Enterprise Bargaining

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Leader of the Opposition) (15:14): Further supplementary: the Treasurer in his answer talked about 'sensible and cooperative'. Can the Treasurer outline which particular unions he thinks are not sensible and not cooperative?

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS (Treasurer) (15:14): I have nothing further to add, other than only those leaders, the union bosses who are prepared to settle sensible—

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS: —reasonable salary increases with the government.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: The Leader of the Opposition!

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS: Very sensible—

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: The Leader of the Opposition!

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS: —and we certainly encourage all of those who have been reluctant to come to the table and to settle a sensible agreement—

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: The Leader of the Opposition is out of order.

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS: —and encourage them to follow the leadership we have seen in relation to some of these—

The Hon. T.J. STEPHENS: Point of order.

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS: —or those that we have seen in the enterprise agreement.

The PRESIDENT: Order! The Treasurer will resume his seat. Point of order, the Hon. Mr Stephens.

The Hon. T.J. STEPHENS: The Leader of the Opposition is constantly shouting 'gutless' at the Treasurer. I don't think that is parliamentary.

The PRESIDENT: I don't think there is any point of order. My greatest concern is that the leader continues to ask questions and then continues to shout over the top of the answer, and I think it is time we moved on.