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Legislative Council - Fifty-Fourth Parliament, Second Session (54-2)
2021-10-28 Daily Xml
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Citizenship Ceremonies

The Hon. T.A. FRANKS (15:01): I seek leave to address a question to the Leader of the Government, the Treasurer, representing the Premier and the Attorney-General, on the subject of—

The PRESIDENT: So you are seeking leave to make an explanation?

The Hon. T.A. FRANKS: I seek leave to make a brief explanation.

The PRESIDENT: Leave is granted.

The Hon. T.A. FRANKS: I haven't actually given you the topic yet, Mr President.

The PRESIDENT: The topic is?

The Hon. T.A. FRANKS: The topic would be the Marshall opposition promise to preserve the 26 January date for council citizenship ceremonies.

Leave granted.

The Hon. T.A. FRANKS: It's now four years—24 October 2017, to be exact—since the Marshall opposition promised that in government they would amend the Local Government Act to uphold the 26 January date for Australia Day citizenship ceremonies, ensuring that councils would be banned in this state from observing other days for those ceremonies. At the time, explaining their move, the Marshall opposition stated that they loved Australia Day and wanted to make sure it remained the same. They noted that they had not consulted Aboriginal communities and, while it wasn't reported, it seemed that they also hadn't consulted local government.

I asked this question just over 400 days into this government and I ask it again four years on: has the Marshall Liberal government had any consultation on this pledge of theirs at the 2018 election to ensure that Australia Day on 26 January was observed by local councils with local government, Indigenous groups or anybody in the community? Did they ever draft instructions or prepare any materials requesting this legislation be effected? And will they be rolling out this dog whistle politics in the upcoming election yet again?

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS (Treasurer) (15:03): In listening to the honourable member's question, I just sort of recoiled at how grating the sound of 'Marshall opposition' is compared to 'Marshall Liberal government'. It has a terrible ring to it. It reminded me of terrible, terrible distant days of the past. Let's hope that they don't return.

In relation to the honourable member's question, I am happy to refer the member's question to both the Premier and/or the Minister for Local Government. I suspect probably the Minister for Local Government, if it was a pledge to amend the Local Government Act. What I would do in willingly referring the question is certainly reject the notion that a love and a passion for Australia Day in any way—

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order! The Treasurer will resume his seat. I think the Hon. Ms Franks deserves the opportunity to hear the response because members of the opposition just seem to think it is a little humorous afternoon here. I think the Hon. Ms Franks should have the opportunity to hear the Treasurer. The Treasurer has the call.

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS: Mr President, there is certainly nothing humorous about the Treasurer of the state, I can assure you. That is something upon we can all agree. What I was about to say in conclusion, whilst agreeing to refer the member's question I suspect to the Minister for Local Government, is that I would certainly reject completely the inference or notion that a love and a passion for celebrating Australia Day is any way construed as being dog whistle politics.

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