❓ Mr. Snook questions the Minister for Education regarding funding for the Rudd government's laptop program, while the Minister deflects and emphasizes WA's existing IT infrastructure, leading to parliamentary disorder.
AnsweredQoN 322Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
SCHOOLS — LAPTOPS FOR STUDENTS 322. Mr G. SNOOK to the Minister for Education and Training: I refer to the Premier’s unwillingness to fulfil the Rudd Labor government’s election promise of ensuring that every secondary school student has access to a laptop computer when he said that the states should not be expected to pay to keep that promise and that this state will not. (1) Can the minister confirm that the government will now pay $345 000 for infrastructure and electricity bills for the first round of this program? (2) Given his assertion in March that major investments in information and communications technology infrastructure, operations and supporting services have already been established and are continually being improved, can he explain how the $345 000 will be spent? (3) What advice has he sought from the commonwealth about how much the state will be forced to pay for this election promise for future rounds? Mr M. McGOWAN
AnswerView source ↗
(1)-(3) I thank the member for Moore, a well-known expert on information technology matters, for the question. Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : I was paying the member a compliment. I meant it; he is well known as an expert on IT matters. Mr T. Buswell : How’s your wife’s computer? Mr M. McGOWAN : There he goes again. The Leader of the Opposition has members who move seats because they will not sit next to someone else right behind him, yet he has the temerity to come into this place and start attacking us! He has someone who moves seats because he will not sit next to anyone else. Why did he not move the member for South Perth down here and then he could have moved the member for Warren-Blackwood next to Matt Birney? Sorry; that would not have worked either. Points of Order Mr M.J. COWPER : How is this relevant to the question that was asked by the member for Moore? The SPEAKER : It escapes me how relevant the answer is to the question at the moment. The question relates to the computer program. I am sure that the minister is getting to that part of the answer. Mr M.J. BIRNEY : I have a further point of order. The minister referred to me as Matt Birney. I prefer to be called the member for Kalgoorlie—at least for the next four or five months, if that is okay! The SPEAKER : Who said that? Mr M.J. Birney : The minister over there—the naughty one. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Further to the point of order, I should have raised the issue myself, but the Minister for Education and Training, under pressure as an alleged bigamist, has probably lost some sense of balance and may have overlooked how he was supposed to refer to the member correctly. The SPEAKER : I did not hear the minister call the member by his Christian name and surname. Everyone in this place knows that they should refer to members by their seat or their position. I direct all members to comply. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr M. McGOWAN : He referred to me as the naughty one. That back corner of the opposition benches looks like the naughty corner because that is where all the former leaders seem to end up. I am deeply sorry — Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Vasse should not worry; he will be sitting there soon! Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : If I were not being interrupted so much, I would like to finish answering the question. The member raises a good point. The Rudd government is rolling out its computers in schools program. Members fail to realise that this is a long-term program. It will not all happen overnight. When the member says that it has failed to deliver a computer for every student, he should realise that this program will go on for many years. The first tranche, which the government wanted to get out by 1 July, is in the first $100 million across Australia. An opposition member interjected. Mr M. McGowan : That is what he said in his question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr M. McGOWAN : Mr Speaker, the provocations are really quite extreme. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order. Mr M. McGOWAN : As I was saying, $100 million is being rolled out in the first tranche, before 1 July. Western Australia has received a share, but we did not receive as much as other states, for instance, proportionately New South Wales, because Western Australia is so far ahead of all the other states in the roll-out of information technology and support services in our schools that it is not funny. That is a fact. We are way in front compared to what is provided to schools in all the other states in Australia. It is true that we provided $345 000 towards support services for the first roll-out of computers in schools around Western Australia. However, I regard that as a relatively very small amount of money for the benefit we are receiving and the remainder — Mr G. Snook interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member should let me finish. The remainder of the issues surrounding state government support are due to be dealt with by the Treasurers later this year. They will have discussions about those matters. Western Australia has been quite forceful in saying that, although we appreciate all the federal government’s work regarding the computers in schools program, we do not believe that the overwhelming burden of the cost should be put upon the states. Personally, for the benefit received by the state, I think it was a very modest investment.
SCHOOLS — LAPTOPS FOR STUDENTS
I refer to the Premier’s unwillingness to fulfil the Rudd Labor government’s election promise of ensuring that every secondary school student has access to a laptop computer when he said that the states should not be expected to pay to keep that promise and that this state will not. (1) Can the minister confirm that the government will now pay $345 000 for infrastructure and electricity bills for the first round of this program? (2) Given his assertion in March that major investments in information and communications technology infrastructure, operations and supporting services have already been established and are continually being improved, can he explain how the $345 000 will be spent? (3) What advice has he sought from the commonwealth about how much the state will be forced to pay for this election promise for future rounds? Mr M. McGOWAN replied: (1)-(3) I thank the member for Moore, a well-known expert on information technology matters, for the question. Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : I was paying the member a compliment. I meant it; he is well known as an expert on IT matters. Mr T. Buswell : How’s your wife’s computer? Mr M. McGOWAN : There he goes again. The Leader of the Opposition has members who move seats because they will not sit next to someone else right behind him, yet he has the temerity to come into this place and start attacking us! He has someone who moves seats because he will not sit next to anyone else. Why did he not move the member for South Perth down here and then he could have moved the member for Warren-Blackwood next to Matt Birney? Sorry; that would not have worked either. Points of Order Mr M.J. COWPER : How is this relevant to the question that was asked by the member for Moore? The SPEAKER : It escapes me how relevant the answer is to the question at the moment. The question relates to the computer program. I am sure that the minister is getting to that part of the answer. Mr M.J. BIRNEY : I have a further point of order. The minister referred to me as Matt Birney. I prefer to be called the member for Kalgoorlie—at least for the next four or five months, if that is okay! The SPEAKER : Who said that? Mr M.J. Birney : The minister over there—the naughty one. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Further to the point of order, I should have raised the issue myself, but the Minister for Education and Training, under pressure as an alleged bigamist, has probably lost some sense of balance and may have overlooked how he was supposed to refer to the member correctly. The SPEAKER : I did not hear the minister call the member by his Christian name and surname. Everyone in this place knows that they should refer to members by their seat or their position. I direct all members to comply. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr M. McGOWAN : He referred to me as the naughty one. That back corner of the opposition benches looks like the naughty corner because that is where all the former leaders seem to end up. I am deeply sorry — Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Vasse should not worry; he will be sitting there soon! Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : If I were not being interrupted so much, I would like to finish answering the question. The member raises a good point. The Rudd government is rolling out its computers in schools program. Members fail to realise that this is a long-term program. It will not all happen overnight. When the member says that it has failed to deliver a computer for every student, he should realise that this program will go on for many years. The first tranche, which the government wanted to get out by 1 July, is in the first $100 million across Australia. An opposition member interjected. Mr M. McGowan : That is what he said in his question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr M. McGOWAN : Mr Speaker, the provocations are really quite extreme. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order. Mr M. McGOWAN : As I was saying, $100 million is being rolled out in the first tranche, before 1 July. Western Australia has received a share, but we did not receive as much as other states, for instance, proportionately New South Wales, because Western Australia is so far ahead of all the other states in the roll-out of information technology and support services in our schools that it is not funny. That is a fact. We are way in front compared to what is provided to schools in all the other states in Australia. It is true that we provided $345 000 towards support services for the first roll-out of computers in schools around Western Australia. However, I regard that as a relatively very small amount of money for the benefit we are receiving and the remainder — Mr G. Snook interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member should let me finish. The remainder of the issues surrounding state government support are due to be dealt with by the Treasurers later this year. They will have discussions about those matters. Western Australia has been quite forceful in saying that, although we appreciate all the federal government’s work regarding the computers in schools program, we do not believe that the overwhelming burden of the cost should be put upon the states. Personally, for the benefit received by the state, I think it was a very modest investment.
(1) Can the minister confirm that the government will now pay $345 000 for infrastructure and electricity bills for the first round of this program? (2) Given his assertion in March that major investments in information and communications technology infrastructure, operations and supporting services have already been established and are continually being improved, can he explain how the $345 000 will be spent? (3) What advice has he sought from the commonwealth about how much the state will be forced to pay for this election promise for future rounds? Mr M. McGOWAN replied: (1)-(3) I thank the member for Moore, a well-known expert on information technology matters, for the question. Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : I was paying the member a compliment. I meant it; he is well known as an expert on IT matters. Mr T. Buswell : How’s your wife’s computer? Mr M. McGOWAN : There he goes again. The Leader of the Opposition has members who move seats because they will not sit next to someone else right behind him, yet he has the temerity to come into this place and start attacking us! He has someone who moves seats because he will not sit next to anyone else. Why did he not move the member for South Perth down here and then he could have moved the member for Warren-Blackwood next to Matt Birney? Sorry; that would not have worked either. Points of Order Mr M.J. COWPER : How is this relevant to the question that was asked by the member for Moore? The SPEAKER : It escapes me how relevant the answer is to the question at the moment. The question relates to the computer program. I am sure that the minister is getting to that part of the answer. Mr M.J. BIRNEY : I have a further point of order. The minister referred to me as Matt Birney. I prefer to be called the member for Kalgoorlie—at least for the next four or five months, if that is okay! The SPEAKER : Who said that? Mr M.J. Birney : The minister over there—the naughty one. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Further to the point of order, I should have raised the issue myself, but the Minister for Education and Training, under pressure as an alleged bigamist, has probably lost some sense of balance and may have overlooked how he was supposed to refer to the member correctly. The SPEAKER : I did not hear the minister call the member by his Christian name and surname. Everyone in this place knows that they should refer to members by their seat or their position. I direct all members to comply. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr M. McGOWAN : He referred to me as the naughty one. That back corner of the opposition benches looks like the naughty corner because that is where all the former leaders seem to end up. I am deeply sorry — Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Vasse should not worry; he will be sitting there soon! Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : If I were not being interrupted so much, I would like to finish answering the question. The member raises a good point. The Rudd government is rolling out its computers in schools program. Members fail to realise that this is a long-term program. It will not all happen overnight. When the member says that it has failed to deliver a computer for every student, he should realise that this program will go on for many years. The first tranche, which the government wanted to get out by 1 July, is in the first $100 million across Australia. An opposition member interjected. Mr M. McGowan : That is what he said in his question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr M. McGOWAN : Mr Speaker, the provocations are really quite extreme. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order. Mr M. McGOWAN : As I was saying, $100 million is being rolled out in the first tranche, before 1 July. Western Australia has received a share, but we did not receive as much as other states, for instance, proportionately New South Wales, because Western Australia is so far ahead of all the other states in the roll-out of information technology and support services in our schools that it is not funny. That is a fact. We are way in front compared to what is provided to schools in all the other states in Australia. It is true that we provided $345 000 towards support services for the first roll-out of computers in schools around Western Australia. However, I regard that as a relatively very small amount of money for the benefit we are receiving and the remainder — Mr G. Snook interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member should let me finish. The remainder of the issues surrounding state government support are due to be dealt with by the Treasurers later this year. They will have discussions about those matters. Western Australia has been quite forceful in saying that, although we appreciate all the federal government’s work regarding the computers in schools program, we do not believe that the overwhelming burden of the cost should be put upon the states. Personally, for the benefit received by the state, I think it was a very modest investment.
(2) Given his assertion in March that major investments in information and communications technology infrastructure, operations and supporting services have already been established and are continually being improved, can he explain how the $345 000 will be spent? (3) What advice has he sought from the commonwealth about how much the state will be forced to pay for this election promise for future rounds? Mr M. McGOWAN replied: (1)-(3) I thank the member for Moore, a well-known expert on information technology matters, for the question. Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : I was paying the member a compliment. I meant it; he is well known as an expert on IT matters. Mr T. Buswell : How’s your wife’s computer? Mr M. McGOWAN : There he goes again. The Leader of the Opposition has members who move seats because they will not sit next to someone else right behind him, yet he has the temerity to come into this place and start attacking us! He has someone who moves seats because he will not sit next to anyone else. Why did he not move the member for South Perth down here and then he could have moved the member for Warren-Blackwood next to Matt Birney? Sorry; that would not have worked either. Points of Order Mr M.J. COWPER : How is this relevant to the question that was asked by the member for Moore? The SPEAKER : It escapes me how relevant the answer is to the question at the moment. The question relates to the computer program. I am sure that the minister is getting to that part of the answer. Mr M.J. BIRNEY : I have a further point of order. The minister referred to me as Matt Birney. I prefer to be called the member for Kalgoorlie—at least for the next four or five months, if that is okay! The SPEAKER : Who said that? Mr M.J. Birney : The minister over there—the naughty one. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Further to the point of order, I should have raised the issue myself, but the Minister for Education and Training, under pressure as an alleged bigamist, has probably lost some sense of balance and may have overlooked how he was supposed to refer to the member correctly. The SPEAKER : I did not hear the minister call the member by his Christian name and surname. Everyone in this place knows that they should refer to members by their seat or their position. I direct all members to comply. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr M. McGOWAN : He referred to me as the naughty one. That back corner of the opposition benches looks like the naughty corner because that is where all the former leaders seem to end up. I am deeply sorry — Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Vasse should not worry; he will be sitting there soon! Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : If I were not being interrupted so much, I would like to finish answering the question. The member raises a good point. The Rudd government is rolling out its computers in schools program. Members fail to realise that this is a long-term program. It will not all happen overnight. When the member says that it has failed to deliver a computer for every student, he should realise that this program will go on for many years. The first tranche, which the government wanted to get out by 1 July, is in the first $100 million across Australia. An opposition member interjected. Mr M. McGowan : That is what he said in his question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr M. McGOWAN : Mr Speaker, the provocations are really quite extreme. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order. Mr M. McGOWAN : As I was saying, $100 million is being rolled out in the first tranche, before 1 July. Western Australia has received a share, but we did not receive as much as other states, for instance, proportionately New South Wales, because Western Australia is so far ahead of all the other states in the roll-out of information technology and support services in our schools that it is not funny. That is a fact. We are way in front compared to what is provided to schools in all the other states in Australia. It is true that we provided $345 000 towards support services for the first roll-out of computers in schools around Western Australia. However, I regard that as a relatively very small amount of money for the benefit we are receiving and the remainder — Mr G. Snook interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member should let me finish. The remainder of the issues surrounding state government support are due to be dealt with by the Treasurers later this year. They will have discussions about those matters. Western Australia has been quite forceful in saying that, although we appreciate all the federal government’s work regarding the computers in schools program, we do not believe that the overwhelming burden of the cost should be put upon the states. Personally, for the benefit received by the state, I think it was a very modest investment.
(3) What advice has he sought from the commonwealth about how much the state will be forced to pay for this election promise for future rounds? Mr M. McGOWAN replied: (1)-(3) I thank the member for Moore, a well-known expert on information technology matters, for the question. Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : I was paying the member a compliment. I meant it; he is well known as an expert on IT matters. Mr T. Buswell : How’s your wife’s computer? Mr M. McGOWAN : There he goes again. The Leader of the Opposition has members who move seats because they will not sit next to someone else right behind him, yet he has the temerity to come into this place and start attacking us! He has someone who moves seats because he will not sit next to anyone else. Why did he not move the member for South Perth down here and then he could have moved the member for Warren-Blackwood next to Matt Birney? Sorry; that would not have worked either. Points of Order Mr M.J. COWPER : How is this relevant to the question that was asked by the member for Moore? The SPEAKER : It escapes me how relevant the answer is to the question at the moment. The question relates to the computer program. I am sure that the minister is getting to that part of the answer. Mr M.J. BIRNEY : I have a further point of order. The minister referred to me as Matt Birney. I prefer to be called the member for Kalgoorlie—at least for the next four or five months, if that is okay! The SPEAKER : Who said that? Mr M.J. Birney : The minister over there—the naughty one. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Further to the point of order, I should have raised the issue myself, but the Minister for Education and Training, under pressure as an alleged bigamist, has probably lost some sense of balance and may have overlooked how he was supposed to refer to the member correctly. The SPEAKER : I did not hear the minister call the member by his Christian name and surname. Everyone in this place knows that they should refer to members by their seat or their position. I direct all members to comply. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr M. McGOWAN : He referred to me as the naughty one. That back corner of the opposition benches looks like the naughty corner because that is where all the former leaders seem to end up. I am deeply sorry — Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Vasse should not worry; he will be sitting there soon! Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : If I were not being interrupted so much, I would like to finish answering the question. The member raises a good point. The Rudd government is rolling out its computers in schools program. Members fail to realise that this is a long-term program. It will not all happen overnight. When the member says that it has failed to deliver a computer for every student, he should realise that this program will go on for many years. The first tranche, which the government wanted to get out by 1 July, is in the first $100 million across Australia. An opposition member interjected. Mr M. McGowan : That is what he said in his question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr M. McGOWAN : Mr Speaker, the provocations are really quite extreme. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order. Mr M. McGOWAN : As I was saying, $100 million is being rolled out in the first tranche, before 1 July. Western Australia has received a share, but we did not receive as much as other states, for instance, proportionately New South Wales, because Western Australia is so far ahead of all the other states in the roll-out of information technology and support services in our schools that it is not funny. That is a fact. We are way in front compared to what is provided to schools in all the other states in Australia. It is true that we provided $345 000 towards support services for the first roll-out of computers in schools around Western Australia. However, I regard that as a relatively very small amount of money for the benefit we are receiving and the remainder — Mr G. Snook interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member should let me finish. The remainder of the issues surrounding state government support are due to be dealt with by the Treasurers later this year. They will have discussions about those matters. Western Australia has been quite forceful in saying that, although we appreciate all the federal government’s work regarding the computers in schools program, we do not believe that the overwhelming burden of the cost should be put upon the states. Personally, for the benefit received by the state, I think it was a very modest investment.
Mr M. McGOWAN replied: (1)-(3) I thank the member for Moore, a well-known expert on information technology matters, for the question. Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : I was paying the member a compliment. I meant it; he is well known as an expert on IT matters. Mr T. Buswell : How’s your wife’s computer? Mr M. McGOWAN : There he goes again. The Leader of the Opposition has members who move seats because they will not sit next to someone else right behind him, yet he has the temerity to come into this place and start attacking us! He has someone who moves seats because he will not sit next to anyone else. Why did he not move the member for South Perth down here and then he could have moved the member for Warren-Blackwood next to Matt Birney? Sorry; that would not have worked either. Points of Order Mr M.J. COWPER : How is this relevant to the question that was asked by the member for Moore? The SPEAKER : It escapes me how relevant the answer is to the question at the moment. The question relates to the computer program. I am sure that the minister is getting to that part of the answer. Mr M.J. BIRNEY : I have a further point of order. The minister referred to me as Matt Birney. I prefer to be called the member for Kalgoorlie—at least for the next four or five months, if that is okay! The SPEAKER : Who said that? Mr M.J. Birney : The minister over there—the naughty one. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Further to the point of order, I should have raised the issue myself, but the Minister for Education and Training, under pressure as an alleged bigamist, has probably lost some sense of balance and may have overlooked how he was supposed to refer to the member correctly. The SPEAKER : I did not hear the minister call the member by his Christian name and surname. Everyone in this place knows that they should refer to members by their seat or their position. I direct all members to comply. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr M. McGOWAN : He referred to me as the naughty one. That back corner of the opposition benches looks like the naughty corner because that is where all the former leaders seem to end up. I am deeply sorry — Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Vasse should not worry; he will be sitting there soon! Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : If I were not being interrupted so much, I would like to finish answering the question. The member raises a good point. The Rudd government is rolling out its computers in schools program. Members fail to realise that this is a long-term program. It will not all happen overnight. When the member says that it has failed to deliver a computer for every student, he should realise that this program will go on for many years. The first tranche, which the government wanted to get out by 1 July, is in the first $100 million across Australia. An opposition member interjected. Mr M. McGowan : That is what he said in his question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr M. McGOWAN : Mr Speaker, the provocations are really quite extreme. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order. Mr M. McGOWAN : As I was saying, $100 million is being rolled out in the first tranche, before 1 July. Western Australia has received a share, but we did not receive as much as other states, for instance, proportionately New South Wales, because Western Australia is so far ahead of all the other states in the roll-out of information technology and support services in our schools that it is not funny. That is a fact. We are way in front compared to what is provided to schools in all the other states in Australia. It is true that we provided $345 000 towards support services for the first roll-out of computers in schools around Western Australia. However, I regard that as a relatively very small amount of money for the benefit we are receiving and the remainder — Mr G. Snook interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member should let me finish. The remainder of the issues surrounding state government support are due to be dealt with by the Treasurers later this year. They will have discussions about those matters. Western Australia has been quite forceful in saying that, although we appreciate all the federal government’s work regarding the computers in schools program, we do not believe that the overwhelming burden of the cost should be put upon the states. Personally, for the benefit received by the state, I think it was a very modest investment.
(1)-(3) I thank the member for Moore, a well-known expert on information technology matters, for the question. Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : I was paying the member a compliment. I meant it; he is well known as an expert on IT matters. Mr T. Buswell : How’s your wife’s computer? Mr M. McGOWAN : There he goes again. The Leader of the Opposition has members who move seats because they will not sit next to someone else right behind him, yet he has the temerity to come into this place and start attacking us! He has someone who moves seats because he will not sit next to anyone else. Why did he not move the member for South Perth down here and then he could have moved the member for Warren-Blackwood next to Matt Birney? Sorry; that would not have worked either. Points of Order Mr M.J. COWPER : How is this relevant to the question that was asked by the member for Moore? The SPEAKER : It escapes me how relevant the answer is to the question at the moment. The question relates to the computer program. I am sure that the minister is getting to that part of the answer. Mr M.J. BIRNEY : I have a further point of order. The minister referred to me as Matt Birney. I prefer to be called the member for Kalgoorlie—at least for the next four or five months, if that is okay! The SPEAKER : Who said that? Mr M.J. Birney : The minister over there—the naughty one. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Further to the point of order, I should have raised the issue myself, but the Minister for Education and Training, under pressure as an alleged bigamist, has probably lost some sense of balance and may have overlooked how he was supposed to refer to the member correctly. The SPEAKER : I did not hear the minister call the member by his Christian name and surname. Everyone in this place knows that they should refer to members by their seat or their position. I direct all members to comply. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr M. McGOWAN : He referred to me as the naughty one. That back corner of the opposition benches looks like the naughty corner because that is where all the former leaders seem to end up. I am deeply sorry — Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Vasse should not worry; he will be sitting there soon! Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : If I were not being interrupted so much, I would like to finish answering the question. The member raises a good point. The Rudd government is rolling out its computers in schools program. Members fail to realise that this is a long-term program. It will not all happen overnight. When the member says that it has failed to deliver a computer for every student, he should realise that this program will go on for many years. The first tranche, which the government wanted to get out by 1 July, is in the first $100 million across Australia. An opposition member interjected. Mr M. McGowan : That is what he said in his question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr M. McGOWAN : Mr Speaker, the provocations are really quite extreme. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order. Mr M. McGOWAN : As I was saying, $100 million is being rolled out in the first tranche, before 1 July. Western Australia has received a share, but we did not receive as much as other states, for instance, proportionately New South Wales, because Western Australia is so far ahead of all the other states in the roll-out of information technology and support services in our schools that it is not funny. That is a fact. We are way in front compared to what is provided to schools in all the other states in Australia. It is true that we provided $345 000 towards support services for the first roll-out of computers in schools around Western Australia. However, I regard that as a relatively very small amount of money for the benefit we are receiving and the remainder — Mr G. Snook interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member should let me finish. The remainder of the issues surrounding state government support are due to be dealt with by the Treasurers later this year. They will have discussions about those matters. Western Australia has been quite forceful in saying that, although we appreciate all the federal government’s work regarding the computers in schools program, we do not believe that the overwhelming burden of the cost should be put upon the states. Personally, for the benefit received by the state, I think it was a very modest investment.
Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : I was paying the member a compliment. I meant it; he is well known as an expert on IT matters. Mr T. Buswell : How’s your wife’s computer? Mr M. McGOWAN : There he goes again. The Leader of the Opposition has members who move seats because they will not sit next to someone else right behind him, yet he has the temerity to come into this place and start attacking us! He has someone who moves seats because he will not sit next to anyone else. Why did he not move the member for South Perth down here and then he could have moved the member for Warren-Blackwood next to Matt Birney? Sorry; that would not have worked either. Points of Order Mr M.J. COWPER : How is this relevant to the question that was asked by the member for Moore? The SPEAKER : It escapes me how relevant the answer is to the question at the moment. The question relates to the computer program. I am sure that the minister is getting to that part of the answer. Mr M.J. BIRNEY : I have a further point of order. The minister referred to me as Matt Birney. I prefer to be called the member for Kalgoorlie—at least for the next four or five months, if that is okay! The SPEAKER : Who said that? Mr M.J. Birney : The minister over there—the naughty one. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Further to the point of order, I should have raised the issue myself, but the Minister for Education and Training, under pressure as an alleged bigamist, has probably lost some sense of balance and may have overlooked how he was supposed to refer to the member correctly. The SPEAKER : I did not hear the minister call the member by his Christian name and surname. Everyone in this place knows that they should refer to members by their seat or their position. I direct all members to comply. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr M. McGOWAN : He referred to me as the naughty one. That back corner of the opposition benches looks like the naughty corner because that is where all the former leaders seem to end up. I am deeply sorry — Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Vasse should not worry; he will be sitting there soon! Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : If I were not being interrupted so much, I would like to finish answering the question. The member raises a good point. The Rudd government is rolling out its computers in schools program. Members fail to realise that this is a long-term program. It will not all happen overnight. When the member says that it has failed to deliver a computer for every student, he should realise that this program will go on for many years. The first tranche, which the government wanted to get out by 1 July, is in the first $100 million across Australia. An opposition member interjected. Mr M. McGowan : That is what he said in his question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr M. McGOWAN : Mr Speaker, the provocations are really quite extreme. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order. Mr M. McGOWAN : As I was saying, $100 million is being rolled out in the first tranche, before 1 July. Western Australia has received a share, but we did not receive as much as other states, for instance, proportionately New South Wales, because Western Australia is so far ahead of all the other states in the roll-out of information technology and support services in our schools that it is not funny. That is a fact. We are way in front compared to what is provided to schools in all the other states in Australia. It is true that we provided $345 000 towards support services for the first roll-out of computers in schools around Western Australia. However, I regard that as a relatively very small amount of money for the benefit we are receiving and the remainder — Mr G. Snook interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member should let me finish. The remainder of the issues surrounding state government support are due to be dealt with by the Treasurers later this year. They will have discussions about those matters. Western Australia has been quite forceful in saying that, although we appreciate all the federal government’s work regarding the computers in schools program, we do not believe that the overwhelming burden of the cost should be put upon the states. Personally, for the benefit received by the state, I think it was a very modest investment.
Mr M. McGOWAN : I was paying the member a compliment. I meant it; he is well known as an expert on IT matters. Mr T. Buswell : How’s your wife’s computer? Mr M. McGOWAN : There he goes again. The Leader of the Opposition has members who move seats because they will not sit next to someone else right behind him, yet he has the temerity to come into this place and start attacking us! He has someone who moves seats because he will not sit next to anyone else. Why did he not move the member for South Perth down here and then he could have moved the member for Warren-Blackwood next to Matt Birney? Sorry; that would not have worked either. Points of Order Mr M.J. COWPER : How is this relevant to the question that was asked by the member for Moore? The SPEAKER : It escapes me how relevant the answer is to the question at the moment. The question relates to the computer program. I am sure that the minister is getting to that part of the answer. Mr M.J. BIRNEY : I have a further point of order. The minister referred to me as Matt Birney. I prefer to be called the member for Kalgoorlie—at least for the next four or five months, if that is okay! The SPEAKER : Who said that? Mr M.J. Birney : The minister over there—the naughty one. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Further to the point of order, I should have raised the issue myself, but the Minister for Education and Training, under pressure as an alleged bigamist, has probably lost some sense of balance and may have overlooked how he was supposed to refer to the member correctly. The SPEAKER : I did not hear the minister call the member by his Christian name and surname. Everyone in this place knows that they should refer to members by their seat or their position. I direct all members to comply. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr M. McGOWAN : He referred to me as the naughty one. That back corner of the opposition benches looks like the naughty corner because that is where all the former leaders seem to end up. I am deeply sorry — Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Vasse should not worry; he will be sitting there soon! Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : If I were not being interrupted so much, I would like to finish answering the question. The member raises a good point. The Rudd government is rolling out its computers in schools program. Members fail to realise that this is a long-term program. It will not all happen overnight. When the member says that it has failed to deliver a computer for every student, he should realise that this program will go on for many years. The first tranche, which the government wanted to get out by 1 July, is in the first $100 million across Australia. An opposition member interjected. Mr M. McGowan : That is what he said in his question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr M. McGOWAN : Mr Speaker, the provocations are really quite extreme. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order. Mr M. McGOWAN : As I was saying, $100 million is being rolled out in the first tranche, before 1 July. Western Australia has received a share, but we did not receive as much as other states, for instance, proportionately New South Wales, because Western Australia is so far ahead of all the other states in the roll-out of information technology and support services in our schools that it is not funny. That is a fact. We are way in front compared to what is provided to schools in all the other states in Australia. It is true that we provided $345 000 towards support services for the first roll-out of computers in schools around Western Australia. However, I regard that as a relatively very small amount of money for the benefit we are receiving and the remainder — Mr G. Snook interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member should let me finish. The remainder of the issues surrounding state government support are due to be dealt with by the Treasurers later this year. They will have discussions about those matters. Western Australia has been quite forceful in saying that, although we appreciate all the federal government’s work regarding the computers in schools program, we do not believe that the overwhelming burden of the cost should be put upon the states. Personally, for the benefit received by the state, I think it was a very modest investment.
Mr T. Buswell : How’s your wife’s computer? Mr M. McGOWAN : There he goes again. The Leader of the Opposition has members who move seats because they will not sit next to someone else right behind him, yet he has the temerity to come into this place and start attacking us! He has someone who moves seats because he will not sit next to anyone else. Why did he not move the member for South Perth down here and then he could have moved the member for Warren-Blackwood next to Matt Birney? Sorry; that would not have worked either. Points of Order Mr M.J. COWPER : How is this relevant to the question that was asked by the member for Moore? The SPEAKER : It escapes me how relevant the answer is to the question at the moment. The question relates to the computer program. I am sure that the minister is getting to that part of the answer. Mr M.J. BIRNEY : I have a further point of order. The minister referred to me as Matt Birney. I prefer to be called the member for Kalgoorlie—at least for the next four or five months, if that is okay! The SPEAKER : Who said that? Mr M.J. Birney : The minister over there—the naughty one. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Further to the point of order, I should have raised the issue myself, but the Minister for Education and Training, under pressure as an alleged bigamist, has probably lost some sense of balance and may have overlooked how he was supposed to refer to the member correctly. The SPEAKER : I did not hear the minister call the member by his Christian name and surname. Everyone in this place knows that they should refer to members by their seat or their position. I direct all members to comply. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr M. McGOWAN : He referred to me as the naughty one. That back corner of the opposition benches looks like the naughty corner because that is where all the former leaders seem to end up. I am deeply sorry — Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Vasse should not worry; he will be sitting there soon! Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : If I were not being interrupted so much, I would like to finish answering the question. The member raises a good point. The Rudd government is rolling out its computers in schools program. Members fail to realise that this is a long-term program. It will not all happen overnight. When the member says that it has failed to deliver a computer for every student, he should realise that this program will go on for many years. The first tranche, which the government wanted to get out by 1 July, is in the first $100 million across Australia. An opposition member interjected. Mr M. McGowan : That is what he said in his question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr M. McGOWAN : Mr Speaker, the provocations are really quite extreme. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order. Mr M. McGOWAN : As I was saying, $100 million is being rolled out in the first tranche, before 1 July. Western Australia has received a share, but we did not receive as much as other states, for instance, proportionately New South Wales, because Western Australia is so far ahead of all the other states in the roll-out of information technology and support services in our schools that it is not funny. That is a fact. We are way in front compared to what is provided to schools in all the other states in Australia. It is true that we provided $345 000 towards support services for the first roll-out of computers in schools around Western Australia. However, I regard that as a relatively very small amount of money for the benefit we are receiving and the remainder — Mr G. Snook interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member should let me finish. The remainder of the issues surrounding state government support are due to be dealt with by the Treasurers later this year. They will have discussions about those matters. Western Australia has been quite forceful in saying that, although we appreciate all the federal government’s work regarding the computers in schools program, we do not believe that the overwhelming burden of the cost should be put upon the states. Personally, for the benefit received by the state, I think it was a very modest investment.
Mr M. McGOWAN : There he goes again. The Leader of the Opposition has members who move seats because they will not sit next to someone else right behind him, yet he has the temerity to come into this place and start attacking us! He has someone who moves seats because he will not sit next to anyone else. Why did he not move the member for South Perth down here and then he could have moved the member for Warren-Blackwood next to Matt Birney? Sorry; that would not have worked either. Points of Order Mr M.J. COWPER : How is this relevant to the question that was asked by the member for Moore? The SPEAKER : It escapes me how relevant the answer is to the question at the moment. The question relates to the computer program. I am sure that the minister is getting to that part of the answer. Mr M.J. BIRNEY : I have a further point of order. The minister referred to me as Matt Birney. I prefer to be called the member for Kalgoorlie—at least for the next four or five months, if that is okay! The SPEAKER : Who said that? Mr M.J. Birney : The minister over there—the naughty one. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Further to the point of order, I should have raised the issue myself, but the Minister for Education and Training, under pressure as an alleged bigamist, has probably lost some sense of balance and may have overlooked how he was supposed to refer to the member correctly. The SPEAKER : I did not hear the minister call the member by his Christian name and surname. Everyone in this place knows that they should refer to members by their seat or their position. I direct all members to comply. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr M. McGOWAN : He referred to me as the naughty one. That back corner of the opposition benches looks like the naughty corner because that is where all the former leaders seem to end up. I am deeply sorry — Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Vasse should not worry; he will be sitting there soon! Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : If I were not being interrupted so much, I would like to finish answering the question. The member raises a good point. The Rudd government is rolling out its computers in schools program. Members fail to realise that this is a long-term program. It will not all happen overnight. When the member says that it has failed to deliver a computer for every student, he should realise that this program will go on for many years. The first tranche, which the government wanted to get out by 1 July, is in the first $100 million across Australia. An opposition member interjected. Mr M. McGowan : That is what he said in his question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr M. McGOWAN : Mr Speaker, the provocations are really quite extreme. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order. Mr M. McGOWAN : As I was saying, $100 million is being rolled out in the first tranche, before 1 July. Western Australia has received a share, but we did not receive as much as other states, for instance, proportionately New South Wales, because Western Australia is so far ahead of all the other states in the roll-out of information technology and support services in our schools that it is not funny. That is a fact. We are way in front compared to what is provided to schools in all the other states in Australia. It is true that we provided $345 000 towards support services for the first roll-out of computers in schools around Western Australia. However, I regard that as a relatively very small amount of money for the benefit we are receiving and the remainder — Mr G. Snook interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member should let me finish. The remainder of the issues surrounding state government support are due to be dealt with by the Treasurers later this year. They will have discussions about those matters. Western Australia has been quite forceful in saying that, although we appreciate all the federal government’s work regarding the computers in schools program, we do not believe that the overwhelming burden of the cost should be put upon the states. Personally, for the benefit received by the state, I think it was a very modest investment.
The SPEAKER : It escapes me how relevant the answer is to the question at the moment. The question relates to the computer program. I am sure that the minister is getting to that part of the answer. Mr M.J. BIRNEY : I have a further point of order. The minister referred to me as Matt Birney. I prefer to be called the member for Kalgoorlie—at least for the next four or five months, if that is okay! The SPEAKER : Who said that? Mr M.J. Birney : The minister over there—the naughty one. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Further to the point of order, I should have raised the issue myself, but the Minister for Education and Training, under pressure as an alleged bigamist, has probably lost some sense of balance and may have overlooked how he was supposed to refer to the member correctly. The SPEAKER : I did not hear the minister call the member by his Christian name and surname. Everyone in this place knows that they should refer to members by their seat or their position. I direct all members to comply. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr M. McGOWAN : He referred to me as the naughty one. That back corner of the opposition benches looks like the naughty corner because that is where all the former leaders seem to end up. I am deeply sorry — Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Vasse should not worry; he will be sitting there soon! Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : If I were not being interrupted so much, I would like to finish answering the question. The member raises a good point. The Rudd government is rolling out its computers in schools program. Members fail to realise that this is a long-term program. It will not all happen overnight. When the member says that it has failed to deliver a computer for every student, he should realise that this program will go on for many years. The first tranche, which the government wanted to get out by 1 July, is in the first $100 million across Australia. An opposition member interjected. Mr M. McGowan : That is what he said in his question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr M. McGOWAN : Mr Speaker, the provocations are really quite extreme. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order. Mr M. McGOWAN : As I was saying, $100 million is being rolled out in the first tranche, before 1 July. Western Australia has received a share, but we did not receive as much as other states, for instance, proportionately New South Wales, because Western Australia is so far ahead of all the other states in the roll-out of information technology and support services in our schools that it is not funny. That is a fact. We are way in front compared to what is provided to schools in all the other states in Australia. It is true that we provided $345 000 towards support services for the first roll-out of computers in schools around Western Australia. However, I regard that as a relatively very small amount of money for the benefit we are receiving and the remainder — Mr G. Snook interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member should let me finish. The remainder of the issues surrounding state government support are due to be dealt with by the Treasurers later this year. They will have discussions about those matters. Western Australia has been quite forceful in saying that, although we appreciate all the federal government’s work regarding the computers in schools program, we do not believe that the overwhelming burden of the cost should be put upon the states. Personally, for the benefit received by the state, I think it was a very modest investment.
Mr M.J. BIRNEY : I have a further point of order. The minister referred to me as Matt Birney. I prefer to be called the member for Kalgoorlie—at least for the next four or five months, if that is okay! The SPEAKER : Who said that? Mr M.J. Birney : The minister over there—the naughty one. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Further to the point of order, I should have raised the issue myself, but the Minister for Education and Training, under pressure as an alleged bigamist, has probably lost some sense of balance and may have overlooked how he was supposed to refer to the member correctly. The SPEAKER : I did not hear the minister call the member by his Christian name and surname. Everyone in this place knows that they should refer to members by their seat or their position. I direct all members to comply. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr M. McGOWAN : He referred to me as the naughty one. That back corner of the opposition benches looks like the naughty corner because that is where all the former leaders seem to end up. I am deeply sorry — Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Vasse should not worry; he will be sitting there soon! Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : If I were not being interrupted so much, I would like to finish answering the question. The member raises a good point. The Rudd government is rolling out its computers in schools program. Members fail to realise that this is a long-term program. It will not all happen overnight. When the member says that it has failed to deliver a computer for every student, he should realise that this program will go on for many years. The first tranche, which the government wanted to get out by 1 July, is in the first $100 million across Australia. An opposition member interjected. Mr M. McGowan : That is what he said in his question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr M. McGOWAN : Mr Speaker, the provocations are really quite extreme. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order. Mr M. McGOWAN : As I was saying, $100 million is being rolled out in the first tranche, before 1 July. Western Australia has received a share, but we did not receive as much as other states, for instance, proportionately New South Wales, because Western Australia is so far ahead of all the other states in the roll-out of information technology and support services in our schools that it is not funny. That is a fact. We are way in front compared to what is provided to schools in all the other states in Australia. It is true that we provided $345 000 towards support services for the first roll-out of computers in schools around Western Australia. However, I regard that as a relatively very small amount of money for the benefit we are receiving and the remainder — Mr G. Snook interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member should let me finish. The remainder of the issues surrounding state government support are due to be dealt with by the Treasurers later this year. They will have discussions about those matters. Western Australia has been quite forceful in saying that, although we appreciate all the federal government’s work regarding the computers in schools program, we do not believe that the overwhelming burden of the cost should be put upon the states. Personally, for the benefit received by the state, I think it was a very modest investment.
The SPEAKER : Who said that? Mr M.J. Birney : The minister over there—the naughty one. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Further to the point of order, I should have raised the issue myself, but the Minister for Education and Training, under pressure as an alleged bigamist, has probably lost some sense of balance and may have overlooked how he was supposed to refer to the member correctly. The SPEAKER : I did not hear the minister call the member by his Christian name and surname. Everyone in this place knows that they should refer to members by their seat or their position. I direct all members to comply. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr M. McGOWAN : He referred to me as the naughty one. That back corner of the opposition benches looks like the naughty corner because that is where all the former leaders seem to end up. I am deeply sorry — Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Vasse should not worry; he will be sitting there soon! Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : If I were not being interrupted so much, I would like to finish answering the question. The member raises a good point. The Rudd government is rolling out its computers in schools program. Members fail to realise that this is a long-term program. It will not all happen overnight. When the member says that it has failed to deliver a computer for every student, he should realise that this program will go on for many years. The first tranche, which the government wanted to get out by 1 July, is in the first $100 million across Australia. An opposition member interjected. Mr M. McGowan : That is what he said in his question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr M. McGOWAN : Mr Speaker, the provocations are really quite extreme. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order. Mr M. McGOWAN : As I was saying, $100 million is being rolled out in the first tranche, before 1 July. Western Australia has received a share, but we did not receive as much as other states, for instance, proportionately New South Wales, because Western Australia is so far ahead of all the other states in the roll-out of information technology and support services in our schools that it is not funny. That is a fact. We are way in front compared to what is provided to schools in all the other states in Australia. It is true that we provided $345 000 towards support services for the first roll-out of computers in schools around Western Australia. However, I regard that as a relatively very small amount of money for the benefit we are receiving and the remainder — Mr G. Snook interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member should let me finish. The remainder of the issues surrounding state government support are due to be dealt with by the Treasurers later this year. They will have discussions about those matters. Western Australia has been quite forceful in saying that, although we appreciate all the federal government’s work regarding the computers in schools program, we do not believe that the overwhelming burden of the cost should be put upon the states. Personally, for the benefit received by the state, I think it was a very modest investment.
Mr M.J. Birney : The minister over there—the naughty one. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Further to the point of order, I should have raised the issue myself, but the Minister for Education and Training, under pressure as an alleged bigamist, has probably lost some sense of balance and may have overlooked how he was supposed to refer to the member correctly. The SPEAKER : I did not hear the minister call the member by his Christian name and surname. Everyone in this place knows that they should refer to members by their seat or their position. I direct all members to comply. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr M. McGOWAN : He referred to me as the naughty one. That back corner of the opposition benches looks like the naughty corner because that is where all the former leaders seem to end up. I am deeply sorry — Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Vasse should not worry; he will be sitting there soon! Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : If I were not being interrupted so much, I would like to finish answering the question. The member raises a good point. The Rudd government is rolling out its computers in schools program. Members fail to realise that this is a long-term program. It will not all happen overnight. When the member says that it has failed to deliver a computer for every student, he should realise that this program will go on for many years. The first tranche, which the government wanted to get out by 1 July, is in the first $100 million across Australia. An opposition member interjected. Mr M. McGowan : That is what he said in his question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr M. McGOWAN : Mr Speaker, the provocations are really quite extreme. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order. Mr M. McGOWAN : As I was saying, $100 million is being rolled out in the first tranche, before 1 July. Western Australia has received a share, but we did not receive as much as other states, for instance, proportionately New South Wales, because Western Australia is so far ahead of all the other states in the roll-out of information technology and support services in our schools that it is not funny. That is a fact. We are way in front compared to what is provided to schools in all the other states in Australia. It is true that we provided $345 000 towards support services for the first roll-out of computers in schools around Western Australia. However, I regard that as a relatively very small amount of money for the benefit we are receiving and the remainder — Mr G. Snook interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member should let me finish. The remainder of the issues surrounding state government support are due to be dealt with by the Treasurers later this year. They will have discussions about those matters. Western Australia has been quite forceful in saying that, although we appreciate all the federal government’s work regarding the computers in schools program, we do not believe that the overwhelming burden of the cost should be put upon the states. Personally, for the benefit received by the state, I think it was a very modest investment.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Further to the point of order, I should have raised the issue myself, but the Minister for Education and Training, under pressure as an alleged bigamist, has probably lost some sense of balance and may have overlooked how he was supposed to refer to the member correctly. The SPEAKER : I did not hear the minister call the member by his Christian name and surname. Everyone in this place knows that they should refer to members by their seat or their position. I direct all members to comply. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr M. McGOWAN : He referred to me as the naughty one. That back corner of the opposition benches looks like the naughty corner because that is where all the former leaders seem to end up. I am deeply sorry — Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Vasse should not worry; he will be sitting there soon! Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : If I were not being interrupted so much, I would like to finish answering the question. The member raises a good point. The Rudd government is rolling out its computers in schools program. Members fail to realise that this is a long-term program. It will not all happen overnight. When the member says that it has failed to deliver a computer for every student, he should realise that this program will go on for many years. The first tranche, which the government wanted to get out by 1 July, is in the first $100 million across Australia. An opposition member interjected. Mr M. McGowan : That is what he said in his question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr M. McGOWAN : Mr Speaker, the provocations are really quite extreme. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order. Mr M. McGOWAN : As I was saying, $100 million is being rolled out in the first tranche, before 1 July. Western Australia has received a share, but we did not receive as much as other states, for instance, proportionately New South Wales, because Western Australia is so far ahead of all the other states in the roll-out of information technology and support services in our schools that it is not funny. That is a fact. We are way in front compared to what is provided to schools in all the other states in Australia. It is true that we provided $345 000 towards support services for the first roll-out of computers in schools around Western Australia. However, I regard that as a relatively very small amount of money for the benefit we are receiving and the remainder — Mr G. Snook interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member should let me finish. The remainder of the issues surrounding state government support are due to be dealt with by the Treasurers later this year. They will have discussions about those matters. Western Australia has been quite forceful in saying that, although we appreciate all the federal government’s work regarding the computers in schools program, we do not believe that the overwhelming burden of the cost should be put upon the states. Personally, for the benefit received by the state, I think it was a very modest investment.
The SPEAKER : I did not hear the minister call the member by his Christian name and surname. Everyone in this place knows that they should refer to members by their seat or their position. I direct all members to comply. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr M. McGOWAN : He referred to me as the naughty one. That back corner of the opposition benches looks like the naughty corner because that is where all the former leaders seem to end up. I am deeply sorry — Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Vasse should not worry; he will be sitting there soon! Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : If I were not being interrupted so much, I would like to finish answering the question. The member raises a good point. The Rudd government is rolling out its computers in schools program. Members fail to realise that this is a long-term program. It will not all happen overnight. When the member says that it has failed to deliver a computer for every student, he should realise that this program will go on for many years. The first tranche, which the government wanted to get out by 1 July, is in the first $100 million across Australia. An opposition member interjected. Mr M. McGowan : That is what he said in his question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr M. McGOWAN : Mr Speaker, the provocations are really quite extreme. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order. Mr M. McGOWAN : As I was saying, $100 million is being rolled out in the first tranche, before 1 July. Western Australia has received a share, but we did not receive as much as other states, for instance, proportionately New South Wales, because Western Australia is so far ahead of all the other states in the roll-out of information technology and support services in our schools that it is not funny. That is a fact. We are way in front compared to what is provided to schools in all the other states in Australia. It is true that we provided $345 000 towards support services for the first roll-out of computers in schools around Western Australia. However, I regard that as a relatively very small amount of money for the benefit we are receiving and the remainder — Mr G. Snook interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member should let me finish. The remainder of the issues surrounding state government support are due to be dealt with by the Treasurers later this year. They will have discussions about those matters. Western Australia has been quite forceful in saying that, although we appreciate all the federal government’s work regarding the computers in schools program, we do not believe that the overwhelming burden of the cost should be put upon the states. Personally, for the benefit received by the state, I think it was a very modest investment.
Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Vasse should not worry; he will be sitting there soon! Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : If I were not being interrupted so much, I would like to finish answering the question. The member raises a good point. The Rudd government is rolling out its computers in schools program. Members fail to realise that this is a long-term program. It will not all happen overnight. When the member says that it has failed to deliver a computer for every student, he should realise that this program will go on for many years. The first tranche, which the government wanted to get out by 1 July, is in the first $100 million across Australia. An opposition member interjected. Mr M. McGowan : That is what he said in his question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr M. McGOWAN : Mr Speaker, the provocations are really quite extreme. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order. Mr M. McGOWAN : As I was saying, $100 million is being rolled out in the first tranche, before 1 July. Western Australia has received a share, but we did not receive as much as other states, for instance, proportionately New South Wales, because Western Australia is so far ahead of all the other states in the roll-out of information technology and support services in our schools that it is not funny. That is a fact. We are way in front compared to what is provided to schools in all the other states in Australia. It is true that we provided $345 000 towards support services for the first roll-out of computers in schools around Western Australia. However, I regard that as a relatively very small amount of money for the benefit we are receiving and the remainder — Mr G. Snook interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member should let me finish. The remainder of the issues surrounding state government support are due to be dealt with by the Treasurers later this year. They will have discussions about those matters. Western Australia has been quite forceful in saying that, although we appreciate all the federal government’s work regarding the computers in schools program, we do not believe that the overwhelming burden of the cost should be put upon the states. Personally, for the benefit received by the state, I think it was a very modest investment.
Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Vasse should not worry; he will be sitting there soon! Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : If I were not being interrupted so much, I would like to finish answering the question. The member raises a good point. The Rudd government is rolling out its computers in schools program. Members fail to realise that this is a long-term program. It will not all happen overnight. When the member says that it has failed to deliver a computer for every student, he should realise that this program will go on for many years. The first tranche, which the government wanted to get out by 1 July, is in the first $100 million across Australia. An opposition member interjected. Mr M. McGowan : That is what he said in his question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr M. McGOWAN : Mr Speaker, the provocations are really quite extreme. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order. Mr M. McGOWAN : As I was saying, $100 million is being rolled out in the first tranche, before 1 July. Western Australia has received a share, but we did not receive as much as other states, for instance, proportionately New South Wales, because Western Australia is so far ahead of all the other states in the roll-out of information technology and support services in our schools that it is not funny. That is a fact. We are way in front compared to what is provided to schools in all the other states in Australia. It is true that we provided $345 000 towards support services for the first roll-out of computers in schools around Western Australia. However, I regard that as a relatively very small amount of money for the benefit we are receiving and the remainder — Mr G. Snook interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member should let me finish. The remainder of the issues surrounding state government support are due to be dealt with by the Treasurers later this year. They will have discussions about those matters. Western Australia has been quite forceful in saying that, although we appreciate all the federal government’s work regarding the computers in schools program, we do not believe that the overwhelming burden of the cost should be put upon the states. Personally, for the benefit received by the state, I think it was a very modest investment.
Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : If I were not being interrupted so much, I would like to finish answering the question. The member raises a good point. The Rudd government is rolling out its computers in schools program. Members fail to realise that this is a long-term program. It will not all happen overnight. When the member says that it has failed to deliver a computer for every student, he should realise that this program will go on for many years. The first tranche, which the government wanted to get out by 1 July, is in the first $100 million across Australia. An opposition member interjected. Mr M. McGowan : That is what he said in his question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr M. McGOWAN : Mr Speaker, the provocations are really quite extreme. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order. Mr M. McGOWAN : As I was saying, $100 million is being rolled out in the first tranche, before 1 July. Western Australia has received a share, but we did not receive as much as other states, for instance, proportionately New South Wales, because Western Australia is so far ahead of all the other states in the roll-out of information technology and support services in our schools that it is not funny. That is a fact. We are way in front compared to what is provided to schools in all the other states in Australia. It is true that we provided $345 000 towards support services for the first roll-out of computers in schools around Western Australia. However, I regard that as a relatively very small amount of money for the benefit we are receiving and the remainder — Mr G. Snook interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member should let me finish. The remainder of the issues surrounding state government support are due to be dealt with by the Treasurers later this year. They will have discussions about those matters. Western Australia has been quite forceful in saying that, although we appreciate all the federal government’s work regarding the computers in schools program, we do not believe that the overwhelming burden of the cost should be put upon the states. Personally, for the benefit received by the state, I think it was a very modest investment.
Mr M. McGOWAN : If I were not being interrupted so much, I would like to finish answering the question. The member raises a good point. The Rudd government is rolling out its computers in schools program. Members fail to realise that this is a long-term program. It will not all happen overnight. When the member says that it has failed to deliver a computer for every student, he should realise that this program will go on for many years. The first tranche, which the government wanted to get out by 1 July, is in the first $100 million across Australia. An opposition member interjected. Mr M. McGowan : That is what he said in his question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr M. McGOWAN : Mr Speaker, the provocations are really quite extreme. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order. Mr M. McGOWAN : As I was saying, $100 million is being rolled out in the first tranche, before 1 July. Western Australia has received a share, but we did not receive as much as other states, for instance, proportionately New South Wales, because Western Australia is so far ahead of all the other states in the roll-out of information technology and support services in our schools that it is not funny. That is a fact. We are way in front compared to what is provided to schools in all the other states in Australia. It is true that we provided $345 000 towards support services for the first roll-out of computers in schools around Western Australia. However, I regard that as a relatively very small amount of money for the benefit we are receiving and the remainder — Mr G. Snook interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member should let me finish. The remainder of the issues surrounding state government support are due to be dealt with by the Treasurers later this year. They will have discussions about those matters. Western Australia has been quite forceful in saying that, although we appreciate all the federal government’s work regarding the computers in schools program, we do not believe that the overwhelming burden of the cost should be put upon the states. Personally, for the benefit received by the state, I think it was a very modest investment.
An opposition member interjected. Mr M. McGowan : That is what he said in his question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr M. McGOWAN : Mr Speaker, the provocations are really quite extreme. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order. Mr M. McGOWAN : As I was saying, $100 million is being rolled out in the first tranche, before 1 July. Western Australia has received a share, but we did not receive as much as other states, for instance, proportionately New South Wales, because Western Australia is so far ahead of all the other states in the roll-out of information technology and support services in our schools that it is not funny. That is a fact. We are way in front compared to what is provided to schools in all the other states in Australia. It is true that we provided $345 000 towards support services for the first roll-out of computers in schools around Western Australia. However, I regard that as a relatively very small amount of money for the benefit we are receiving and the remainder — Mr G. Snook interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member should let me finish. The remainder of the issues surrounding state government support are due to be dealt with by the Treasurers later this year. They will have discussions about those matters. Western Australia has been quite forceful in saying that, although we appreciate all the federal government’s work regarding the computers in schools program, we do not believe that the overwhelming burden of the cost should be put upon the states. Personally, for the benefit received by the state, I think it was a very modest investment.
Mr M. McGowan : That is what he said in his question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr M. McGOWAN : Mr Speaker, the provocations are really quite extreme. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order. Mr M. McGOWAN : As I was saying, $100 million is being rolled out in the first tranche, before 1 July. Western Australia has received a share, but we did not receive as much as other states, for instance, proportionately New South Wales, because Western Australia is so far ahead of all the other states in the roll-out of information technology and support services in our schools that it is not funny. That is a fact. We are way in front compared to what is provided to schools in all the other states in Australia. It is true that we provided $345 000 towards support services for the first roll-out of computers in schools around Western Australia. However, I regard that as a relatively very small amount of money for the benefit we are receiving and the remainder — Mr G. Snook interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member should let me finish. The remainder of the issues surrounding state government support are due to be dealt with by the Treasurers later this year. They will have discussions about those matters. Western Australia has been quite forceful in saying that, although we appreciate all the federal government’s work regarding the computers in schools program, we do not believe that the overwhelming burden of the cost should be put upon the states. Personally, for the benefit received by the state, I think it was a very modest investment.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr M. McGOWAN : Mr Speaker, the provocations are really quite extreme. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order. Mr M. McGOWAN : As I was saying, $100 million is being rolled out in the first tranche, before 1 July. Western Australia has received a share, but we did not receive as much as other states, for instance, proportionately New South Wales, because Western Australia is so far ahead of all the other states in the roll-out of information technology and support services in our schools that it is not funny. That is a fact. We are way in front compared to what is provided to schools in all the other states in Australia. It is true that we provided $345 000 towards support services for the first roll-out of computers in schools around Western Australia. However, I regard that as a relatively very small amount of money for the benefit we are receiving and the remainder — Mr G. Snook interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member should let me finish. The remainder of the issues surrounding state government support are due to be dealt with by the Treasurers later this year. They will have discussions about those matters. Western Australia has been quite forceful in saying that, although we appreciate all the federal government’s work regarding the computers in schools program, we do not believe that the overwhelming burden of the cost should be put upon the states. Personally, for the benefit received by the state, I think it was a very modest investment.
The SPEAKER : Order! Mr M. McGOWAN : Mr Speaker, the provocations are really quite extreme. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order. Mr M. McGOWAN : As I was saying, $100 million is being rolled out in the first tranche, before 1 July. Western Australia has received a share, but we did not receive as much as other states, for instance, proportionately New South Wales, because Western Australia is so far ahead of all the other states in the roll-out of information technology and support services in our schools that it is not funny. That is a fact. We are way in front compared to what is provided to schools in all the other states in Australia. It is true that we provided $345 000 towards support services for the first roll-out of computers in schools around Western Australia. However, I regard that as a relatively very small amount of money for the benefit we are receiving and the remainder — Mr G. Snook interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member should let me finish. The remainder of the issues surrounding state government support are due to be dealt with by the Treasurers later this year. They will have discussions about those matters. Western Australia has been quite forceful in saying that, although we appreciate all the federal government’s work regarding the computers in schools program, we do not believe that the overwhelming burden of the cost should be put upon the states. Personally, for the benefit received by the state, I think it was a very modest investment.
Mr M. McGOWAN : Mr Speaker, the provocations are really quite extreme. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order. Mr M. McGOWAN : As I was saying, $100 million is being rolled out in the first tranche, before 1 July. Western Australia has received a share, but we did not receive as much as other states, for instance, proportionately New South Wales, because Western Australia is so far ahead of all the other states in the roll-out of information technology and support services in our schools that it is not funny. That is a fact. We are way in front compared to what is provided to schools in all the other states in Australia. It is true that we provided $345 000 towards support services for the first roll-out of computers in schools around Western Australia. However, I regard that as a relatively very small amount of money for the benefit we are receiving and the remainder — Mr G. Snook interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member should let me finish. The remainder of the issues surrounding state government support are due to be dealt with by the Treasurers later this year. They will have discussions about those matters. Western Australia has been quite forceful in saying that, although we appreciate all the federal government’s work regarding the computers in schools program, we do not believe that the overwhelming burden of the cost should be put upon the states. Personally, for the benefit received by the state, I think it was a very modest investment.
Dr K.D. Hames interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order. Mr M. McGOWAN : As I was saying, $100 million is being rolled out in the first tranche, before 1 July. Western Australia has received a share, but we did not receive as much as other states, for instance, proportionately New South Wales, because Western Australia is so far ahead of all the other states in the roll-out of information technology and support services in our schools that it is not funny. That is a fact. We are way in front compared to what is provided to schools in all the other states in Australia. It is true that we provided $345 000 towards support services for the first roll-out of computers in schools around Western Australia. However, I regard that as a relatively very small amount of money for the benefit we are receiving and the remainder — Mr G. Snook interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member should let me finish. The remainder of the issues surrounding state government support are due to be dealt with by the Treasurers later this year. They will have discussions about those matters. Western Australia has been quite forceful in saying that, although we appreciate all the federal government’s work regarding the computers in schools program, we do not believe that the overwhelming burden of the cost should be put upon the states. Personally, for the benefit received by the state, I think it was a very modest investment.
The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order. Mr M. McGOWAN : As I was saying, $100 million is being rolled out in the first tranche, before 1 July. Western Australia has received a share, but we did not receive as much as other states, for instance, proportionately New South Wales, because Western Australia is so far ahead of all the other states in the roll-out of information technology and support services in our schools that it is not funny. That is a fact. We are way in front compared to what is provided to schools in all the other states in Australia. It is true that we provided $345 000 towards support services for the first roll-out of computers in schools around Western Australia. However, I regard that as a relatively very small amount of money for the benefit we are receiving and the remainder — Mr G. Snook interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member should let me finish. The remainder of the issues surrounding state government support are due to be dealt with by the Treasurers later this year. They will have discussions about those matters. Western Australia has been quite forceful in saying that, although we appreciate all the federal government’s work regarding the computers in schools program, we do not believe that the overwhelming burden of the cost should be put upon the states. Personally, for the benefit received by the state, I think it was a very modest investment.
Mr M. McGOWAN : As I was saying, $100 million is being rolled out in the first tranche, before 1 July. Western Australia has received a share, but we did not receive as much as other states, for instance, proportionately New South Wales, because Western Australia is so far ahead of all the other states in the roll-out of information technology and support services in our schools that it is not funny. That is a fact. We are way in front compared to what is provided to schools in all the other states in Australia. It is true that we provided $345 000 towards support services for the first roll-out of computers in schools around Western Australia. However, I regard that as a relatively very small amount of money for the benefit we are receiving and the remainder — Mr G. Snook interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member should let me finish. The remainder of the issues surrounding state government support are due to be dealt with by the Treasurers later this year. They will have discussions about those matters. Western Australia has been quite forceful in saying that, although we appreciate all the federal government’s work regarding the computers in schools program, we do not believe that the overwhelming burden of the cost should be put upon the states. Personally, for the benefit received by the state, I think it was a very modest investment.
Mr G. Snook interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member should let me finish. The remainder of the issues surrounding state government support are due to be dealt with by the Treasurers later this year. They will have discussions about those matters. Western Australia has been quite forceful in saying that, although we appreciate all the federal government’s work regarding the computers in schools program, we do not believe that the overwhelming burden of the cost should be put upon the states. Personally, for the benefit received by the state, I think it was a very modest investment.
Mr M. McGOWAN : The member should let me finish. The remainder of the issues surrounding state government support are due to be dealt with by the Treasurers later this year. They will have discussions about those matters. Western Australia has been quite forceful in saying that, although we appreciate all the federal government’s work regarding the computers in schools program, we do not believe that the overwhelming burden of the cost should be put upon the states. Personally, for the benefit received by the state, I think it was a very modest investment.
The remainder of the issues surrounding state government support are due to be dealt with by the Treasurers later this year. They will have discussions about those matters. Western Australia has been quite forceful in saying that, although we appreciate all the federal government’s work regarding the computers in schools program, we do not believe that the overwhelming burden of the cost should be put upon the states. Personally, for the benefit received by the state, I think it was a very modest investment.
SCHOOLS — LAPTOPS FOR STUDENTS
I refer to the Premier’s unwillingness to fulfil the Rudd Labor government’s election promise of ensuring that every secondary school student has access to a laptop computer when he said that the states should not be expected to pay to keep that promise and that this state will not. (1) Can the minister confirm that the government will now pay $345 000 for infrastructure and electricity bills for the first round of this program? (2) Given his assertion in March that major investments in information and communications technology infrastructure, operations and supporting services have already been established and are continually being improved, can he explain how the $345 000 will be spent? (3) What advice has he sought from the commonwealth about how much the state will be forced to pay for this election promise for future rounds? Mr M. McGOWAN replied: (1)-(3) I thank the member for Moore, a well-known expert on information technology matters, for the question. Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : I was paying the member a compliment. I meant it; he is well known as an expert on IT matters. Mr T. Buswell : How’s your wife’s computer? Mr M. McGOWAN : There he goes again. The Leader of the Opposition has members who move seats because they will not sit next to someone else right behind him, yet he has the temerity to come into this place and start attacking us! He has someone who moves seats because he will not sit next to anyone else. Why did he not move the member for South Perth down here and then he could have moved the member for Warren-Blackwood next to Matt Birney? Sorry; that would not have worked either. Points of Order Mr M.J. COWPER : How is this relevant to the question that was asked by the member for Moore? The SPEAKER : It escapes me how relevant the answer is to the question at the moment. The question relates to the computer program. I am sure that the minister is getting to that part of the answer. Mr M.J. BIRNEY : I have a further point of order. The minister referred to me as Matt Birney. I prefer to be called the member for Kalgoorlie—at least for the next four or five months, if that is okay! The SPEAKER : Who said that? Mr M.J. Birney : The minister over there—the naughty one. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Further to the point of order, I should have raised the issue myself, but the Minister for Education and Training, under pressure as an alleged bigamist, has probably lost some sense of balance and may have overlooked how he was supposed to refer to the member correctly. The SPEAKER : I did not hear the minister call the member by his Christian name and surname. Everyone in this place knows that they should refer to members by their seat or their position. I direct all members to comply. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr M. McGOWAN : He referred to me as the naughty one. That back corner of the opposition benches looks like the naughty corner because that is where all the former leaders seem to end up. I am deeply sorry — Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Vasse should not worry; he will be sitting there soon! Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : If I were not being interrupted so much, I would like to finish answering the question. The member raises a good point. The Rudd government is rolling out its computers in schools program. Members fail to realise that this is a long-term program. It will not all happen overnight. When the member says that it has failed to deliver a computer for every student, he should realise that this program will go on for many years. The first tranche, which the government wanted to get out by 1 July, is in the first $100 million across Australia. An opposition member interjected. Mr M. McGowan : That is what he said in his question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr M. McGOWAN : Mr Speaker, the provocations are really quite extreme. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order. Mr M. McGOWAN : As I was saying, $100 million is being rolled out in the first tranche, before 1 July. Western Australia has received a share, but we did not receive as much as other states, for instance, proportionately New South Wales, because Western Australia is so far ahead of all the other states in the roll-out of information technology and support services in our schools that it is not funny. That is a fact. We are way in front compared to what is provided to schools in all the other states in Australia. It is true that we provided $345 000 towards support services for the first roll-out of computers in schools around Western Australia. However, I regard that as a relatively very small amount of money for the benefit we are receiving and the remainder — Mr G. Snook interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member should let me finish. The remainder of the issues surrounding state government support are due to be dealt with by the Treasurers later this year. They will have discussions about those matters. Western Australia has been quite forceful in saying that, although we appreciate all the federal government’s work regarding the computers in schools program, we do not believe that the overwhelming burden of the cost should be put upon the states. Personally, for the benefit received by the state, I think it was a very modest investment.
(1) Can the minister confirm that the government will now pay $345 000 for infrastructure and electricity bills for the first round of this program? (2) Given his assertion in March that major investments in information and communications technology infrastructure, operations and supporting services have already been established and are continually being improved, can he explain how the $345 000 will be spent? (3) What advice has he sought from the commonwealth about how much the state will be forced to pay for this election promise for future rounds? Mr M. McGOWAN replied: (1)-(3) I thank the member for Moore, a well-known expert on information technology matters, for the question. Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : I was paying the member a compliment. I meant it; he is well known as an expert on IT matters. Mr T. Buswell : How’s your wife’s computer? Mr M. McGOWAN : There he goes again. The Leader of the Opposition has members who move seats because they will not sit next to someone else right behind him, yet he has the temerity to come into this place and start attacking us! He has someone who moves seats because he will not sit next to anyone else. Why did he not move the member for South Perth down here and then he could have moved the member for Warren-Blackwood next to Matt Birney? Sorry; that would not have worked either. Points of Order Mr M.J. COWPER : How is this relevant to the question that was asked by the member for Moore? The SPEAKER : It escapes me how relevant the answer is to the question at the moment. The question relates to the computer program. I am sure that the minister is getting to that part of the answer. Mr M.J. BIRNEY : I have a further point of order. The minister referred to me as Matt Birney. I prefer to be called the member for Kalgoorlie—at least for the next four or five months, if that is okay! The SPEAKER : Who said that? Mr M.J. Birney : The minister over there—the naughty one. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Further to the point of order, I should have raised the issue myself, but the Minister for Education and Training, under pressure as an alleged bigamist, has probably lost some sense of balance and may have overlooked how he was supposed to refer to the member correctly. The SPEAKER : I did not hear the minister call the member by his Christian name and surname. Everyone in this place knows that they should refer to members by their seat or their position. I direct all members to comply. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr M. McGOWAN : He referred to me as the naughty one. That back corner of the opposition benches looks like the naughty corner because that is where all the former leaders seem to end up. I am deeply sorry — Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Vasse should not worry; he will be sitting there soon! Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : If I were not being interrupted so much, I would like to finish answering the question. The member raises a good point. The Rudd government is rolling out its computers in schools program. Members fail to realise that this is a long-term program. It will not all happen overnight. When the member says that it has failed to deliver a computer for every student, he should realise that this program will go on for many years. The first tranche, which the government wanted to get out by 1 July, is in the first $100 million across Australia. An opposition member interjected. Mr M. McGowan : That is what he said in his question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr M. McGOWAN : Mr Speaker, the provocations are really quite extreme. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order. Mr M. McGOWAN : As I was saying, $100 million is being rolled out in the first tranche, before 1 July. Western Australia has received a share, but we did not receive as much as other states, for instance, proportionately New South Wales, because Western Australia is so far ahead of all the other states in the roll-out of information technology and support services in our schools that it is not funny. That is a fact. We are way in front compared to what is provided to schools in all the other states in Australia. It is true that we provided $345 000 towards support services for the first roll-out of computers in schools around Western Australia. However, I regard that as a relatively very small amount of money for the benefit we are receiving and the remainder — Mr G. Snook interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member should let me finish. The remainder of the issues surrounding state government support are due to be dealt with by the Treasurers later this year. They will have discussions about those matters. Western Australia has been quite forceful in saying that, although we appreciate all the federal government’s work regarding the computers in schools program, we do not believe that the overwhelming burden of the cost should be put upon the states. Personally, for the benefit received by the state, I think it was a very modest investment.
(2) Given his assertion in March that major investments in information and communications technology infrastructure, operations and supporting services have already been established and are continually being improved, can he explain how the $345 000 will be spent? (3) What advice has he sought from the commonwealth about how much the state will be forced to pay for this election promise for future rounds? Mr M. McGOWAN replied: (1)-(3) I thank the member for Moore, a well-known expert on information technology matters, for the question. Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : I was paying the member a compliment. I meant it; he is well known as an expert on IT matters. Mr T. Buswell : How’s your wife’s computer? Mr M. McGOWAN : There he goes again. The Leader of the Opposition has members who move seats because they will not sit next to someone else right behind him, yet he has the temerity to come into this place and start attacking us! He has someone who moves seats because he will not sit next to anyone else. Why did he not move the member for South Perth down here and then he could have moved the member for Warren-Blackwood next to Matt Birney? Sorry; that would not have worked either. Points of Order Mr M.J. COWPER : How is this relevant to the question that was asked by the member for Moore? The SPEAKER : It escapes me how relevant the answer is to the question at the moment. The question relates to the computer program. I am sure that the minister is getting to that part of the answer. Mr M.J. BIRNEY : I have a further point of order. The minister referred to me as Matt Birney. I prefer to be called the member for Kalgoorlie—at least for the next four or five months, if that is okay! The SPEAKER : Who said that? Mr M.J. Birney : The minister over there—the naughty one. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Further to the point of order, I should have raised the issue myself, but the Minister for Education and Training, under pressure as an alleged bigamist, has probably lost some sense of balance and may have overlooked how he was supposed to refer to the member correctly. The SPEAKER : I did not hear the minister call the member by his Christian name and surname. Everyone in this place knows that they should refer to members by their seat or their position. I direct all members to comply. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr M. McGOWAN : He referred to me as the naughty one. That back corner of the opposition benches looks like the naughty corner because that is where all the former leaders seem to end up. I am deeply sorry — Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Vasse should not worry; he will be sitting there soon! Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : If I were not being interrupted so much, I would like to finish answering the question. The member raises a good point. The Rudd government is rolling out its computers in schools program. Members fail to realise that this is a long-term program. It will not all happen overnight. When the member says that it has failed to deliver a computer for every student, he should realise that this program will go on for many years. The first tranche, which the government wanted to get out by 1 July, is in the first $100 million across Australia. An opposition member interjected. Mr M. McGowan : That is what he said in his question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr M. McGOWAN : Mr Speaker, the provocations are really quite extreme. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order. Mr M. McGOWAN : As I was saying, $100 million is being rolled out in the first tranche, before 1 July. Western Australia has received a share, but we did not receive as much as other states, for instance, proportionately New South Wales, because Western Australia is so far ahead of all the other states in the roll-out of information technology and support services in our schools that it is not funny. That is a fact. We are way in front compared to what is provided to schools in all the other states in Australia. It is true that we provided $345 000 towards support services for the first roll-out of computers in schools around Western Australia. However, I regard that as a relatively very small amount of money for the benefit we are receiving and the remainder — Mr G. Snook interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member should let me finish. The remainder of the issues surrounding state government support are due to be dealt with by the Treasurers later this year. They will have discussions about those matters. Western Australia has been quite forceful in saying that, although we appreciate all the federal government’s work regarding the computers in schools program, we do not believe that the overwhelming burden of the cost should be put upon the states. Personally, for the benefit received by the state, I think it was a very modest investment.
(3) What advice has he sought from the commonwealth about how much the state will be forced to pay for this election promise for future rounds? Mr M. McGOWAN replied: (1)-(3) I thank the member for Moore, a well-known expert on information technology matters, for the question. Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : I was paying the member a compliment. I meant it; he is well known as an expert on IT matters. Mr T. Buswell : How’s your wife’s computer? Mr M. McGOWAN : There he goes again. The Leader of the Opposition has members who move seats because they will not sit next to someone else right behind him, yet he has the temerity to come into this place and start attacking us! He has someone who moves seats because he will not sit next to anyone else. Why did he not move the member for South Perth down here and then he could have moved the member for Warren-Blackwood next to Matt Birney? Sorry; that would not have worked either. Points of Order Mr M.J. COWPER : How is this relevant to the question that was asked by the member for Moore? The SPEAKER : It escapes me how relevant the answer is to the question at the moment. The question relates to the computer program. I am sure that the minister is getting to that part of the answer. Mr M.J. BIRNEY : I have a further point of order. The minister referred to me as Matt Birney. I prefer to be called the member for Kalgoorlie—at least for the next four or five months, if that is okay! The SPEAKER : Who said that? Mr M.J. Birney : The minister over there—the naughty one. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Further to the point of order, I should have raised the issue myself, but the Minister for Education and Training, under pressure as an alleged bigamist, has probably lost some sense of balance and may have overlooked how he was supposed to refer to the member correctly. The SPEAKER : I did not hear the minister call the member by his Christian name and surname. Everyone in this place knows that they should refer to members by their seat or their position. I direct all members to comply. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr M. McGOWAN : He referred to me as the naughty one. That back corner of the opposition benches looks like the naughty corner because that is where all the former leaders seem to end up. I am deeply sorry — Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Vasse should not worry; he will be sitting there soon! Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : If I were not being interrupted so much, I would like to finish answering the question. The member raises a good point. The Rudd government is rolling out its computers in schools program. Members fail to realise that this is a long-term program. It will not all happen overnight. When the member says that it has failed to deliver a computer for every student, he should realise that this program will go on for many years. The first tranche, which the government wanted to get out by 1 July, is in the first $100 million across Australia. An opposition member interjected. Mr M. McGowan : That is what he said in his question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr M. McGOWAN : Mr Speaker, the provocations are really quite extreme. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order. Mr M. McGOWAN : As I was saying, $100 million is being rolled out in the first tranche, before 1 July. Western Australia has received a share, but we did not receive as much as other states, for instance, proportionately New South Wales, because Western Australia is so far ahead of all the other states in the roll-out of information technology and support services in our schools that it is not funny. That is a fact. We are way in front compared to what is provided to schools in all the other states in Australia. It is true that we provided $345 000 towards support services for the first roll-out of computers in schools around Western Australia. However, I regard that as a relatively very small amount of money for the benefit we are receiving and the remainder — Mr G. Snook interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member should let me finish. The remainder of the issues surrounding state government support are due to be dealt with by the Treasurers later this year. They will have discussions about those matters. Western Australia has been quite forceful in saying that, although we appreciate all the federal government’s work regarding the computers in schools program, we do not believe that the overwhelming burden of the cost should be put upon the states. Personally, for the benefit received by the state, I think it was a very modest investment.
Mr M. McGOWAN replied: (1)-(3) I thank the member for Moore, a well-known expert on information technology matters, for the question. Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : I was paying the member a compliment. I meant it; he is well known as an expert on IT matters. Mr T. Buswell : How’s your wife’s computer? Mr M. McGOWAN : There he goes again. The Leader of the Opposition has members who move seats because they will not sit next to someone else right behind him, yet he has the temerity to come into this place and start attacking us! He has someone who moves seats because he will not sit next to anyone else. Why did he not move the member for South Perth down here and then he could have moved the member for Warren-Blackwood next to Matt Birney? Sorry; that would not have worked either. Points of Order Mr M.J. COWPER : How is this relevant to the question that was asked by the member for Moore? The SPEAKER : It escapes me how relevant the answer is to the question at the moment. The question relates to the computer program. I am sure that the minister is getting to that part of the answer. Mr M.J. BIRNEY : I have a further point of order. The minister referred to me as Matt Birney. I prefer to be called the member for Kalgoorlie—at least for the next four or five months, if that is okay! The SPEAKER : Who said that? Mr M.J. Birney : The minister over there—the naughty one. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Further to the point of order, I should have raised the issue myself, but the Minister for Education and Training, under pressure as an alleged bigamist, has probably lost some sense of balance and may have overlooked how he was supposed to refer to the member correctly. The SPEAKER : I did not hear the minister call the member by his Christian name and surname. Everyone in this place knows that they should refer to members by their seat or their position. I direct all members to comply. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr M. McGOWAN : He referred to me as the naughty one. That back corner of the opposition benches looks like the naughty corner because that is where all the former leaders seem to end up. I am deeply sorry — Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Vasse should not worry; he will be sitting there soon! Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : If I were not being interrupted so much, I would like to finish answering the question. The member raises a good point. The Rudd government is rolling out its computers in schools program. Members fail to realise that this is a long-term program. It will not all happen overnight. When the member says that it has failed to deliver a computer for every student, he should realise that this program will go on for many years. The first tranche, which the government wanted to get out by 1 July, is in the first $100 million across Australia. An opposition member interjected. Mr M. McGowan : That is what he said in his question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr M. McGOWAN : Mr Speaker, the provocations are really quite extreme. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order. Mr M. McGOWAN : As I was saying, $100 million is being rolled out in the first tranche, before 1 July. Western Australia has received a share, but we did not receive as much as other states, for instance, proportionately New South Wales, because Western Australia is so far ahead of all the other states in the roll-out of information technology and support services in our schools that it is not funny. That is a fact. We are way in front compared to what is provided to schools in all the other states in Australia. It is true that we provided $345 000 towards support services for the first roll-out of computers in schools around Western Australia. However, I regard that as a relatively very small amount of money for the benefit we are receiving and the remainder — Mr G. Snook interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member should let me finish. The remainder of the issues surrounding state government support are due to be dealt with by the Treasurers later this year. They will have discussions about those matters. Western Australia has been quite forceful in saying that, although we appreciate all the federal government’s work regarding the computers in schools program, we do not believe that the overwhelming burden of the cost should be put upon the states. Personally, for the benefit received by the state, I think it was a very modest investment.
(1)-(3) I thank the member for Moore, a well-known expert on information technology matters, for the question. Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : I was paying the member a compliment. I meant it; he is well known as an expert on IT matters. Mr T. Buswell : How’s your wife’s computer? Mr M. McGOWAN : There he goes again. The Leader of the Opposition has members who move seats because they will not sit next to someone else right behind him, yet he has the temerity to come into this place and start attacking us! He has someone who moves seats because he will not sit next to anyone else. Why did he not move the member for South Perth down here and then he could have moved the member for Warren-Blackwood next to Matt Birney? Sorry; that would not have worked either. Points of Order Mr M.J. COWPER : How is this relevant to the question that was asked by the member for Moore? The SPEAKER : It escapes me how relevant the answer is to the question at the moment. The question relates to the computer program. I am sure that the minister is getting to that part of the answer. Mr M.J. BIRNEY : I have a further point of order. The minister referred to me as Matt Birney. I prefer to be called the member for Kalgoorlie—at least for the next four or five months, if that is okay! The SPEAKER : Who said that? Mr M.J. Birney : The minister over there—the naughty one. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Further to the point of order, I should have raised the issue myself, but the Minister for Education and Training, under pressure as an alleged bigamist, has probably lost some sense of balance and may have overlooked how he was supposed to refer to the member correctly. The SPEAKER : I did not hear the minister call the member by his Christian name and surname. Everyone in this place knows that they should refer to members by their seat or their position. I direct all members to comply. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr M. McGOWAN : He referred to me as the naughty one. That back corner of the opposition benches looks like the naughty corner because that is where all the former leaders seem to end up. I am deeply sorry — Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Vasse should not worry; he will be sitting there soon! Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : If I were not being interrupted so much, I would like to finish answering the question. The member raises a good point. The Rudd government is rolling out its computers in schools program. Members fail to realise that this is a long-term program. It will not all happen overnight. When the member says that it has failed to deliver a computer for every student, he should realise that this program will go on for many years. The first tranche, which the government wanted to get out by 1 July, is in the first $100 million across Australia. An opposition member interjected. Mr M. McGowan : That is what he said in his question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr M. McGOWAN : Mr Speaker, the provocations are really quite extreme. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order. Mr M. McGOWAN : As I was saying, $100 million is being rolled out in the first tranche, before 1 July. Western Australia has received a share, but we did not receive as much as other states, for instance, proportionately New South Wales, because Western Australia is so far ahead of all the other states in the roll-out of information technology and support services in our schools that it is not funny. That is a fact. We are way in front compared to what is provided to schools in all the other states in Australia. It is true that we provided $345 000 towards support services for the first roll-out of computers in schools around Western Australia. However, I regard that as a relatively very small amount of money for the benefit we are receiving and the remainder — Mr G. Snook interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member should let me finish. The remainder of the issues surrounding state government support are due to be dealt with by the Treasurers later this year. They will have discussions about those matters. Western Australia has been quite forceful in saying that, although we appreciate all the federal government’s work regarding the computers in schools program, we do not believe that the overwhelming burden of the cost should be put upon the states. Personally, for the benefit received by the state, I think it was a very modest investment.
Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : I was paying the member a compliment. I meant it; he is well known as an expert on IT matters. Mr T. Buswell : How’s your wife’s computer? Mr M. McGOWAN : There he goes again. The Leader of the Opposition has members who move seats because they will not sit next to someone else right behind him, yet he has the temerity to come into this place and start attacking us! He has someone who moves seats because he will not sit next to anyone else. Why did he not move the member for South Perth down here and then he could have moved the member for Warren-Blackwood next to Matt Birney? Sorry; that would not have worked either. Points of Order Mr M.J. COWPER : How is this relevant to the question that was asked by the member for Moore? The SPEAKER : It escapes me how relevant the answer is to the question at the moment. The question relates to the computer program. I am sure that the minister is getting to that part of the answer. Mr M.J. BIRNEY : I have a further point of order. The minister referred to me as Matt Birney. I prefer to be called the member for Kalgoorlie—at least for the next four or five months, if that is okay! The SPEAKER : Who said that? Mr M.J. Birney : The minister over there—the naughty one. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Further to the point of order, I should have raised the issue myself, but the Minister for Education and Training, under pressure as an alleged bigamist, has probably lost some sense of balance and may have overlooked how he was supposed to refer to the member correctly. The SPEAKER : I did not hear the minister call the member by his Christian name and surname. Everyone in this place knows that they should refer to members by their seat or their position. I direct all members to comply. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr M. McGOWAN : He referred to me as the naughty one. That back corner of the opposition benches looks like the naughty corner because that is where all the former leaders seem to end up. I am deeply sorry — Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Vasse should not worry; he will be sitting there soon! Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : If I were not being interrupted so much, I would like to finish answering the question. The member raises a good point. The Rudd government is rolling out its computers in schools program. Members fail to realise that this is a long-term program. It will not all happen overnight. When the member says that it has failed to deliver a computer for every student, he should realise that this program will go on for many years. The first tranche, which the government wanted to get out by 1 July, is in the first $100 million across Australia. An opposition member interjected. Mr M. McGowan : That is what he said in his question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr M. McGOWAN : Mr Speaker, the provocations are really quite extreme. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order. Mr M. McGOWAN : As I was saying, $100 million is being rolled out in the first tranche, before 1 July. Western Australia has received a share, but we did not receive as much as other states, for instance, proportionately New South Wales, because Western Australia is so far ahead of all the other states in the roll-out of information technology and support services in our schools that it is not funny. That is a fact. We are way in front compared to what is provided to schools in all the other states in Australia. It is true that we provided $345 000 towards support services for the first roll-out of computers in schools around Western Australia. However, I regard that as a relatively very small amount of money for the benefit we are receiving and the remainder — Mr G. Snook interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member should let me finish. The remainder of the issues surrounding state government support are due to be dealt with by the Treasurers later this year. They will have discussions about those matters. Western Australia has been quite forceful in saying that, although we appreciate all the federal government’s work regarding the computers in schools program, we do not believe that the overwhelming burden of the cost should be put upon the states. Personally, for the benefit received by the state, I think it was a very modest investment.
Mr M. McGOWAN : I was paying the member a compliment. I meant it; he is well known as an expert on IT matters. Mr T. Buswell : How’s your wife’s computer? Mr M. McGOWAN : There he goes again. The Leader of the Opposition has members who move seats because they will not sit next to someone else right behind him, yet he has the temerity to come into this place and start attacking us! He has someone who moves seats because he will not sit next to anyone else. Why did he not move the member for South Perth down here and then he could have moved the member for Warren-Blackwood next to Matt Birney? Sorry; that would not have worked either. Points of Order Mr M.J. COWPER : How is this relevant to the question that was asked by the member for Moore? The SPEAKER : It escapes me how relevant the answer is to the question at the moment. The question relates to the computer program. I am sure that the minister is getting to that part of the answer. Mr M.J. BIRNEY : I have a further point of order. The minister referred to me as Matt Birney. I prefer to be called the member for Kalgoorlie—at least for the next four or five months, if that is okay! The SPEAKER : Who said that? Mr M.J. Birney : The minister over there—the naughty one. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Further to the point of order, I should have raised the issue myself, but the Minister for Education and Training, under pressure as an alleged bigamist, has probably lost some sense of balance and may have overlooked how he was supposed to refer to the member correctly. The SPEAKER : I did not hear the minister call the member by his Christian name and surname. Everyone in this place knows that they should refer to members by their seat or their position. I direct all members to comply. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr M. McGOWAN : He referred to me as the naughty one. That back corner of the opposition benches looks like the naughty corner because that is where all the former leaders seem to end up. I am deeply sorry — Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Vasse should not worry; he will be sitting there soon! Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : If I were not being interrupted so much, I would like to finish answering the question. The member raises a good point. The Rudd government is rolling out its computers in schools program. Members fail to realise that this is a long-term program. It will not all happen overnight. When the member says that it has failed to deliver a computer for every student, he should realise that this program will go on for many years. The first tranche, which the government wanted to get out by 1 July, is in the first $100 million across Australia. An opposition member interjected. Mr M. McGowan : That is what he said in his question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr M. McGOWAN : Mr Speaker, the provocations are really quite extreme. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order. Mr M. McGOWAN : As I was saying, $100 million is being rolled out in the first tranche, before 1 July. Western Australia has received a share, but we did not receive as much as other states, for instance, proportionately New South Wales, because Western Australia is so far ahead of all the other states in the roll-out of information technology and support services in our schools that it is not funny. That is a fact. We are way in front compared to what is provided to schools in all the other states in Australia. It is true that we provided $345 000 towards support services for the first roll-out of computers in schools around Western Australia. However, I regard that as a relatively very small amount of money for the benefit we are receiving and the remainder — Mr G. Snook interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member should let me finish. The remainder of the issues surrounding state government support are due to be dealt with by the Treasurers later this year. They will have discussions about those matters. Western Australia has been quite forceful in saying that, although we appreciate all the federal government’s work regarding the computers in schools program, we do not believe that the overwhelming burden of the cost should be put upon the states. Personally, for the benefit received by the state, I think it was a very modest investment.
Mr T. Buswell : How’s your wife’s computer? Mr M. McGOWAN : There he goes again. The Leader of the Opposition has members who move seats because they will not sit next to someone else right behind him, yet he has the temerity to come into this place and start attacking us! He has someone who moves seats because he will not sit next to anyone else. Why did he not move the member for South Perth down here and then he could have moved the member for Warren-Blackwood next to Matt Birney? Sorry; that would not have worked either. Points of Order Mr M.J. COWPER : How is this relevant to the question that was asked by the member for Moore? The SPEAKER : It escapes me how relevant the answer is to the question at the moment. The question relates to the computer program. I am sure that the minister is getting to that part of the answer. Mr M.J. BIRNEY : I have a further point of order. The minister referred to me as Matt Birney. I prefer to be called the member for Kalgoorlie—at least for the next four or five months, if that is okay! The SPEAKER : Who said that? Mr M.J. Birney : The minister over there—the naughty one. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Further to the point of order, I should have raised the issue myself, but the Minister for Education and Training, under pressure as an alleged bigamist, has probably lost some sense of balance and may have overlooked how he was supposed to refer to the member correctly. The SPEAKER : I did not hear the minister call the member by his Christian name and surname. Everyone in this place knows that they should refer to members by their seat or their position. I direct all members to comply. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr M. McGOWAN : He referred to me as the naughty one. That back corner of the opposition benches looks like the naughty corner because that is where all the former leaders seem to end up. I am deeply sorry — Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Vasse should not worry; he will be sitting there soon! Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : If I were not being interrupted so much, I would like to finish answering the question. The member raises a good point. The Rudd government is rolling out its computers in schools program. Members fail to realise that this is a long-term program. It will not all happen overnight. When the member says that it has failed to deliver a computer for every student, he should realise that this program will go on for many years. The first tranche, which the government wanted to get out by 1 July, is in the first $100 million across Australia. An opposition member interjected. Mr M. McGowan : That is what he said in his question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr M. McGOWAN : Mr Speaker, the provocations are really quite extreme. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order. Mr M. McGOWAN : As I was saying, $100 million is being rolled out in the first tranche, before 1 July. Western Australia has received a share, but we did not receive as much as other states, for instance, proportionately New South Wales, because Western Australia is so far ahead of all the other states in the roll-out of information technology and support services in our schools that it is not funny. That is a fact. We are way in front compared to what is provided to schools in all the other states in Australia. It is true that we provided $345 000 towards support services for the first roll-out of computers in schools around Western Australia. However, I regard that as a relatively very small amount of money for the benefit we are receiving and the remainder — Mr G. Snook interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member should let me finish. The remainder of the issues surrounding state government support are due to be dealt with by the Treasurers later this year. They will have discussions about those matters. Western Australia has been quite forceful in saying that, although we appreciate all the federal government’s work regarding the computers in schools program, we do not believe that the overwhelming burden of the cost should be put upon the states. Personally, for the benefit received by the state, I think it was a very modest investment.
Mr M. McGOWAN : There he goes again. The Leader of the Opposition has members who move seats because they will not sit next to someone else right behind him, yet he has the temerity to come into this place and start attacking us! He has someone who moves seats because he will not sit next to anyone else. Why did he not move the member for South Perth down here and then he could have moved the member for Warren-Blackwood next to Matt Birney? Sorry; that would not have worked either. Points of Order Mr M.J. COWPER : How is this relevant to the question that was asked by the member for Moore? The SPEAKER : It escapes me how relevant the answer is to the question at the moment. The question relates to the computer program. I am sure that the minister is getting to that part of the answer. Mr M.J. BIRNEY : I have a further point of order. The minister referred to me as Matt Birney. I prefer to be called the member for Kalgoorlie—at least for the next four or five months, if that is okay! The SPEAKER : Who said that? Mr M.J. Birney : The minister over there—the naughty one. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Further to the point of order, I should have raised the issue myself, but the Minister for Education and Training, under pressure as an alleged bigamist, has probably lost some sense of balance and may have overlooked how he was supposed to refer to the member correctly. The SPEAKER : I did not hear the minister call the member by his Christian name and surname. Everyone in this place knows that they should refer to members by their seat or their position. I direct all members to comply. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr M. McGOWAN : He referred to me as the naughty one. That back corner of the opposition benches looks like the naughty corner because that is where all the former leaders seem to end up. I am deeply sorry — Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Vasse should not worry; he will be sitting there soon! Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : If I were not being interrupted so much, I would like to finish answering the question. The member raises a good point. The Rudd government is rolling out its computers in schools program. Members fail to realise that this is a long-term program. It will not all happen overnight. When the member says that it has failed to deliver a computer for every student, he should realise that this program will go on for many years. The first tranche, which the government wanted to get out by 1 July, is in the first $100 million across Australia. An opposition member interjected. Mr M. McGowan : That is what he said in his question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr M. McGOWAN : Mr Speaker, the provocations are really quite extreme. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order. Mr M. McGOWAN : As I was saying, $100 million is being rolled out in the first tranche, before 1 July. Western Australia has received a share, but we did not receive as much as other states, for instance, proportionately New South Wales, because Western Australia is so far ahead of all the other states in the roll-out of information technology and support services in our schools that it is not funny. That is a fact. We are way in front compared to what is provided to schools in all the other states in Australia. It is true that we provided $345 000 towards support services for the first roll-out of computers in schools around Western Australia. However, I regard that as a relatively very small amount of money for the benefit we are receiving and the remainder — Mr G. Snook interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member should let me finish. The remainder of the issues surrounding state government support are due to be dealt with by the Treasurers later this year. They will have discussions about those matters. Western Australia has been quite forceful in saying that, although we appreciate all the federal government’s work regarding the computers in schools program, we do not believe that the overwhelming burden of the cost should be put upon the states. Personally, for the benefit received by the state, I think it was a very modest investment.
The SPEAKER : It escapes me how relevant the answer is to the question at the moment. The question relates to the computer program. I am sure that the minister is getting to that part of the answer. Mr M.J. BIRNEY : I have a further point of order. The minister referred to me as Matt Birney. I prefer to be called the member for Kalgoorlie—at least for the next four or five months, if that is okay! The SPEAKER : Who said that? Mr M.J. Birney : The minister over there—the naughty one. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Further to the point of order, I should have raised the issue myself, but the Minister for Education and Training, under pressure as an alleged bigamist, has probably lost some sense of balance and may have overlooked how he was supposed to refer to the member correctly. The SPEAKER : I did not hear the minister call the member by his Christian name and surname. Everyone in this place knows that they should refer to members by their seat or their position. I direct all members to comply. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr M. McGOWAN : He referred to me as the naughty one. That back corner of the opposition benches looks like the naughty corner because that is where all the former leaders seem to end up. I am deeply sorry — Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Vasse should not worry; he will be sitting there soon! Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : If I were not being interrupted so much, I would like to finish answering the question. The member raises a good point. The Rudd government is rolling out its computers in schools program. Members fail to realise that this is a long-term program. It will not all happen overnight. When the member says that it has failed to deliver a computer for every student, he should realise that this program will go on for many years. The first tranche, which the government wanted to get out by 1 July, is in the first $100 million across Australia. An opposition member interjected. Mr M. McGowan : That is what he said in his question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr M. McGOWAN : Mr Speaker, the provocations are really quite extreme. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order. Mr M. McGOWAN : As I was saying, $100 million is being rolled out in the first tranche, before 1 July. Western Australia has received a share, but we did not receive as much as other states, for instance, proportionately New South Wales, because Western Australia is so far ahead of all the other states in the roll-out of information technology and support services in our schools that it is not funny. That is a fact. We are way in front compared to what is provided to schools in all the other states in Australia. It is true that we provided $345 000 towards support services for the first roll-out of computers in schools around Western Australia. However, I regard that as a relatively very small amount of money for the benefit we are receiving and the remainder — Mr G. Snook interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member should let me finish. The remainder of the issues surrounding state government support are due to be dealt with by the Treasurers later this year. They will have discussions about those matters. Western Australia has been quite forceful in saying that, although we appreciate all the federal government’s work regarding the computers in schools program, we do not believe that the overwhelming burden of the cost should be put upon the states. Personally, for the benefit received by the state, I think it was a very modest investment.
Mr M.J. BIRNEY : I have a further point of order. The minister referred to me as Matt Birney. I prefer to be called the member for Kalgoorlie—at least for the next four or five months, if that is okay! The SPEAKER : Who said that? Mr M.J. Birney : The minister over there—the naughty one. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Further to the point of order, I should have raised the issue myself, but the Minister for Education and Training, under pressure as an alleged bigamist, has probably lost some sense of balance and may have overlooked how he was supposed to refer to the member correctly. The SPEAKER : I did not hear the minister call the member by his Christian name and surname. Everyone in this place knows that they should refer to members by their seat or their position. I direct all members to comply. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr M. McGOWAN : He referred to me as the naughty one. That back corner of the opposition benches looks like the naughty corner because that is where all the former leaders seem to end up. I am deeply sorry — Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Vasse should not worry; he will be sitting there soon! Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : If I were not being interrupted so much, I would like to finish answering the question. The member raises a good point. The Rudd government is rolling out its computers in schools program. Members fail to realise that this is a long-term program. It will not all happen overnight. When the member says that it has failed to deliver a computer for every student, he should realise that this program will go on for many years. The first tranche, which the government wanted to get out by 1 July, is in the first $100 million across Australia. An opposition member interjected. Mr M. McGowan : That is what he said in his question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr M. McGOWAN : Mr Speaker, the provocations are really quite extreme. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order. Mr M. McGOWAN : As I was saying, $100 million is being rolled out in the first tranche, before 1 July. Western Australia has received a share, but we did not receive as much as other states, for instance, proportionately New South Wales, because Western Australia is so far ahead of all the other states in the roll-out of information technology and support services in our schools that it is not funny. That is a fact. We are way in front compared to what is provided to schools in all the other states in Australia. It is true that we provided $345 000 towards support services for the first roll-out of computers in schools around Western Australia. However, I regard that as a relatively very small amount of money for the benefit we are receiving and the remainder — Mr G. Snook interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member should let me finish. The remainder of the issues surrounding state government support are due to be dealt with by the Treasurers later this year. They will have discussions about those matters. Western Australia has been quite forceful in saying that, although we appreciate all the federal government’s work regarding the computers in schools program, we do not believe that the overwhelming burden of the cost should be put upon the states. Personally, for the benefit received by the state, I think it was a very modest investment.
The SPEAKER : Who said that? Mr M.J. Birney : The minister over there—the naughty one. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Further to the point of order, I should have raised the issue myself, but the Minister for Education and Training, under pressure as an alleged bigamist, has probably lost some sense of balance and may have overlooked how he was supposed to refer to the member correctly. The SPEAKER : I did not hear the minister call the member by his Christian name and surname. Everyone in this place knows that they should refer to members by their seat or their position. I direct all members to comply. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr M. McGOWAN : He referred to me as the naughty one. That back corner of the opposition benches looks like the naughty corner because that is where all the former leaders seem to end up. I am deeply sorry — Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Vasse should not worry; he will be sitting there soon! Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : If I were not being interrupted so much, I would like to finish answering the question. The member raises a good point. The Rudd government is rolling out its computers in schools program. Members fail to realise that this is a long-term program. It will not all happen overnight. When the member says that it has failed to deliver a computer for every student, he should realise that this program will go on for many years. The first tranche, which the government wanted to get out by 1 July, is in the first $100 million across Australia. An opposition member interjected. Mr M. McGowan : That is what he said in his question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr M. McGOWAN : Mr Speaker, the provocations are really quite extreme. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order. Mr M. McGOWAN : As I was saying, $100 million is being rolled out in the first tranche, before 1 July. Western Australia has received a share, but we did not receive as much as other states, for instance, proportionately New South Wales, because Western Australia is so far ahead of all the other states in the roll-out of information technology and support services in our schools that it is not funny. That is a fact. We are way in front compared to what is provided to schools in all the other states in Australia. It is true that we provided $345 000 towards support services for the first roll-out of computers in schools around Western Australia. However, I regard that as a relatively very small amount of money for the benefit we are receiving and the remainder — Mr G. Snook interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member should let me finish. The remainder of the issues surrounding state government support are due to be dealt with by the Treasurers later this year. They will have discussions about those matters. Western Australia has been quite forceful in saying that, although we appreciate all the federal government’s work regarding the computers in schools program, we do not believe that the overwhelming burden of the cost should be put upon the states. Personally, for the benefit received by the state, I think it was a very modest investment.
Mr M.J. Birney : The minister over there—the naughty one. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Further to the point of order, I should have raised the issue myself, but the Minister for Education and Training, under pressure as an alleged bigamist, has probably lost some sense of balance and may have overlooked how he was supposed to refer to the member correctly. The SPEAKER : I did not hear the minister call the member by his Christian name and surname. Everyone in this place knows that they should refer to members by their seat or their position. I direct all members to comply. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr M. McGOWAN : He referred to me as the naughty one. That back corner of the opposition benches looks like the naughty corner because that is where all the former leaders seem to end up. I am deeply sorry — Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Vasse should not worry; he will be sitting there soon! Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : If I were not being interrupted so much, I would like to finish answering the question. The member raises a good point. The Rudd government is rolling out its computers in schools program. Members fail to realise that this is a long-term program. It will not all happen overnight. When the member says that it has failed to deliver a computer for every student, he should realise that this program will go on for many years. The first tranche, which the government wanted to get out by 1 July, is in the first $100 million across Australia. An opposition member interjected. Mr M. McGowan : That is what he said in his question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr M. McGOWAN : Mr Speaker, the provocations are really quite extreme. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order. Mr M. McGOWAN : As I was saying, $100 million is being rolled out in the first tranche, before 1 July. Western Australia has received a share, but we did not receive as much as other states, for instance, proportionately New South Wales, because Western Australia is so far ahead of all the other states in the roll-out of information technology and support services in our schools that it is not funny. That is a fact. We are way in front compared to what is provided to schools in all the other states in Australia. It is true that we provided $345 000 towards support services for the first roll-out of computers in schools around Western Australia. However, I regard that as a relatively very small amount of money for the benefit we are receiving and the remainder — Mr G. Snook interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member should let me finish. The remainder of the issues surrounding state government support are due to be dealt with by the Treasurers later this year. They will have discussions about those matters. Western Australia has been quite forceful in saying that, although we appreciate all the federal government’s work regarding the computers in schools program, we do not believe that the overwhelming burden of the cost should be put upon the states. Personally, for the benefit received by the state, I think it was a very modest investment.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Further to the point of order, I should have raised the issue myself, but the Minister for Education and Training, under pressure as an alleged bigamist, has probably lost some sense of balance and may have overlooked how he was supposed to refer to the member correctly. The SPEAKER : I did not hear the minister call the member by his Christian name and surname. Everyone in this place knows that they should refer to members by their seat or their position. I direct all members to comply. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr M. McGOWAN : He referred to me as the naughty one. That back corner of the opposition benches looks like the naughty corner because that is where all the former leaders seem to end up. I am deeply sorry — Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Vasse should not worry; he will be sitting there soon! Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : If I were not being interrupted so much, I would like to finish answering the question. The member raises a good point. The Rudd government is rolling out its computers in schools program. Members fail to realise that this is a long-term program. It will not all happen overnight. When the member says that it has failed to deliver a computer for every student, he should realise that this program will go on for many years. The first tranche, which the government wanted to get out by 1 July, is in the first $100 million across Australia. An opposition member interjected. Mr M. McGowan : That is what he said in his question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr M. McGOWAN : Mr Speaker, the provocations are really quite extreme. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order. Mr M. McGOWAN : As I was saying, $100 million is being rolled out in the first tranche, before 1 July. Western Australia has received a share, but we did not receive as much as other states, for instance, proportionately New South Wales, because Western Australia is so far ahead of all the other states in the roll-out of information technology and support services in our schools that it is not funny. That is a fact. We are way in front compared to what is provided to schools in all the other states in Australia. It is true that we provided $345 000 towards support services for the first roll-out of computers in schools around Western Australia. However, I regard that as a relatively very small amount of money for the benefit we are receiving and the remainder — Mr G. Snook interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member should let me finish. The remainder of the issues surrounding state government support are due to be dealt with by the Treasurers later this year. They will have discussions about those matters. Western Australia has been quite forceful in saying that, although we appreciate all the federal government’s work regarding the computers in schools program, we do not believe that the overwhelming burden of the cost should be put upon the states. Personally, for the benefit received by the state, I think it was a very modest investment.
The SPEAKER : I did not hear the minister call the member by his Christian name and surname. Everyone in this place knows that they should refer to members by their seat or their position. I direct all members to comply. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr M. McGOWAN : He referred to me as the naughty one. That back corner of the opposition benches looks like the naughty corner because that is where all the former leaders seem to end up. I am deeply sorry — Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Vasse should not worry; he will be sitting there soon! Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : If I were not being interrupted so much, I would like to finish answering the question. The member raises a good point. The Rudd government is rolling out its computers in schools program. Members fail to realise that this is a long-term program. It will not all happen overnight. When the member says that it has failed to deliver a computer for every student, he should realise that this program will go on for many years. The first tranche, which the government wanted to get out by 1 July, is in the first $100 million across Australia. An opposition member interjected. Mr M. McGowan : That is what he said in his question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr M. McGOWAN : Mr Speaker, the provocations are really quite extreme. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order. Mr M. McGOWAN : As I was saying, $100 million is being rolled out in the first tranche, before 1 July. Western Australia has received a share, but we did not receive as much as other states, for instance, proportionately New South Wales, because Western Australia is so far ahead of all the other states in the roll-out of information technology and support services in our schools that it is not funny. That is a fact. We are way in front compared to what is provided to schools in all the other states in Australia. It is true that we provided $345 000 towards support services for the first roll-out of computers in schools around Western Australia. However, I regard that as a relatively very small amount of money for the benefit we are receiving and the remainder — Mr G. Snook interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member should let me finish. The remainder of the issues surrounding state government support are due to be dealt with by the Treasurers later this year. They will have discussions about those matters. Western Australia has been quite forceful in saying that, although we appreciate all the federal government’s work regarding the computers in schools program, we do not believe that the overwhelming burden of the cost should be put upon the states. Personally, for the benefit received by the state, I think it was a very modest investment.
Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Vasse should not worry; he will be sitting there soon! Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : If I were not being interrupted so much, I would like to finish answering the question. The member raises a good point. The Rudd government is rolling out its computers in schools program. Members fail to realise that this is a long-term program. It will not all happen overnight. When the member says that it has failed to deliver a computer for every student, he should realise that this program will go on for many years. The first tranche, which the government wanted to get out by 1 July, is in the first $100 million across Australia. An opposition member interjected. Mr M. McGowan : That is what he said in his question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr M. McGOWAN : Mr Speaker, the provocations are really quite extreme. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order. Mr M. McGOWAN : As I was saying, $100 million is being rolled out in the first tranche, before 1 July. Western Australia has received a share, but we did not receive as much as other states, for instance, proportionately New South Wales, because Western Australia is so far ahead of all the other states in the roll-out of information technology and support services in our schools that it is not funny. That is a fact. We are way in front compared to what is provided to schools in all the other states in Australia. It is true that we provided $345 000 towards support services for the first roll-out of computers in schools around Western Australia. However, I regard that as a relatively very small amount of money for the benefit we are receiving and the remainder — Mr G. Snook interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member should let me finish. The remainder of the issues surrounding state government support are due to be dealt with by the Treasurers later this year. They will have discussions about those matters. Western Australia has been quite forceful in saying that, although we appreciate all the federal government’s work regarding the computers in schools program, we do not believe that the overwhelming burden of the cost should be put upon the states. Personally, for the benefit received by the state, I think it was a very modest investment.
Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Vasse should not worry; he will be sitting there soon! Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : If I were not being interrupted so much, I would like to finish answering the question. The member raises a good point. The Rudd government is rolling out its computers in schools program. Members fail to realise that this is a long-term program. It will not all happen overnight. When the member says that it has failed to deliver a computer for every student, he should realise that this program will go on for many years. The first tranche, which the government wanted to get out by 1 July, is in the first $100 million across Australia. An opposition member interjected. Mr M. McGowan : That is what he said in his question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr M. McGOWAN : Mr Speaker, the provocations are really quite extreme. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order. Mr M. McGOWAN : As I was saying, $100 million is being rolled out in the first tranche, before 1 July. Western Australia has received a share, but we did not receive as much as other states, for instance, proportionately New South Wales, because Western Australia is so far ahead of all the other states in the roll-out of information technology and support services in our schools that it is not funny. That is a fact. We are way in front compared to what is provided to schools in all the other states in Australia. It is true that we provided $345 000 towards support services for the first roll-out of computers in schools around Western Australia. However, I regard that as a relatively very small amount of money for the benefit we are receiving and the remainder — Mr G. Snook interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member should let me finish. The remainder of the issues surrounding state government support are due to be dealt with by the Treasurers later this year. They will have discussions about those matters. Western Australia has been quite forceful in saying that, although we appreciate all the federal government’s work regarding the computers in schools program, we do not believe that the overwhelming burden of the cost should be put upon the states. Personally, for the benefit received by the state, I think it was a very modest investment.
Several members interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : If I were not being interrupted so much, I would like to finish answering the question. The member raises a good point. The Rudd government is rolling out its computers in schools program. Members fail to realise that this is a long-term program. It will not all happen overnight. When the member says that it has failed to deliver a computer for every student, he should realise that this program will go on for many years. The first tranche, which the government wanted to get out by 1 July, is in the first $100 million across Australia. An opposition member interjected. Mr M. McGowan : That is what he said in his question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr M. McGOWAN : Mr Speaker, the provocations are really quite extreme. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order. Mr M. McGOWAN : As I was saying, $100 million is being rolled out in the first tranche, before 1 July. Western Australia has received a share, but we did not receive as much as other states, for instance, proportionately New South Wales, because Western Australia is so far ahead of all the other states in the roll-out of information technology and support services in our schools that it is not funny. That is a fact. We are way in front compared to what is provided to schools in all the other states in Australia. It is true that we provided $345 000 towards support services for the first roll-out of computers in schools around Western Australia. However, I regard that as a relatively very small amount of money for the benefit we are receiving and the remainder — Mr G. Snook interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member should let me finish. The remainder of the issues surrounding state government support are due to be dealt with by the Treasurers later this year. They will have discussions about those matters. Western Australia has been quite forceful in saying that, although we appreciate all the federal government’s work regarding the computers in schools program, we do not believe that the overwhelming burden of the cost should be put upon the states. Personally, for the benefit received by the state, I think it was a very modest investment.
Mr M. McGOWAN : If I were not being interrupted so much, I would like to finish answering the question. The member raises a good point. The Rudd government is rolling out its computers in schools program. Members fail to realise that this is a long-term program. It will not all happen overnight. When the member says that it has failed to deliver a computer for every student, he should realise that this program will go on for many years. The first tranche, which the government wanted to get out by 1 July, is in the first $100 million across Australia. An opposition member interjected. Mr M. McGowan : That is what he said in his question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr M. McGOWAN : Mr Speaker, the provocations are really quite extreme. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order. Mr M. McGOWAN : As I was saying, $100 million is being rolled out in the first tranche, before 1 July. Western Australia has received a share, but we did not receive as much as other states, for instance, proportionately New South Wales, because Western Australia is so far ahead of all the other states in the roll-out of information technology and support services in our schools that it is not funny. That is a fact. We are way in front compared to what is provided to schools in all the other states in Australia. It is true that we provided $345 000 towards support services for the first roll-out of computers in schools around Western Australia. However, I regard that as a relatively very small amount of money for the benefit we are receiving and the remainder — Mr G. Snook interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member should let me finish. The remainder of the issues surrounding state government support are due to be dealt with by the Treasurers later this year. They will have discussions about those matters. Western Australia has been quite forceful in saying that, although we appreciate all the federal government’s work regarding the computers in schools program, we do not believe that the overwhelming burden of the cost should be put upon the states. Personally, for the benefit received by the state, I think it was a very modest investment.
An opposition member interjected. Mr M. McGowan : That is what he said in his question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr M. McGOWAN : Mr Speaker, the provocations are really quite extreme. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order. Mr M. McGOWAN : As I was saying, $100 million is being rolled out in the first tranche, before 1 July. Western Australia has received a share, but we did not receive as much as other states, for instance, proportionately New South Wales, because Western Australia is so far ahead of all the other states in the roll-out of information technology and support services in our schools that it is not funny. That is a fact. We are way in front compared to what is provided to schools in all the other states in Australia. It is true that we provided $345 000 towards support services for the first roll-out of computers in schools around Western Australia. However, I regard that as a relatively very small amount of money for the benefit we are receiving and the remainder — Mr G. Snook interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member should let me finish. The remainder of the issues surrounding state government support are due to be dealt with by the Treasurers later this year. They will have discussions about those matters. Western Australia has been quite forceful in saying that, although we appreciate all the federal government’s work regarding the computers in schools program, we do not believe that the overwhelming burden of the cost should be put upon the states. Personally, for the benefit received by the state, I think it was a very modest investment.
Mr M. McGowan : That is what he said in his question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr M. McGOWAN : Mr Speaker, the provocations are really quite extreme. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order. Mr M. McGOWAN : As I was saying, $100 million is being rolled out in the first tranche, before 1 July. Western Australia has received a share, but we did not receive as much as other states, for instance, proportionately New South Wales, because Western Australia is so far ahead of all the other states in the roll-out of information technology and support services in our schools that it is not funny. That is a fact. We are way in front compared to what is provided to schools in all the other states in Australia. It is true that we provided $345 000 towards support services for the first roll-out of computers in schools around Western Australia. However, I regard that as a relatively very small amount of money for the benefit we are receiving and the remainder — Mr G. Snook interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member should let me finish. The remainder of the issues surrounding state government support are due to be dealt with by the Treasurers later this year. They will have discussions about those matters. Western Australia has been quite forceful in saying that, although we appreciate all the federal government’s work regarding the computers in schools program, we do not believe that the overwhelming burden of the cost should be put upon the states. Personally, for the benefit received by the state, I think it was a very modest investment.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr M. McGOWAN : Mr Speaker, the provocations are really quite extreme. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order. Mr M. McGOWAN : As I was saying, $100 million is being rolled out in the first tranche, before 1 July. Western Australia has received a share, but we did not receive as much as other states, for instance, proportionately New South Wales, because Western Australia is so far ahead of all the other states in the roll-out of information technology and support services in our schools that it is not funny. That is a fact. We are way in front compared to what is provided to schools in all the other states in Australia. It is true that we provided $345 000 towards support services for the first roll-out of computers in schools around Western Australia. However, I regard that as a relatively very small amount of money for the benefit we are receiving and the remainder — Mr G. Snook interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member should let me finish. The remainder of the issues surrounding state government support are due to be dealt with by the Treasurers later this year. They will have discussions about those matters. Western Australia has been quite forceful in saying that, although we appreciate all the federal government’s work regarding the computers in schools program, we do not believe that the overwhelming burden of the cost should be put upon the states. Personally, for the benefit received by the state, I think it was a very modest investment.
The SPEAKER : Order! Mr M. McGOWAN : Mr Speaker, the provocations are really quite extreme. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order. Mr M. McGOWAN : As I was saying, $100 million is being rolled out in the first tranche, before 1 July. Western Australia has received a share, but we did not receive as much as other states, for instance, proportionately New South Wales, because Western Australia is so far ahead of all the other states in the roll-out of information technology and support services in our schools that it is not funny. That is a fact. We are way in front compared to what is provided to schools in all the other states in Australia. It is true that we provided $345 000 towards support services for the first roll-out of computers in schools around Western Australia. However, I regard that as a relatively very small amount of money for the benefit we are receiving and the remainder — Mr G. Snook interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member should let me finish. The remainder of the issues surrounding state government support are due to be dealt with by the Treasurers later this year. They will have discussions about those matters. Western Australia has been quite forceful in saying that, although we appreciate all the federal government’s work regarding the computers in schools program, we do not believe that the overwhelming burden of the cost should be put upon the states. Personally, for the benefit received by the state, I think it was a very modest investment.
Mr M. McGOWAN : Mr Speaker, the provocations are really quite extreme. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order. Mr M. McGOWAN : As I was saying, $100 million is being rolled out in the first tranche, before 1 July. Western Australia has received a share, but we did not receive as much as other states, for instance, proportionately New South Wales, because Western Australia is so far ahead of all the other states in the roll-out of information technology and support services in our schools that it is not funny. That is a fact. We are way in front compared to what is provided to schools in all the other states in Australia. It is true that we provided $345 000 towards support services for the first roll-out of computers in schools around Western Australia. However, I regard that as a relatively very small amount of money for the benefit we are receiving and the remainder — Mr G. Snook interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member should let me finish. The remainder of the issues surrounding state government support are due to be dealt with by the Treasurers later this year. They will have discussions about those matters. Western Australia has been quite forceful in saying that, although we appreciate all the federal government’s work regarding the computers in schools program, we do not believe that the overwhelming burden of the cost should be put upon the states. Personally, for the benefit received by the state, I think it was a very modest investment.
Dr K.D. Hames interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order. Mr M. McGOWAN : As I was saying, $100 million is being rolled out in the first tranche, before 1 July. Western Australia has received a share, but we did not receive as much as other states, for instance, proportionately New South Wales, because Western Australia is so far ahead of all the other states in the roll-out of information technology and support services in our schools that it is not funny. That is a fact. We are way in front compared to what is provided to schools in all the other states in Australia. It is true that we provided $345 000 towards support services for the first roll-out of computers in schools around Western Australia. However, I regard that as a relatively very small amount of money for the benefit we are receiving and the remainder — Mr G. Snook interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member should let me finish. The remainder of the issues surrounding state government support are due to be dealt with by the Treasurers later this year. They will have discussions about those matters. Western Australia has been quite forceful in saying that, although we appreciate all the federal government’s work regarding the computers in schools program, we do not believe that the overwhelming burden of the cost should be put upon the states. Personally, for the benefit received by the state, I think it was a very modest investment.
The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order. Mr M. McGOWAN : As I was saying, $100 million is being rolled out in the first tranche, before 1 July. Western Australia has received a share, but we did not receive as much as other states, for instance, proportionately New South Wales, because Western Australia is so far ahead of all the other states in the roll-out of information technology and support services in our schools that it is not funny. That is a fact. We are way in front compared to what is provided to schools in all the other states in Australia. It is true that we provided $345 000 towards support services for the first roll-out of computers in schools around Western Australia. However, I regard that as a relatively very small amount of money for the benefit we are receiving and the remainder — Mr G. Snook interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member should let me finish. The remainder of the issues surrounding state government support are due to be dealt with by the Treasurers later this year. They will have discussions about those matters. Western Australia has been quite forceful in saying that, although we appreciate all the federal government’s work regarding the computers in schools program, we do not believe that the overwhelming burden of the cost should be put upon the states. Personally, for the benefit received by the state, I think it was a very modest investment.
Mr M. McGOWAN : As I was saying, $100 million is being rolled out in the first tranche, before 1 July. Western Australia has received a share, but we did not receive as much as other states, for instance, proportionately New South Wales, because Western Australia is so far ahead of all the other states in the roll-out of information technology and support services in our schools that it is not funny. That is a fact. We are way in front compared to what is provided to schools in all the other states in Australia. It is true that we provided $345 000 towards support services for the first roll-out of computers in schools around Western Australia. However, I regard that as a relatively very small amount of money for the benefit we are receiving and the remainder — Mr G. Snook interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member should let me finish. The remainder of the issues surrounding state government support are due to be dealt with by the Treasurers later this year. They will have discussions about those matters. Western Australia has been quite forceful in saying that, although we appreciate all the federal government’s work regarding the computers in schools program, we do not believe that the overwhelming burden of the cost should be put upon the states. Personally, for the benefit received by the state, I think it was a very modest investment.
Mr G. Snook interjected. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member should let me finish. The remainder of the issues surrounding state government support are due to be dealt with by the Treasurers later this year. They will have discussions about those matters. Western Australia has been quite forceful in saying that, although we appreciate all the federal government’s work regarding the computers in schools program, we do not believe that the overwhelming burden of the cost should be put upon the states. Personally, for the benefit received by the state, I think it was a very modest investment.
Mr M. McGOWAN : The member should let me finish. The remainder of the issues surrounding state government support are due to be dealt with by the Treasurers later this year. They will have discussions about those matters. Western Australia has been quite forceful in saying that, although we appreciate all the federal government’s work regarding the computers in schools program, we do not believe that the overwhelming burden of the cost should be put upon the states. Personally, for the benefit received by the state, I think it was a very modest investment.
The remainder of the issues surrounding state government support are due to be dealt with by the Treasurers later this year. They will have discussions about those matters. Western Australia has been quite forceful in saying that, although we appreciate all the federal government’s work regarding the computers in schools program, we do not believe that the overwhelming burden of the cost should be put upon the states. Personally, for the benefit received by the state, I think it was a very modest investment.
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.