Compulsory Land Acquisition

The Hon. J.A. DARLEY (14:36): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Trade—

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: The Hon. Mr Darley, please sit down. I would like to hear the Hon. Mr Darley's question, and I would like the opposition in particular to sit in silence. The Hon. Mr Darley.

The Hon. J.A. DARLEY: I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Trade and Investment representing the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Local Government a question regarding compensation in compulsory acquisition matters.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.A. DARLEY: I have recently been contacted by a constituent who has experienced significant delays in receiving payment for fees in relation to the acquisition of their property. I have been informed by this constituent that the bill for their valuation fees was agreed to months ago; however, they are still waiting for payment of these fees. My questions to the minister are:

1. Can the minister advise why individuals and businesses are experiencing delays in receiving compensation in circumstances where claims are undisputed?

2. What are the average and maximum times for valuation and legal fees to be agreed to?

3. What are the average minimum and maximum times for valuation and legal fees to be paid once they have been agreed by the government?

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY (Minister for Trade and Investment) (14:37): I thank the honourable member for his question and his ongoing interest in compulsory acquisition. I know he and I—and you, sir—at the time may have been on a select committee that looked at a whole range of compulsory acquisition issues on the South Road corridor. I will take his questions on notice and refer them to my colleague and good friend the Hon. Stephan Knoll, Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Local Government in the other place.