Legislative Council: Wednesday, May 07, 2008

Contents

SITTINGS AND BUSINESS

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY (Minister for Police, Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Minister for Urban Development and Planning) (15:28): Given that the government has had two priority bills this week and we have had lengthy discussion on one of those, now that we are on to government business, I move:

That the council postpone Orders of the Day: Government Business Nos 3 to 6.

This will enable us to begin debate on the other matter of importance this week that we need to pass, namely, the WorkCover bill.

The council divided on the motion:

AYES (9)

Evans, A.L. Finnigan, B.V. Gago, G.E.
Gazzola, J.M. Holloway, P. (teller) Hood, D.G.E.
Hunter, I.K. Wortley, R.P. Zollo, C.

NOES (12)

Bressington, A. Darley, J.A. Dawkins, J.S.L.
Kanck, S.M. Lawson, R.D. Lensink, J.M.A.
Lucas, R.I. Parnell, M. Ridgway, D.W. (teller)
Schaefer, C.V. Stephens, T.J. Wade, S.G.


Majority of 3 for the noes.

Motion thus negatived.

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY: Perhaps I can ask the Opposition: what can we do in government business? You've decided what we do! It does not happen in any other parliament in the western world. So, as Leader of the Government I have to ask the opposition what can we do.

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS: On a point of order, under what standing order is the Leader of the Government standing and ranting and raving at the moment?

The PRESIDENT: I think the Leader of the Government is seeking what the opposition would now like the government to do because it seems to have taken the business out of the government's hands.

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY: It is clear that we are almost—

The Hon. B.V. Finnigan: Point of order! What's your point of order? What standing order?

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY: Chuck him out! The President has just asked me a question—listen!

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY: It is clear that we have almost completed the serious and organised crime legislation. It is a priority for this opposition and the Premier as public safety is of the utmost importance. We want to see the debate concluded and then we will deal with WorkCover.

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY: It is very nice of the opposition to allow the government to discuss its legislation. I move:

That Order of the Day: Government Business No.2, adjourned on motion, be taken into consideration forthwith.

Motion carried.