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House of Assembly - Fifty-First Parliament, Third Session (51-3)
2009-03-25 Daily Xml
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NEWPORT QUAYS

Mr WILLIAMS (MacKillop) (15:10): My question is for the Minister for Infrastructure—and it looks like I am going to get a sensible answer. How will the government's joint venture at Newport Quays with developers Urban Construct be affected by a Federal Court action launched by 13 parties against the developer?

The Hon. P.F. CONLON (Elder—Minister for Transport, Minister for Infrastructure, Minister for Energy) (15:10): One of the things that I was very disappointed in the other day was a story that went to air—I did not see it—with an interview with—and I almost feel that I should bow when I say his name—Russell Ebert regarding this matter. Before we go any further, can I say that my understanding is that the interview with him was recorded some 13 weeks ago and—

An honourable member interjecting:

The Hon. P.F. CONLON: —no, wait for it—he had contacted the program to say that he had resolved his differences with the company and he asked them not to put the interview to air but, unfortunately, for some reason that advice was ignored and it went to air anyway. We do not believe that whoever is left, as opposed to the 13 that you—

Ms Chapman interjecting:

The Hon. P.F. CONLON: The other 12, of course, because Vickie would know. As far as I can work out, she knows everything. The likelihood of that influencing further development, I would have thought, is very low. I have certainly not been advised of any likelihood of that affecting further development. One of the regrettable things about this development is that it has been the subject of shallow political attack by the opposition, and in particular I refer to members in another place.

Ms Chapman interjecting:

The Hon. P.F. CONLON: Well, that is possibly because the Deputy Leader of the Opposition does not read what her members in the other place say. There were disgraceful attacks upon this development. We hear them attacked as being Labor donors and they are getting benefits out of that. Members opposite always fail to mention the large amount of money that Newport Quays gave to the Liberal Party back in 2002, I think it was.

There is absolutely no doubt that this project has been affected by ill-informed political attacks by the opposition. The opposition has chosen its route; it has chosen its path in life. It is no longer the party of business. It has never been the party of workers. It is certainly not the party of good ideas or conscience. The truth is that the project has been affected, on my understanding, by some of those attacks. Certainly, the people who are involved in the joint venture have been to see some Liberal members of parliament who have understood their views and all of that, and then, of course, have ignored them.

Having seen the shallow, base political attacks by the former party of business on these people, I look forward to seeing how much business supports them at the next election. Who is the latest person in their sights? Anyone who dares to do anything with the Labor Party. Bruce Carter, the chair of the Economic Development Board, is the latest in their sights for attack for having the gumption not to support the natural party of business.

The truth is that we do not expect any future development to be affected by a legal case between Newport Quays and some people. I do not even know how many of those are afoot at the moment. I will try to find that out for the house and come back. There is no doubt that, any time the Liberal opposition has the opportunity to attack this development, it does.

Mr Williams interjecting:

The Hon. P.F. CONLON: No, you are allowed to ask questions. I just make the point that, at every opportunity you have to attack this development, you do. That is all right; you feel free to do that. You will have to deal with the consequences yourself.

Mr Williams interjecting:

The Hon. P.F. CONLON: Mitch, I will do a deal with you: I promise that, if you never ask a question again, I will not pick on you for it.

Ms Chapman interjecting:

The Hon. P.F. CONLON: Thank you. Once again, Vickie has told me what I should do. That is what I will do: get an answer and come back. In fact, I thought I had said that a little earlier. I have given you an answer.

Mr Williams interjecting:

The Hon. P.F. CONLON: I think I will take a little longer. We might extend for an hour. I have given you the answer.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. P.F. CONLON: I have given you the clearest answer I can. My advice is that it has no effect on future development. I will certainly check that, and I will check the basis of your question that there are 13 actions afoot. I am not sure that is the case but, of course, if I am wrong, I will come back and apologise and, if you are wrong, you will, too. Is that the case?

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