TOURISM COMMISSION

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS (15:32): I have a supplementary question arising out of the minister's attempted answer. Given the minister's claim that the board is completely independent and that staffing matters are completely a matter for the board, how does the minister justify the fact that she was meeting with the Commissioner for Public Employment about the termination of the former chief executive before the chair of the board?

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) (15:32): Because in the act there is a requirement that—

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order! You might learn something if you listen.

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: —matters to do with the appointment of the chief executive have to be agreed to by both the board and the minister. So the only position—

The Hon. R.I. Lucas interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: The only position that, as minister, I have any statutory responsibility for is the appointment and contract of the chief executive. As I said, that appointment has to be made and that contract needs to be agreed to by both the board and the minister.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order! Three to the minister: none to the opposition.