Unemployment Figures

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Leader of the Opposition) (14:38): Supplementary arising from the original answer: talking about the exact here and now—in fact in the last fortnight—can the Premier outline which state had the highest—

The PRESIDENT: The Premier?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER: Can the Treasurer outline which state had the highest unemployment in the nation, at 7.1 per cent, with the dubious honour of also having the lowest participation rate?

The PRESIDENT: That is really drawing a very long bow.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. K.J. Maher interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order, the Leader of the Opposition!

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS (Treasurer) (14:39): Mr President, the poor leader, he is so flustered he has referred to me as the Premier. As much as I might have perhaps been interested in the position 40 years ago, I can assure the Leader of the Opposition that I am not the Premier, and if he wants to direct a question to the Premier he should refer it to a colleague in the lower house.