Social Services

The Hon. J.E. HANSON (14:52): A supplementary: political footballs aside, can the minister update the house as to where the government intends to refer any clients—

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: I cannot hear, minister, the question.

Members interjecting:

The Hon. J.E. HANSON: It was clarified with the President that it was a supplementary.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: It's the President's ruling. I don't see anyone on their feet other than the Hon. Mr Hanson, and I can't hear the Hon. Mr Hanson. I will listen to the question and I will make my decision.

The Hon. J.E. HANSON: Thank you, Mr President, for your protection. Can the minister update the house as to where the government intends to refer clients with specialised needs post 1 July should any of those organisations close their doors?

The PRESIDENT: It does arise out of the general answer.

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (Minister for Human Services) (14:53): With the specialised needs, is the honourable member talking about specialised needs in terms of disability services? What specific services is he referring to?

The PRESIDENT: Minister, you can't ask a question back to the Hon. Mr Hanson. Minister, answer the question to the best of your ability.

The Hon. K.J. Maher interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Leader of the Opposition, you do not need to give free advice. Minister.

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK: And I will refrain from taking advice from the Leader of the Opposition. I think that would be a very unwise approach. If the honourable member has specific either clients or services which have concerns, then he can refer them to us and we will endeavour to assist them as we always do in a very efficient manner.