Rex Airlines

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Leader of the Opposition) (14:24): Supplementary arising from the original answer: the minister has explained that he no longer has responsibility for tourism. Has the minister had any discussions with the new Minister for Tourism about what he has previously discussed with Rex Airlines and the best way to confront this problem?

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY (Minister for Trade and Investment) (14:25): I have a range of discussions with the minister and Premier on a regular basis on a range of issues. The Premier was as astounded as I when I mentioned that in 16 years of a Labor government they had never ever been to visit Rex. He was certainly interested in that. He could not believe that for 16 years they didn't even bother to talk to them.