Legislative Council - Fifty-Second Parliament, First Session (52-1)
2010-07-01 Daily Xml

Contents

REGIONAL COMMUNITIES

The Hon. J.S.L. DAWKINS (15:06): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Leader of the Government a question about regional communities.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.S.L. DAWKINS: In question time yesterday I asked the leader about his dismissive comments about the city of Dubbo in New South Wales. During his answer, the Leader of the Government said:

I should have picked an example of a town that was going backwards, that was declining, that did not wish to embrace new ideas or new growth, or that does not want people from overseas to come and help them.

My questions are:

1. Why does the leader feel it is appropriate to pick on any regional community, particularly one he perceives as struggling?

2. As a former minister for regional development, does the leader comprehend that all communities are unique, have different challenges and opportunities, and should be encouraged and supported by the government?

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY (Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Minister for Urban Development and Planning, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister Assisting the Premier in Public Sector Management) (15:07): Isn't it extraordinary? Let me say it again, perhaps more slowly for the honourable member, that I was talking about the vision of the Liberal Party for this state—

Members interjecting:

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY: That's what I was talking about in the context of the question; go and read the Hansard. That's what I was talking about, as I said—because that is what their vision for this city is.