WORKCOVER BOARD

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS (15:57): My question is directed to the Leader of the Government. Has the minister or any of his ministerial officers had any consultation with WorkCover Board member Mr Peter Malinauskas about possible new appointments to the WorkCover Board to replace any of the existing members of the WorkCover Board?

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY (Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Minister for Urban Development and Planning, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister Assisting the Premier in Public Sector Management) (15:57): I believe that the WorkCover Board expires sometime in September so, as the act requires, I will be having wide consultations with a number of people.

The Hon. R.I. Lucas interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY: I am answering the question. As I understand it, there are a number of representatives and it is actually a requirement to consult with a number of key members of both industrial and union groups in relation to those appointments. I believe that is standard practice and of course it is required in relation to the act since, after all, there are representatives of those groups who are required under the WorkCover Act. My understanding is that Mr Malinauskas, as the secretary of a key union, is of course a member of the board. However, his position, as I understand it, is not one that falls due later this year when a number of other memberships come due.