National Partnership Agreement on Remote Indigenous Housing

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Leader of the Opposition) (14:32): Supplementary arising from the answer: the minister made reference to what she has done as minister in relation to negotiations and what happened preceding her. Given that other states, such as Western Australia and Queensland, have been negotiating for the same amount of time and been unable to reach an agreement, those two states have mounted a vigorous campaign to get what is necessary for remote Indigenous housing. The minister previously told the chamber that she has had one meeting—

The PRESIDENT: It's not a personal explanation.

The Hon. K.J. MAHER: —with minister Scullion. Except for that one meeting, what has the minister actually done herself on this issue?

The PRESIDENT: Hon. Leader of the Opposition, the question was actually fine, the lengthy preamble was not. Please do not do that again. Minister.

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (Minister for Human Services) (14:33): Thank you, Mr President. I think I was probably doing more in opposition to raise this issue than the former minister did in government.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Minister, through me. Leader of the Opposition, restrain yourself—I know you're passionate about this.

The Hon. K.J. Maher interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: I am sure the Hon. Clare Scriven may ask that question when she gets the chance, when she gets the call. Unofficial questions while you are seated are not appropriate. I would like to hear the minister in silence, replying to your very important question. Minister.

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK: Thank you, Mr President. I have been engaged in this process for several months now. I have done a range of things, my department has done a range of things: we have been negotiating with Treasury officials in South Australia; I have discussed this matter with the Treasurer and I have discussed this matter with the Premier. There are a range of us as a team who are engaged in this process, and the proof will be in the pudding. Judge us on our actions not our deeds.