Question Time

STATE ELECTION

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY (Leader of the Opposition) (14:27): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Leader of the Government a question about the 2010 election.

Leave granted.

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY: At the March 2010 election for the Legislative Council, some 356,626 people voted for the ALP ticket. The successful candidates were Mr Paul Holloway, Ms Gail Gago, Mr Bernard Finnigan and Mr John Gazzola. The 356,626 people would have expected the team that they voted for to represent their interests in this place. Interestingly, one quarter of that team has not been seen in parliament since early April, some two months ago. My questions to the Leader of the Government are: where is Bernard Finnigan MLC, why is he not in the chamber, and when will he resume his seat in this place?

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) (14:28): The honourable member knows as well as anyone in this place that our Constitution allows for taking leave of this chamber. The honourable member has done nothing more or less at this point in time than to access the leave that he is entitled to. In terms of the future of the honourable member, this is unknown at this point in time.

The Hon. D.W. Ridgway: Where is he? Who is going to take his place?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: These matters are unknown at this particular time and, when they are known, an announcement will be made in due course.