Question Time

ST CLAIR LAND SWAP

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY (Leader of the Opposition) (14:36): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for State/Local Government Relations a question about the St Clair land swap.

Leave granted.

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY: It is with interest that we note that, today, the minister has backflipped on her decision and asked that that decision be set aside and has relinquished her rights to the Minister for the Southern Suburbs. My question to the minister is: will this next decision by the Minister for the Southern Suburbs be made prior to the 20 March election so that the residents of the western suburbs can be fully aware of the government's intentions prior to that election?

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) (14:37): I am very pleased to say that this government has acted in an extremely responsive way to community concerns; it has prioritised those concerns and issues and acted as expeditiously as it can within a responsible framework. Obviously it has considered all the matters very carefully, it has acted with a high degree of diligence and in good faith, and—

The Hon. D.W. Ridgway interjecting:

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: Just listen. Obviously, this government has also acted with advice. I announced today that I have sought to have my decision set aside. My understanding is that that will be before the Supreme Court later this week—either tomorrow or Thursday—and I understand that there are discussions taking place around that, so it is being considered. If the court does decide to set aside my decision then I have indicated that I will delegate my authority to the Hon. John Hill to conduct the decision afresh, just as the community around St Clair has requested.

This government has decided that it is in no-one's interest to have a protracted legal issue going on. It is important that the matter be resolved quickly so that the community can get on with its day to day business. I believe this is the best outcome for everyone, and I am very pleased to be able to deal with the matter in this way.

In relation to minister Hill and any process that he would undertake, or the time he would take to deal with that, that would be absolutely a matter for that minister. He would need to consider that and the matters that he believes are relevant to his decision-making. He would need to undertake that process according to all of those very important considerations. However, I have already put on the record that this issue is a priority for this government and we have given a commitment—

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: —to expedite this matter. I believe it is in the interests of the community to deal with this matter expeditiously, given the level of diligence that needs to be applied. I have already gone on the record and said that this government has prioritised this matter and that we will deal with it in an expeditious way.