MINISTERIAL STAFF

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS (14:29): As a supplementary question, minister, is it not correct that in addition to those numbers—the 12.6—you have actually organised to have an extra approximately five or six staff funded by the departments for which you are responsible in addition to those supposedly transparently recorded?

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) (14:29): I don't know what the honourable member is talking about. I have no idea what he is talking about. We know that he comes into this place and just makes figures up. He makes things up. He does not research his information. He comes in here and makes up any old figure at all. I have no idea what he is talking about. Unless he wants to furnish me with some specific information, I simply am not able to respond to the question, so cough up or shut up.

The PRESIDENT: The Hon. Mr Lucas to cough up.