Legislative Council: Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Contents

DRUG TREATMENT CENTRES

The Hon. A. BRESSINGTON (15:23): As a supplementary question—

The Hon. I.K. Hunter interjecting:

The Hon. A. BRESSINGTON: Well, what are we here for, Mr Hunter, really?

The Hon. G.E. Gago interjecting:

The Hon. A. BRESSINGTON: Your jokes? You're the one who is a bit of a joke, minister.

The PRESIDENT: Order! The honourable member will ask her supplementary question.

The Hon. A. BRESSINGTON: Will the minister explain why the residents who came to see me tried on numerous occasions to get to see the local member, Vini Ciccarello? They rang and tried to make appointments with the minister herself and were told that she was too busy. Then, on Friday last week, they came to see me, and that is my stalking! Numerous efforts were made to bring this matter to your attention, minister, but you were not available.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Environment and Conservation, Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health) (15:24): Well, Mr President, to the best of my knowledge, I have not received those calls—

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: As I said, to the best of my knowledge, I am not aware—

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: As always, my office is open to members and constituents.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: As always, my office door is open to meet with constituents; and, if I am not available, I make sure that one of my officers is available to meet with them. I have not been informed—

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: I am not aware of any attempts to meet with me; and, in relation to these particular matters raised by the honourable member, nor am I aware of any correspondence raising these issues. As I said, my door is always open. If I am not available, I make sure that one of my officers is. So, I believe that this is just another empty allegation.