MINISTERIAL APPOINTMENTS

The Hon. S.G. WADE (14:33): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking a question of the Leader of the Government relating to ministerial appointments.

Leave granted.

The Hon. S.G. WADE: In an interview with Ian Henschke's program on 891 on 5 May the leader stated:

The caucus is very keen to replace the second minister in the upper house and work and discussions are being done to do that as soon as that is possible.

The minister assured Mr Henschke that the appointment was 'being considered right at this moment'. I ask the minister, given that those statements were made more than a month ago:

1. When will a second minister be appointed to this place?

2. Is the delay in the appointment due to the lack of suitable candidates in the Labor team in this place or the inability of the caucus to make a decision?

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) (14:34): I thank the honourable member for his questions. I did indeed say on radio, and I have also said it in a number of public forums—in fact, to anyone who will listen to me, Mr President, I have advocated how absolutely important it is to expedite the filling of the second ministerial position in this chamber. I have been consistent and persistent in those efforts, and I remain consistent and persistent in those efforts, as you well know, Mr President. I know you are well aware of that. I have spoken to you about these matters many times.

What I stated on that program was indeed true, that those matters were under consideration at that very time. In fact, contrary to the scaremongering of the opposition, that has been our position right from the outset, that the government would seek to fill that second position as soon as it possibly could. There are, obviously, a number of considerations that are being taken into consideration by the caucus. These matters are obviously internal to the organisation, to the party, to the government.

I can absolutely assure all honourable members here that there are genuine attempts to expedite the filling of this second ministerial position. I, more than anyone else in this place, I can assure members, am frustrated by the length of time it is taking to fill that position. There is no-one in this place who feels it more intensely than I do, so I will be very pleased when that position is filled. However, I do also acknowledge that there are a number of matters that must be considered.

These are complex matters, and they have to be fully weighed up and a decision made. I know that all these important considerations are being contemplated and continue to be contemplated. In terms of suitable candidates—

Members interjecting:

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: I am just waiting so that I can be heard, Mr President.

The PRESIDENT: Fair enough, too!

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: In terms of suitable candidates—this is a very important point, and I want to make sure that the opposition hears this—there is not one person sitting in this chamber behind and beside me, not one person, who would not make an excellent minister.