WORKCOVER CORPORATION

The Hon. T.J. STEPHENS (14:26): As Leader of the Government and a member of the executive, my supplementary question is: when did the minister work out that the unfunded liability was spiralling out of control? Does he not agree that if he had acted sooner the poor old workers would not have copped the brunt of it all?

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY (Minister for Police, Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Minister for Urban Development and Planning) (14:26): I am not quite sure whether that was a supplementary question. It is not directly my responsibility, but what I can say is that the WorkCover scheme in this state, from the moment this government came to office, did have problems. I do recall that just prior to the 2002 election the board under the previous government had actually cut the WorkCover levy, and clearly that was unsustainable. So, if one wants to look at where the problems began, that is a pretty good position to start. There is a problem out there, and this government is seeking to fix it. I look forward to the contribution from members opposite. I look forward to members opposite supporting the legislation that the government brings forward in relation to addressing the funding liabilities of WorkCover.