ATKINSON, HON. M.J.

The Hon. R.D. LAWSON (15:44): I wish to inform the parliament of the rudeness and disrespect shown by the Attorney-General towards the judiciary of this state. Briefings by the judiciary for the benefit of members of parliament are an initiative of the Chief Justice, and I know that he was very keen to provide members of parliament with a better understanding of the operation of the courts. As a result, annual or nearly annual briefings are conducted by the judiciary. They provide a tremendous opportunity for members of parliament to speak to members of the judiciary, to raise the sort of points the Hon. Dennis Hood was making a moment ago and to enable people who have concerns of that kind to speak face to face with the judiciary. This year's annual briefing was held on 27 September and was attended by the Chief Justice, the Chief Judge of the District Court, the Judge of the Planning Court, the Judge of the Youth Court, the Chief Magistrate, the State Coroner, the Courts Administrator and the Deputy Chief Magistrate, who all gave well prepared presentations. The great tragedy was that the invitation to this function was faxed to members the day before the event and on the day of the event—a couple of hours before the event—a beautifully presented invitation was placed in members' boxes. The tragedy was that, with notice of that kind, few members could attend. At least half the audience were members of the staff of the Attorney-General's office, who he had rounded up quickly to come down to make up the numbers.

The Hon. R.I. Lucas: How many members?

The Hon. R.D. LAWSON: There were some members there, but not many—a handful. I was able to be present for only a short time and there were fewer than half a dozen members, one of whom was the Hon. Stephen Wade. I was told by a person in the judicial party that they had been aware of this event and had placed great emphasis on it since February this year. All had prepared speeches that were short and to the point, and they were available for questioning. It is appalling that the first law officer of this state should be so disrespectful not only to those who came to this place to present a briefing but to all members of parliament, many of whom already had engagements. There was, for example, an annual dinner of members of parliament that had been organised quite some time before, and quite a number of members of both houses, including I imagine the Hon. Dennis Hood, were at that meeting. They simply could not have broken that appointment without disrespecting those guests.

It is appalling that we should treat members of the judiciary in this way. They prepared pertinent and helpful presentations and were available to discuss any issue. This Attorney-General is often referred to as beleaguered, ill-starred, incompetent and error prone. However, the epithets rude, ill mannered and ignorant should be added to that list.