❓ Opposition questions the appointment of Stephanie Mayman to an industrial commissioner role, alleging political bias. The Minister defends the appointment and highlights government support for small business safety.
AnsweredQoN 95Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the recent political appointment of Stephanie Mayman, former Secretary of UnionsWA, to her job as the Industrial Commissioner in the occupational safety and health jurisdiction. (1) Has the minister discussed this blatantly political appointment with representatives of the very concerned business sector? (2) If so, what has the minister done to address their concerns? (3) What commitment will the minister give to the business sector of Western Australia to ensure that the new occupational safety and health regime will not impact adversely on the operations of their businesses? Mr J.C. KOBELKE
AnswerView source ↗
(1)-(3) I appreciate that the member is able to learn. It did not take him long to realise that he had to ask me the question as the minister responsible for occupational health and safety rather than - Mr P.D. Omodei : What about small business? Mr J.C. KOBELKE : When I go to small business forums relating to occupational health and safety I get huge accolades because of the program we have put in place to help small businesses improve their occupational health and safety. Unlike some members opposite who claim to represent small business, the vast majority of small businesses are concerned about the health and safety of their workers. Many people who work in small businesses are friends and colleagues and the owners do not want them injured at work, but those opposite who claim to speak for small business do not give a damn for the health, safety or livelihood of the people who work in small businesses. Small businesspeople who contact me point out that, with the assistance of the program we have put in place to assist small business, they are trying to improve the occupational safety and health of their employees. That has been done throughout rural industry; there has been a very positive response from the farming industry, the shearing industry and in small business generally. We appreciate that small businesses are usually pressured; they are simply trying to make a profit and employ people - Point of Order Mr D.F. BARRON-SULLIVAN : There is no relevance in what the minister is saying in answer to the question. The question was about the appointment to a senior position of a Labor Party powerbroker, someone to whom a lot of these people are beholden. The SPEAKER : The member who raised the point of order may have an opinion on how the minister is answering the question, but the minister is answering the question within the rules. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.C. KOBELKE : The question related to occupational safety and health and the relationship of a tribunal that has been established to assist small business, and that is what I am addressing. As I was saying, health and safety is one of the many concerns of small business. The way in which we are rolling out that advice and support service has been very warmly welcomed and we have been thanked by a whole range of small businesspeople from many sectors. They are concerned that we have a tribunal that deals efficiently and effectively with these matters. Stephanie Mayman has been involved in health and safety for many, many years and was involved as a member of the WorkSafe Western Australia Commission in the finalisation of this legislation, which shows that those opposite have no understanding of health and safety issues and the important role that small business plays in protecting the health and safety of its work force.
(1) Has the minister discussed this blatantly political appointment with representatives of the very concerned business sector? (2) If so, what has the minister done to address their concerns? (3) What commitment will the minister give to the business sector of Western Australia to ensure that the new occupational safety and health regime will not impact adversely on the operations of their businesses? Mr J.C. KOBELKE replied: (1)-(3) I appreciate that the member is able to learn. It did not take him long to realise that he had to ask me the question as the minister responsible for occupational health and safety rather than - Mr P.D. Omodei : What about small business? Mr J.C. KOBELKE : When I go to small business forums relating to occupational health and safety I get huge accolades because of the program we have put in place to help small businesses improve their occupational health and safety. Unlike some members opposite who claim to represent small business, the vast majority of small businesses are concerned about the health and safety of their workers. Many people who work in small businesses are friends and colleagues and the owners do not want them injured at work, but those opposite who claim to speak for small business do not give a damn for the health, safety or livelihood of the people who work in small businesses. Small businesspeople who contact me point out that, with the assistance of the program we have put in place to assist small business, they are trying to improve the occupational safety and health of their employees. That has been done throughout rural industry; there has been a very positive response from the farming industry, the shearing industry and in small business generally. We appreciate that small businesses are usually pressured; they are simply trying to make a profit and employ people - Point of Order Mr D.F. BARRON-SULLIVAN : There is no relevance in what the minister is saying in answer to the question. The question was about the appointment to a senior position of a Labor Party powerbroker, someone to whom a lot of these people are beholden. The SPEAKER : The member who raised the point of order may have an opinion on how the minister is answering the question, but the minister is answering the question within the rules. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.C. KOBELKE : The question related to occupational safety and health and the relationship of a tribunal that has been established to assist small business, and that is what I am addressing. As I was saying, health and safety is one of the many concerns of small business. The way in which we are rolling out that advice and support service has been very warmly welcomed and we have been thanked by a whole range of small businesspeople from many sectors. They are concerned that we have a tribunal that deals efficiently and effectively with these matters. Stephanie Mayman has been involved in health and safety for many, many years and was involved as a member of the WorkSafe Western Australia Commission in the finalisation of this legislation, which shows that those opposite have no understanding of health and safety issues and the important role that small business plays in protecting the health and safety of its work force.
(2) If so, what has the minister done to address their concerns? (3) What commitment will the minister give to the business sector of Western Australia to ensure that the new occupational safety and health regime will not impact adversely on the operations of their businesses? Mr J.C. KOBELKE replied: (1)-(3) I appreciate that the member is able to learn. It did not take him long to realise that he had to ask me the question as the minister responsible for occupational health and safety rather than - Mr P.D. Omodei : What about small business? Mr J.C. KOBELKE : When I go to small business forums relating to occupational health and safety I get huge accolades because of the program we have put in place to help small businesses improve their occupational health and safety. Unlike some members opposite who claim to represent small business, the vast majority of small businesses are concerned about the health and safety of their workers. Many people who work in small businesses are friends and colleagues and the owners do not want them injured at work, but those opposite who claim to speak for small business do not give a damn for the health, safety or livelihood of the people who work in small businesses. Small businesspeople who contact me point out that, with the assistance of the program we have put in place to assist small business, they are trying to improve the occupational safety and health of their employees. That has been done throughout rural industry; there has been a very positive response from the farming industry, the shearing industry and in small business generally. We appreciate that small businesses are usually pressured; they are simply trying to make a profit and employ people - Point of Order Mr D.F. BARRON-SULLIVAN : There is no relevance in what the minister is saying in answer to the question. The question was about the appointment to a senior position of a Labor Party powerbroker, someone to whom a lot of these people are beholden. The SPEAKER : The member who raised the point of order may have an opinion on how the minister is answering the question, but the minister is answering the question within the rules. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.C. KOBELKE : The question related to occupational safety and health and the relationship of a tribunal that has been established to assist small business, and that is what I am addressing. As I was saying, health and safety is one of the many concerns of small business. The way in which we are rolling out that advice and support service has been very warmly welcomed and we have been thanked by a whole range of small businesspeople from many sectors. They are concerned that we have a tribunal that deals efficiently and effectively with these matters. Stephanie Mayman has been involved in health and safety for many, many years and was involved as a member of the WorkSafe Western Australia Commission in the finalisation of this legislation, which shows that those opposite have no understanding of health and safety issues and the important role that small business plays in protecting the health and safety of its work force.
(3) What commitment will the minister give to the business sector of Western Australia to ensure that the new occupational safety and health regime will not impact adversely on the operations of their businesses? Mr J.C. KOBELKE replied: (1)-(3) I appreciate that the member is able to learn. It did not take him long to realise that he had to ask me the question as the minister responsible for occupational health and safety rather than - Mr P.D. Omodei : What about small business? Mr J.C. KOBELKE : When I go to small business forums relating to occupational health and safety I get huge accolades because of the program we have put in place to help small businesses improve their occupational health and safety. Unlike some members opposite who claim to represent small business, the vast majority of small businesses are concerned about the health and safety of their workers. Many people who work in small businesses are friends and colleagues and the owners do not want them injured at work, but those opposite who claim to speak for small business do not give a damn for the health, safety or livelihood of the people who work in small businesses. Small businesspeople who contact me point out that, with the assistance of the program we have put in place to assist small business, they are trying to improve the occupational safety and health of their employees. That has been done throughout rural industry; there has been a very positive response from the farming industry, the shearing industry and in small business generally. We appreciate that small businesses are usually pressured; they are simply trying to make a profit and employ people - Point of Order Mr D.F. BARRON-SULLIVAN : There is no relevance in what the minister is saying in answer to the question. The question was about the appointment to a senior position of a Labor Party powerbroker, someone to whom a lot of these people are beholden. The SPEAKER : The member who raised the point of order may have an opinion on how the minister is answering the question, but the minister is answering the question within the rules. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.C. KOBELKE : The question related to occupational safety and health and the relationship of a tribunal that has been established to assist small business, and that is what I am addressing. As I was saying, health and safety is one of the many concerns of small business. The way in which we are rolling out that advice and support service has been very warmly welcomed and we have been thanked by a whole range of small businesspeople from many sectors. They are concerned that we have a tribunal that deals efficiently and effectively with these matters. Stephanie Mayman has been involved in health and safety for many, many years and was involved as a member of the WorkSafe Western Australia Commission in the finalisation of this legislation, which shows that those opposite have no understanding of health and safety issues and the important role that small business plays in protecting the health and safety of its work force.
Mr J.C. KOBELKE replied: (1)-(3) I appreciate that the member is able to learn. It did not take him long to realise that he had to ask me the question as the minister responsible for occupational health and safety rather than - Mr P.D. Omodei : What about small business? Mr J.C. KOBELKE : When I go to small business forums relating to occupational health and safety I get huge accolades because of the program we have put in place to help small businesses improve their occupational health and safety. Unlike some members opposite who claim to represent small business, the vast majority of small businesses are concerned about the health and safety of their workers. Many people who work in small businesses are friends and colleagues and the owners do not want them injured at work, but those opposite who claim to speak for small business do not give a damn for the health, safety or livelihood of the people who work in small businesses. Small businesspeople who contact me point out that, with the assistance of the program we have put in place to assist small business, they are trying to improve the occupational safety and health of their employees. That has been done throughout rural industry; there has been a very positive response from the farming industry, the shearing industry and in small business generally. We appreciate that small businesses are usually pressured; they are simply trying to make a profit and employ people - Point of Order Mr D.F. BARRON-SULLIVAN : There is no relevance in what the minister is saying in answer to the question. The question was about the appointment to a senior position of a Labor Party powerbroker, someone to whom a lot of these people are beholden. The SPEAKER : The member who raised the point of order may have an opinion on how the minister is answering the question, but the minister is answering the question within the rules. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.C. KOBELKE : The question related to occupational safety and health and the relationship of a tribunal that has been established to assist small business, and that is what I am addressing. As I was saying, health and safety is one of the many concerns of small business. The way in which we are rolling out that advice and support service has been very warmly welcomed and we have been thanked by a whole range of small businesspeople from many sectors. They are concerned that we have a tribunal that deals efficiently and effectively with these matters. Stephanie Mayman has been involved in health and safety for many, many years and was involved as a member of the WorkSafe Western Australia Commission in the finalisation of this legislation, which shows that those opposite have no understanding of health and safety issues and the important role that small business plays in protecting the health and safety of its work force.
(1)-(3) I appreciate that the member is able to learn. It did not take him long to realise that he had to ask me the question as the minister responsible for occupational health and safety rather than - Mr P.D. Omodei : What about small business? Mr J.C. KOBELKE : When I go to small business forums relating to occupational health and safety I get huge accolades because of the program we have put in place to help small businesses improve their occupational health and safety. Unlike some members opposite who claim to represent small business, the vast majority of small businesses are concerned about the health and safety of their workers. Many people who work in small businesses are friends and colleagues and the owners do not want them injured at work, but those opposite who claim to speak for small business do not give a damn for the health, safety or livelihood of the people who work in small businesses. Small businesspeople who contact me point out that, with the assistance of the program we have put in place to assist small business, they are trying to improve the occupational safety and health of their employees. That has been done throughout rural industry; there has been a very positive response from the farming industry, the shearing industry and in small business generally. We appreciate that small businesses are usually pressured; they are simply trying to make a profit and employ people - Point of Order Mr D.F. BARRON-SULLIVAN : There is no relevance in what the minister is saying in answer to the question. The question was about the appointment to a senior position of a Labor Party powerbroker, someone to whom a lot of these people are beholden. The SPEAKER : The member who raised the point of order may have an opinion on how the minister is answering the question, but the minister is answering the question within the rules. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.C. KOBELKE : The question related to occupational safety and health and the relationship of a tribunal that has been established to assist small business, and that is what I am addressing. As I was saying, health and safety is one of the many concerns of small business. The way in which we are rolling out that advice and support service has been very warmly welcomed and we have been thanked by a whole range of small businesspeople from many sectors. They are concerned that we have a tribunal that deals efficiently and effectively with these matters. Stephanie Mayman has been involved in health and safety for many, many years and was involved as a member of the WorkSafe Western Australia Commission in the finalisation of this legislation, which shows that those opposite have no understanding of health and safety issues and the important role that small business plays in protecting the health and safety of its work force.
Mr P.D. Omodei : What about small business? Mr J.C. KOBELKE : When I go to small business forums relating to occupational health and safety I get huge accolades because of the program we have put in place to help small businesses improve their occupational health and safety. Unlike some members opposite who claim to represent small business, the vast majority of small businesses are concerned about the health and safety of their workers. Many people who work in small businesses are friends and colleagues and the owners do not want them injured at work, but those opposite who claim to speak for small business do not give a damn for the health, safety or livelihood of the people who work in small businesses. Small businesspeople who contact me point out that, with the assistance of the program we have put in place to assist small business, they are trying to improve the occupational safety and health of their employees. That has been done throughout rural industry; there has been a very positive response from the farming industry, the shearing industry and in small business generally. We appreciate that small businesses are usually pressured; they are simply trying to make a profit and employ people - Point of Order Mr D.F. BARRON-SULLIVAN : There is no relevance in what the minister is saying in answer to the question. The question was about the appointment to a senior position of a Labor Party powerbroker, someone to whom a lot of these people are beholden. The SPEAKER : The member who raised the point of order may have an opinion on how the minister is answering the question, but the minister is answering the question within the rules. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.C. KOBELKE : The question related to occupational safety and health and the relationship of a tribunal that has been established to assist small business, and that is what I am addressing. As I was saying, health and safety is one of the many concerns of small business. The way in which we are rolling out that advice and support service has been very warmly welcomed and we have been thanked by a whole range of small businesspeople from many sectors. They are concerned that we have a tribunal that deals efficiently and effectively with these matters. Stephanie Mayman has been involved in health and safety for many, many years and was involved as a member of the WorkSafe Western Australia Commission in the finalisation of this legislation, which shows that those opposite have no understanding of health and safety issues and the important role that small business plays in protecting the health and safety of its work force.
Mr J.C. KOBELKE : When I go to small business forums relating to occupational health and safety I get huge accolades because of the program we have put in place to help small businesses improve their occupational health and safety. Unlike some members opposite who claim to represent small business, the vast majority of small businesses are concerned about the health and safety of their workers. Many people who work in small businesses are friends and colleagues and the owners do not want them injured at work, but those opposite who claim to speak for small business do not give a damn for the health, safety or livelihood of the people who work in small businesses. Small businesspeople who contact me point out that, with the assistance of the program we have put in place to assist small business, they are trying to improve the occupational safety and health of their employees. That has been done throughout rural industry; there has been a very positive response from the farming industry, the shearing industry and in small business generally. We appreciate that small businesses are usually pressured; they are simply trying to make a profit and employ people - Point of Order Mr D.F. BARRON-SULLIVAN : There is no relevance in what the minister is saying in answer to the question. The question was about the appointment to a senior position of a Labor Party powerbroker, someone to whom a lot of these people are beholden. The SPEAKER : The member who raised the point of order may have an opinion on how the minister is answering the question, but the minister is answering the question within the rules. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.C. KOBELKE : The question related to occupational safety and health and the relationship of a tribunal that has been established to assist small business, and that is what I am addressing. As I was saying, health and safety is one of the many concerns of small business. The way in which we are rolling out that advice and support service has been very warmly welcomed and we have been thanked by a whole range of small businesspeople from many sectors. They are concerned that we have a tribunal that deals efficiently and effectively with these matters. Stephanie Mayman has been involved in health and safety for many, many years and was involved as a member of the WorkSafe Western Australia Commission in the finalisation of this legislation, which shows that those opposite have no understanding of health and safety issues and the important role that small business plays in protecting the health and safety of its work force.
The SPEAKER : The member who raised the point of order may have an opinion on how the minister is answering the question, but the minister is answering the question within the rules. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.C. KOBELKE : The question related to occupational safety and health and the relationship of a tribunal that has been established to assist small business, and that is what I am addressing. As I was saying, health and safety is one of the many concerns of small business. The way in which we are rolling out that advice and support service has been very warmly welcomed and we have been thanked by a whole range of small businesspeople from many sectors. They are concerned that we have a tribunal that deals efficiently and effectively with these matters. Stephanie Mayman has been involved in health and safety for many, many years and was involved as a member of the WorkSafe Western Australia Commission in the finalisation of this legislation, which shows that those opposite have no understanding of health and safety issues and the important role that small business plays in protecting the health and safety of its work force.
(1) Has the minister discussed this blatantly political appointment with representatives of the very concerned business sector? (2) If so, what has the minister done to address their concerns? (3) What commitment will the minister give to the business sector of Western Australia to ensure that the new occupational safety and health regime will not impact adversely on the operations of their businesses? Mr J.C. KOBELKE replied: (1)-(3) I appreciate that the member is able to learn. It did not take him long to realise that he had to ask me the question as the minister responsible for occupational health and safety rather than - Mr P.D. Omodei : What about small business? Mr J.C. KOBELKE : When I go to small business forums relating to occupational health and safety I get huge accolades because of the program we have put in place to help small businesses improve their occupational health and safety. Unlike some members opposite who claim to represent small business, the vast majority of small businesses are concerned about the health and safety of their workers. Many people who work in small businesses are friends and colleagues and the owners do not want them injured at work, but those opposite who claim to speak for small business do not give a damn for the health, safety or livelihood of the people who work in small businesses. Small businesspeople who contact me point out that, with the assistance of the program we have put in place to assist small business, they are trying to improve the occupational safety and health of their employees. That has been done throughout rural industry; there has been a very positive response from the farming industry, the shearing industry and in small business generally. We appreciate that small businesses are usually pressured; they are simply trying to make a profit and employ people - Point of Order Mr D.F. BARRON-SULLIVAN : There is no relevance in what the minister is saying in answer to the question. The question was about the appointment to a senior position of a Labor Party powerbroker, someone to whom a lot of these people are beholden. The SPEAKER : The member who raised the point of order may have an opinion on how the minister is answering the question, but the minister is answering the question within the rules. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.C. KOBELKE : The question related to occupational safety and health and the relationship of a tribunal that has been established to assist small business, and that is what I am addressing. As I was saying, health and safety is one of the many concerns of small business. The way in which we are rolling out that advice and support service has been very warmly welcomed and we have been thanked by a whole range of small businesspeople from many sectors. They are concerned that we have a tribunal that deals efficiently and effectively with these matters. Stephanie Mayman has been involved in health and safety for many, many years and was involved as a member of the WorkSafe Western Australia Commission in the finalisation of this legislation, which shows that those opposite have no understanding of health and safety issues and the important role that small business plays in protecting the health and safety of its work force.
(2) If so, what has the minister done to address their concerns? (3) What commitment will the minister give to the business sector of Western Australia to ensure that the new occupational safety and health regime will not impact adversely on the operations of their businesses? Mr J.C. KOBELKE replied: (1)-(3) I appreciate that the member is able to learn. It did not take him long to realise that he had to ask me the question as the minister responsible for occupational health and safety rather than - Mr P.D. Omodei : What about small business? Mr J.C. KOBELKE : When I go to small business forums relating to occupational health and safety I get huge accolades because of the program we have put in place to help small businesses improve their occupational health and safety. Unlike some members opposite who claim to represent small business, the vast majority of small businesses are concerned about the health and safety of their workers. Many people who work in small businesses are friends and colleagues and the owners do not want them injured at work, but those opposite who claim to speak for small business do not give a damn for the health, safety or livelihood of the people who work in small businesses. Small businesspeople who contact me point out that, with the assistance of the program we have put in place to assist small business, they are trying to improve the occupational safety and health of their employees. That has been done throughout rural industry; there has been a very positive response from the farming industry, the shearing industry and in small business generally. We appreciate that small businesses are usually pressured; they are simply trying to make a profit and employ people - Point of Order Mr D.F. BARRON-SULLIVAN : There is no relevance in what the minister is saying in answer to the question. The question was about the appointment to a senior position of a Labor Party powerbroker, someone to whom a lot of these people are beholden. The SPEAKER : The member who raised the point of order may have an opinion on how the minister is answering the question, but the minister is answering the question within the rules. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.C. KOBELKE : The question related to occupational safety and health and the relationship of a tribunal that has been established to assist small business, and that is what I am addressing. As I was saying, health and safety is one of the many concerns of small business. The way in which we are rolling out that advice and support service has been very warmly welcomed and we have been thanked by a whole range of small businesspeople from many sectors. They are concerned that we have a tribunal that deals efficiently and effectively with these matters. Stephanie Mayman has been involved in health and safety for many, many years and was involved as a member of the WorkSafe Western Australia Commission in the finalisation of this legislation, which shows that those opposite have no understanding of health and safety issues and the important role that small business plays in protecting the health and safety of its work force.
(3) What commitment will the minister give to the business sector of Western Australia to ensure that the new occupational safety and health regime will not impact adversely on the operations of their businesses? Mr J.C. KOBELKE replied: (1)-(3) I appreciate that the member is able to learn. It did not take him long to realise that he had to ask me the question as the minister responsible for occupational health and safety rather than - Mr P.D. Omodei : What about small business? Mr J.C. KOBELKE : When I go to small business forums relating to occupational health and safety I get huge accolades because of the program we have put in place to help small businesses improve their occupational health and safety. Unlike some members opposite who claim to represent small business, the vast majority of small businesses are concerned about the health and safety of their workers. Many people who work in small businesses are friends and colleagues and the owners do not want them injured at work, but those opposite who claim to speak for small business do not give a damn for the health, safety or livelihood of the people who work in small businesses. Small businesspeople who contact me point out that, with the assistance of the program we have put in place to assist small business, they are trying to improve the occupational safety and health of their employees. That has been done throughout rural industry; there has been a very positive response from the farming industry, the shearing industry and in small business generally. We appreciate that small businesses are usually pressured; they are simply trying to make a profit and employ people - Point of Order Mr D.F. BARRON-SULLIVAN : There is no relevance in what the minister is saying in answer to the question. The question was about the appointment to a senior position of a Labor Party powerbroker, someone to whom a lot of these people are beholden. The SPEAKER : The member who raised the point of order may have an opinion on how the minister is answering the question, but the minister is answering the question within the rules. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.C. KOBELKE : The question related to occupational safety and health and the relationship of a tribunal that has been established to assist small business, and that is what I am addressing. As I was saying, health and safety is one of the many concerns of small business. The way in which we are rolling out that advice and support service has been very warmly welcomed and we have been thanked by a whole range of small businesspeople from many sectors. They are concerned that we have a tribunal that deals efficiently and effectively with these matters. Stephanie Mayman has been involved in health and safety for many, many years and was involved as a member of the WorkSafe Western Australia Commission in the finalisation of this legislation, which shows that those opposite have no understanding of health and safety issues and the important role that small business plays in protecting the health and safety of its work force.
Mr J.C. KOBELKE replied: (1)-(3) I appreciate that the member is able to learn. It did not take him long to realise that he had to ask me the question as the minister responsible for occupational health and safety rather than - Mr P.D. Omodei : What about small business? Mr J.C. KOBELKE : When I go to small business forums relating to occupational health and safety I get huge accolades because of the program we have put in place to help small businesses improve their occupational health and safety. Unlike some members opposite who claim to represent small business, the vast majority of small businesses are concerned about the health and safety of their workers. Many people who work in small businesses are friends and colleagues and the owners do not want them injured at work, but those opposite who claim to speak for small business do not give a damn for the health, safety or livelihood of the people who work in small businesses. Small businesspeople who contact me point out that, with the assistance of the program we have put in place to assist small business, they are trying to improve the occupational safety and health of their employees. That has been done throughout rural industry; there has been a very positive response from the farming industry, the shearing industry and in small business generally. We appreciate that small businesses are usually pressured; they are simply trying to make a profit and employ people - Point of Order Mr D.F. BARRON-SULLIVAN : There is no relevance in what the minister is saying in answer to the question. The question was about the appointment to a senior position of a Labor Party powerbroker, someone to whom a lot of these people are beholden. The SPEAKER : The member who raised the point of order may have an opinion on how the minister is answering the question, but the minister is answering the question within the rules. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.C. KOBELKE : The question related to occupational safety and health and the relationship of a tribunal that has been established to assist small business, and that is what I am addressing. As I was saying, health and safety is one of the many concerns of small business. The way in which we are rolling out that advice and support service has been very warmly welcomed and we have been thanked by a whole range of small businesspeople from many sectors. They are concerned that we have a tribunal that deals efficiently and effectively with these matters. Stephanie Mayman has been involved in health and safety for many, many years and was involved as a member of the WorkSafe Western Australia Commission in the finalisation of this legislation, which shows that those opposite have no understanding of health and safety issues and the important role that small business plays in protecting the health and safety of its work force.
(1)-(3) I appreciate that the member is able to learn. It did not take him long to realise that he had to ask me the question as the minister responsible for occupational health and safety rather than - Mr P.D. Omodei : What about small business? Mr J.C. KOBELKE : When I go to small business forums relating to occupational health and safety I get huge accolades because of the program we have put in place to help small businesses improve their occupational health and safety. Unlike some members opposite who claim to represent small business, the vast majority of small businesses are concerned about the health and safety of their workers. Many people who work in small businesses are friends and colleagues and the owners do not want them injured at work, but those opposite who claim to speak for small business do not give a damn for the health, safety or livelihood of the people who work in small businesses. Small businesspeople who contact me point out that, with the assistance of the program we have put in place to assist small business, they are trying to improve the occupational safety and health of their employees. That has been done throughout rural industry; there has been a very positive response from the farming industry, the shearing industry and in small business generally. We appreciate that small businesses are usually pressured; they are simply trying to make a profit and employ people - Point of Order Mr D.F. BARRON-SULLIVAN : There is no relevance in what the minister is saying in answer to the question. The question was about the appointment to a senior position of a Labor Party powerbroker, someone to whom a lot of these people are beholden. The SPEAKER : The member who raised the point of order may have an opinion on how the minister is answering the question, but the minister is answering the question within the rules. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.C. KOBELKE : The question related to occupational safety and health and the relationship of a tribunal that has been established to assist small business, and that is what I am addressing. As I was saying, health and safety is one of the many concerns of small business. The way in which we are rolling out that advice and support service has been very warmly welcomed and we have been thanked by a whole range of small businesspeople from many sectors. They are concerned that we have a tribunal that deals efficiently and effectively with these matters. Stephanie Mayman has been involved in health and safety for many, many years and was involved as a member of the WorkSafe Western Australia Commission in the finalisation of this legislation, which shows that those opposite have no understanding of health and safety issues and the important role that small business plays in protecting the health and safety of its work force.
Mr P.D. Omodei : What about small business? Mr J.C. KOBELKE : When I go to small business forums relating to occupational health and safety I get huge accolades because of the program we have put in place to help small businesses improve their occupational health and safety. Unlike some members opposite who claim to represent small business, the vast majority of small businesses are concerned about the health and safety of their workers. Many people who work in small businesses are friends and colleagues and the owners do not want them injured at work, but those opposite who claim to speak for small business do not give a damn for the health, safety or livelihood of the people who work in small businesses. Small businesspeople who contact me point out that, with the assistance of the program we have put in place to assist small business, they are trying to improve the occupational safety and health of their employees. That has been done throughout rural industry; there has been a very positive response from the farming industry, the shearing industry and in small business generally. We appreciate that small businesses are usually pressured; they are simply trying to make a profit and employ people - Point of Order Mr D.F. BARRON-SULLIVAN : There is no relevance in what the minister is saying in answer to the question. The question was about the appointment to a senior position of a Labor Party powerbroker, someone to whom a lot of these people are beholden. The SPEAKER : The member who raised the point of order may have an opinion on how the minister is answering the question, but the minister is answering the question within the rules. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.C. KOBELKE : The question related to occupational safety and health and the relationship of a tribunal that has been established to assist small business, and that is what I am addressing. As I was saying, health and safety is one of the many concerns of small business. The way in which we are rolling out that advice and support service has been very warmly welcomed and we have been thanked by a whole range of small businesspeople from many sectors. They are concerned that we have a tribunal that deals efficiently and effectively with these matters. Stephanie Mayman has been involved in health and safety for many, many years and was involved as a member of the WorkSafe Western Australia Commission in the finalisation of this legislation, which shows that those opposite have no understanding of health and safety issues and the important role that small business plays in protecting the health and safety of its work force.
Mr J.C. KOBELKE : When I go to small business forums relating to occupational health and safety I get huge accolades because of the program we have put in place to help small businesses improve their occupational health and safety. Unlike some members opposite who claim to represent small business, the vast majority of small businesses are concerned about the health and safety of their workers. Many people who work in small businesses are friends and colleagues and the owners do not want them injured at work, but those opposite who claim to speak for small business do not give a damn for the health, safety or livelihood of the people who work in small businesses. Small businesspeople who contact me point out that, with the assistance of the program we have put in place to assist small business, they are trying to improve the occupational safety and health of their employees. That has been done throughout rural industry; there has been a very positive response from the farming industry, the shearing industry and in small business generally. We appreciate that small businesses are usually pressured; they are simply trying to make a profit and employ people - Point of Order Mr D.F. BARRON-SULLIVAN : There is no relevance in what the minister is saying in answer to the question. The question was about the appointment to a senior position of a Labor Party powerbroker, someone to whom a lot of these people are beholden. The SPEAKER : The member who raised the point of order may have an opinion on how the minister is answering the question, but the minister is answering the question within the rules. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.C. KOBELKE : The question related to occupational safety and health and the relationship of a tribunal that has been established to assist small business, and that is what I am addressing. As I was saying, health and safety is one of the many concerns of small business. The way in which we are rolling out that advice and support service has been very warmly welcomed and we have been thanked by a whole range of small businesspeople from many sectors. They are concerned that we have a tribunal that deals efficiently and effectively with these matters. Stephanie Mayman has been involved in health and safety for many, many years and was involved as a member of the WorkSafe Western Australia Commission in the finalisation of this legislation, which shows that those opposite have no understanding of health and safety issues and the important role that small business plays in protecting the health and safety of its work force.
The SPEAKER : The member who raised the point of order may have an opinion on how the minister is answering the question, but the minister is answering the question within the rules. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.C. KOBELKE : The question related to occupational safety and health and the relationship of a tribunal that has been established to assist small business, and that is what I am addressing. As I was saying, health and safety is one of the many concerns of small business. The way in which we are rolling out that advice and support service has been very warmly welcomed and we have been thanked by a whole range of small businesspeople from many sectors. They are concerned that we have a tribunal that deals efficiently and effectively with these matters. Stephanie Mayman has been involved in health and safety for many, many years and was involved as a member of the WorkSafe Western Australia Commission in the finalisation of this legislation, which shows that those opposite have no understanding of health and safety issues and the important role that small business plays in protecting the health and safety of its work force.
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