Legislative Council - Fifty-Third Parliament, First Session (53-1)
2014-05-21 Daily Xml

Contents

Automotive Industry

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY (Leader of the Opposition) (14:35): A supplementary question. Have the minister and her husband supported Australian automotive manufacturing by driving and owning an Australian manufactured and built car?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Employment, Higher Education and Skills, Minister for Science and Information Economy, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Business Services and Consumers) (14:35): It is a shameful, despicable question to bring family members into this chamber. You can just see how low the opposition are reaching. We know that there is a precedent. I am happy in this place to account for my actions as minister and also my private, personal—

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order! You don't need to answer the question.

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: No, I'm going to finish it, Mr President, if I may.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: The Hon. Mr Ridgway, the Hon. Mr Dawkins. The Hon. Mr Ridgway, allow the minister to complete her answer. Honourable members of both sides, allow the minister to complete her answer.

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: Thank you for your protection, sir. It is gutter politics in this place when family members are dragged into these sorts of discussions in this chamber. It is a despicable, cowardly action and it is an absolute disgrace. As I said, I am always pleased to answer questions in relation to my behaviour, particularly as minister, but what a disgraceful, low life, gutter political act to bring family members into this chamber. Both my husband and I drive Holdens, but as I said it is a low moment indeed. Gutter, grubby politics to bring family into this place!