Question Time

Premier's Comments

The Hon. D.J. SPEIRS (Black—Leader of the Opposition) (14:17): My question is to the Premier. Does the Premier regret the language he used last week, and will he offer a simple and straightforward apology? With your leave, sir, and that of the house, I will explain.

Leave granted.

The Hon. D.J. SPEIRS: The Premier told the media today that he did not realise the language he used last week was offensive, but rather than offering a simple and straightforward apology with an expression of regret he instead attempted to laugh it off.

The SPEAKER: I am not certain that 'laughing it off' is necessarily a fact; that's an opinion, leader. Nevertheless, I am going to permit the question.

The Hon. P.B. MALINAUSKAS (Croydon—Premier) (14:17): I thank the Leader of the Opposition for his question because it provides me an opportunity to say what I have already said publicly. All I can do is answer these questions with the utmost of honesty and explain that I was not on Friday of last week aware of the more widely, more recently publicised meaning of the term that I used. For that, I have expressed regret and I'm more than happy to apologise to the Leader of the Opposition or anyone else who was offended by the remark.