Regional Bank Closures

The Hon. R.A. SIMMS (14:38): Supplementary: I understand the power of a persuasive letter. I have written a few in my time; they are very powerful. But what else has the minister done? Has she actually requested a face-to-face meeting, given this motion was passed 12 months ago? What more has she done other than being pen pals with the CEOs?

The PRESIDENT: I will allow the supplementary question, but gratuitous self-praise, the Hon. Mr Simms, is out of order.

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (14:39): I suggest it is a bit gratuitous, given the honourable member didn't bother to make a submission to the inquiry. Writing a letter is good and useful, but I suggest that when there is a Senate inquiry open that a submission to that Senate inquiry might be a good action to take, as indeed the state government did.