NORTHERN CONNECTIONS

The Hon. J.S.L. DAWKINS (14:52): As a supplementary question, will the minister responsible for local government in the state government take up this matter with the minister and urge her to consult with the five stakeholder local government bodies in the northern suburbs portfolio?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for State/Local Government Relations, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises, Minister Assisting the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Energy) (14:52): I can assure the honourable member that I do not need to: I am absolutely confident, given the track record of my colleague. I know that as a former minister for state/local government relations her commitment to and understanding of the local government sector are well established, and her performance as the then minister was quite exceptional. I know that the Hon. Jennifer Rankine is extremely experienced and does understand and is incredibly sympathetic to that level of government, and I am absolutely confident that she does not need to be reminded of the importance of consultation.