Drought Round Tables

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI (Leader of the Opposition) (14:33): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development a question around drought round tables.

Leave granted.

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI: Yesterday, the minister stated in this chamber:

I am advised that the second round table is actually being held today, so that obviously prevents me from attending, given I have to be here in parliament.

It is the opposition's understanding that the Mid North dry seasonal conditions round table is to be held in the Jamestown Bowling Club tomorrow, Friday, at 12.30pm. My question to the minister is: given the round table is, in fact, not being held on a sitting day, will the minister be attending?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (14:33): I was acting on advice I had received that the round table was going to be yesterday. Tomorrow, I do have—

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order! I cannot hear what the minister is saying. I can't rule on anything that the minister says because I can't hear.

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN: As I said, the advice I received yesterday was that that was when the meeting was going to be. I am happy to have that checked. If indeed it is tomorrow at the time the Leader of the Opposition has mentioned, I believe I have a national agriculture ministers' meeting; however, I am happy to check my diary and see what might be able to be arranged.