Australian Sign Language Interpreters

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (15:13): Yes, sir. If the minister is surprised and she finds out that there is insufficient funding to provide for an Auslan interpreter at Carols by Candlelight, will she undertake to find the funding to provide one for this year?

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (Minister for Human Services) (15:14): I could ask my department, but it depends on whether there is actually a shortfall. The Labor Party whip asserts it, but Labor Party members come in here and assert all sorts of things that we know at the time, in question time, aren't true or that we subsequently find out aren't true. It's often a case of never let the truth get in the way of a good story. I would need to look at what information my department holds. As I said, I am happy to bring back information to the chamber if I've been written to and if there is a concern about this particular issue.

The PRESIDENT: The Hon. Mr Hunter, a supplementary?