❓ Question regarding the Minister's willingness to meet with Wittenoom residents to discuss the town's future, given the government's policy to phase out activity and the lack of public access to the steering committee's report. The Minister asserts he has always been available.
AnsweredQoN 559Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
WITTENOOM - GOVERNMENT POLICY
In view of the fact that the minister has not met with the residents of Wittenoom to discuss the town’s future and that the report of the steering committee into Wittenoom has not been made available publicly, will the minister now meet with the residents to explain to them the government’s policy on the future of Wittenoom; and, if not, why not? Hon JON FORD
In view of the fact that the minister has not met with the residents of Wittenoom to discuss the town’s future and that the report of the steering committee into Wittenoom has not been made available publicly, will the minister now meet with the residents to explain to them the government’s policy on the future of Wittenoom; and, if not, why not? Hon JON FORD
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the Leader of the Opposition for some notice of the question. I have always made myself available to the residents of Wittenoom. As a minister of the previous government, the honourable member would be aware that it has been the policy of all governments in Western Australia since 1978 to phase out activity in Wittenoom. The residents have known since 1995 about the government’s intention to terminate the supply of power to Wittenoom, when there was extensive community consultation. In addition, the residents have been given more than eight months’ notice of the impending termination of power. In regard to the other issues - Hon Norman Moore : I am asking whether you will meet with them. They would like to talk to you. Hon JON FORD : As I said, I have always made myself available. The member made the assertion that I have not met with the residents - Hon Norman Moore : You said you would go back there when you were conducting the inquiry and you never did. Hon JON FORD : Councillor Thomas is a member of the Shire of Ashburton. As the chair of the steering group on Wittenoom strategies, she attended a full meeting of the council in which the government presented its position and at which senior health officials also attended. We took questions on a number of matters. The Shire of Ashburton has an observer reference on all the steering groups. Hon Norman Moore : I am talking about the residents who want to stay in Wittenoom. The member knows them as well as I do, and they are none of the people the member mentioned. What about Wittenoom? Hon JON FORD : I have met individuals in Wittenoom and Exmouth. I have had interesting discussions with residents of Wittenoom. I knocked on the door of one resident who asked who I was. I told him it was Jon Ford and he said, “No, it’s not.” I have gone there on a number of occasions. Hon Kim Chance : Next time send the real Jon Ford! Hon JON FORD : That is right. I have been to Lorraine Thomas’s shop and bought some things from it. I have made myself available. Hon Norman Moore : Why will you not make the report available? Hon JON FORD : Cabinet has not made a final decision on the report. Previously when cabinet has made decisions on Wittenoom, the government has notified the residents. I know that the residents are notified because I receive correspondence and phone calls from them. There are six people left, as I understand it. If they want to meet with me, I am always available and they can make an appointment like everybody else. Nobody talks about the traditional owners. I have met with them on two occasions. Hon Norman Moore : You said that they can have access to Wittenoom gorge and you said it was an unsafe place. Come on. Hon JON FORD : The member just said that I did not meet with the people from there.
Hon JON FORD replied: I thank the Leader of the Opposition for some notice of the question. I have always made myself available to the residents of Wittenoom. As a minister of the previous government, the honourable member would be aware that it has been the policy of all governments in Western Australia since 1978 to phase out activity in Wittenoom. The residents have known since 1995 about the government’s intention to terminate the supply of power to Wittenoom, when there was extensive community consultation. In addition, the residents have been given more than eight months’ notice of the impending termination of power. In regard to the other issues - Hon Norman Moore : I am asking whether you will meet with them. They would like to talk to you. Hon JON FORD : As I said, I have always made myself available. The member made the assertion that I have not met with the residents - Hon Norman Moore : You said you would go back there when you were conducting the inquiry and you never did. Hon JON FORD : Councillor Thomas is a member of the Shire of Ashburton. As the chair of the steering group on Wittenoom strategies, she attended a full meeting of the council in which the government presented its position and at which senior health officials also attended. We took questions on a number of matters. The Shire of Ashburton has an observer reference on all the steering groups. Hon Norman Moore : I am talking about the residents who want to stay in Wittenoom. The member knows them as well as I do, and they are none of the people the member mentioned. What about Wittenoom? Hon JON FORD : I have met individuals in Wittenoom and Exmouth. I have had interesting discussions with residents of Wittenoom. I knocked on the door of one resident who asked who I was. I told him it was Jon Ford and he said, “No, it’s not.” I have gone there on a number of occasions. Hon Kim Chance : Next time send the real Jon Ford! Hon JON FORD : That is right. I have been to Lorraine Thomas’s shop and bought some things from it. I have made myself available. Hon Norman Moore : Why will you not make the report available? Hon JON FORD : Cabinet has not made a final decision on the report. Previously when cabinet has made decisions on Wittenoom, the government has notified the residents. I know that the residents are notified because I receive correspondence and phone calls from them. There are six people left, as I understand it. If they want to meet with me, I am always available and they can make an appointment like everybody else. Nobody talks about the traditional owners. I have met with them on two occasions. Hon Norman Moore : You said that they can have access to Wittenoom gorge and you said it was an unsafe place. Come on. Hon JON FORD : The member just said that I did not meet with the people from there.
I thank the Leader of the Opposition for some notice of the question. I have always made myself available to the residents of Wittenoom. As a minister of the previous government, the honourable member would be aware that it has been the policy of all governments in Western Australia since 1978 to phase out activity in Wittenoom. The residents have known since 1995 about the government’s intention to terminate the supply of power to Wittenoom, when there was extensive community consultation. In addition, the residents have been given more than eight months’ notice of the impending termination of power. In regard to the other issues - Hon Norman Moore : I am asking whether you will meet with them. They would like to talk to you. Hon JON FORD : As I said, I have always made myself available. The member made the assertion that I have not met with the residents - Hon Norman Moore : You said you would go back there when you were conducting the inquiry and you never did. Hon JON FORD : Councillor Thomas is a member of the Shire of Ashburton. As the chair of the steering group on Wittenoom strategies, she attended a full meeting of the council in which the government presented its position and at which senior health officials also attended. We took questions on a number of matters. The Shire of Ashburton has an observer reference on all the steering groups. Hon Norman Moore : I am talking about the residents who want to stay in Wittenoom. The member knows them as well as I do, and they are none of the people the member mentioned. What about Wittenoom? Hon JON FORD : I have met individuals in Wittenoom and Exmouth. I have had interesting discussions with residents of Wittenoom. I knocked on the door of one resident who asked who I was. I told him it was Jon Ford and he said, “No, it’s not.” I have gone there on a number of occasions. Hon Kim Chance : Next time send the real Jon Ford! Hon JON FORD : That is right. I have been to Lorraine Thomas’s shop and bought some things from it. I have made myself available. Hon Norman Moore : Why will you not make the report available? Hon JON FORD : Cabinet has not made a final decision on the report. Previously when cabinet has made decisions on Wittenoom, the government has notified the residents. I know that the residents are notified because I receive correspondence and phone calls from them. There are six people left, as I understand it. If they want to meet with me, I am always available and they can make an appointment like everybody else. Nobody talks about the traditional owners. I have met with them on two occasions. Hon Norman Moore : You said that they can have access to Wittenoom gorge and you said it was an unsafe place. Come on. Hon JON FORD : The member just said that I did not meet with the people from there.
Hon Norman Moore : I am asking whether you will meet with them. They would like to talk to you. Hon JON FORD : As I said, I have always made myself available. The member made the assertion that I have not met with the residents - Hon Norman Moore : You said you would go back there when you were conducting the inquiry and you never did. Hon JON FORD : Councillor Thomas is a member of the Shire of Ashburton. As the chair of the steering group on Wittenoom strategies, she attended a full meeting of the council in which the government presented its position and at which senior health officials also attended. We took questions on a number of matters. The Shire of Ashburton has an observer reference on all the steering groups. Hon Norman Moore : I am talking about the residents who want to stay in Wittenoom. The member knows them as well as I do, and they are none of the people the member mentioned. What about Wittenoom? Hon JON FORD : I have met individuals in Wittenoom and Exmouth. I have had interesting discussions with residents of Wittenoom. I knocked on the door of one resident who asked who I was. I told him it was Jon Ford and he said, “No, it’s not.” I have gone there on a number of occasions. Hon Kim Chance : Next time send the real Jon Ford! Hon JON FORD : That is right. I have been to Lorraine Thomas’s shop and bought some things from it. I have made myself available. Hon Norman Moore : Why will you not make the report available? Hon JON FORD : Cabinet has not made a final decision on the report. Previously when cabinet has made decisions on Wittenoom, the government has notified the residents. I know that the residents are notified because I receive correspondence and phone calls from them. There are six people left, as I understand it. If they want to meet with me, I am always available and they can make an appointment like everybody else. Nobody talks about the traditional owners. I have met with them on two occasions. Hon Norman Moore : You said that they can have access to Wittenoom gorge and you said it was an unsafe place. Come on. Hon JON FORD : The member just said that I did not meet with the people from there.
Hon JON FORD : As I said, I have always made myself available. The member made the assertion that I have not met with the residents - Hon Norman Moore : You said you would go back there when you were conducting the inquiry and you never did. Hon JON FORD : Councillor Thomas is a member of the Shire of Ashburton. As the chair of the steering group on Wittenoom strategies, she attended a full meeting of the council in which the government presented its position and at which senior health officials also attended. We took questions on a number of matters. The Shire of Ashburton has an observer reference on all the steering groups. Hon Norman Moore : I am talking about the residents who want to stay in Wittenoom. The member knows them as well as I do, and they are none of the people the member mentioned. What about Wittenoom? Hon JON FORD : I have met individuals in Wittenoom and Exmouth. I have had interesting discussions with residents of Wittenoom. I knocked on the door of one resident who asked who I was. I told him it was Jon Ford and he said, “No, it’s not.” I have gone there on a number of occasions. Hon Kim Chance : Next time send the real Jon Ford! Hon JON FORD : That is right. I have been to Lorraine Thomas’s shop and bought some things from it. I have made myself available. Hon Norman Moore : Why will you not make the report available? Hon JON FORD : Cabinet has not made a final decision on the report. Previously when cabinet has made decisions on Wittenoom, the government has notified the residents. I know that the residents are notified because I receive correspondence and phone calls from them. There are six people left, as I understand it. If they want to meet with me, I am always available and they can make an appointment like everybody else. Nobody talks about the traditional owners. I have met with them on two occasions. Hon Norman Moore : You said that they can have access to Wittenoom gorge and you said it was an unsafe place. Come on. Hon JON FORD : The member just said that I did not meet with the people from there.
Hon Norman Moore : You said you would go back there when you were conducting the inquiry and you never did. Hon JON FORD : Councillor Thomas is a member of the Shire of Ashburton. As the chair of the steering group on Wittenoom strategies, she attended a full meeting of the council in which the government presented its position and at which senior health officials also attended. We took questions on a number of matters. The Shire of Ashburton has an observer reference on all the steering groups. Hon Norman Moore : I am talking about the residents who want to stay in Wittenoom. The member knows them as well as I do, and they are none of the people the member mentioned. What about Wittenoom? Hon JON FORD : I have met individuals in Wittenoom and Exmouth. I have had interesting discussions with residents of Wittenoom. I knocked on the door of one resident who asked who I was. I told him it was Jon Ford and he said, “No, it’s not.” I have gone there on a number of occasions. Hon Kim Chance : Next time send the real Jon Ford! Hon JON FORD : That is right. I have been to Lorraine Thomas’s shop and bought some things from it. I have made myself available. Hon Norman Moore : Why will you not make the report available? Hon JON FORD : Cabinet has not made a final decision on the report. Previously when cabinet has made decisions on Wittenoom, the government has notified the residents. I know that the residents are notified because I receive correspondence and phone calls from them. There are six people left, as I understand it. If they want to meet with me, I am always available and they can make an appointment like everybody else. Nobody talks about the traditional owners. I have met with them on two occasions. Hon Norman Moore : You said that they can have access to Wittenoom gorge and you said it was an unsafe place. Come on. Hon JON FORD : The member just said that I did not meet with the people from there.
Hon JON FORD : Councillor Thomas is a member of the Shire of Ashburton. As the chair of the steering group on Wittenoom strategies, she attended a full meeting of the council in which the government presented its position and at which senior health officials also attended. We took questions on a number of matters. The Shire of Ashburton has an observer reference on all the steering groups. Hon Norman Moore : I am talking about the residents who want to stay in Wittenoom. The member knows them as well as I do, and they are none of the people the member mentioned. What about Wittenoom? Hon JON FORD : I have met individuals in Wittenoom and Exmouth. I have had interesting discussions with residents of Wittenoom. I knocked on the door of one resident who asked who I was. I told him it was Jon Ford and he said, “No, it’s not.” I have gone there on a number of occasions. Hon Kim Chance : Next time send the real Jon Ford! Hon JON FORD : That is right. I have been to Lorraine Thomas’s shop and bought some things from it. I have made myself available. Hon Norman Moore : Why will you not make the report available? Hon JON FORD : Cabinet has not made a final decision on the report. Previously when cabinet has made decisions on Wittenoom, the government has notified the residents. I know that the residents are notified because I receive correspondence and phone calls from them. There are six people left, as I understand it. If they want to meet with me, I am always available and they can make an appointment like everybody else. Nobody talks about the traditional owners. I have met with them on two occasions. Hon Norman Moore : You said that they can have access to Wittenoom gorge and you said it was an unsafe place. Come on. Hon JON FORD : The member just said that I did not meet with the people from there.
Hon Norman Moore : I am talking about the residents who want to stay in Wittenoom. The member knows them as well as I do, and they are none of the people the member mentioned. What about Wittenoom? Hon JON FORD : I have met individuals in Wittenoom and Exmouth. I have had interesting discussions with residents of Wittenoom. I knocked on the door of one resident who asked who I was. I told him it was Jon Ford and he said, “No, it’s not.” I have gone there on a number of occasions. Hon Kim Chance : Next time send the real Jon Ford! Hon JON FORD : That is right. I have been to Lorraine Thomas’s shop and bought some things from it. I have made myself available. Hon Norman Moore : Why will you not make the report available? Hon JON FORD : Cabinet has not made a final decision on the report. Previously when cabinet has made decisions on Wittenoom, the government has notified the residents. I know that the residents are notified because I receive correspondence and phone calls from them. There are six people left, as I understand it. If they want to meet with me, I am always available and they can make an appointment like everybody else. Nobody talks about the traditional owners. I have met with them on two occasions. Hon Norman Moore : You said that they can have access to Wittenoom gorge and you said it was an unsafe place. Come on. Hon JON FORD : The member just said that I did not meet with the people from there.
Hon JON FORD : I have met individuals in Wittenoom and Exmouth. I have had interesting discussions with residents of Wittenoom. I knocked on the door of one resident who asked who I was. I told him it was Jon Ford and he said, “No, it’s not.” I have gone there on a number of occasions. Hon Kim Chance : Next time send the real Jon Ford! Hon JON FORD : That is right. I have been to Lorraine Thomas’s shop and bought some things from it. I have made myself available. Hon Norman Moore : Why will you not make the report available? Hon JON FORD : Cabinet has not made a final decision on the report. Previously when cabinet has made decisions on Wittenoom, the government has notified the residents. I know that the residents are notified because I receive correspondence and phone calls from them. There are six people left, as I understand it. If they want to meet with me, I am always available and they can make an appointment like everybody else. Nobody talks about the traditional owners. I have met with them on two occasions. Hon Norman Moore : You said that they can have access to Wittenoom gorge and you said it was an unsafe place. Come on. Hon JON FORD : The member just said that I did not meet with the people from there.
Hon Kim Chance : Next time send the real Jon Ford! Hon JON FORD : That is right. I have been to Lorraine Thomas’s shop and bought some things from it. I have made myself available. Hon Norman Moore : Why will you not make the report available? Hon JON FORD : Cabinet has not made a final decision on the report. Previously when cabinet has made decisions on Wittenoom, the government has notified the residents. I know that the residents are notified because I receive correspondence and phone calls from them. There are six people left, as I understand it. If they want to meet with me, I am always available and they can make an appointment like everybody else. Nobody talks about the traditional owners. I have met with them on two occasions. Hon Norman Moore : You said that they can have access to Wittenoom gorge and you said it was an unsafe place. Come on. Hon JON FORD : The member just said that I did not meet with the people from there.
Hon JON FORD : That is right. I have been to Lorraine Thomas’s shop and bought some things from it. I have made myself available. Hon Norman Moore : Why will you not make the report available? Hon JON FORD : Cabinet has not made a final decision on the report. Previously when cabinet has made decisions on Wittenoom, the government has notified the residents. I know that the residents are notified because I receive correspondence and phone calls from them. There are six people left, as I understand it. If they want to meet with me, I am always available and they can make an appointment like everybody else. Nobody talks about the traditional owners. I have met with them on two occasions. Hon Norman Moore : You said that they can have access to Wittenoom gorge and you said it was an unsafe place. Come on. Hon JON FORD : The member just said that I did not meet with the people from there.
Hon Norman Moore : Why will you not make the report available? Hon JON FORD : Cabinet has not made a final decision on the report. Previously when cabinet has made decisions on Wittenoom, the government has notified the residents. I know that the residents are notified because I receive correspondence and phone calls from them. There are six people left, as I understand it. If they want to meet with me, I am always available and they can make an appointment like everybody else. Nobody talks about the traditional owners. I have met with them on two occasions. Hon Norman Moore : You said that they can have access to Wittenoom gorge and you said it was an unsafe place. Come on. Hon JON FORD : The member just said that I did not meet with the people from there.
Hon JON FORD : Cabinet has not made a final decision on the report. Previously when cabinet has made decisions on Wittenoom, the government has notified the residents. I know that the residents are notified because I receive correspondence and phone calls from them. There are six people left, as I understand it. If they want to meet with me, I am always available and they can make an appointment like everybody else. Nobody talks about the traditional owners. I have met with them on two occasions. Hon Norman Moore : You said that they can have access to Wittenoom gorge and you said it was an unsafe place. Come on. Hon JON FORD : The member just said that I did not meet with the people from there.
Hon Norman Moore : You said that they can have access to Wittenoom gorge and you said it was an unsafe place. Come on. Hon JON FORD : The member just said that I did not meet with the people from there.
Hon JON FORD : The member just said that I did not meet with the people from there.
Hon JON FORD replied: I thank the Leader of the Opposition for some notice of the question. I have always made myself available to the residents of Wittenoom. As a minister of the previous government, the honourable member would be aware that it has been the policy of all governments in Western Australia since 1978 to phase out activity in Wittenoom. The residents have known since 1995 about the government’s intention to terminate the supply of power to Wittenoom, when there was extensive community consultation. In addition, the residents have been given more than eight months’ notice of the impending termination of power. In regard to the other issues - Hon Norman Moore : I am asking whether you will meet with them. They would like to talk to you. Hon JON FORD : As I said, I have always made myself available. The member made the assertion that I have not met with the residents - Hon Norman Moore : You said you would go back there when you were conducting the inquiry and you never did. Hon JON FORD : Councillor Thomas is a member of the Shire of Ashburton. As the chair of the steering group on Wittenoom strategies, she attended a full meeting of the council in which the government presented its position and at which senior health officials also attended. We took questions on a number of matters. The Shire of Ashburton has an observer reference on all the steering groups. Hon Norman Moore : I am talking about the residents who want to stay in Wittenoom. The member knows them as well as I do, and they are none of the people the member mentioned. What about Wittenoom? Hon JON FORD : I have met individuals in Wittenoom and Exmouth. I have had interesting discussions with residents of Wittenoom. I knocked on the door of one resident who asked who I was. I told him it was Jon Ford and he said, “No, it’s not.” I have gone there on a number of occasions. Hon Kim Chance : Next time send the real Jon Ford! Hon JON FORD : That is right. I have been to Lorraine Thomas’s shop and bought some things from it. I have made myself available. Hon Norman Moore : Why will you not make the report available? Hon JON FORD : Cabinet has not made a final decision on the report. Previously when cabinet has made decisions on Wittenoom, the government has notified the residents. I know that the residents are notified because I receive correspondence and phone calls from them. There are six people left, as I understand it. If they want to meet with me, I am always available and they can make an appointment like everybody else. Nobody talks about the traditional owners. I have met with them on two occasions. Hon Norman Moore : You said that they can have access to Wittenoom gorge and you said it was an unsafe place. Come on. Hon JON FORD : The member just said that I did not meet with the people from there.
I thank the Leader of the Opposition for some notice of the question. I have always made myself available to the residents of Wittenoom. As a minister of the previous government, the honourable member would be aware that it has been the policy of all governments in Western Australia since 1978 to phase out activity in Wittenoom. The residents have known since 1995 about the government’s intention to terminate the supply of power to Wittenoom, when there was extensive community consultation. In addition, the residents have been given more than eight months’ notice of the impending termination of power. In regard to the other issues - Hon Norman Moore : I am asking whether you will meet with them. They would like to talk to you. Hon JON FORD : As I said, I have always made myself available. The member made the assertion that I have not met with the residents - Hon Norman Moore : You said you would go back there when you were conducting the inquiry and you never did. Hon JON FORD : Councillor Thomas is a member of the Shire of Ashburton. As the chair of the steering group on Wittenoom strategies, she attended a full meeting of the council in which the government presented its position and at which senior health officials also attended. We took questions on a number of matters. The Shire of Ashburton has an observer reference on all the steering groups. Hon Norman Moore : I am talking about the residents who want to stay in Wittenoom. The member knows them as well as I do, and they are none of the people the member mentioned. What about Wittenoom? Hon JON FORD : I have met individuals in Wittenoom and Exmouth. I have had interesting discussions with residents of Wittenoom. I knocked on the door of one resident who asked who I was. I told him it was Jon Ford and he said, “No, it’s not.” I have gone there on a number of occasions. Hon Kim Chance : Next time send the real Jon Ford! Hon JON FORD : That is right. I have been to Lorraine Thomas’s shop and bought some things from it. I have made myself available. Hon Norman Moore : Why will you not make the report available? Hon JON FORD : Cabinet has not made a final decision on the report. Previously when cabinet has made decisions on Wittenoom, the government has notified the residents. I know that the residents are notified because I receive correspondence and phone calls from them. There are six people left, as I understand it. If they want to meet with me, I am always available and they can make an appointment like everybody else. Nobody talks about the traditional owners. I have met with them on two occasions. Hon Norman Moore : You said that they can have access to Wittenoom gorge and you said it was an unsafe place. Come on. Hon JON FORD : The member just said that I did not meet with the people from there.
Hon Norman Moore : I am asking whether you will meet with them. They would like to talk to you. Hon JON FORD : As I said, I have always made myself available. The member made the assertion that I have not met with the residents - Hon Norman Moore : You said you would go back there when you were conducting the inquiry and you never did. Hon JON FORD : Councillor Thomas is a member of the Shire of Ashburton. As the chair of the steering group on Wittenoom strategies, she attended a full meeting of the council in which the government presented its position and at which senior health officials also attended. We took questions on a number of matters. The Shire of Ashburton has an observer reference on all the steering groups. Hon Norman Moore : I am talking about the residents who want to stay in Wittenoom. The member knows them as well as I do, and they are none of the people the member mentioned. What about Wittenoom? Hon JON FORD : I have met individuals in Wittenoom and Exmouth. I have had interesting discussions with residents of Wittenoom. I knocked on the door of one resident who asked who I was. I told him it was Jon Ford and he said, “No, it’s not.” I have gone there on a number of occasions. Hon Kim Chance : Next time send the real Jon Ford! Hon JON FORD : That is right. I have been to Lorraine Thomas’s shop and bought some things from it. I have made myself available. Hon Norman Moore : Why will you not make the report available? Hon JON FORD : Cabinet has not made a final decision on the report. Previously when cabinet has made decisions on Wittenoom, the government has notified the residents. I know that the residents are notified because I receive correspondence and phone calls from them. There are six people left, as I understand it. If they want to meet with me, I am always available and they can make an appointment like everybody else. Nobody talks about the traditional owners. I have met with them on two occasions. Hon Norman Moore : You said that they can have access to Wittenoom gorge and you said it was an unsafe place. Come on. Hon JON FORD : The member just said that I did not meet with the people from there.
Hon JON FORD : As I said, I have always made myself available. The member made the assertion that I have not met with the residents - Hon Norman Moore : You said you would go back there when you were conducting the inquiry and you never did. Hon JON FORD : Councillor Thomas is a member of the Shire of Ashburton. As the chair of the steering group on Wittenoom strategies, she attended a full meeting of the council in which the government presented its position and at which senior health officials also attended. We took questions on a number of matters. The Shire of Ashburton has an observer reference on all the steering groups. Hon Norman Moore : I am talking about the residents who want to stay in Wittenoom. The member knows them as well as I do, and they are none of the people the member mentioned. What about Wittenoom? Hon JON FORD : I have met individuals in Wittenoom and Exmouth. I have had interesting discussions with residents of Wittenoom. I knocked on the door of one resident who asked who I was. I told him it was Jon Ford and he said, “No, it’s not.” I have gone there on a number of occasions. Hon Kim Chance : Next time send the real Jon Ford! Hon JON FORD : That is right. I have been to Lorraine Thomas’s shop and bought some things from it. I have made myself available. Hon Norman Moore : Why will you not make the report available? Hon JON FORD : Cabinet has not made a final decision on the report. Previously when cabinet has made decisions on Wittenoom, the government has notified the residents. I know that the residents are notified because I receive correspondence and phone calls from them. There are six people left, as I understand it. If they want to meet with me, I am always available and they can make an appointment like everybody else. Nobody talks about the traditional owners. I have met with them on two occasions. Hon Norman Moore : You said that they can have access to Wittenoom gorge and you said it was an unsafe place. Come on. Hon JON FORD : The member just said that I did not meet with the people from there.
Hon Norman Moore : You said you would go back there when you were conducting the inquiry and you never did. Hon JON FORD : Councillor Thomas is a member of the Shire of Ashburton. As the chair of the steering group on Wittenoom strategies, she attended a full meeting of the council in which the government presented its position and at which senior health officials also attended. We took questions on a number of matters. The Shire of Ashburton has an observer reference on all the steering groups. Hon Norman Moore : I am talking about the residents who want to stay in Wittenoom. The member knows them as well as I do, and they are none of the people the member mentioned. What about Wittenoom? Hon JON FORD : I have met individuals in Wittenoom and Exmouth. I have had interesting discussions with residents of Wittenoom. I knocked on the door of one resident who asked who I was. I told him it was Jon Ford and he said, “No, it’s not.” I have gone there on a number of occasions. Hon Kim Chance : Next time send the real Jon Ford! Hon JON FORD : That is right. I have been to Lorraine Thomas’s shop and bought some things from it. I have made myself available. Hon Norman Moore : Why will you not make the report available? Hon JON FORD : Cabinet has not made a final decision on the report. Previously when cabinet has made decisions on Wittenoom, the government has notified the residents. I know that the residents are notified because I receive correspondence and phone calls from them. There are six people left, as I understand it. If they want to meet with me, I am always available and they can make an appointment like everybody else. Nobody talks about the traditional owners. I have met with them on two occasions. Hon Norman Moore : You said that they can have access to Wittenoom gorge and you said it was an unsafe place. Come on. Hon JON FORD : The member just said that I did not meet with the people from there.
Hon JON FORD : Councillor Thomas is a member of the Shire of Ashburton. As the chair of the steering group on Wittenoom strategies, she attended a full meeting of the council in which the government presented its position and at which senior health officials also attended. We took questions on a number of matters. The Shire of Ashburton has an observer reference on all the steering groups. Hon Norman Moore : I am talking about the residents who want to stay in Wittenoom. The member knows them as well as I do, and they are none of the people the member mentioned. What about Wittenoom? Hon JON FORD : I have met individuals in Wittenoom and Exmouth. I have had interesting discussions with residents of Wittenoom. I knocked on the door of one resident who asked who I was. I told him it was Jon Ford and he said, “No, it’s not.” I have gone there on a number of occasions. Hon Kim Chance : Next time send the real Jon Ford! Hon JON FORD : That is right. I have been to Lorraine Thomas’s shop and bought some things from it. I have made myself available. Hon Norman Moore : Why will you not make the report available? Hon JON FORD : Cabinet has not made a final decision on the report. Previously when cabinet has made decisions on Wittenoom, the government has notified the residents. I know that the residents are notified because I receive correspondence and phone calls from them. There are six people left, as I understand it. If they want to meet with me, I am always available and they can make an appointment like everybody else. Nobody talks about the traditional owners. I have met with them on two occasions. Hon Norman Moore : You said that they can have access to Wittenoom gorge and you said it was an unsafe place. Come on. Hon JON FORD : The member just said that I did not meet with the people from there.
Hon Norman Moore : I am talking about the residents who want to stay in Wittenoom. The member knows them as well as I do, and they are none of the people the member mentioned. What about Wittenoom? Hon JON FORD : I have met individuals in Wittenoom and Exmouth. I have had interesting discussions with residents of Wittenoom. I knocked on the door of one resident who asked who I was. I told him it was Jon Ford and he said, “No, it’s not.” I have gone there on a number of occasions. Hon Kim Chance : Next time send the real Jon Ford! Hon JON FORD : That is right. I have been to Lorraine Thomas’s shop and bought some things from it. I have made myself available. Hon Norman Moore : Why will you not make the report available? Hon JON FORD : Cabinet has not made a final decision on the report. Previously when cabinet has made decisions on Wittenoom, the government has notified the residents. I know that the residents are notified because I receive correspondence and phone calls from them. There are six people left, as I understand it. If they want to meet with me, I am always available and they can make an appointment like everybody else. Nobody talks about the traditional owners. I have met with them on two occasions. Hon Norman Moore : You said that they can have access to Wittenoom gorge and you said it was an unsafe place. Come on. Hon JON FORD : The member just said that I did not meet with the people from there.
Hon JON FORD : I have met individuals in Wittenoom and Exmouth. I have had interesting discussions with residents of Wittenoom. I knocked on the door of one resident who asked who I was. I told him it was Jon Ford and he said, “No, it’s not.” I have gone there on a number of occasions. Hon Kim Chance : Next time send the real Jon Ford! Hon JON FORD : That is right. I have been to Lorraine Thomas’s shop and bought some things from it. I have made myself available. Hon Norman Moore : Why will you not make the report available? Hon JON FORD : Cabinet has not made a final decision on the report. Previously when cabinet has made decisions on Wittenoom, the government has notified the residents. I know that the residents are notified because I receive correspondence and phone calls from them. There are six people left, as I understand it. If they want to meet with me, I am always available and they can make an appointment like everybody else. Nobody talks about the traditional owners. I have met with them on two occasions. Hon Norman Moore : You said that they can have access to Wittenoom gorge and you said it was an unsafe place. Come on. Hon JON FORD : The member just said that I did not meet with the people from there.
Hon Kim Chance : Next time send the real Jon Ford! Hon JON FORD : That is right. I have been to Lorraine Thomas’s shop and bought some things from it. I have made myself available. Hon Norman Moore : Why will you not make the report available? Hon JON FORD : Cabinet has not made a final decision on the report. Previously when cabinet has made decisions on Wittenoom, the government has notified the residents. I know that the residents are notified because I receive correspondence and phone calls from them. There are six people left, as I understand it. If they want to meet with me, I am always available and they can make an appointment like everybody else. Nobody talks about the traditional owners. I have met with them on two occasions. Hon Norman Moore : You said that they can have access to Wittenoom gorge and you said it was an unsafe place. Come on. Hon JON FORD : The member just said that I did not meet with the people from there.
Hon JON FORD : That is right. I have been to Lorraine Thomas’s shop and bought some things from it. I have made myself available. Hon Norman Moore : Why will you not make the report available? Hon JON FORD : Cabinet has not made a final decision on the report. Previously when cabinet has made decisions on Wittenoom, the government has notified the residents. I know that the residents are notified because I receive correspondence and phone calls from them. There are six people left, as I understand it. If they want to meet with me, I am always available and they can make an appointment like everybody else. Nobody talks about the traditional owners. I have met with them on two occasions. Hon Norman Moore : You said that they can have access to Wittenoom gorge and you said it was an unsafe place. Come on. Hon JON FORD : The member just said that I did not meet with the people from there.
Hon Norman Moore : Why will you not make the report available? Hon JON FORD : Cabinet has not made a final decision on the report. Previously when cabinet has made decisions on Wittenoom, the government has notified the residents. I know that the residents are notified because I receive correspondence and phone calls from them. There are six people left, as I understand it. If they want to meet with me, I am always available and they can make an appointment like everybody else. Nobody talks about the traditional owners. I have met with them on two occasions. Hon Norman Moore : You said that they can have access to Wittenoom gorge and you said it was an unsafe place. Come on. Hon JON FORD : The member just said that I did not meet with the people from there.
Hon JON FORD : Cabinet has not made a final decision on the report. Previously when cabinet has made decisions on Wittenoom, the government has notified the residents. I know that the residents are notified because I receive correspondence and phone calls from them. There are six people left, as I understand it. If they want to meet with me, I am always available and they can make an appointment like everybody else. Nobody talks about the traditional owners. I have met with them on two occasions. Hon Norman Moore : You said that they can have access to Wittenoom gorge and you said it was an unsafe place. Come on. Hon JON FORD : The member just said that I did not meet with the people from there.
Hon Norman Moore : You said that they can have access to Wittenoom gorge and you said it was an unsafe place. Come on. Hon JON FORD : The member just said that I did not meet with the people from there.
Hon JON FORD : The member just said that I did not meet with the people from there.
Explore WA Government Data
Search the full archive in the free dashboard, or query programmatically via API.
Explore more
Government Gazette
Appointments, regulatory notices, planning changes.
Hansard
Debates, questions, speeches and sentiment.
Tabled Papers
Reports and documents tabled in Parliament.
Committees
Committee profiles and recent reports.
Regulations
Subsidiary legislation with filters and summaries.
Bills
Proposed laws and parliamentary progress.
Acts
Current WA legislation and summaries.
Explanatory Memoranda
Bills with EMs (text/PDF) available.
Members
MP profiles, party breakdown and rankings.
Pollie Rankings
Data-driven rankings across 19 categories.
Amendment Chains
Track how schemes and regulations evolve over time.