Question Time

PUBLIC SERVICE ASSOCIATION

Mrs REDMOND (Heysen—Leader of the Opposition) (14:21): My question is to the Premier. Given the Premier's commitment after the state election to reconnect with the community, can the Premier explain why he has not agreed to or had any meetings with the Public Service Association since at least 2008?

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. M.D. RANN (Ramsay—Premier, Minister for Economic Development, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Sustainability and Climate Change) (14:21): It is interesting that for years the Liberal opposition has accused the Labor government in this state, during the 30-odd years that I have been in this state, of being totally in bed with the unions. For years—

Mr WILLIAMS: Point of order, Madam Speaker: the question is why the Premier hasn't agreed to meet with the PSA for up to two years.

The SPEAKER: Sit down, deputy leader. He has not had time to answer the question yet.

The Hon. M.D. RANN: Like everything else, you can't have it every way. For years, you have said that we do what the unions tell us, and now you are saying we should be meeting them more regularly.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. M.D. RANN: I do meet with the unions on many, many occasions when necessary and so do other ministers.

Mr Williams interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! Deputy Leader of the Opposition, behave yourself.