Nuclear Waste

Mr VAN HOLST PELLEKAAN (Stuart) (14:00): A supplementary for the Premier: will the Premier rule out announcing whether his government will pursue the importation of high-level radioactive nuclear waste from overseas prior to the upcoming special convention of the Labor Party?

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL (Cheltenham—Premier) (14:00): I think there is a misunderstanding here. There is no upcoming special convention. There will be a special convention at a time when it is necessary.

Mr Knoll interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The member for Schubert is called to order.

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL: It is not going to happen anytime soon. It may be a question of years away, depending on where we—

Mr van Holst Pellekaan: Will you rule out announcing it beforehand?

The SPEAKER: The member for Stuart is called to order.

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL: I won't be making any announcements which are contrary to the position that we have resolved as a government and as a party.

Ms Chapman: You are going to announce it before the end of the year.

The SPEAKER: The deputy leader is warned for the second and final time.

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL: It won't be a surprise to you because, before I say anything publicly, I will be speaking to you and indeed to your leadership because there is no way forward in relation to any of this without broad, bipartisan support, so rest assured you are not going to get any surprises.