❓ Update on Rottnest Island refurbishment, including asbestos removal and business operations. Minister addresses opposition's concerns about a piano at the CEO's residence.
AnsweredQoN 527Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to recent media reports about Rottnest Island. Will the minister provide an update on the works on the island? Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I am speaking mainly to members on my left, but my comments also relate occasionally to members on my right. Every time this minister stands there is a barrage of groans. I do not know whether the member for Vasse thinks that is particularly funny, but he will shortly be sent out of this place if he continues. It is inappropriate to stop the minister from answering the question. Mr M. McGOWAN
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for Mindarie for the question. At the outset, I acknowledge the member for Mindarie; he has been through a tough time. Seldom has there been in this Parliament a member of greater intellect, greater liveliness or more friendliness. I am sure that we all wish him the best. We are all very happy that he is back in the saddle, considering the hard time he has been through. As members know, the state government is spending $20 million to refurbish Rottnest Island. That is a major commitment by the government; it is the biggest commitment ever to this holiday destination, which has been important for generations of Western Australians. An amount of $7 million was spent during the past winter on works such as the establishment of the wind turbine, all sorts of upgrades to accommodation at Geordie Bay and other places around the island, and the acceleration of the program to remove asbestos from many of the buildings on the island to ensure that health and safety concerns are addressed. Winter is the best time to remove asbestos from buildings at this holiday destination, because that is when the least number of tourists are on the island. This program has been occurring along the length and breadth of the island. It is a very important component of what the government has been doing. In those circumstances, premises must sometimes be closed. A range of businesses on the island have scaled back their operations or had to close as part of this program. Despite the negative media comments on this issue, particularly from the opposition spokesperson on tourism, the following businesses are open: the hotel restaurant, Captain Jack’s bar, the general store, Red Rooster, the tearooms, restaurant and kiosk, Indianic Boutique, and the WA Caterers at Kingstown Barracks. All those places are open for people who want something to eat or drink on Rottnest Island. It is very important for Rottnest Island to maintain its appeal to visitors. Mr R.F. Johnson : Tell us about the piano. Mr M. McGOWAN : I note that the opposition spokesperson on tourism made a few remarks about the island, which were reported in the Sunday Times . In particular, he was concerned about a piano. The government is spending $20 million on Rottnest Island, but the opposition spokesperson is concerned about a piano that was found in the Kingstown Barracks. The member was reported as saying that the piano was a very important issue. The member said that he would raise the issue in state Parliament, and ask questions about the piano. I have been waiting all week for a question on the piano. Unfortunately, a question has not been asked. I can only assume that the member for Hillarys is not up the list in terms of the questions asked by the opposition. The member for Hillarys went further in his interview with the Sunday Times , and said - I want to know where the piano is, who paid for it, why it’s in the chief executive’s residence and who plays it in his house, . . . They are cutting questions! I might ask the Minister for Police whether a CID forensics team can go to Rottnest Island to do some DNA testing to work out who has been playing this piano, because, according to the opposition spokesperson on tourism, this is a very important issue. Even though he could not ask a question on this issue, I will answer it for him. The piano is in the chief executive officer’s residence because that is the most appropriate place for it to be located for its safekeeping. The piano has some heritage value, which is being investigated. No-one plays the piano at the moment. The member’s question implied that the chief executive’s eight-year-old son plays the piano. He does not; he has his own keyboard. The piano is at the CEO’s residence for safekeeping, so that it can be preserved for the future. That is the end, I hope, of the “pianogate” issue as far as the member for Hillarys is concerned.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I am speaking mainly to members on my left, but my comments also relate occasionally to members on my right. Every time this minister stands there is a barrage of groans. I do not know whether the member for Vasse thinks that is particularly funny, but he will shortly be sent out of this place if he continues. It is inappropriate to stop the minister from answering the question. Mr M. McGOWAN replied: I thank the member for Mindarie for the question. At the outset, I acknowledge the member for Mindarie; he has been through a tough time. Seldom has there been in this Parliament a member of greater intellect, greater liveliness or more friendliness. I am sure that we all wish him the best. We are all very happy that he is back in the saddle, considering the hard time he has been through. As members know, the state government is spending $20 million to refurbish Rottnest Island. That is a major commitment by the government; it is the biggest commitment ever to this holiday destination, which has been important for generations of Western Australians. An amount of $7 million was spent during the past winter on works such as the establishment of the wind turbine, all sorts of upgrades to accommodation at Geordie Bay and other places around the island, and the acceleration of the program to remove asbestos from many of the buildings on the island to ensure that health and safety concerns are addressed. Winter is the best time to remove asbestos from buildings at this holiday destination, because that is when the least number of tourists are on the island. This program has been occurring along the length and breadth of the island. It is a very important component of what the government has been doing. In those circumstances, premises must sometimes be closed. A range of businesses on the island have scaled back their operations or had to close as part of this program. Despite the negative media comments on this issue, particularly from the opposition spokesperson on tourism, the following businesses are open: the hotel restaurant, Captain Jack’s bar, the general store, Red Rooster, the tearooms, restaurant and kiosk, Indianic Boutique, and the WA Caterers at Kingstown Barracks. All those places are open for people who want something to eat or drink on Rottnest Island. It is very important for Rottnest Island to maintain its appeal to visitors. Mr R.F. Johnson : Tell us about the piano. Mr M. McGOWAN : I note that the opposition spokesperson on tourism made a few remarks about the island, which were reported in the Sunday Times . In particular, he was concerned about a piano. The government is spending $20 million on Rottnest Island, but the opposition spokesperson is concerned about a piano that was found in the Kingstown Barracks. The member was reported as saying that the piano was a very important issue. The member said that he would raise the issue in state Parliament, and ask questions about the piano. I have been waiting all week for a question on the piano. Unfortunately, a question has not been asked. I can only assume that the member for Hillarys is not up the list in terms of the questions asked by the opposition. The member for Hillarys went further in his interview with the Sunday Times , and said - I want to know where the piano is, who paid for it, why it’s in the chief executive’s residence and who plays it in his house, . . . They are cutting questions! I might ask the Minister for Police whether a CID forensics team can go to Rottnest Island to do some DNA testing to work out who has been playing this piano, because, according to the opposition spokesperson on tourism, this is a very important issue. Even though he could not ask a question on this issue, I will answer it for him. The piano is in the chief executive officer’s residence because that is the most appropriate place for it to be located for its safekeeping. The piano has some heritage value, which is being investigated. No-one plays the piano at the moment. The member’s question implied that the chief executive’s eight-year-old son plays the piano. He does not; he has his own keyboard. The piano is at the CEO’s residence for safekeeping, so that it can be preserved for the future. That is the end, I hope, of the “pianogate” issue as far as the member for Hillarys is concerned.
The SPEAKER : I am speaking mainly to members on my left, but my comments also relate occasionally to members on my right. Every time this minister stands there is a barrage of groans. I do not know whether the member for Vasse thinks that is particularly funny, but he will shortly be sent out of this place if he continues. It is inappropriate to stop the minister from answering the question. Mr M. McGOWAN replied: I thank the member for Mindarie for the question. At the outset, I acknowledge the member for Mindarie; he has been through a tough time. Seldom has there been in this Parliament a member of greater intellect, greater liveliness or more friendliness. I am sure that we all wish him the best. We are all very happy that he is back in the saddle, considering the hard time he has been through. As members know, the state government is spending $20 million to refurbish Rottnest Island. That is a major commitment by the government; it is the biggest commitment ever to this holiday destination, which has been important for generations of Western Australians. An amount of $7 million was spent during the past winter on works such as the establishment of the wind turbine, all sorts of upgrades to accommodation at Geordie Bay and other places around the island, and the acceleration of the program to remove asbestos from many of the buildings on the island to ensure that health and safety concerns are addressed. Winter is the best time to remove asbestos from buildings at this holiday destination, because that is when the least number of tourists are on the island. This program has been occurring along the length and breadth of the island. It is a very important component of what the government has been doing. In those circumstances, premises must sometimes be closed. A range of businesses on the island have scaled back their operations or had to close as part of this program. Despite the negative media comments on this issue, particularly from the opposition spokesperson on tourism, the following businesses are open: the hotel restaurant, Captain Jack’s bar, the general store, Red Rooster, the tearooms, restaurant and kiosk, Indianic Boutique, and the WA Caterers at Kingstown Barracks. All those places are open for people who want something to eat or drink on Rottnest Island. It is very important for Rottnest Island to maintain its appeal to visitors. Mr R.F. Johnson : Tell us about the piano. Mr M. McGOWAN : I note that the opposition spokesperson on tourism made a few remarks about the island, which were reported in the Sunday Times . In particular, he was concerned about a piano. The government is spending $20 million on Rottnest Island, but the opposition spokesperson is concerned about a piano that was found in the Kingstown Barracks. The member was reported as saying that the piano was a very important issue. The member said that he would raise the issue in state Parliament, and ask questions about the piano. I have been waiting all week for a question on the piano. Unfortunately, a question has not been asked. I can only assume that the member for Hillarys is not up the list in terms of the questions asked by the opposition. The member for Hillarys went further in his interview with the Sunday Times , and said - I want to know where the piano is, who paid for it, why it’s in the chief executive’s residence and who plays it in his house, . . . They are cutting questions! I might ask the Minister for Police whether a CID forensics team can go to Rottnest Island to do some DNA testing to work out who has been playing this piano, because, according to the opposition spokesperson on tourism, this is a very important issue. Even though he could not ask a question on this issue, I will answer it for him. The piano is in the chief executive officer’s residence because that is the most appropriate place for it to be located for its safekeeping. The piano has some heritage value, which is being investigated. No-one plays the piano at the moment. The member’s question implied that the chief executive’s eight-year-old son plays the piano. He does not; he has his own keyboard. The piano is at the CEO’s residence for safekeeping, so that it can be preserved for the future. That is the end, I hope, of the “pianogate” issue as far as the member for Hillarys is concerned.
Mr M. McGOWAN replied: I thank the member for Mindarie for the question. At the outset, I acknowledge the member for Mindarie; he has been through a tough time. Seldom has there been in this Parliament a member of greater intellect, greater liveliness or more friendliness. I am sure that we all wish him the best. We are all very happy that he is back in the saddle, considering the hard time he has been through. As members know, the state government is spending $20 million to refurbish Rottnest Island. That is a major commitment by the government; it is the biggest commitment ever to this holiday destination, which has been important for generations of Western Australians. An amount of $7 million was spent during the past winter on works such as the establishment of the wind turbine, all sorts of upgrades to accommodation at Geordie Bay and other places around the island, and the acceleration of the program to remove asbestos from many of the buildings on the island to ensure that health and safety concerns are addressed. Winter is the best time to remove asbestos from buildings at this holiday destination, because that is when the least number of tourists are on the island. This program has been occurring along the length and breadth of the island. It is a very important component of what the government has been doing. In those circumstances, premises must sometimes be closed. A range of businesses on the island have scaled back their operations or had to close as part of this program. Despite the negative media comments on this issue, particularly from the opposition spokesperson on tourism, the following businesses are open: the hotel restaurant, Captain Jack’s bar, the general store, Red Rooster, the tearooms, restaurant and kiosk, Indianic Boutique, and the WA Caterers at Kingstown Barracks. All those places are open for people who want something to eat or drink on Rottnest Island. It is very important for Rottnest Island to maintain its appeal to visitors. Mr R.F. Johnson : Tell us about the piano. Mr M. McGOWAN : I note that the opposition spokesperson on tourism made a few remarks about the island, which were reported in the Sunday Times . In particular, he was concerned about a piano. The government is spending $20 million on Rottnest Island, but the opposition spokesperson is concerned about a piano that was found in the Kingstown Barracks. The member was reported as saying that the piano was a very important issue. The member said that he would raise the issue in state Parliament, and ask questions about the piano. I have been waiting all week for a question on the piano. Unfortunately, a question has not been asked. I can only assume that the member for Hillarys is not up the list in terms of the questions asked by the opposition. The member for Hillarys went further in his interview with the Sunday Times , and said - I want to know where the piano is, who paid for it, why it’s in the chief executive’s residence and who plays it in his house, . . . They are cutting questions! I might ask the Minister for Police whether a CID forensics team can go to Rottnest Island to do some DNA testing to work out who has been playing this piano, because, according to the opposition spokesperson on tourism, this is a very important issue. Even though he could not ask a question on this issue, I will answer it for him. The piano is in the chief executive officer’s residence because that is the most appropriate place for it to be located for its safekeeping. The piano has some heritage value, which is being investigated. No-one plays the piano at the moment. The member’s question implied that the chief executive’s eight-year-old son plays the piano. He does not; he has his own keyboard. The piano is at the CEO’s residence for safekeeping, so that it can be preserved for the future. That is the end, I hope, of the “pianogate” issue as far as the member for Hillarys is concerned.
I thank the member for Mindarie for the question. At the outset, I acknowledge the member for Mindarie; he has been through a tough time. Seldom has there been in this Parliament a member of greater intellect, greater liveliness or more friendliness. I am sure that we all wish him the best. We are all very happy that he is back in the saddle, considering the hard time he has been through. As members know, the state government is spending $20 million to refurbish Rottnest Island. That is a major commitment by the government; it is the biggest commitment ever to this holiday destination, which has been important for generations of Western Australians. An amount of $7 million was spent during the past winter on works such as the establishment of the wind turbine, all sorts of upgrades to accommodation at Geordie Bay and other places around the island, and the acceleration of the program to remove asbestos from many of the buildings on the island to ensure that health and safety concerns are addressed. Winter is the best time to remove asbestos from buildings at this holiday destination, because that is when the least number of tourists are on the island. This program has been occurring along the length and breadth of the island. It is a very important component of what the government has been doing. In those circumstances, premises must sometimes be closed. A range of businesses on the island have scaled back their operations or had to close as part of this program. Despite the negative media comments on this issue, particularly from the opposition spokesperson on tourism, the following businesses are open: the hotel restaurant, Captain Jack’s bar, the general store, Red Rooster, the tearooms, restaurant and kiosk, Indianic Boutique, and the WA Caterers at Kingstown Barracks. All those places are open for people who want something to eat or drink on Rottnest Island. It is very important for Rottnest Island to maintain its appeal to visitors. Mr R.F. Johnson : Tell us about the piano. Mr M. McGOWAN : I note that the opposition spokesperson on tourism made a few remarks about the island, which were reported in the Sunday Times . In particular, he was concerned about a piano. The government is spending $20 million on Rottnest Island, but the opposition spokesperson is concerned about a piano that was found in the Kingstown Barracks. The member was reported as saying that the piano was a very important issue. The member said that he would raise the issue in state Parliament, and ask questions about the piano. I have been waiting all week for a question on the piano. Unfortunately, a question has not been asked. I can only assume that the member for Hillarys is not up the list in terms of the questions asked by the opposition. The member for Hillarys went further in his interview with the Sunday Times , and said - I want to know where the piano is, who paid for it, why it’s in the chief executive’s residence and who plays it in his house, . . . They are cutting questions! I might ask the Minister for Police whether a CID forensics team can go to Rottnest Island to do some DNA testing to work out who has been playing this piano, because, according to the opposition spokesperson on tourism, this is a very important issue. Even though he could not ask a question on this issue, I will answer it for him. The piano is in the chief executive officer’s residence because that is the most appropriate place for it to be located for its safekeeping. The piano has some heritage value, which is being investigated. No-one plays the piano at the moment. The member’s question implied that the chief executive’s eight-year-old son plays the piano. He does not; he has his own keyboard. The piano is at the CEO’s residence for safekeeping, so that it can be preserved for the future. That is the end, I hope, of the “pianogate” issue as far as the member for Hillarys is concerned.
As members know, the state government is spending $20 million to refurbish Rottnest Island. That is a major commitment by the government; it is the biggest commitment ever to this holiday destination, which has been important for generations of Western Australians. An amount of $7 million was spent during the past winter on works such as the establishment of the wind turbine, all sorts of upgrades to accommodation at Geordie Bay and other places around the island, and the acceleration of the program to remove asbestos from many of the buildings on the island to ensure that health and safety concerns are addressed. Winter is the best time to remove asbestos from buildings at this holiday destination, because that is when the least number of tourists are on the island. This program has been occurring along the length and breadth of the island. It is a very important component of what the government has been doing. In those circumstances, premises must sometimes be closed. A range of businesses on the island have scaled back their operations or had to close as part of this program. Despite the negative media comments on this issue, particularly from the opposition spokesperson on tourism, the following businesses are open: the hotel restaurant, Captain Jack’s bar, the general store, Red Rooster, the tearooms, restaurant and kiosk, Indianic Boutique, and the WA Caterers at Kingstown Barracks. All those places are open for people who want something to eat or drink on Rottnest Island. It is very important for Rottnest Island to maintain its appeal to visitors. Mr R.F. Johnson : Tell us about the piano. Mr M. McGOWAN : I note that the opposition spokesperson on tourism made a few remarks about the island, which were reported in the Sunday Times . In particular, he was concerned about a piano. The government is spending $20 million on Rottnest Island, but the opposition spokesperson is concerned about a piano that was found in the Kingstown Barracks. The member was reported as saying that the piano was a very important issue. The member said that he would raise the issue in state Parliament, and ask questions about the piano. I have been waiting all week for a question on the piano. Unfortunately, a question has not been asked. I can only assume that the member for Hillarys is not up the list in terms of the questions asked by the opposition. The member for Hillarys went further in his interview with the Sunday Times , and said - I want to know where the piano is, who paid for it, why it’s in the chief executive’s residence and who plays it in his house, . . . They are cutting questions! I might ask the Minister for Police whether a CID forensics team can go to Rottnest Island to do some DNA testing to work out who has been playing this piano, because, according to the opposition spokesperson on tourism, this is a very important issue. Even though he could not ask a question on this issue, I will answer it for him. The piano is in the chief executive officer’s residence because that is the most appropriate place for it to be located for its safekeeping. The piano has some heritage value, which is being investigated. No-one plays the piano at the moment. The member’s question implied that the chief executive’s eight-year-old son plays the piano. He does not; he has his own keyboard. The piano is at the CEO’s residence for safekeeping, so that it can be preserved for the future. That is the end, I hope, of the “pianogate” issue as far as the member for Hillarys is concerned.
Mr R.F. Johnson : Tell us about the piano. Mr M. McGOWAN : I note that the opposition spokesperson on tourism made a few remarks about the island, which were reported in the Sunday Times . In particular, he was concerned about a piano. The government is spending $20 million on Rottnest Island, but the opposition spokesperson is concerned about a piano that was found in the Kingstown Barracks. The member was reported as saying that the piano was a very important issue. The member said that he would raise the issue in state Parliament, and ask questions about the piano. I have been waiting all week for a question on the piano. Unfortunately, a question has not been asked. I can only assume that the member for Hillarys is not up the list in terms of the questions asked by the opposition. The member for Hillarys went further in his interview with the Sunday Times , and said - I want to know where the piano is, who paid for it, why it’s in the chief executive’s residence and who plays it in his house, . . . They are cutting questions! I might ask the Minister for Police whether a CID forensics team can go to Rottnest Island to do some DNA testing to work out who has been playing this piano, because, according to the opposition spokesperson on tourism, this is a very important issue. Even though he could not ask a question on this issue, I will answer it for him. The piano is in the chief executive officer’s residence because that is the most appropriate place for it to be located for its safekeeping. The piano has some heritage value, which is being investigated. No-one plays the piano at the moment. The member’s question implied that the chief executive’s eight-year-old son plays the piano. He does not; he has his own keyboard. The piano is at the CEO’s residence for safekeeping, so that it can be preserved for the future. That is the end, I hope, of the “pianogate” issue as far as the member for Hillarys is concerned.
Mr M. McGOWAN : I note that the opposition spokesperson on tourism made a few remarks about the island, which were reported in the Sunday Times . In particular, he was concerned about a piano. The government is spending $20 million on Rottnest Island, but the opposition spokesperson is concerned about a piano that was found in the Kingstown Barracks. The member was reported as saying that the piano was a very important issue. The member said that he would raise the issue in state Parliament, and ask questions about the piano. I have been waiting all week for a question on the piano. Unfortunately, a question has not been asked. I can only assume that the member for Hillarys is not up the list in terms of the questions asked by the opposition. The member for Hillarys went further in his interview with the Sunday Times , and said - I want to know where the piano is, who paid for it, why it’s in the chief executive’s residence and who plays it in his house, . . . They are cutting questions! I might ask the Minister for Police whether a CID forensics team can go to Rottnest Island to do some DNA testing to work out who has been playing this piano, because, according to the opposition spokesperson on tourism, this is a very important issue. Even though he could not ask a question on this issue, I will answer it for him. The piano is in the chief executive officer’s residence because that is the most appropriate place for it to be located for its safekeeping. The piano has some heritage value, which is being investigated. No-one plays the piano at the moment. The member’s question implied that the chief executive’s eight-year-old son plays the piano. He does not; he has his own keyboard. The piano is at the CEO’s residence for safekeeping, so that it can be preserved for the future. That is the end, I hope, of the “pianogate” issue as far as the member for Hillarys is concerned.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I am speaking mainly to members on my left, but my comments also relate occasionally to members on my right. Every time this minister stands there is a barrage of groans. I do not know whether the member for Vasse thinks that is particularly funny, but he will shortly be sent out of this place if he continues. It is inappropriate to stop the minister from answering the question. Mr M. McGOWAN replied: I thank the member for Mindarie for the question. At the outset, I acknowledge the member for Mindarie; he has been through a tough time. Seldom has there been in this Parliament a member of greater intellect, greater liveliness or more friendliness. I am sure that we all wish him the best. We are all very happy that he is back in the saddle, considering the hard time he has been through. As members know, the state government is spending $20 million to refurbish Rottnest Island. That is a major commitment by the government; it is the biggest commitment ever to this holiday destination, which has been important for generations of Western Australians. An amount of $7 million was spent during the past winter on works such as the establishment of the wind turbine, all sorts of upgrades to accommodation at Geordie Bay and other places around the island, and the acceleration of the program to remove asbestos from many of the buildings on the island to ensure that health and safety concerns are addressed. Winter is the best time to remove asbestos from buildings at this holiday destination, because that is when the least number of tourists are on the island. This program has been occurring along the length and breadth of the island. It is a very important component of what the government has been doing. In those circumstances, premises must sometimes be closed. A range of businesses on the island have scaled back their operations or had to close as part of this program. Despite the negative media comments on this issue, particularly from the opposition spokesperson on tourism, the following businesses are open: the hotel restaurant, Captain Jack’s bar, the general store, Red Rooster, the tearooms, restaurant and kiosk, Indianic Boutique, and the WA Caterers at Kingstown Barracks. All those places are open for people who want something to eat or drink on Rottnest Island. It is very important for Rottnest Island to maintain its appeal to visitors. Mr R.F. Johnson : Tell us about the piano. Mr M. McGOWAN : I note that the opposition spokesperson on tourism made a few remarks about the island, which were reported in the Sunday Times . In particular, he was concerned about a piano. The government is spending $20 million on Rottnest Island, but the opposition spokesperson is concerned about a piano that was found in the Kingstown Barracks. The member was reported as saying that the piano was a very important issue. The member said that he would raise the issue in state Parliament, and ask questions about the piano. I have been waiting all week for a question on the piano. Unfortunately, a question has not been asked. I can only assume that the member for Hillarys is not up the list in terms of the questions asked by the opposition. The member for Hillarys went further in his interview with the Sunday Times , and said - I want to know where the piano is, who paid for it, why it’s in the chief executive’s residence and who plays it in his house, . . . They are cutting questions! I might ask the Minister for Police whether a CID forensics team can go to Rottnest Island to do some DNA testing to work out who has been playing this piano, because, according to the opposition spokesperson on tourism, this is a very important issue. Even though he could not ask a question on this issue, I will answer it for him. The piano is in the chief executive officer’s residence because that is the most appropriate place for it to be located for its safekeeping. The piano has some heritage value, which is being investigated. No-one plays the piano at the moment. The member’s question implied that the chief executive’s eight-year-old son plays the piano. He does not; he has his own keyboard. The piano is at the CEO’s residence for safekeeping, so that it can be preserved for the future. That is the end, I hope, of the “pianogate” issue as far as the member for Hillarys is concerned.
The SPEAKER : I am speaking mainly to members on my left, but my comments also relate occasionally to members on my right. Every time this minister stands there is a barrage of groans. I do not know whether the member for Vasse thinks that is particularly funny, but he will shortly be sent out of this place if he continues. It is inappropriate to stop the minister from answering the question. Mr M. McGOWAN replied: I thank the member for Mindarie for the question. At the outset, I acknowledge the member for Mindarie; he has been through a tough time. Seldom has there been in this Parliament a member of greater intellect, greater liveliness or more friendliness. I am sure that we all wish him the best. We are all very happy that he is back in the saddle, considering the hard time he has been through. As members know, the state government is spending $20 million to refurbish Rottnest Island. That is a major commitment by the government; it is the biggest commitment ever to this holiday destination, which has been important for generations of Western Australians. An amount of $7 million was spent during the past winter on works such as the establishment of the wind turbine, all sorts of upgrades to accommodation at Geordie Bay and other places around the island, and the acceleration of the program to remove asbestos from many of the buildings on the island to ensure that health and safety concerns are addressed. Winter is the best time to remove asbestos from buildings at this holiday destination, because that is when the least number of tourists are on the island. This program has been occurring along the length and breadth of the island. It is a very important component of what the government has been doing. In those circumstances, premises must sometimes be closed. A range of businesses on the island have scaled back their operations or had to close as part of this program. Despite the negative media comments on this issue, particularly from the opposition spokesperson on tourism, the following businesses are open: the hotel restaurant, Captain Jack’s bar, the general store, Red Rooster, the tearooms, restaurant and kiosk, Indianic Boutique, and the WA Caterers at Kingstown Barracks. All those places are open for people who want something to eat or drink on Rottnest Island. It is very important for Rottnest Island to maintain its appeal to visitors. Mr R.F. Johnson : Tell us about the piano. Mr M. McGOWAN : I note that the opposition spokesperson on tourism made a few remarks about the island, which were reported in the Sunday Times . In particular, he was concerned about a piano. The government is spending $20 million on Rottnest Island, but the opposition spokesperson is concerned about a piano that was found in the Kingstown Barracks. The member was reported as saying that the piano was a very important issue. The member said that he would raise the issue in state Parliament, and ask questions about the piano. I have been waiting all week for a question on the piano. Unfortunately, a question has not been asked. I can only assume that the member for Hillarys is not up the list in terms of the questions asked by the opposition. The member for Hillarys went further in his interview with the Sunday Times , and said - I want to know where the piano is, who paid for it, why it’s in the chief executive’s residence and who plays it in his house, . . . They are cutting questions! I might ask the Minister for Police whether a CID forensics team can go to Rottnest Island to do some DNA testing to work out who has been playing this piano, because, according to the opposition spokesperson on tourism, this is a very important issue. Even though he could not ask a question on this issue, I will answer it for him. The piano is in the chief executive officer’s residence because that is the most appropriate place for it to be located for its safekeeping. The piano has some heritage value, which is being investigated. No-one plays the piano at the moment. The member’s question implied that the chief executive’s eight-year-old son plays the piano. He does not; he has his own keyboard. The piano is at the CEO’s residence for safekeeping, so that it can be preserved for the future. That is the end, I hope, of the “pianogate” issue as far as the member for Hillarys is concerned.
Mr M. McGOWAN replied: I thank the member for Mindarie for the question. At the outset, I acknowledge the member for Mindarie; he has been through a tough time. Seldom has there been in this Parliament a member of greater intellect, greater liveliness or more friendliness. I am sure that we all wish him the best. We are all very happy that he is back in the saddle, considering the hard time he has been through. As members know, the state government is spending $20 million to refurbish Rottnest Island. That is a major commitment by the government; it is the biggest commitment ever to this holiday destination, which has been important for generations of Western Australians. An amount of $7 million was spent during the past winter on works such as the establishment of the wind turbine, all sorts of upgrades to accommodation at Geordie Bay and other places around the island, and the acceleration of the program to remove asbestos from many of the buildings on the island to ensure that health and safety concerns are addressed. Winter is the best time to remove asbestos from buildings at this holiday destination, because that is when the least number of tourists are on the island. This program has been occurring along the length and breadth of the island. It is a very important component of what the government has been doing. In those circumstances, premises must sometimes be closed. A range of businesses on the island have scaled back their operations or had to close as part of this program. Despite the negative media comments on this issue, particularly from the opposition spokesperson on tourism, the following businesses are open: the hotel restaurant, Captain Jack’s bar, the general store, Red Rooster, the tearooms, restaurant and kiosk, Indianic Boutique, and the WA Caterers at Kingstown Barracks. All those places are open for people who want something to eat or drink on Rottnest Island. It is very important for Rottnest Island to maintain its appeal to visitors. Mr R.F. Johnson : Tell us about the piano. Mr M. McGOWAN : I note that the opposition spokesperson on tourism made a few remarks about the island, which were reported in the Sunday Times . In particular, he was concerned about a piano. The government is spending $20 million on Rottnest Island, but the opposition spokesperson is concerned about a piano that was found in the Kingstown Barracks. The member was reported as saying that the piano was a very important issue. The member said that he would raise the issue in state Parliament, and ask questions about the piano. I have been waiting all week for a question on the piano. Unfortunately, a question has not been asked. I can only assume that the member for Hillarys is not up the list in terms of the questions asked by the opposition. The member for Hillarys went further in his interview with the Sunday Times , and said - I want to know where the piano is, who paid for it, why it’s in the chief executive’s residence and who plays it in his house, . . . They are cutting questions! I might ask the Minister for Police whether a CID forensics team can go to Rottnest Island to do some DNA testing to work out who has been playing this piano, because, according to the opposition spokesperson on tourism, this is a very important issue. Even though he could not ask a question on this issue, I will answer it for him. The piano is in the chief executive officer’s residence because that is the most appropriate place for it to be located for its safekeeping. The piano has some heritage value, which is being investigated. No-one plays the piano at the moment. The member’s question implied that the chief executive’s eight-year-old son plays the piano. He does not; he has his own keyboard. The piano is at the CEO’s residence for safekeeping, so that it can be preserved for the future. That is the end, I hope, of the “pianogate” issue as far as the member for Hillarys is concerned.
I thank the member for Mindarie for the question. At the outset, I acknowledge the member for Mindarie; he has been through a tough time. Seldom has there been in this Parliament a member of greater intellect, greater liveliness or more friendliness. I am sure that we all wish him the best. We are all very happy that he is back in the saddle, considering the hard time he has been through. As members know, the state government is spending $20 million to refurbish Rottnest Island. That is a major commitment by the government; it is the biggest commitment ever to this holiday destination, which has been important for generations of Western Australians. An amount of $7 million was spent during the past winter on works such as the establishment of the wind turbine, all sorts of upgrades to accommodation at Geordie Bay and other places around the island, and the acceleration of the program to remove asbestos from many of the buildings on the island to ensure that health and safety concerns are addressed. Winter is the best time to remove asbestos from buildings at this holiday destination, because that is when the least number of tourists are on the island. This program has been occurring along the length and breadth of the island. It is a very important component of what the government has been doing. In those circumstances, premises must sometimes be closed. A range of businesses on the island have scaled back their operations or had to close as part of this program. Despite the negative media comments on this issue, particularly from the opposition spokesperson on tourism, the following businesses are open: the hotel restaurant, Captain Jack’s bar, the general store, Red Rooster, the tearooms, restaurant and kiosk, Indianic Boutique, and the WA Caterers at Kingstown Barracks. All those places are open for people who want something to eat or drink on Rottnest Island. It is very important for Rottnest Island to maintain its appeal to visitors. Mr R.F. Johnson : Tell us about the piano. Mr M. McGOWAN : I note that the opposition spokesperson on tourism made a few remarks about the island, which were reported in the Sunday Times . In particular, he was concerned about a piano. The government is spending $20 million on Rottnest Island, but the opposition spokesperson is concerned about a piano that was found in the Kingstown Barracks. The member was reported as saying that the piano was a very important issue. The member said that he would raise the issue in state Parliament, and ask questions about the piano. I have been waiting all week for a question on the piano. Unfortunately, a question has not been asked. I can only assume that the member for Hillarys is not up the list in terms of the questions asked by the opposition. The member for Hillarys went further in his interview with the Sunday Times , and said - I want to know where the piano is, who paid for it, why it’s in the chief executive’s residence and who plays it in his house, . . . They are cutting questions! I might ask the Minister for Police whether a CID forensics team can go to Rottnest Island to do some DNA testing to work out who has been playing this piano, because, according to the opposition spokesperson on tourism, this is a very important issue. Even though he could not ask a question on this issue, I will answer it for him. The piano is in the chief executive officer’s residence because that is the most appropriate place for it to be located for its safekeeping. The piano has some heritage value, which is being investigated. No-one plays the piano at the moment. The member’s question implied that the chief executive’s eight-year-old son plays the piano. He does not; he has his own keyboard. The piano is at the CEO’s residence for safekeeping, so that it can be preserved for the future. That is the end, I hope, of the “pianogate” issue as far as the member for Hillarys is concerned.
As members know, the state government is spending $20 million to refurbish Rottnest Island. That is a major commitment by the government; it is the biggest commitment ever to this holiday destination, which has been important for generations of Western Australians. An amount of $7 million was spent during the past winter on works such as the establishment of the wind turbine, all sorts of upgrades to accommodation at Geordie Bay and other places around the island, and the acceleration of the program to remove asbestos from many of the buildings on the island to ensure that health and safety concerns are addressed. Winter is the best time to remove asbestos from buildings at this holiday destination, because that is when the least number of tourists are on the island. This program has been occurring along the length and breadth of the island. It is a very important component of what the government has been doing. In those circumstances, premises must sometimes be closed. A range of businesses on the island have scaled back their operations or had to close as part of this program. Despite the negative media comments on this issue, particularly from the opposition spokesperson on tourism, the following businesses are open: the hotel restaurant, Captain Jack’s bar, the general store, Red Rooster, the tearooms, restaurant and kiosk, Indianic Boutique, and the WA Caterers at Kingstown Barracks. All those places are open for people who want something to eat or drink on Rottnest Island. It is very important for Rottnest Island to maintain its appeal to visitors. Mr R.F. Johnson : Tell us about the piano. Mr M. McGOWAN : I note that the opposition spokesperson on tourism made a few remarks about the island, which were reported in the Sunday Times . In particular, he was concerned about a piano. The government is spending $20 million on Rottnest Island, but the opposition spokesperson is concerned about a piano that was found in the Kingstown Barracks. The member was reported as saying that the piano was a very important issue. The member said that he would raise the issue in state Parliament, and ask questions about the piano. I have been waiting all week for a question on the piano. Unfortunately, a question has not been asked. I can only assume that the member for Hillarys is not up the list in terms of the questions asked by the opposition. The member for Hillarys went further in his interview with the Sunday Times , and said - I want to know where the piano is, who paid for it, why it’s in the chief executive’s residence and who plays it in his house, . . . They are cutting questions! I might ask the Minister for Police whether a CID forensics team can go to Rottnest Island to do some DNA testing to work out who has been playing this piano, because, according to the opposition spokesperson on tourism, this is a very important issue. Even though he could not ask a question on this issue, I will answer it for him. The piano is in the chief executive officer’s residence because that is the most appropriate place for it to be located for its safekeeping. The piano has some heritage value, which is being investigated. No-one plays the piano at the moment. The member’s question implied that the chief executive’s eight-year-old son plays the piano. He does not; he has his own keyboard. The piano is at the CEO’s residence for safekeeping, so that it can be preserved for the future. That is the end, I hope, of the “pianogate” issue as far as the member for Hillarys is concerned.
Mr R.F. Johnson : Tell us about the piano. Mr M. McGOWAN : I note that the opposition spokesperson on tourism made a few remarks about the island, which were reported in the Sunday Times . In particular, he was concerned about a piano. The government is spending $20 million on Rottnest Island, but the opposition spokesperson is concerned about a piano that was found in the Kingstown Barracks. The member was reported as saying that the piano was a very important issue. The member said that he would raise the issue in state Parliament, and ask questions about the piano. I have been waiting all week for a question on the piano. Unfortunately, a question has not been asked. I can only assume that the member for Hillarys is not up the list in terms of the questions asked by the opposition. The member for Hillarys went further in his interview with the Sunday Times , and said - I want to know where the piano is, who paid for it, why it’s in the chief executive’s residence and who plays it in his house, . . . They are cutting questions! I might ask the Minister for Police whether a CID forensics team can go to Rottnest Island to do some DNA testing to work out who has been playing this piano, because, according to the opposition spokesperson on tourism, this is a very important issue. Even though he could not ask a question on this issue, I will answer it for him. The piano is in the chief executive officer’s residence because that is the most appropriate place for it to be located for its safekeeping. The piano has some heritage value, which is being investigated. No-one plays the piano at the moment. The member’s question implied that the chief executive’s eight-year-old son plays the piano. He does not; he has his own keyboard. The piano is at the CEO’s residence for safekeeping, so that it can be preserved for the future. That is the end, I hope, of the “pianogate” issue as far as the member for Hillarys is concerned.
Mr M. McGOWAN : I note that the opposition spokesperson on tourism made a few remarks about the island, which were reported in the Sunday Times . In particular, he was concerned about a piano. The government is spending $20 million on Rottnest Island, but the opposition spokesperson is concerned about a piano that was found in the Kingstown Barracks. The member was reported as saying that the piano was a very important issue. The member said that he would raise the issue in state Parliament, and ask questions about the piano. I have been waiting all week for a question on the piano. Unfortunately, a question has not been asked. I can only assume that the member for Hillarys is not up the list in terms of the questions asked by the opposition. The member for Hillarys went further in his interview with the Sunday Times , and said - I want to know where the piano is, who paid for it, why it’s in the chief executive’s residence and who plays it in his house, . . . They are cutting questions! I might ask the Minister for Police whether a CID forensics team can go to Rottnest Island to do some DNA testing to work out who has been playing this piano, because, according to the opposition spokesperson on tourism, this is a very important issue. Even though he could not ask a question on this issue, I will answer it for him. The piano is in the chief executive officer’s residence because that is the most appropriate place for it to be located for its safekeeping. The piano has some heritage value, which is being investigated. No-one plays the piano at the moment. The member’s question implied that the chief executive’s eight-year-old son plays the piano. He does not; he has his own keyboard. The piano is at the CEO’s residence for safekeeping, so that it can be preserved for the future. That is the end, I hope, of the “pianogate” issue as far as the member for Hillarys is concerned.
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