❓ Opposition questions the Premier regarding Freedom of Information (FOI) promises, specifically concerning the Minister for Regional Development's handling of FOI requests and the denial of access to documents related to BHP Billiton and Fortescue Metals Group. The Premier deflects, attacks the previous government's record on FOI, and accuses another member of abusing the FOI process.
AnsweredQoN 300Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION — MINISTER FOR REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND PREMIER
That was a piece of arrogance. I refer to the Premier’s 100-day promise — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members to my right! Mr E.S. RIPPER : I refer to the Premier’s 100-day promise to restore a freedom of information commissioner and make information available to the public. (1) Is the Minister for Regional Development subject to this election promise? (2) Given that the Minister for Regional Development has now twice responded mistakenly to FOI applications, stating that his office holds no documents and then documents are identified by opposition measures, how will the Premier reprimand this minister? (3) Why were two applications submitted to the Premier’s office seeking access to documents relating to BHP Billiton Ltd and Fortescue Metals Group Ltd denied, given that the Premier went to the election with a promise of making information available to the public? What has happened to open, accountable and honest government? Mr C.J. BARNETT
That was a piece of arrogance. I refer to the Premier’s 100-day promise — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members to my right! Mr E.S. RIPPER : I refer to the Premier’s 100-day promise to restore a freedom of information commissioner and make information available to the public. (1) Is the Minister for Regional Development subject to this election promise? (2) Given that the Minister for Regional Development has now twice responded mistakenly to FOI applications, stating that his office holds no documents and then documents are identified by opposition measures, how will the Premier reprimand this minister? (3) Why were two applications submitted to the Premier’s office seeking access to documents relating to BHP Billiton Ltd and Fortescue Metals Group Ltd denied, given that the Premier went to the election with a promise of making information available to the public? What has happened to open, accountable and honest government? Mr C.J. BARNETT
AnswerView source ↗
(1)-(3) I did not quite hear the last part of the question. Mr E.S. Ripper : FOI applications about BHP and FMG were denied by your office. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition likes, I will get back to him with the reasons for that particular denial. The government has advertised and interviews have been conducted. The process of selecting an Information Commissioner is in train and, I hope, will be concluded and an appointee announced shortly. That is something the previous government failed to do. The previous government blatantly interfered in the operation of the Office of the Information Commissioner, indeed to the point that it resulted in the extraordinary situation of accountability officers coming together to produce a joint report condemning the Labor government for its interference in these so-called independent offices. The previous government had an appalling record. I will make another point — Mr E.S. Ripper : Premier, would you like some more information on the application that your office refused? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am answering the first part of the question. The other aspect is that there are valid reasons for the freedom of information process; it is for members of the public, including members of Parliament, to access information on the public record. That is accountability. Mr M. McGowan interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Rockingham! Mr C.J. BARNETT : If members want to talk about a complete abuse of the process of freedom of information, they need look no further than Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich. The questions that she has asked are just trivial. Mr E.S. Ripper : She is just exercising her rights. Why do you object? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The questions that have been asked by Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich are clearly designed to waste public resources and taxpayers’ money and to consume the resources of the minister. It is an act of information terrorism. It is not a legitimate use of the role of FOI. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I invite people and the media who might be listening to look at the quality of the questions that have been asked and at the absolute trivial and repetitive nature of them. They are fishing expeditions. Members on the other side are simply asking questions that are in the nature of a fishing expedition. They are too lazy to do the basic research and ask a targeted question. With respect to the member’s reference to the BHP issue — Mr E.S. Ripper : It was answered by the Treasurer, it was answered by the Minister for Mines and Petroleum and it was answered by the Minister for Energy, but not by the Premier’s office— denied! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I cannot recall that particular question but I will look into that. Mr Speaker, this government answers questions. We cannot keep up with Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich, who asks about 50 questions a day, but we do answer questions. With respect to the member’s comments on the Minister for Regional Development, I suggest he ask a question of him on that.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members to my right! Mr E.S. RIPPER : I refer to the Premier’s 100-day promise to restore a freedom of information commissioner and make information available to the public. (1) Is the Minister for Regional Development subject to this election promise? (2) Given that the Minister for Regional Development has now twice responded mistakenly to FOI applications, stating that his office holds no documents and then documents are identified by opposition measures, how will the Premier reprimand this minister? (3) Why were two applications submitted to the Premier’s office seeking access to documents relating to BHP Billiton Ltd and Fortescue Metals Group Ltd denied, given that the Premier went to the election with a promise of making information available to the public? What has happened to open, accountable and honest government? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)-(3) I did not quite hear the last part of the question. Mr E.S. Ripper : FOI applications about BHP and FMG were denied by your office. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition likes, I will get back to him with the reasons for that particular denial. The government has advertised and interviews have been conducted. The process of selecting an Information Commissioner is in train and, I hope, will be concluded and an appointee announced shortly. That is something the previous government failed to do. The previous government blatantly interfered in the operation of the Office of the Information Commissioner, indeed to the point that it resulted in the extraordinary situation of accountability officers coming together to produce a joint report condemning the Labor government for its interference in these so-called independent offices. The previous government had an appalling record. I will make another point — Mr E.S. Ripper : Premier, would you like some more information on the application that your office refused? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am answering the first part of the question. The other aspect is that there are valid reasons for the freedom of information process; it is for members of the public, including members of Parliament, to access information on the public record. That is accountability. Mr M. McGowan interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Rockingham! Mr C.J. BARNETT : If members want to talk about a complete abuse of the process of freedom of information, they need look no further than Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich. The questions that she has asked are just trivial. Mr E.S. Ripper : She is just exercising her rights. Why do you object? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The questions that have been asked by Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich are clearly designed to waste public resources and taxpayers’ money and to consume the resources of the minister. It is an act of information terrorism. It is not a legitimate use of the role of FOI. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I invite people and the media who might be listening to look at the quality of the questions that have been asked and at the absolute trivial and repetitive nature of them. They are fishing expeditions. Members on the other side are simply asking questions that are in the nature of a fishing expedition. They are too lazy to do the basic research and ask a targeted question. With respect to the member’s reference to the BHP issue — Mr E.S. Ripper : It was answered by the Treasurer, it was answered by the Minister for Mines and Petroleum and it was answered by the Minister for Energy, but not by the Premier’s office— denied! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I cannot recall that particular question but I will look into that. Mr Speaker, this government answers questions. We cannot keep up with Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich, who asks about 50 questions a day, but we do answer questions. With respect to the member’s comments on the Minister for Regional Development, I suggest he ask a question of him on that.
The SPEAKER : Order, members to my right! Mr E.S. RIPPER : I refer to the Premier’s 100-day promise to restore a freedom of information commissioner and make information available to the public. (1) Is the Minister for Regional Development subject to this election promise? (2) Given that the Minister for Regional Development has now twice responded mistakenly to FOI applications, stating that his office holds no documents and then documents are identified by opposition measures, how will the Premier reprimand this minister? (3) Why were two applications submitted to the Premier’s office seeking access to documents relating to BHP Billiton Ltd and Fortescue Metals Group Ltd denied, given that the Premier went to the election with a promise of making information available to the public? What has happened to open, accountable and honest government? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)-(3) I did not quite hear the last part of the question. Mr E.S. Ripper : FOI applications about BHP and FMG were denied by your office. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition likes, I will get back to him with the reasons for that particular denial. The government has advertised and interviews have been conducted. The process of selecting an Information Commissioner is in train and, I hope, will be concluded and an appointee announced shortly. That is something the previous government failed to do. The previous government blatantly interfered in the operation of the Office of the Information Commissioner, indeed to the point that it resulted in the extraordinary situation of accountability officers coming together to produce a joint report condemning the Labor government for its interference in these so-called independent offices. The previous government had an appalling record. I will make another point — Mr E.S. Ripper : Premier, would you like some more information on the application that your office refused? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am answering the first part of the question. The other aspect is that there are valid reasons for the freedom of information process; it is for members of the public, including members of Parliament, to access information on the public record. That is accountability. Mr M. McGowan interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Rockingham! Mr C.J. BARNETT : If members want to talk about a complete abuse of the process of freedom of information, they need look no further than Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich. The questions that she has asked are just trivial. Mr E.S. Ripper : She is just exercising her rights. Why do you object? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The questions that have been asked by Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich are clearly designed to waste public resources and taxpayers’ money and to consume the resources of the minister. It is an act of information terrorism. It is not a legitimate use of the role of FOI. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I invite people and the media who might be listening to look at the quality of the questions that have been asked and at the absolute trivial and repetitive nature of them. They are fishing expeditions. Members on the other side are simply asking questions that are in the nature of a fishing expedition. They are too lazy to do the basic research and ask a targeted question. With respect to the member’s reference to the BHP issue — Mr E.S. Ripper : It was answered by the Treasurer, it was answered by the Minister for Mines and Petroleum and it was answered by the Minister for Energy, but not by the Premier’s office— denied! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I cannot recall that particular question but I will look into that. Mr Speaker, this government answers questions. We cannot keep up with Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich, who asks about 50 questions a day, but we do answer questions. With respect to the member’s comments on the Minister for Regional Development, I suggest he ask a question of him on that.
Mr E.S. RIPPER : I refer to the Premier’s 100-day promise to restore a freedom of information commissioner and make information available to the public. (1) Is the Minister for Regional Development subject to this election promise? (2) Given that the Minister for Regional Development has now twice responded mistakenly to FOI applications, stating that his office holds no documents and then documents are identified by opposition measures, how will the Premier reprimand this minister? (3) Why were two applications submitted to the Premier’s office seeking access to documents relating to BHP Billiton Ltd and Fortescue Metals Group Ltd denied, given that the Premier went to the election with a promise of making information available to the public? What has happened to open, accountable and honest government? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)-(3) I did not quite hear the last part of the question. Mr E.S. Ripper : FOI applications about BHP and FMG were denied by your office. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition likes, I will get back to him with the reasons for that particular denial. The government has advertised and interviews have been conducted. The process of selecting an Information Commissioner is in train and, I hope, will be concluded and an appointee announced shortly. That is something the previous government failed to do. The previous government blatantly interfered in the operation of the Office of the Information Commissioner, indeed to the point that it resulted in the extraordinary situation of accountability officers coming together to produce a joint report condemning the Labor government for its interference in these so-called independent offices. The previous government had an appalling record. I will make another point — Mr E.S. Ripper : Premier, would you like some more information on the application that your office refused? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am answering the first part of the question. The other aspect is that there are valid reasons for the freedom of information process; it is for members of the public, including members of Parliament, to access information on the public record. That is accountability. Mr M. McGowan interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Rockingham! Mr C.J. BARNETT : If members want to talk about a complete abuse of the process of freedom of information, they need look no further than Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich. The questions that she has asked are just trivial. Mr E.S. Ripper : She is just exercising her rights. Why do you object? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The questions that have been asked by Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich are clearly designed to waste public resources and taxpayers’ money and to consume the resources of the minister. It is an act of information terrorism. It is not a legitimate use of the role of FOI. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I invite people and the media who might be listening to look at the quality of the questions that have been asked and at the absolute trivial and repetitive nature of them. They are fishing expeditions. Members on the other side are simply asking questions that are in the nature of a fishing expedition. They are too lazy to do the basic research and ask a targeted question. With respect to the member’s reference to the BHP issue — Mr E.S. Ripper : It was answered by the Treasurer, it was answered by the Minister for Mines and Petroleum and it was answered by the Minister for Energy, but not by the Premier’s office— denied! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I cannot recall that particular question but I will look into that. Mr Speaker, this government answers questions. We cannot keep up with Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich, who asks about 50 questions a day, but we do answer questions. With respect to the member’s comments on the Minister for Regional Development, I suggest he ask a question of him on that.
(1) Is the Minister for Regional Development subject to this election promise? (2) Given that the Minister for Regional Development has now twice responded mistakenly to FOI applications, stating that his office holds no documents and then documents are identified by opposition measures, how will the Premier reprimand this minister? (3) Why were two applications submitted to the Premier’s office seeking access to documents relating to BHP Billiton Ltd and Fortescue Metals Group Ltd denied, given that the Premier went to the election with a promise of making information available to the public? What has happened to open, accountable and honest government? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)-(3) I did not quite hear the last part of the question. Mr E.S. Ripper : FOI applications about BHP and FMG were denied by your office. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition likes, I will get back to him with the reasons for that particular denial. The government has advertised and interviews have been conducted. The process of selecting an Information Commissioner is in train and, I hope, will be concluded and an appointee announced shortly. That is something the previous government failed to do. The previous government blatantly interfered in the operation of the Office of the Information Commissioner, indeed to the point that it resulted in the extraordinary situation of accountability officers coming together to produce a joint report condemning the Labor government for its interference in these so-called independent offices. The previous government had an appalling record. I will make another point — Mr E.S. Ripper : Premier, would you like some more information on the application that your office refused? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am answering the first part of the question. The other aspect is that there are valid reasons for the freedom of information process; it is for members of the public, including members of Parliament, to access information on the public record. That is accountability. Mr M. McGowan interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Rockingham! Mr C.J. BARNETT : If members want to talk about a complete abuse of the process of freedom of information, they need look no further than Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich. The questions that she has asked are just trivial. Mr E.S. Ripper : She is just exercising her rights. Why do you object? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The questions that have been asked by Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich are clearly designed to waste public resources and taxpayers’ money and to consume the resources of the minister. It is an act of information terrorism. It is not a legitimate use of the role of FOI. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I invite people and the media who might be listening to look at the quality of the questions that have been asked and at the absolute trivial and repetitive nature of them. They are fishing expeditions. Members on the other side are simply asking questions that are in the nature of a fishing expedition. They are too lazy to do the basic research and ask a targeted question. With respect to the member’s reference to the BHP issue — Mr E.S. Ripper : It was answered by the Treasurer, it was answered by the Minister for Mines and Petroleum and it was answered by the Minister for Energy, but not by the Premier’s office— denied! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I cannot recall that particular question but I will look into that. Mr Speaker, this government answers questions. We cannot keep up with Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich, who asks about 50 questions a day, but we do answer questions. With respect to the member’s comments on the Minister for Regional Development, I suggest he ask a question of him on that.
(2) Given that the Minister for Regional Development has now twice responded mistakenly to FOI applications, stating that his office holds no documents and then documents are identified by opposition measures, how will the Premier reprimand this minister? (3) Why were two applications submitted to the Premier’s office seeking access to documents relating to BHP Billiton Ltd and Fortescue Metals Group Ltd denied, given that the Premier went to the election with a promise of making information available to the public? What has happened to open, accountable and honest government? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)-(3) I did not quite hear the last part of the question. Mr E.S. Ripper : FOI applications about BHP and FMG were denied by your office. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition likes, I will get back to him with the reasons for that particular denial. The government has advertised and interviews have been conducted. The process of selecting an Information Commissioner is in train and, I hope, will be concluded and an appointee announced shortly. That is something the previous government failed to do. The previous government blatantly interfered in the operation of the Office of the Information Commissioner, indeed to the point that it resulted in the extraordinary situation of accountability officers coming together to produce a joint report condemning the Labor government for its interference in these so-called independent offices. The previous government had an appalling record. I will make another point — Mr E.S. Ripper : Premier, would you like some more information on the application that your office refused? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am answering the first part of the question. The other aspect is that there are valid reasons for the freedom of information process; it is for members of the public, including members of Parliament, to access information on the public record. That is accountability. Mr M. McGowan interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Rockingham! Mr C.J. BARNETT : If members want to talk about a complete abuse of the process of freedom of information, they need look no further than Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich. The questions that she has asked are just trivial. Mr E.S. Ripper : She is just exercising her rights. Why do you object? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The questions that have been asked by Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich are clearly designed to waste public resources and taxpayers’ money and to consume the resources of the minister. It is an act of information terrorism. It is not a legitimate use of the role of FOI. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I invite people and the media who might be listening to look at the quality of the questions that have been asked and at the absolute trivial and repetitive nature of them. They are fishing expeditions. Members on the other side are simply asking questions that are in the nature of a fishing expedition. They are too lazy to do the basic research and ask a targeted question. With respect to the member’s reference to the BHP issue — Mr E.S. Ripper : It was answered by the Treasurer, it was answered by the Minister for Mines and Petroleum and it was answered by the Minister for Energy, but not by the Premier’s office— denied! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I cannot recall that particular question but I will look into that. Mr Speaker, this government answers questions. We cannot keep up with Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich, who asks about 50 questions a day, but we do answer questions. With respect to the member’s comments on the Minister for Regional Development, I suggest he ask a question of him on that.
(3) Why were two applications submitted to the Premier’s office seeking access to documents relating to BHP Billiton Ltd and Fortescue Metals Group Ltd denied, given that the Premier went to the election with a promise of making information available to the public? What has happened to open, accountable and honest government? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)-(3) I did not quite hear the last part of the question. Mr E.S. Ripper : FOI applications about BHP and FMG were denied by your office. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition likes, I will get back to him with the reasons for that particular denial. The government has advertised and interviews have been conducted. The process of selecting an Information Commissioner is in train and, I hope, will be concluded and an appointee announced shortly. That is something the previous government failed to do. The previous government blatantly interfered in the operation of the Office of the Information Commissioner, indeed to the point that it resulted in the extraordinary situation of accountability officers coming together to produce a joint report condemning the Labor government for its interference in these so-called independent offices. The previous government had an appalling record. I will make another point — Mr E.S. Ripper : Premier, would you like some more information on the application that your office refused? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am answering the first part of the question. The other aspect is that there are valid reasons for the freedom of information process; it is for members of the public, including members of Parliament, to access information on the public record. That is accountability. Mr M. McGowan interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Rockingham! Mr C.J. BARNETT : If members want to talk about a complete abuse of the process of freedom of information, they need look no further than Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich. The questions that she has asked are just trivial. Mr E.S. Ripper : She is just exercising her rights. Why do you object? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The questions that have been asked by Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich are clearly designed to waste public resources and taxpayers’ money and to consume the resources of the minister. It is an act of information terrorism. It is not a legitimate use of the role of FOI. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I invite people and the media who might be listening to look at the quality of the questions that have been asked and at the absolute trivial and repetitive nature of them. They are fishing expeditions. Members on the other side are simply asking questions that are in the nature of a fishing expedition. They are too lazy to do the basic research and ask a targeted question. With respect to the member’s reference to the BHP issue — Mr E.S. Ripper : It was answered by the Treasurer, it was answered by the Minister for Mines and Petroleum and it was answered by the Minister for Energy, but not by the Premier’s office— denied! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I cannot recall that particular question but I will look into that. Mr Speaker, this government answers questions. We cannot keep up with Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich, who asks about 50 questions a day, but we do answer questions. With respect to the member’s comments on the Minister for Regional Development, I suggest he ask a question of him on that.
Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)-(3) I did not quite hear the last part of the question. Mr E.S. Ripper : FOI applications about BHP and FMG were denied by your office. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition likes, I will get back to him with the reasons for that particular denial. The government has advertised and interviews have been conducted. The process of selecting an Information Commissioner is in train and, I hope, will be concluded and an appointee announced shortly. That is something the previous government failed to do. The previous government blatantly interfered in the operation of the Office of the Information Commissioner, indeed to the point that it resulted in the extraordinary situation of accountability officers coming together to produce a joint report condemning the Labor government for its interference in these so-called independent offices. The previous government had an appalling record. I will make another point — Mr E.S. Ripper : Premier, would you like some more information on the application that your office refused? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am answering the first part of the question. The other aspect is that there are valid reasons for the freedom of information process; it is for members of the public, including members of Parliament, to access information on the public record. That is accountability. Mr M. McGowan interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Rockingham! Mr C.J. BARNETT : If members want to talk about a complete abuse of the process of freedom of information, they need look no further than Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich. The questions that she has asked are just trivial. Mr E.S. Ripper : She is just exercising her rights. Why do you object? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The questions that have been asked by Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich are clearly designed to waste public resources and taxpayers’ money and to consume the resources of the minister. It is an act of information terrorism. It is not a legitimate use of the role of FOI. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I invite people and the media who might be listening to look at the quality of the questions that have been asked and at the absolute trivial and repetitive nature of them. They are fishing expeditions. Members on the other side are simply asking questions that are in the nature of a fishing expedition. They are too lazy to do the basic research and ask a targeted question. With respect to the member’s reference to the BHP issue — Mr E.S. Ripper : It was answered by the Treasurer, it was answered by the Minister for Mines and Petroleum and it was answered by the Minister for Energy, but not by the Premier’s office— denied! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I cannot recall that particular question but I will look into that. Mr Speaker, this government answers questions. We cannot keep up with Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich, who asks about 50 questions a day, but we do answer questions. With respect to the member’s comments on the Minister for Regional Development, I suggest he ask a question of him on that.
(1)-(3) I did not quite hear the last part of the question. Mr E.S. Ripper : FOI applications about BHP and FMG were denied by your office. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition likes, I will get back to him with the reasons for that particular denial. The government has advertised and interviews have been conducted. The process of selecting an Information Commissioner is in train and, I hope, will be concluded and an appointee announced shortly. That is something the previous government failed to do. The previous government blatantly interfered in the operation of the Office of the Information Commissioner, indeed to the point that it resulted in the extraordinary situation of accountability officers coming together to produce a joint report condemning the Labor government for its interference in these so-called independent offices. The previous government had an appalling record. I will make another point — Mr E.S. Ripper : Premier, would you like some more information on the application that your office refused? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am answering the first part of the question. The other aspect is that there are valid reasons for the freedom of information process; it is for members of the public, including members of Parliament, to access information on the public record. That is accountability. Mr M. McGowan interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Rockingham! Mr C.J. BARNETT : If members want to talk about a complete abuse of the process of freedom of information, they need look no further than Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich. The questions that she has asked are just trivial. Mr E.S. Ripper : She is just exercising her rights. Why do you object? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The questions that have been asked by Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich are clearly designed to waste public resources and taxpayers’ money and to consume the resources of the minister. It is an act of information terrorism. It is not a legitimate use of the role of FOI. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I invite people and the media who might be listening to look at the quality of the questions that have been asked and at the absolute trivial and repetitive nature of them. They are fishing expeditions. Members on the other side are simply asking questions that are in the nature of a fishing expedition. They are too lazy to do the basic research and ask a targeted question. With respect to the member’s reference to the BHP issue — Mr E.S. Ripper : It was answered by the Treasurer, it was answered by the Minister for Mines and Petroleum and it was answered by the Minister for Energy, but not by the Premier’s office— denied! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I cannot recall that particular question but I will look into that. Mr Speaker, this government answers questions. We cannot keep up with Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich, who asks about 50 questions a day, but we do answer questions. With respect to the member’s comments on the Minister for Regional Development, I suggest he ask a question of him on that.
Mr E.S. Ripper : FOI applications about BHP and FMG were denied by your office. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition likes, I will get back to him with the reasons for that particular denial. The government has advertised and interviews have been conducted. The process of selecting an Information Commissioner is in train and, I hope, will be concluded and an appointee announced shortly. That is something the previous government failed to do. The previous government blatantly interfered in the operation of the Office of the Information Commissioner, indeed to the point that it resulted in the extraordinary situation of accountability officers coming together to produce a joint report condemning the Labor government for its interference in these so-called independent offices. The previous government had an appalling record. I will make another point — Mr E.S. Ripper : Premier, would you like some more information on the application that your office refused? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am answering the first part of the question. The other aspect is that there are valid reasons for the freedom of information process; it is for members of the public, including members of Parliament, to access information on the public record. That is accountability. Mr M. McGowan interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Rockingham! Mr C.J. BARNETT : If members want to talk about a complete abuse of the process of freedom of information, they need look no further than Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich. The questions that she has asked are just trivial. Mr E.S. Ripper : She is just exercising her rights. Why do you object? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The questions that have been asked by Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich are clearly designed to waste public resources and taxpayers’ money and to consume the resources of the minister. It is an act of information terrorism. It is not a legitimate use of the role of FOI. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I invite people and the media who might be listening to look at the quality of the questions that have been asked and at the absolute trivial and repetitive nature of them. They are fishing expeditions. Members on the other side are simply asking questions that are in the nature of a fishing expedition. They are too lazy to do the basic research and ask a targeted question. With respect to the member’s reference to the BHP issue — Mr E.S. Ripper : It was answered by the Treasurer, it was answered by the Minister for Mines and Petroleum and it was answered by the Minister for Energy, but not by the Premier’s office— denied! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I cannot recall that particular question but I will look into that. Mr Speaker, this government answers questions. We cannot keep up with Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich, who asks about 50 questions a day, but we do answer questions. With respect to the member’s comments on the Minister for Regional Development, I suggest he ask a question of him on that.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition likes, I will get back to him with the reasons for that particular denial. The government has advertised and interviews have been conducted. The process of selecting an Information Commissioner is in train and, I hope, will be concluded and an appointee announced shortly. That is something the previous government failed to do. The previous government blatantly interfered in the operation of the Office of the Information Commissioner, indeed to the point that it resulted in the extraordinary situation of accountability officers coming together to produce a joint report condemning the Labor government for its interference in these so-called independent offices. The previous government had an appalling record. I will make another point — Mr E.S. Ripper : Premier, would you like some more information on the application that your office refused? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am answering the first part of the question. The other aspect is that there are valid reasons for the freedom of information process; it is for members of the public, including members of Parliament, to access information on the public record. That is accountability. Mr M. McGowan interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Rockingham! Mr C.J. BARNETT : If members want to talk about a complete abuse of the process of freedom of information, they need look no further than Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich. The questions that she has asked are just trivial. Mr E.S. Ripper : She is just exercising her rights. Why do you object? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The questions that have been asked by Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich are clearly designed to waste public resources and taxpayers’ money and to consume the resources of the minister. It is an act of information terrorism. It is not a legitimate use of the role of FOI. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I invite people and the media who might be listening to look at the quality of the questions that have been asked and at the absolute trivial and repetitive nature of them. They are fishing expeditions. Members on the other side are simply asking questions that are in the nature of a fishing expedition. They are too lazy to do the basic research and ask a targeted question. With respect to the member’s reference to the BHP issue — Mr E.S. Ripper : It was answered by the Treasurer, it was answered by the Minister for Mines and Petroleum and it was answered by the Minister for Energy, but not by the Premier’s office— denied! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I cannot recall that particular question but I will look into that. Mr Speaker, this government answers questions. We cannot keep up with Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich, who asks about 50 questions a day, but we do answer questions. With respect to the member’s comments on the Minister for Regional Development, I suggest he ask a question of him on that.
The government has advertised and interviews have been conducted. The process of selecting an Information Commissioner is in train and, I hope, will be concluded and an appointee announced shortly. That is something the previous government failed to do. The previous government blatantly interfered in the operation of the Office of the Information Commissioner, indeed to the point that it resulted in the extraordinary situation of accountability officers coming together to produce a joint report condemning the Labor government for its interference in these so-called independent offices. The previous government had an appalling record. I will make another point — Mr E.S. Ripper : Premier, would you like some more information on the application that your office refused? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am answering the first part of the question. The other aspect is that there are valid reasons for the freedom of information process; it is for members of the public, including members of Parliament, to access information on the public record. That is accountability. Mr M. McGowan interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Rockingham! Mr C.J. BARNETT : If members want to talk about a complete abuse of the process of freedom of information, they need look no further than Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich. The questions that she has asked are just trivial. Mr E.S. Ripper : She is just exercising her rights. Why do you object? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The questions that have been asked by Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich are clearly designed to waste public resources and taxpayers’ money and to consume the resources of the minister. It is an act of information terrorism. It is not a legitimate use of the role of FOI. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I invite people and the media who might be listening to look at the quality of the questions that have been asked and at the absolute trivial and repetitive nature of them. They are fishing expeditions. Members on the other side are simply asking questions that are in the nature of a fishing expedition. They are too lazy to do the basic research and ask a targeted question. With respect to the member’s reference to the BHP issue — Mr E.S. Ripper : It was answered by the Treasurer, it was answered by the Minister for Mines and Petroleum and it was answered by the Minister for Energy, but not by the Premier’s office— denied! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I cannot recall that particular question but I will look into that. Mr Speaker, this government answers questions. We cannot keep up with Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich, who asks about 50 questions a day, but we do answer questions. With respect to the member’s comments on the Minister for Regional Development, I suggest he ask a question of him on that.
Mr E.S. Ripper : Premier, would you like some more information on the application that your office refused? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am answering the first part of the question. The other aspect is that there are valid reasons for the freedom of information process; it is for members of the public, including members of Parliament, to access information on the public record. That is accountability. Mr M. McGowan interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Rockingham! Mr C.J. BARNETT : If members want to talk about a complete abuse of the process of freedom of information, they need look no further than Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich. The questions that she has asked are just trivial. Mr E.S. Ripper : She is just exercising her rights. Why do you object? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The questions that have been asked by Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich are clearly designed to waste public resources and taxpayers’ money and to consume the resources of the minister. It is an act of information terrorism. It is not a legitimate use of the role of FOI. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I invite people and the media who might be listening to look at the quality of the questions that have been asked and at the absolute trivial and repetitive nature of them. They are fishing expeditions. Members on the other side are simply asking questions that are in the nature of a fishing expedition. They are too lazy to do the basic research and ask a targeted question. With respect to the member’s reference to the BHP issue — Mr E.S. Ripper : It was answered by the Treasurer, it was answered by the Minister for Mines and Petroleum and it was answered by the Minister for Energy, but not by the Premier’s office— denied! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I cannot recall that particular question but I will look into that. Mr Speaker, this government answers questions. We cannot keep up with Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich, who asks about 50 questions a day, but we do answer questions. With respect to the member’s comments on the Minister for Regional Development, I suggest he ask a question of him on that.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am answering the first part of the question. The other aspect is that there are valid reasons for the freedom of information process; it is for members of the public, including members of Parliament, to access information on the public record. That is accountability. Mr M. McGowan interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Rockingham! Mr C.J. BARNETT : If members want to talk about a complete abuse of the process of freedom of information, they need look no further than Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich. The questions that she has asked are just trivial. Mr E.S. Ripper : She is just exercising her rights. Why do you object? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The questions that have been asked by Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich are clearly designed to waste public resources and taxpayers’ money and to consume the resources of the minister. It is an act of information terrorism. It is not a legitimate use of the role of FOI. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I invite people and the media who might be listening to look at the quality of the questions that have been asked and at the absolute trivial and repetitive nature of them. They are fishing expeditions. Members on the other side are simply asking questions that are in the nature of a fishing expedition. They are too lazy to do the basic research and ask a targeted question. With respect to the member’s reference to the BHP issue — Mr E.S. Ripper : It was answered by the Treasurer, it was answered by the Minister for Mines and Petroleum and it was answered by the Minister for Energy, but not by the Premier’s office— denied! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I cannot recall that particular question but I will look into that. Mr Speaker, this government answers questions. We cannot keep up with Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich, who asks about 50 questions a day, but we do answer questions. With respect to the member’s comments on the Minister for Regional Development, I suggest he ask a question of him on that.
Mr M. McGowan interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Rockingham! Mr C.J. BARNETT : If members want to talk about a complete abuse of the process of freedom of information, they need look no further than Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich. The questions that she has asked are just trivial. Mr E.S. Ripper : She is just exercising her rights. Why do you object? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The questions that have been asked by Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich are clearly designed to waste public resources and taxpayers’ money and to consume the resources of the minister. It is an act of information terrorism. It is not a legitimate use of the role of FOI. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I invite people and the media who might be listening to look at the quality of the questions that have been asked and at the absolute trivial and repetitive nature of them. They are fishing expeditions. Members on the other side are simply asking questions that are in the nature of a fishing expedition. They are too lazy to do the basic research and ask a targeted question. With respect to the member’s reference to the BHP issue — Mr E.S. Ripper : It was answered by the Treasurer, it was answered by the Minister for Mines and Petroleum and it was answered by the Minister for Energy, but not by the Premier’s office— denied! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I cannot recall that particular question but I will look into that. Mr Speaker, this government answers questions. We cannot keep up with Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich, who asks about 50 questions a day, but we do answer questions. With respect to the member’s comments on the Minister for Regional Development, I suggest he ask a question of him on that.
The SPEAKER : Order, member for Rockingham! Mr C.J. BARNETT : If members want to talk about a complete abuse of the process of freedom of information, they need look no further than Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich. The questions that she has asked are just trivial. Mr E.S. Ripper : She is just exercising her rights. Why do you object? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The questions that have been asked by Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich are clearly designed to waste public resources and taxpayers’ money and to consume the resources of the minister. It is an act of information terrorism. It is not a legitimate use of the role of FOI. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I invite people and the media who might be listening to look at the quality of the questions that have been asked and at the absolute trivial and repetitive nature of them. They are fishing expeditions. Members on the other side are simply asking questions that are in the nature of a fishing expedition. They are too lazy to do the basic research and ask a targeted question. With respect to the member’s reference to the BHP issue — Mr E.S. Ripper : It was answered by the Treasurer, it was answered by the Minister for Mines and Petroleum and it was answered by the Minister for Energy, but not by the Premier’s office— denied! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I cannot recall that particular question but I will look into that. Mr Speaker, this government answers questions. We cannot keep up with Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich, who asks about 50 questions a day, but we do answer questions. With respect to the member’s comments on the Minister for Regional Development, I suggest he ask a question of him on that.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : If members want to talk about a complete abuse of the process of freedom of information, they need look no further than Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich. The questions that she has asked are just trivial. Mr E.S. Ripper : She is just exercising her rights. Why do you object? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The questions that have been asked by Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich are clearly designed to waste public resources and taxpayers’ money and to consume the resources of the minister. It is an act of information terrorism. It is not a legitimate use of the role of FOI. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I invite people and the media who might be listening to look at the quality of the questions that have been asked and at the absolute trivial and repetitive nature of them. They are fishing expeditions. Members on the other side are simply asking questions that are in the nature of a fishing expedition. They are too lazy to do the basic research and ask a targeted question. With respect to the member’s reference to the BHP issue — Mr E.S. Ripper : It was answered by the Treasurer, it was answered by the Minister for Mines and Petroleum and it was answered by the Minister for Energy, but not by the Premier’s office— denied! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I cannot recall that particular question but I will look into that. Mr Speaker, this government answers questions. We cannot keep up with Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich, who asks about 50 questions a day, but we do answer questions. With respect to the member’s comments on the Minister for Regional Development, I suggest he ask a question of him on that.
Mr E.S. Ripper : She is just exercising her rights. Why do you object? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The questions that have been asked by Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich are clearly designed to waste public resources and taxpayers’ money and to consume the resources of the minister. It is an act of information terrorism. It is not a legitimate use of the role of FOI. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I invite people and the media who might be listening to look at the quality of the questions that have been asked and at the absolute trivial and repetitive nature of them. They are fishing expeditions. Members on the other side are simply asking questions that are in the nature of a fishing expedition. They are too lazy to do the basic research and ask a targeted question. With respect to the member’s reference to the BHP issue — Mr E.S. Ripper : It was answered by the Treasurer, it was answered by the Minister for Mines and Petroleum and it was answered by the Minister for Energy, but not by the Premier’s office— denied! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I cannot recall that particular question but I will look into that. Mr Speaker, this government answers questions. We cannot keep up with Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich, who asks about 50 questions a day, but we do answer questions. With respect to the member’s comments on the Minister for Regional Development, I suggest he ask a question of him on that.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : The questions that have been asked by Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich are clearly designed to waste public resources and taxpayers’ money and to consume the resources of the minister. It is an act of information terrorism. It is not a legitimate use of the role of FOI. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I invite people and the media who might be listening to look at the quality of the questions that have been asked and at the absolute trivial and repetitive nature of them. They are fishing expeditions. Members on the other side are simply asking questions that are in the nature of a fishing expedition. They are too lazy to do the basic research and ask a targeted question. With respect to the member’s reference to the BHP issue — Mr E.S. Ripper : It was answered by the Treasurer, it was answered by the Minister for Mines and Petroleum and it was answered by the Minister for Energy, but not by the Premier’s office— denied! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I cannot recall that particular question but I will look into that. Mr Speaker, this government answers questions. We cannot keep up with Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich, who asks about 50 questions a day, but we do answer questions. With respect to the member’s comments on the Minister for Regional Development, I suggest he ask a question of him on that.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I invite people and the media who might be listening to look at the quality of the questions that have been asked and at the absolute trivial and repetitive nature of them. They are fishing expeditions. Members on the other side are simply asking questions that are in the nature of a fishing expedition. They are too lazy to do the basic research and ask a targeted question. With respect to the member’s reference to the BHP issue — Mr E.S. Ripper : It was answered by the Treasurer, it was answered by the Minister for Mines and Petroleum and it was answered by the Minister for Energy, but not by the Premier’s office— denied! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I cannot recall that particular question but I will look into that. Mr Speaker, this government answers questions. We cannot keep up with Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich, who asks about 50 questions a day, but we do answer questions. With respect to the member’s comments on the Minister for Regional Development, I suggest he ask a question of him on that.
The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I invite people and the media who might be listening to look at the quality of the questions that have been asked and at the absolute trivial and repetitive nature of them. They are fishing expeditions. Members on the other side are simply asking questions that are in the nature of a fishing expedition. They are too lazy to do the basic research and ask a targeted question. With respect to the member’s reference to the BHP issue — Mr E.S. Ripper : It was answered by the Treasurer, it was answered by the Minister for Mines and Petroleum and it was answered by the Minister for Energy, but not by the Premier’s office— denied! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I cannot recall that particular question but I will look into that. Mr Speaker, this government answers questions. We cannot keep up with Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich, who asks about 50 questions a day, but we do answer questions. With respect to the member’s comments on the Minister for Regional Development, I suggest he ask a question of him on that.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I invite people and the media who might be listening to look at the quality of the questions that have been asked and at the absolute trivial and repetitive nature of them. They are fishing expeditions. Members on the other side are simply asking questions that are in the nature of a fishing expedition. They are too lazy to do the basic research and ask a targeted question. With respect to the member’s reference to the BHP issue — Mr E.S. Ripper : It was answered by the Treasurer, it was answered by the Minister for Mines and Petroleum and it was answered by the Minister for Energy, but not by the Premier’s office— denied! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I cannot recall that particular question but I will look into that. Mr Speaker, this government answers questions. We cannot keep up with Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich, who asks about 50 questions a day, but we do answer questions. With respect to the member’s comments on the Minister for Regional Development, I suggest he ask a question of him on that.
Mr E.S. Ripper : It was answered by the Treasurer, it was answered by the Minister for Mines and Petroleum and it was answered by the Minister for Energy, but not by the Premier’s office— denied! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I cannot recall that particular question but I will look into that. Mr Speaker, this government answers questions. We cannot keep up with Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich, who asks about 50 questions a day, but we do answer questions. With respect to the member’s comments on the Minister for Regional Development, I suggest he ask a question of him on that.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I cannot recall that particular question but I will look into that. Mr Speaker, this government answers questions. We cannot keep up with Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich, who asks about 50 questions a day, but we do answer questions. With respect to the member’s comments on the Minister for Regional Development, I suggest he ask a question of him on that.
Mr Speaker, this government answers questions. We cannot keep up with Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich, who asks about 50 questions a day, but we do answer questions. With respect to the member’s comments on the Minister for Regional Development, I suggest he ask a question of him on that.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members to my right! Mr E.S. RIPPER : I refer to the Premier’s 100-day promise to restore a freedom of information commissioner and make information available to the public. (1) Is the Minister for Regional Development subject to this election promise? (2) Given that the Minister for Regional Development has now twice responded mistakenly to FOI applications, stating that his office holds no documents and then documents are identified by opposition measures, how will the Premier reprimand this minister? (3) Why were two applications submitted to the Premier’s office seeking access to documents relating to BHP Billiton Ltd and Fortescue Metals Group Ltd denied, given that the Premier went to the election with a promise of making information available to the public? What has happened to open, accountable and honest government? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)-(3) I did not quite hear the last part of the question. Mr E.S. Ripper : FOI applications about BHP and FMG were denied by your office. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition likes, I will get back to him with the reasons for that particular denial. The government has advertised and interviews have been conducted. The process of selecting an Information Commissioner is in train and, I hope, will be concluded and an appointee announced shortly. That is something the previous government failed to do. The previous government blatantly interfered in the operation of the Office of the Information Commissioner, indeed to the point that it resulted in the extraordinary situation of accountability officers coming together to produce a joint report condemning the Labor government for its interference in these so-called independent offices. The previous government had an appalling record. I will make another point — Mr E.S. Ripper : Premier, would you like some more information on the application that your office refused? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am answering the first part of the question. The other aspect is that there are valid reasons for the freedom of information process; it is for members of the public, including members of Parliament, to access information on the public record. That is accountability. Mr M. McGowan interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Rockingham! Mr C.J. BARNETT : If members want to talk about a complete abuse of the process of freedom of information, they need look no further than Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich. The questions that she has asked are just trivial. Mr E.S. Ripper : She is just exercising her rights. Why do you object? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The questions that have been asked by Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich are clearly designed to waste public resources and taxpayers’ money and to consume the resources of the minister. It is an act of information terrorism. It is not a legitimate use of the role of FOI. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I invite people and the media who might be listening to look at the quality of the questions that have been asked and at the absolute trivial and repetitive nature of them. They are fishing expeditions. Members on the other side are simply asking questions that are in the nature of a fishing expedition. They are too lazy to do the basic research and ask a targeted question. With respect to the member’s reference to the BHP issue — Mr E.S. Ripper : It was answered by the Treasurer, it was answered by the Minister for Mines and Petroleum and it was answered by the Minister for Energy, but not by the Premier’s office— denied! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I cannot recall that particular question but I will look into that. Mr Speaker, this government answers questions. We cannot keep up with Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich, who asks about 50 questions a day, but we do answer questions. With respect to the member’s comments on the Minister for Regional Development, I suggest he ask a question of him on that.
The SPEAKER : Order, members to my right! Mr E.S. RIPPER : I refer to the Premier’s 100-day promise to restore a freedom of information commissioner and make information available to the public. (1) Is the Minister for Regional Development subject to this election promise? (2) Given that the Minister for Regional Development has now twice responded mistakenly to FOI applications, stating that his office holds no documents and then documents are identified by opposition measures, how will the Premier reprimand this minister? (3) Why were two applications submitted to the Premier’s office seeking access to documents relating to BHP Billiton Ltd and Fortescue Metals Group Ltd denied, given that the Premier went to the election with a promise of making information available to the public? What has happened to open, accountable and honest government? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)-(3) I did not quite hear the last part of the question. Mr E.S. Ripper : FOI applications about BHP and FMG were denied by your office. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition likes, I will get back to him with the reasons for that particular denial. The government has advertised and interviews have been conducted. The process of selecting an Information Commissioner is in train and, I hope, will be concluded and an appointee announced shortly. That is something the previous government failed to do. The previous government blatantly interfered in the operation of the Office of the Information Commissioner, indeed to the point that it resulted in the extraordinary situation of accountability officers coming together to produce a joint report condemning the Labor government for its interference in these so-called independent offices. The previous government had an appalling record. I will make another point — Mr E.S. Ripper : Premier, would you like some more information on the application that your office refused? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am answering the first part of the question. The other aspect is that there are valid reasons for the freedom of information process; it is for members of the public, including members of Parliament, to access information on the public record. That is accountability. Mr M. McGowan interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Rockingham! Mr C.J. BARNETT : If members want to talk about a complete abuse of the process of freedom of information, they need look no further than Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich. The questions that she has asked are just trivial. Mr E.S. Ripper : She is just exercising her rights. Why do you object? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The questions that have been asked by Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich are clearly designed to waste public resources and taxpayers’ money and to consume the resources of the minister. It is an act of information terrorism. It is not a legitimate use of the role of FOI. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I invite people and the media who might be listening to look at the quality of the questions that have been asked and at the absolute trivial and repetitive nature of them. They are fishing expeditions. Members on the other side are simply asking questions that are in the nature of a fishing expedition. They are too lazy to do the basic research and ask a targeted question. With respect to the member’s reference to the BHP issue — Mr E.S. Ripper : It was answered by the Treasurer, it was answered by the Minister for Mines and Petroleum and it was answered by the Minister for Energy, but not by the Premier’s office— denied! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I cannot recall that particular question but I will look into that. Mr Speaker, this government answers questions. We cannot keep up with Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich, who asks about 50 questions a day, but we do answer questions. With respect to the member’s comments on the Minister for Regional Development, I suggest he ask a question of him on that.
Mr E.S. RIPPER : I refer to the Premier’s 100-day promise to restore a freedom of information commissioner and make information available to the public. (1) Is the Minister for Regional Development subject to this election promise? (2) Given that the Minister for Regional Development has now twice responded mistakenly to FOI applications, stating that his office holds no documents and then documents are identified by opposition measures, how will the Premier reprimand this minister? (3) Why were two applications submitted to the Premier’s office seeking access to documents relating to BHP Billiton Ltd and Fortescue Metals Group Ltd denied, given that the Premier went to the election with a promise of making information available to the public? What has happened to open, accountable and honest government? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)-(3) I did not quite hear the last part of the question. Mr E.S. Ripper : FOI applications about BHP and FMG were denied by your office. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition likes, I will get back to him with the reasons for that particular denial. The government has advertised and interviews have been conducted. The process of selecting an Information Commissioner is in train and, I hope, will be concluded and an appointee announced shortly. That is something the previous government failed to do. The previous government blatantly interfered in the operation of the Office of the Information Commissioner, indeed to the point that it resulted in the extraordinary situation of accountability officers coming together to produce a joint report condemning the Labor government for its interference in these so-called independent offices. The previous government had an appalling record. I will make another point — Mr E.S. Ripper : Premier, would you like some more information on the application that your office refused? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am answering the first part of the question. The other aspect is that there are valid reasons for the freedom of information process; it is for members of the public, including members of Parliament, to access information on the public record. That is accountability. Mr M. McGowan interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Rockingham! Mr C.J. BARNETT : If members want to talk about a complete abuse of the process of freedom of information, they need look no further than Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich. The questions that she has asked are just trivial. Mr E.S. Ripper : She is just exercising her rights. Why do you object? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The questions that have been asked by Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich are clearly designed to waste public resources and taxpayers’ money and to consume the resources of the minister. It is an act of information terrorism. It is not a legitimate use of the role of FOI. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I invite people and the media who might be listening to look at the quality of the questions that have been asked and at the absolute trivial and repetitive nature of them. They are fishing expeditions. Members on the other side are simply asking questions that are in the nature of a fishing expedition. They are too lazy to do the basic research and ask a targeted question. With respect to the member’s reference to the BHP issue — Mr E.S. Ripper : It was answered by the Treasurer, it was answered by the Minister for Mines and Petroleum and it was answered by the Minister for Energy, but not by the Premier’s office— denied! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I cannot recall that particular question but I will look into that. Mr Speaker, this government answers questions. We cannot keep up with Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich, who asks about 50 questions a day, but we do answer questions. With respect to the member’s comments on the Minister for Regional Development, I suggest he ask a question of him on that.
(1) Is the Minister for Regional Development subject to this election promise? (2) Given that the Minister for Regional Development has now twice responded mistakenly to FOI applications, stating that his office holds no documents and then documents are identified by opposition measures, how will the Premier reprimand this minister? (3) Why were two applications submitted to the Premier’s office seeking access to documents relating to BHP Billiton Ltd and Fortescue Metals Group Ltd denied, given that the Premier went to the election with a promise of making information available to the public? What has happened to open, accountable and honest government? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)-(3) I did not quite hear the last part of the question. Mr E.S. Ripper : FOI applications about BHP and FMG were denied by your office. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition likes, I will get back to him with the reasons for that particular denial. The government has advertised and interviews have been conducted. The process of selecting an Information Commissioner is in train and, I hope, will be concluded and an appointee announced shortly. That is something the previous government failed to do. The previous government blatantly interfered in the operation of the Office of the Information Commissioner, indeed to the point that it resulted in the extraordinary situation of accountability officers coming together to produce a joint report condemning the Labor government for its interference in these so-called independent offices. The previous government had an appalling record. I will make another point — Mr E.S. Ripper : Premier, would you like some more information on the application that your office refused? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am answering the first part of the question. The other aspect is that there are valid reasons for the freedom of information process; it is for members of the public, including members of Parliament, to access information on the public record. That is accountability. Mr M. McGowan interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Rockingham! Mr C.J. BARNETT : If members want to talk about a complete abuse of the process of freedom of information, they need look no further than Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich. The questions that she has asked are just trivial. Mr E.S. Ripper : She is just exercising her rights. Why do you object? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The questions that have been asked by Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich are clearly designed to waste public resources and taxpayers’ money and to consume the resources of the minister. It is an act of information terrorism. It is not a legitimate use of the role of FOI. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I invite people and the media who might be listening to look at the quality of the questions that have been asked and at the absolute trivial and repetitive nature of them. They are fishing expeditions. Members on the other side are simply asking questions that are in the nature of a fishing expedition. They are too lazy to do the basic research and ask a targeted question. With respect to the member’s reference to the BHP issue — Mr E.S. Ripper : It was answered by the Treasurer, it was answered by the Minister for Mines and Petroleum and it was answered by the Minister for Energy, but not by the Premier’s office— denied! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I cannot recall that particular question but I will look into that. Mr Speaker, this government answers questions. We cannot keep up with Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich, who asks about 50 questions a day, but we do answer questions. With respect to the member’s comments on the Minister for Regional Development, I suggest he ask a question of him on that.
(2) Given that the Minister for Regional Development has now twice responded mistakenly to FOI applications, stating that his office holds no documents and then documents are identified by opposition measures, how will the Premier reprimand this minister? (3) Why were two applications submitted to the Premier’s office seeking access to documents relating to BHP Billiton Ltd and Fortescue Metals Group Ltd denied, given that the Premier went to the election with a promise of making information available to the public? What has happened to open, accountable and honest government? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)-(3) I did not quite hear the last part of the question. Mr E.S. Ripper : FOI applications about BHP and FMG were denied by your office. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition likes, I will get back to him with the reasons for that particular denial. The government has advertised and interviews have been conducted. The process of selecting an Information Commissioner is in train and, I hope, will be concluded and an appointee announced shortly. That is something the previous government failed to do. The previous government blatantly interfered in the operation of the Office of the Information Commissioner, indeed to the point that it resulted in the extraordinary situation of accountability officers coming together to produce a joint report condemning the Labor government for its interference in these so-called independent offices. The previous government had an appalling record. I will make another point — Mr E.S. Ripper : Premier, would you like some more information on the application that your office refused? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am answering the first part of the question. The other aspect is that there are valid reasons for the freedom of information process; it is for members of the public, including members of Parliament, to access information on the public record. That is accountability. Mr M. McGowan interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Rockingham! Mr C.J. BARNETT : If members want to talk about a complete abuse of the process of freedom of information, they need look no further than Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich. The questions that she has asked are just trivial. Mr E.S. Ripper : She is just exercising her rights. Why do you object? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The questions that have been asked by Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich are clearly designed to waste public resources and taxpayers’ money and to consume the resources of the minister. It is an act of information terrorism. It is not a legitimate use of the role of FOI. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I invite people and the media who might be listening to look at the quality of the questions that have been asked and at the absolute trivial and repetitive nature of them. They are fishing expeditions. Members on the other side are simply asking questions that are in the nature of a fishing expedition. They are too lazy to do the basic research and ask a targeted question. With respect to the member’s reference to the BHP issue — Mr E.S. Ripper : It was answered by the Treasurer, it was answered by the Minister for Mines and Petroleum and it was answered by the Minister for Energy, but not by the Premier’s office— denied! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I cannot recall that particular question but I will look into that. Mr Speaker, this government answers questions. We cannot keep up with Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich, who asks about 50 questions a day, but we do answer questions. With respect to the member’s comments on the Minister for Regional Development, I suggest he ask a question of him on that.
(3) Why were two applications submitted to the Premier’s office seeking access to documents relating to BHP Billiton Ltd and Fortescue Metals Group Ltd denied, given that the Premier went to the election with a promise of making information available to the public? What has happened to open, accountable and honest government? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)-(3) I did not quite hear the last part of the question. Mr E.S. Ripper : FOI applications about BHP and FMG were denied by your office. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition likes, I will get back to him with the reasons for that particular denial. The government has advertised and interviews have been conducted. The process of selecting an Information Commissioner is in train and, I hope, will be concluded and an appointee announced shortly. That is something the previous government failed to do. The previous government blatantly interfered in the operation of the Office of the Information Commissioner, indeed to the point that it resulted in the extraordinary situation of accountability officers coming together to produce a joint report condemning the Labor government for its interference in these so-called independent offices. The previous government had an appalling record. I will make another point — Mr E.S. Ripper : Premier, would you like some more information on the application that your office refused? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am answering the first part of the question. The other aspect is that there are valid reasons for the freedom of information process; it is for members of the public, including members of Parliament, to access information on the public record. That is accountability. Mr M. McGowan interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Rockingham! Mr C.J. BARNETT : If members want to talk about a complete abuse of the process of freedom of information, they need look no further than Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich. The questions that she has asked are just trivial. Mr E.S. Ripper : She is just exercising her rights. Why do you object? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The questions that have been asked by Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich are clearly designed to waste public resources and taxpayers’ money and to consume the resources of the minister. It is an act of information terrorism. It is not a legitimate use of the role of FOI. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I invite people and the media who might be listening to look at the quality of the questions that have been asked and at the absolute trivial and repetitive nature of them. They are fishing expeditions. Members on the other side are simply asking questions that are in the nature of a fishing expedition. They are too lazy to do the basic research and ask a targeted question. With respect to the member’s reference to the BHP issue — Mr E.S. Ripper : It was answered by the Treasurer, it was answered by the Minister for Mines and Petroleum and it was answered by the Minister for Energy, but not by the Premier’s office— denied! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I cannot recall that particular question but I will look into that. Mr Speaker, this government answers questions. We cannot keep up with Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich, who asks about 50 questions a day, but we do answer questions. With respect to the member’s comments on the Minister for Regional Development, I suggest he ask a question of him on that.
Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)-(3) I did not quite hear the last part of the question. Mr E.S. Ripper : FOI applications about BHP and FMG were denied by your office. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition likes, I will get back to him with the reasons for that particular denial. The government has advertised and interviews have been conducted. The process of selecting an Information Commissioner is in train and, I hope, will be concluded and an appointee announced shortly. That is something the previous government failed to do. The previous government blatantly interfered in the operation of the Office of the Information Commissioner, indeed to the point that it resulted in the extraordinary situation of accountability officers coming together to produce a joint report condemning the Labor government for its interference in these so-called independent offices. The previous government had an appalling record. I will make another point — Mr E.S. Ripper : Premier, would you like some more information on the application that your office refused? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am answering the first part of the question. The other aspect is that there are valid reasons for the freedom of information process; it is for members of the public, including members of Parliament, to access information on the public record. That is accountability. Mr M. McGowan interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Rockingham! Mr C.J. BARNETT : If members want to talk about a complete abuse of the process of freedom of information, they need look no further than Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich. The questions that she has asked are just trivial. Mr E.S. Ripper : She is just exercising her rights. Why do you object? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The questions that have been asked by Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich are clearly designed to waste public resources and taxpayers’ money and to consume the resources of the minister. It is an act of information terrorism. It is not a legitimate use of the role of FOI. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I invite people and the media who might be listening to look at the quality of the questions that have been asked and at the absolute trivial and repetitive nature of them. They are fishing expeditions. Members on the other side are simply asking questions that are in the nature of a fishing expedition. They are too lazy to do the basic research and ask a targeted question. With respect to the member’s reference to the BHP issue — Mr E.S. Ripper : It was answered by the Treasurer, it was answered by the Minister for Mines and Petroleum and it was answered by the Minister for Energy, but not by the Premier’s office— denied! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I cannot recall that particular question but I will look into that. Mr Speaker, this government answers questions. We cannot keep up with Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich, who asks about 50 questions a day, but we do answer questions. With respect to the member’s comments on the Minister for Regional Development, I suggest he ask a question of him on that.
(1)-(3) I did not quite hear the last part of the question. Mr E.S. Ripper : FOI applications about BHP and FMG were denied by your office. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition likes, I will get back to him with the reasons for that particular denial. The government has advertised and interviews have been conducted. The process of selecting an Information Commissioner is in train and, I hope, will be concluded and an appointee announced shortly. That is something the previous government failed to do. The previous government blatantly interfered in the operation of the Office of the Information Commissioner, indeed to the point that it resulted in the extraordinary situation of accountability officers coming together to produce a joint report condemning the Labor government for its interference in these so-called independent offices. The previous government had an appalling record. I will make another point — Mr E.S. Ripper : Premier, would you like some more information on the application that your office refused? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am answering the first part of the question. The other aspect is that there are valid reasons for the freedom of information process; it is for members of the public, including members of Parliament, to access information on the public record. That is accountability. Mr M. McGowan interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Rockingham! Mr C.J. BARNETT : If members want to talk about a complete abuse of the process of freedom of information, they need look no further than Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich. The questions that she has asked are just trivial. Mr E.S. Ripper : She is just exercising her rights. Why do you object? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The questions that have been asked by Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich are clearly designed to waste public resources and taxpayers’ money and to consume the resources of the minister. It is an act of information terrorism. It is not a legitimate use of the role of FOI. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I invite people and the media who might be listening to look at the quality of the questions that have been asked and at the absolute trivial and repetitive nature of them. They are fishing expeditions. Members on the other side are simply asking questions that are in the nature of a fishing expedition. They are too lazy to do the basic research and ask a targeted question. With respect to the member’s reference to the BHP issue — Mr E.S. Ripper : It was answered by the Treasurer, it was answered by the Minister for Mines and Petroleum and it was answered by the Minister for Energy, but not by the Premier’s office— denied! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I cannot recall that particular question but I will look into that. Mr Speaker, this government answers questions. We cannot keep up with Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich, who asks about 50 questions a day, but we do answer questions. With respect to the member’s comments on the Minister for Regional Development, I suggest he ask a question of him on that.
Mr E.S. Ripper : FOI applications about BHP and FMG were denied by your office. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition likes, I will get back to him with the reasons for that particular denial. The government has advertised and interviews have been conducted. The process of selecting an Information Commissioner is in train and, I hope, will be concluded and an appointee announced shortly. That is something the previous government failed to do. The previous government blatantly interfered in the operation of the Office of the Information Commissioner, indeed to the point that it resulted in the extraordinary situation of accountability officers coming together to produce a joint report condemning the Labor government for its interference in these so-called independent offices. The previous government had an appalling record. I will make another point — Mr E.S. Ripper : Premier, would you like some more information on the application that your office refused? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am answering the first part of the question. The other aspect is that there are valid reasons for the freedom of information process; it is for members of the public, including members of Parliament, to access information on the public record. That is accountability. Mr M. McGowan interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Rockingham! Mr C.J. BARNETT : If members want to talk about a complete abuse of the process of freedom of information, they need look no further than Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich. The questions that she has asked are just trivial. Mr E.S. Ripper : She is just exercising her rights. Why do you object? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The questions that have been asked by Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich are clearly designed to waste public resources and taxpayers’ money and to consume the resources of the minister. It is an act of information terrorism. It is not a legitimate use of the role of FOI. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I invite people and the media who might be listening to look at the quality of the questions that have been asked and at the absolute trivial and repetitive nature of them. They are fishing expeditions. Members on the other side are simply asking questions that are in the nature of a fishing expedition. They are too lazy to do the basic research and ask a targeted question. With respect to the member’s reference to the BHP issue — Mr E.S. Ripper : It was answered by the Treasurer, it was answered by the Minister for Mines and Petroleum and it was answered by the Minister for Energy, but not by the Premier’s office— denied! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I cannot recall that particular question but I will look into that. Mr Speaker, this government answers questions. We cannot keep up with Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich, who asks about 50 questions a day, but we do answer questions. With respect to the member’s comments on the Minister for Regional Development, I suggest he ask a question of him on that.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition likes, I will get back to him with the reasons for that particular denial. The government has advertised and interviews have been conducted. The process of selecting an Information Commissioner is in train and, I hope, will be concluded and an appointee announced shortly. That is something the previous government failed to do. The previous government blatantly interfered in the operation of the Office of the Information Commissioner, indeed to the point that it resulted in the extraordinary situation of accountability officers coming together to produce a joint report condemning the Labor government for its interference in these so-called independent offices. The previous government had an appalling record. I will make another point — Mr E.S. Ripper : Premier, would you like some more information on the application that your office refused? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am answering the first part of the question. The other aspect is that there are valid reasons for the freedom of information process; it is for members of the public, including members of Parliament, to access information on the public record. That is accountability. Mr M. McGowan interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Rockingham! Mr C.J. BARNETT : If members want to talk about a complete abuse of the process of freedom of information, they need look no further than Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich. The questions that she has asked are just trivial. Mr E.S. Ripper : She is just exercising her rights. Why do you object? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The questions that have been asked by Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich are clearly designed to waste public resources and taxpayers’ money and to consume the resources of the minister. It is an act of information terrorism. It is not a legitimate use of the role of FOI. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I invite people and the media who might be listening to look at the quality of the questions that have been asked and at the absolute trivial and repetitive nature of them. They are fishing expeditions. Members on the other side are simply asking questions that are in the nature of a fishing expedition. They are too lazy to do the basic research and ask a targeted question. With respect to the member’s reference to the BHP issue — Mr E.S. Ripper : It was answered by the Treasurer, it was answered by the Minister for Mines and Petroleum and it was answered by the Minister for Energy, but not by the Premier’s office— denied! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I cannot recall that particular question but I will look into that. Mr Speaker, this government answers questions. We cannot keep up with Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich, who asks about 50 questions a day, but we do answer questions. With respect to the member’s comments on the Minister for Regional Development, I suggest he ask a question of him on that.
The government has advertised and interviews have been conducted. The process of selecting an Information Commissioner is in train and, I hope, will be concluded and an appointee announced shortly. That is something the previous government failed to do. The previous government blatantly interfered in the operation of the Office of the Information Commissioner, indeed to the point that it resulted in the extraordinary situation of accountability officers coming together to produce a joint report condemning the Labor government for its interference in these so-called independent offices. The previous government had an appalling record. I will make another point — Mr E.S. Ripper : Premier, would you like some more information on the application that your office refused? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am answering the first part of the question. The other aspect is that there are valid reasons for the freedom of information process; it is for members of the public, including members of Parliament, to access information on the public record. That is accountability. Mr M. McGowan interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Rockingham! Mr C.J. BARNETT : If members want to talk about a complete abuse of the process of freedom of information, they need look no further than Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich. The questions that she has asked are just trivial. Mr E.S. Ripper : She is just exercising her rights. Why do you object? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The questions that have been asked by Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich are clearly designed to waste public resources and taxpayers’ money and to consume the resources of the minister. It is an act of information terrorism. It is not a legitimate use of the role of FOI. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I invite people and the media who might be listening to look at the quality of the questions that have been asked and at the absolute trivial and repetitive nature of them. They are fishing expeditions. Members on the other side are simply asking questions that are in the nature of a fishing expedition. They are too lazy to do the basic research and ask a targeted question. With respect to the member’s reference to the BHP issue — Mr E.S. Ripper : It was answered by the Treasurer, it was answered by the Minister for Mines and Petroleum and it was answered by the Minister for Energy, but not by the Premier’s office— denied! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I cannot recall that particular question but I will look into that. Mr Speaker, this government answers questions. We cannot keep up with Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich, who asks about 50 questions a day, but we do answer questions. With respect to the member’s comments on the Minister for Regional Development, I suggest he ask a question of him on that.
Mr E.S. Ripper : Premier, would you like some more information on the application that your office refused? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am answering the first part of the question. The other aspect is that there are valid reasons for the freedom of information process; it is for members of the public, including members of Parliament, to access information on the public record. That is accountability. Mr M. McGowan interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Rockingham! Mr C.J. BARNETT : If members want to talk about a complete abuse of the process of freedom of information, they need look no further than Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich. The questions that she has asked are just trivial. Mr E.S. Ripper : She is just exercising her rights. Why do you object? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The questions that have been asked by Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich are clearly designed to waste public resources and taxpayers’ money and to consume the resources of the minister. It is an act of information terrorism. It is not a legitimate use of the role of FOI. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I invite people and the media who might be listening to look at the quality of the questions that have been asked and at the absolute trivial and repetitive nature of them. They are fishing expeditions. Members on the other side are simply asking questions that are in the nature of a fishing expedition. They are too lazy to do the basic research and ask a targeted question. With respect to the member’s reference to the BHP issue — Mr E.S. Ripper : It was answered by the Treasurer, it was answered by the Minister for Mines and Petroleum and it was answered by the Minister for Energy, but not by the Premier’s office— denied! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I cannot recall that particular question but I will look into that. Mr Speaker, this government answers questions. We cannot keep up with Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich, who asks about 50 questions a day, but we do answer questions. With respect to the member’s comments on the Minister for Regional Development, I suggest he ask a question of him on that.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am answering the first part of the question. The other aspect is that there are valid reasons for the freedom of information process; it is for members of the public, including members of Parliament, to access information on the public record. That is accountability. Mr M. McGowan interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Rockingham! Mr C.J. BARNETT : If members want to talk about a complete abuse of the process of freedom of information, they need look no further than Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich. The questions that she has asked are just trivial. Mr E.S. Ripper : She is just exercising her rights. Why do you object? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The questions that have been asked by Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich are clearly designed to waste public resources and taxpayers’ money and to consume the resources of the minister. It is an act of information terrorism. It is not a legitimate use of the role of FOI. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I invite people and the media who might be listening to look at the quality of the questions that have been asked and at the absolute trivial and repetitive nature of them. They are fishing expeditions. Members on the other side are simply asking questions that are in the nature of a fishing expedition. They are too lazy to do the basic research and ask a targeted question. With respect to the member’s reference to the BHP issue — Mr E.S. Ripper : It was answered by the Treasurer, it was answered by the Minister for Mines and Petroleum and it was answered by the Minister for Energy, but not by the Premier’s office— denied! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I cannot recall that particular question but I will look into that. Mr Speaker, this government answers questions. We cannot keep up with Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich, who asks about 50 questions a day, but we do answer questions. With respect to the member’s comments on the Minister for Regional Development, I suggest he ask a question of him on that.
Mr M. McGowan interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Rockingham! Mr C.J. BARNETT : If members want to talk about a complete abuse of the process of freedom of information, they need look no further than Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich. The questions that she has asked are just trivial. Mr E.S. Ripper : She is just exercising her rights. Why do you object? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The questions that have been asked by Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich are clearly designed to waste public resources and taxpayers’ money and to consume the resources of the minister. It is an act of information terrorism. It is not a legitimate use of the role of FOI. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I invite people and the media who might be listening to look at the quality of the questions that have been asked and at the absolute trivial and repetitive nature of them. They are fishing expeditions. Members on the other side are simply asking questions that are in the nature of a fishing expedition. They are too lazy to do the basic research and ask a targeted question. With respect to the member’s reference to the BHP issue — Mr E.S. Ripper : It was answered by the Treasurer, it was answered by the Minister for Mines and Petroleum and it was answered by the Minister for Energy, but not by the Premier’s office— denied! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I cannot recall that particular question but I will look into that. Mr Speaker, this government answers questions. We cannot keep up with Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich, who asks about 50 questions a day, but we do answer questions. With respect to the member’s comments on the Minister for Regional Development, I suggest he ask a question of him on that.
The SPEAKER : Order, member for Rockingham! Mr C.J. BARNETT : If members want to talk about a complete abuse of the process of freedom of information, they need look no further than Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich. The questions that she has asked are just trivial. Mr E.S. Ripper : She is just exercising her rights. Why do you object? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The questions that have been asked by Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich are clearly designed to waste public resources and taxpayers’ money and to consume the resources of the minister. It is an act of information terrorism. It is not a legitimate use of the role of FOI. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I invite people and the media who might be listening to look at the quality of the questions that have been asked and at the absolute trivial and repetitive nature of them. They are fishing expeditions. Members on the other side are simply asking questions that are in the nature of a fishing expedition. They are too lazy to do the basic research and ask a targeted question. With respect to the member’s reference to the BHP issue — Mr E.S. Ripper : It was answered by the Treasurer, it was answered by the Minister for Mines and Petroleum and it was answered by the Minister for Energy, but not by the Premier’s office— denied! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I cannot recall that particular question but I will look into that. Mr Speaker, this government answers questions. We cannot keep up with Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich, who asks about 50 questions a day, but we do answer questions. With respect to the member’s comments on the Minister for Regional Development, I suggest he ask a question of him on that.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : If members want to talk about a complete abuse of the process of freedom of information, they need look no further than Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich. The questions that she has asked are just trivial. Mr E.S. Ripper : She is just exercising her rights. Why do you object? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The questions that have been asked by Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich are clearly designed to waste public resources and taxpayers’ money and to consume the resources of the minister. It is an act of information terrorism. It is not a legitimate use of the role of FOI. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I invite people and the media who might be listening to look at the quality of the questions that have been asked and at the absolute trivial and repetitive nature of them. They are fishing expeditions. Members on the other side are simply asking questions that are in the nature of a fishing expedition. They are too lazy to do the basic research and ask a targeted question. With respect to the member’s reference to the BHP issue — Mr E.S. Ripper : It was answered by the Treasurer, it was answered by the Minister for Mines and Petroleum and it was answered by the Minister for Energy, but not by the Premier’s office— denied! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I cannot recall that particular question but I will look into that. Mr Speaker, this government answers questions. We cannot keep up with Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich, who asks about 50 questions a day, but we do answer questions. With respect to the member’s comments on the Minister for Regional Development, I suggest he ask a question of him on that.
Mr E.S. Ripper : She is just exercising her rights. Why do you object? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The questions that have been asked by Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich are clearly designed to waste public resources and taxpayers’ money and to consume the resources of the minister. It is an act of information terrorism. It is not a legitimate use of the role of FOI. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I invite people and the media who might be listening to look at the quality of the questions that have been asked and at the absolute trivial and repetitive nature of them. They are fishing expeditions. Members on the other side are simply asking questions that are in the nature of a fishing expedition. They are too lazy to do the basic research and ask a targeted question. With respect to the member’s reference to the BHP issue — Mr E.S. Ripper : It was answered by the Treasurer, it was answered by the Minister for Mines and Petroleum and it was answered by the Minister for Energy, but not by the Premier’s office— denied! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I cannot recall that particular question but I will look into that. Mr Speaker, this government answers questions. We cannot keep up with Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich, who asks about 50 questions a day, but we do answer questions. With respect to the member’s comments on the Minister for Regional Development, I suggest he ask a question of him on that.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : The questions that have been asked by Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich are clearly designed to waste public resources and taxpayers’ money and to consume the resources of the minister. It is an act of information terrorism. It is not a legitimate use of the role of FOI. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I invite people and the media who might be listening to look at the quality of the questions that have been asked and at the absolute trivial and repetitive nature of them. They are fishing expeditions. Members on the other side are simply asking questions that are in the nature of a fishing expedition. They are too lazy to do the basic research and ask a targeted question. With respect to the member’s reference to the BHP issue — Mr E.S. Ripper : It was answered by the Treasurer, it was answered by the Minister for Mines and Petroleum and it was answered by the Minister for Energy, but not by the Premier’s office— denied! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I cannot recall that particular question but I will look into that. Mr Speaker, this government answers questions. We cannot keep up with Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich, who asks about 50 questions a day, but we do answer questions. With respect to the member’s comments on the Minister for Regional Development, I suggest he ask a question of him on that.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I invite people and the media who might be listening to look at the quality of the questions that have been asked and at the absolute trivial and repetitive nature of them. They are fishing expeditions. Members on the other side are simply asking questions that are in the nature of a fishing expedition. They are too lazy to do the basic research and ask a targeted question. With respect to the member’s reference to the BHP issue — Mr E.S. Ripper : It was answered by the Treasurer, it was answered by the Minister for Mines and Petroleum and it was answered by the Minister for Energy, but not by the Premier’s office— denied! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I cannot recall that particular question but I will look into that. Mr Speaker, this government answers questions. We cannot keep up with Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich, who asks about 50 questions a day, but we do answer questions. With respect to the member’s comments on the Minister for Regional Development, I suggest he ask a question of him on that.
The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I invite people and the media who might be listening to look at the quality of the questions that have been asked and at the absolute trivial and repetitive nature of them. They are fishing expeditions. Members on the other side are simply asking questions that are in the nature of a fishing expedition. They are too lazy to do the basic research and ask a targeted question. With respect to the member’s reference to the BHP issue — Mr E.S. Ripper : It was answered by the Treasurer, it was answered by the Minister for Mines and Petroleum and it was answered by the Minister for Energy, but not by the Premier’s office— denied! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I cannot recall that particular question but I will look into that. Mr Speaker, this government answers questions. We cannot keep up with Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich, who asks about 50 questions a day, but we do answer questions. With respect to the member’s comments on the Minister for Regional Development, I suggest he ask a question of him on that.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I invite people and the media who might be listening to look at the quality of the questions that have been asked and at the absolute trivial and repetitive nature of them. They are fishing expeditions. Members on the other side are simply asking questions that are in the nature of a fishing expedition. They are too lazy to do the basic research and ask a targeted question. With respect to the member’s reference to the BHP issue — Mr E.S. Ripper : It was answered by the Treasurer, it was answered by the Minister for Mines and Petroleum and it was answered by the Minister for Energy, but not by the Premier’s office— denied! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I cannot recall that particular question but I will look into that. Mr Speaker, this government answers questions. We cannot keep up with Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich, who asks about 50 questions a day, but we do answer questions. With respect to the member’s comments on the Minister for Regional Development, I suggest he ask a question of him on that.
Mr E.S. Ripper : It was answered by the Treasurer, it was answered by the Minister for Mines and Petroleum and it was answered by the Minister for Energy, but not by the Premier’s office— denied! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I cannot recall that particular question but I will look into that. Mr Speaker, this government answers questions. We cannot keep up with Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich, who asks about 50 questions a day, but we do answer questions. With respect to the member’s comments on the Minister for Regional Development, I suggest he ask a question of him on that.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I cannot recall that particular question but I will look into that. Mr Speaker, this government answers questions. We cannot keep up with Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich, who asks about 50 questions a day, but we do answer questions. With respect to the member’s comments on the Minister for Regional Development, I suggest he ask a question of him on that.
Mr Speaker, this government answers questions. We cannot keep up with Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich, who asks about 50 questions a day, but we do answer questions. With respect to the member’s comments on the Minister for Regional Development, I suggest he ask a question of him on that.
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