Legislative Council President

Ms CHAPMAN (Bragg—Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (14:29): My question again is to the Premier. Has the Premier spoken to Mr Wortley about his past involvement with the gas employers union which is the subject of the matters presented to the commission?

The SPEAKER: That's the Federated Gas Employees Industrial Union.

The Hon. J.R. RAU (Enfield—Deputy Premier, Attorney-General, Minister for Justice Reform, Minister for Planning, Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Minister for Industrial Relations) (14:29): Thank you, Mr Speaker. I was confused until I had that clarification. The fact of the matter is this: given that these matters, which as I have just explained are matters which are essentially historical artefacts, are being ventilated yet again in a royal commission, the notion that any of us should be canvassing with the President matters which might potentially be investigated by the royal commission would not be appropriate.

We think it's a matter that needs to be dealt with according to the process of the royal commission without interference from us. As I recall, the last time this matter was ventilated, which was some months ago now, if my memory serves me correctly, the President's attitude then was, 'Well, look, let them ask me whatever they want to ask me and I'll give them whatever answers I can give them.' So, he doesn't appear to be troubled by this matter. Last time I heard him on the topic, which was on the public record, not in the context of a conversation, he was saying to all people who put these things forward, 'Well, put up or shut up.'