GOVERNMENT BUSINESS

The Hon. T.J. STEPHENS (15:20): I have a supplementary question.

The PRESIDENT: The Hon. Mr Stephens has a supplementary question.

The Hon. T.J. STEPHENS: Can the minister confirm that the previous leader of the government, the Hon. Bernard Finnigan, asked us to have supply speeches ready this week? He did not say anything about today and he did not say anything about completion this week.

The PRESIDENT: The minister can ignore that.

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Public Sector Management, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises, Minister for Gambling) (15:20): Mr President, as I said, it is extremely disappointing that priority notice was given that the Supply Bill needed to go through and be completed this week, so to suggest that the opposition is not aware of the importance—

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: —of the Supply Bill being completed this week—

The Hon. J.S.L. Dawkins: It didn't say anything about supply having to go through this week. Why don't you read it?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: Well, it does need to go through this week.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: The opposition are experienced members in this place, so it is extremely disappointing to see that, after a lengthy break, only one person has prepared themselves for a second reading speech—one person.