REGIONAL TOURISM

The Hon. T.J. STEPHENS (15:09): Given that intrastate tourism is down by 25 per cent, will you now acknowledge that your strategies are an abject failure?

The PRESIDENT: Order! The honourable minister does not have to answer such a provocative question towards this great state.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: The honourable minister.

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Minister for Forests, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Tourism, Minister for the Status of Women) (15:10): The—

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order! Sit down, minister.

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: I want to get back up again. I have not answered the question.

The PRESIDENT: When they be silent, the minister will answer. You've got your questions.

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: I am very keen to have a go at answering—well, not have a go, I have already answered this. I have already answered this question on several occasions previously and have answered it again today. I cannot believe the honourable member—he really needs to wash out his ears. He sits there, a total waste of space. He is clearly not listening. I have just outlined a recent strategy.

Truly, what a waste of space he is over there. He is simply not listening. I have outlined a recent review, a very recent restructuring and a regional plan that has very recently been put in place. These things have only just been put in place; they have only just been initiated. The honourable member is referring to trends that go back over a number of years. We have responded to this; we have put a strategy in place.

The Hon. J.S.L. Dawkins: How many ministers have you lot had?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: We're asked how many ministers—we've had less ministers than they've had opposition leaders.

The Hon. R.L. BROKENSHIRE: Supplementary, Mr President.

The PRESIDENT: I think I'll call the Hon. Mr Stephens. He's got to improve.