The Treasurer avoids directly answering a supplementary question about industrial disputes in the public sector, instead deflecting by criticizing the opposition's claims of industrial chaos under the Liberal government due to their policies on independent schools, health budget management, and wage policies.

AnsweredQoN 787Legislative Assembly
Asked
13 October 2009
Portfolio
Treasurer

QuestionView source ↗

UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDER-EMPLOYMENT
As a supplementary question, was it also for personal reasons that the Treasurer declined to comment on the number of industrial disputes affecting public sector workers, or is it the case that he has a general policy of declining to comment on any issue that might expose him to criticism? Mr T.R. BUSWELL

AnswerView source ↗

It is a very good supplementary question that does not relate to the original question. Earlier this week the member for Cockburn—I do not know what he is the shadow minister for—came out and said there would be industrial chaos under the Liberal government. Why? It was because we dared to introduce independent schools. Heaven forbid! Why? It was because we dared to force the Department of Health to live within its budgeted means. Heaven forbid! Why? It was because are trying to put in place a responsible wages policy in Western Australia. Heaven forbid! If those sorts of innovative policies and approaches to wage negotiations cause some angst, we will have to deal with that.
Mr T.R. BUSWELL replied: It is a very good supplementary question that does not relate to the original question. Earlier this week the member for Cockburn—I do not know what he is the shadow minister for—came out and said there would be industrial chaos under the Liberal government. Why? It was because we dared to introduce independent schools. Heaven forbid! Why? It was because we dared to force the Department of Health to live within its budgeted means. Heaven forbid! Why? It was because are trying to put in place a responsible wages policy in Western Australia. Heaven forbid! If those sorts of innovative policies and approaches to wage negotiations cause some angst, we will have to deal with that.
It is a very good supplementary question that does not relate to the original question. Earlier this week the member for Cockburn—I do not know what he is the shadow minister for—came out and said there would be industrial chaos under the Liberal government. Why? It was because we dared to introduce independent schools. Heaven forbid! Why? It was because we dared to force the Department of Health to live within its budgeted means. Heaven forbid! Why? It was because are trying to put in place a responsible wages policy in Western Australia. Heaven forbid! If those sorts of innovative policies and approaches to wage negotiations cause some angst, we will have to deal with that.

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