MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS
1419. Hon MICHAEL MISCHIN to the Minister for Regional Development:
I refer to the minister's
use of ministerial statements.
(1) What are the
criteria by which she adjudges that an announcement should be dignified by a ministerial
statement to this house, rather than by way of a media release or other means?
(2) Are these
criteria set out in any policy or other document or instruction to her staff;
and, if so, will she table that document or instruction tomorrow when we next
sit?
Hon
ALANNAH MacTIERNAN replied:
(1)–(2) I find this the most extraordinary question. This
emerged this morning when I made a ministerial statement acknowledging
the extraordinary work over 80 years of the Trandos family. I would have
thought that we would have had a celebration across this chamber for a family
like the Trandoses —
The PRESIDENT: Order!
Minister, no need to yell.
Hon ALANNAH MacTIERNAN: —
but, no, the Leader of the Opposition sat and complained that as Minister for
Agriculture and Food, I was acknowledging extraordinary work, extraordinary
innovation and extraordinary leadership. I can tell the Leader of the
Opposition that his statement here today will become widely known. I am just
extremely disappointed that he has not joined us in celebration of the
magnificent effort of the Trandos family.
Several members interjected.
The PRESIDENT: Order!