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House of Assembly - Fifty-Fifth Parliament, First Session (55-1)
2022-09-07 Daily Xml
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Human Services Department Newsletter

Ms PRATT (Frome) (14:46): My question is to the Minister for Human Services. Who gave final approval for the distribution of the political newsletter that was sent to all DHS staff?

The Hon. N.F. COOK (Hurtle Vale—Minister for Human Services) (14:46): In terms of the wording of the newsletter, I approved the wording of the newsletter. To be clear, the newsletter that was intended for the electorate office was sent out to the department. That was an error. It was realised within a very short space of time and an apology was issued. I think we have actually executed this or prosecuted this before. The song, Road to Nowhere comes to mind.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Member for Florey! Member for Mawson!

The Hon. N.F. COOK: The staff member feels completely unwell about it and has been supported through this whole period of time. In fact, I can give you advance notice so that you can start trawling through stuff: we are doing another newsletter. We are about to do another newsletter celebrating six months of extraordinary announcements, six months of many, many visits to many sites, engagement with stakeholders and meetings with constituents.

I think there are a few things that have come up as a common thread: 'Wow! You actually use the main lift and don't go up the back lift of the office to hide from people,' or, 'Wow! You actually have me in your office for a meeting. With the last minister, we had to sit in the boardroom across 10 feet of table. Wow! We've met with you twice already. This is crazy. I barely even saw the other minister.'

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. N.F. COOK: 'We have had to turn people away from coming to the forums because so many people—

Mr Tarzia interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Member for Hartley!

The Hon. N.F. COOK: —want to come and actually—

Mr Tarzia interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The member for Hartley is called to order.

The Hon. N.F. COOK: —be listened to by someone who actually cares about what's going on. Hang on, I've never had so many conversations with the minister who is so engaged and so committed to delivering on excellent—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. N.F. COOK: —social policy. Ok, wow!'

The Hon. J.A.W. Gardner interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Member for Morialta!

The Hon. N.F. COOK: 'You've been to more places in six months than the other minister went to in four years. Wow! You are making such a difference.' I tell you what, member for Frome, I will send you the newsletter in advance so you can have a look at it and celebrate with me. How's that?

Members interjecting:

The Hon. N.F. COOK: You're welcome.

The SPEAKER: Order!

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