quirk : I have a supplementary question. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have not finished yet! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : My observation would be that the minister was still on his feet answering the initial question. I am quite prepared to give the member for Girrawheen a supplementary question, but I do note the time. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I would get through the answer to this question much quicker if we did not get interruptions from some members opposite. The member for Girrawheen should give them the same message that she gave to the member for Mindarie! She could give a lot of them that message, which is a very important one that they should take note of and which is very appropriate, particularly for the member for Midland, who wants to interject every time I am on my feet. As far as I am concerned, I hope the negotiations go really well for both sides. A good deal is when both sides end up happy. That is a good deal, whether one is buying or selling! Ms M.M. Quirk : If you won’t give me a supplementary, can I interject? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : A good deal is when both sides are happy. I hope that the government is happy with what it is able to offer. Ms M.M. Quirk : This is an abuse of process, minister. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : You’re an abuse of process! And I hope that the Police Union is happy with what it achieves in those negotiations.
Ms M.M. Quirk : I have a supplementary question. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have not finished yet! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : My observation would be that the minister was still on his feet answering the initial question. I am quite prepared to give the member for Girrawheen a supplementary question, but I do note the time. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I would get through the answer to this question much quicker if we did not get interruptions from some members opposite. The member for Girrawheen should give them the same message that she gave to the member for Mindarie! She could give a lot of them that message, which is a very important one that they should take note of and which is very appropriate, particularly for the member for Midland, who wants to interject every time I am on my feet. As far as I am concerned, I hope the negotiations go really well for both sides. A good deal is when both sides end up happy. That is a good deal, whether one is buying or selling! Ms M.M. Quirk : If you won’t give me a supplementary, can I interject? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : A good deal is when both sides are happy. I hope that the government is happy with what it is able to offer. Ms M.M. Quirk : This is an abuse of process, minister. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : You’re an abuse of process! And I hope that the Police Union is happy with what it achieves in those negotiations.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have not finished yet! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : My observation would be that the minister was still on his feet answering the initial question. I am quite prepared to give the member for Girrawheen a supplementary question, but I do note the time. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I would get through the answer to this question much quicker if we did not get interruptions from some members opposite. The member for Girrawheen should give them the same message that she gave to the member for Mindarie! She could give a lot of them that message, which is a very important one that they should take note of and which is very appropriate, particularly for the member for Midland, who wants to interject every time I am on my feet. As far as I am concerned, I hope the negotiations go really well for both sides. A good deal is when both sides end up happy. That is a good deal, whether one is buying or selling! Ms M.M. Quirk : If you won’t give me a supplementary, can I interject? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : A good deal is when both sides are happy. I hope that the government is happy with what it is able to offer. Ms M.M. Quirk : This is an abuse of process, minister. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : You’re an abuse of process! And I hope that the Police Union is happy with what it achieves in those negotiations.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : My observation would be that the minister was still on his feet answering the initial question. I am quite prepared to give the member for Girrawheen a supplementary question, but I do note the time. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I would get through the answer to this question much quicker if we did not get interruptions from some members opposite. The member for Girrawheen should give them the same message that she gave to the member for Mindarie! She could give a lot of them that message, which is a very important one that they should take note of and which is very appropriate, particularly for the member for Midland, who wants to interject every time I am on my feet. As far as I am concerned, I hope the negotiations go really well for both sides. A good deal is when both sides end up happy. That is a good deal, whether one is buying or selling! Ms M.M. Quirk : If you won’t give me a supplementary, can I interject? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : A good deal is when both sides are happy. I hope that the government is happy with what it is able to offer. Ms M.M. Quirk : This is an abuse of process, minister. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : You’re an abuse of process! And I hope that the Police Union is happy with what it achieves in those negotiations.
The SPEAKER : My observation would be that the minister was still on his feet answering the initial question. I am quite prepared to give the member for Girrawheen a supplementary question, but I do note the time. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I would get through the answer to this question much quicker if we did not get interruptions from some members opposite. The member for Girrawheen should give them the same message that she gave to the member for Mindarie! She could give a lot of them that message, which is a very important one that they should take note of and which is very appropriate, particularly for the member for Midland, who wants to interject every time I am on my feet. As far as I am concerned, I hope the negotiations go really well for both sides. A good deal is when both sides end up happy. That is a good deal, whether one is buying or selling! Ms M.M. Quirk : If you won’t give me a supplementary, can I interject? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : A good deal is when both sides are happy. I hope that the government is happy with what it is able to offer. Ms M.M. Quirk : This is an abuse of process, minister. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : You’re an abuse of process! And I hope that the Police Union is happy with what it achieves in those negotiations.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I would get through the answer to this question much quicker if we did not get interruptions from some members opposite. The member for Girrawheen should give them the same message that she gave to the member for Mindarie! She could give a lot of them that message, which is a very important one that they should take note of and which is very appropriate, particularly for the member for Midland, who wants to interject every time I am on my feet. As far as I am concerned, I hope the negotiations go really well for both sides. A good deal is when both sides end up happy. That is a good deal, whether one is buying or selling! Ms M.M. Quirk : If you won’t give me a supplementary, can I interject? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : A good deal is when both sides are happy. I hope that the government is happy with what it is able to offer. Ms M.M. Quirk : This is an abuse of process, minister. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : You’re an abuse of process! And I hope that the Police Union is happy with what it achieves in those negotiations.
Ms M.M. Quirk : If you won’t give me a supplementary, can I interject? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : A good deal is when both sides are happy. I hope that the government is happy with what it is able to offer. Ms M.M. Quirk : This is an abuse of process, minister. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : You’re an abuse of process! And I hope that the Police Union is happy with what it achieves in those negotiations.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : A good deal is when both sides are happy. I hope that the government is happy with what it is able to offer. Ms M.M. Quirk : This is an abuse of process, minister. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : You’re an abuse of process! And I hope that the Police Union is happy with what it achieves in those negotiations.
Ms M.M. Quirk : This is an abuse of process, minister. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : You’re an abuse of process! And I hope that the Police Union is happy with what it achieves in those negotiations.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : You’re an abuse of process! And I hope that the Police Union is happy with what it achieves in those negotiations.
And I hope that the Police Union is happy with what it achieves in those negotiations.
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