REGIONAL COMMUNITIES CONSULTATIVE COUNCIL

The Hon. J.S.L. DAWKINS (14:43): As a supplementary question, given that the former RCCC term expired on 31 December 2010 and that the minister has said that it has been held in such high regard, why has it taken the government until 3 May 2011 to appoint the new council?

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) (14:43): I thank the honourable member for his question. I have already answered this question. Their memories are so short—short memories and lazy opposition is what they are. I have already responded to that question in this place. I said that, as the new minister coming into regional development, I wanted time to have a look at the role and function and terms of reference of the council.

I said that I wanted to have a close look at that as the new minister. I wanted to check the terms of reference. They had only just been redone, but I wanted to assure myself that, given the changes in the RDA structures—

The Hon. J.S.L. Dawkins interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: —that had recently been put in place, the new council, its terms of reference and the complement of that council were consistent with contemporary needs. I believe, as a new minister, that it is important that I take the time necessary to assure myself of all of those things and make the best decision possible. I think there is a three-year term of office. Regional development is an extremely important policy area. This is a really important council, and it is most important that we get it right. It is just a shame that they don't bother to listen to answers to questions in this place and that I have had to waste this council's time in repeating a response.