FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT

The Hon. M. PARNELL (14:42): Arising from the minister's original answer, given that three of my last four successful appeals to the Ombudsman have been from your department, minister, are you satisfied that your officers understand the spirit of this legislation, that is, that disclosure should be the paramount consideration?

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) (14:43): I am very happy. I do not interfere in those cases. I know that there is one case now where the honourable member is challenging a matter in the courts, but that is not because of any reluctance on my part in relation to that particular document; it is because—

The Hon. M. PARNELL: I rise on a point of order. It is a matter that was heard in court on Wednesday. It is before a judge of the court; it is not my appeal and the minister should refrain from talking about it while a judge of the District Court is considering my application, based on an appeal lodged by third parties.

The PRESIDENT: Fair enough.

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY: I suggest that the Hon. Mr Parnell does not ask questions about appeals then. I try to answer questions, and then, when I do, he objects, so I am quite happy to refrain.

The PRESIDENT: The Hon. Mr Lucas has a supplementary.