LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION

The Hon. R.L. BROKENSHIRE (15:14): I have a supplementary question arising from the minister's answer on local government and regional development.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order! It's not always easy when you are not reading it out of The Advertiser.

The Hon. R.L. BROKENSHIRE: Thank you, sir. Given the minister's answer to the question without notice, does he agree with the LGA president today, when he came out in the media calling for local government, regional development and industry development all to be put to one minister and to be taken right up to the top of the executive of the cabinet?

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for State/Local Government Relations) (15:15): I have not read the statement by Mr McHugh, but I do say this: this state government takes regional development and local government very seriously. The Minister for Regional Development and I will work together to improve the lot of our people in the regions.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!