Question Time

MINISTERIAL APPOINTMENTS

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY (Leader of the Opposition) (14:21): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the minister a question about ministerial responsibilities.

Leave granted.

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY: As members would be aware, since the sudden and unexpected resignation of the leader of the government, the Hon. Bernard Finnigan, we have only had one minister in this chamber. His responsibilities of industrial relations, gambling and state/local government relations have been dispersed among other members of the cabinet. Rumours have it that the Hon. Russell Wortley is likely to be given that responsibility some time later tomorrow and be sworn in as the new minister in the Labor government.

Pondering what responsibilities the Hon. Russell Wortley might be given, I am reminded of the significant number of sporting events and functions that I see him at and wonder whether tourism, sport and recreation might not be a suitable mix for him. Of course, we know that he has travelled extensively overseas with his wife, Senator Dana Wortley. I wonder whether tourism and multicultural affairs might not be appropriate. I am also reminded that, when I was on the ERD Committee with the Hon. Russell Wortley, he and I both swam with the sea lions at Sceale Bay and Baird Bay.

We observed osprey and sea eagles and he enjoyed some of the finest wines and food on the West Coast. I am wondering whether the environment and food marketing may not be a suitable opportunity for him. Then, I am also reminded that, I think, science and the information economy is where he really fits, because he is the only member of parliament I know who has racked up a $10,000 phone bill. My question to the minister is: in your opinion, what expertise does the Hon. Russell Wortley bring to the cabinet table and which ministerial responsibilities—

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY: —do you think he is likely to be given?

The PRESIDENT: The Hon. Mr Ridgway should have been here long enough now to know that he cannot ask a minister for an opinion. So, the honourable minister should totally ignore that question, because that is all it does. The Hon. Ms Lensink.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: I will have to call the Hon. Mr Wade in a minute.