Transport Subsidy Scheme

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (15:05): Thank you, sir, I will. Given that the minister, in her original answer, was very happy to say that she made representations to her federal counterpart on school transport matters—and presumably they are matters that are the responsibility of the Minister for Education—why then is she avoiding any responsibility for taking up the issues of taxi vouchers or other transport subsidy for people with disabilities instead of just handballing it to the minister in the other place?

The PRESIDENT: The Hon. Mr Hunter, that supplementary was within standing orders. Minister.

The Hon. J.M.A. Lensink: Sorry?

The PRESIDENT: Minister, it was within standing orders, except for the last little bit.

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (Minister for Human Services) (15:06): The Labor members are very fond of putting a whole range of comments into our mouths. For the benefit of anybody who may be reading Hansard, they should always examine what Labor members say very, very carefully because they are quite a duplicitous bunch in opposition, as they were in government. I will respond to the questions—

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order! Minister, go on, if you wish.

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK: I will respond to the questions that I have taken on notice and bring back some replies for the honourable members and just remind them that perhaps they should have thought of this before they signed that bilateral agreement.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: I remind the opposition that we are on the clock, so all this banter is taking your time away. Leader of the Opposition, do you wish to take the call ahead of the Hon. Ms Scriven?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER: No.

The PRESIDENT: The Hon. Ms Scriven.