Parliamentary Questions

Question Without Notice No. 57 asked in the Legislative Council on 18 May 2017 by Hon Nick Goiran

Parliament: 40 Session: 1

Answered on 18 May 2017

MINISTER FOR REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT — REMUNERATION AND ALLOWANCES

57.

Hon NICK GOIRAN

to the Leader of the House representing the Premier:

I refer to my question without notice on 17 May 2017 about the remuneration and allowances paid to the Minister for Regional Development and the answer directing me to the Presiding Officer on the basis that the Parliament administers payments to members of Parliament.
(1) Is the Premier aware that the Minister for Regional Development is not a member of Parliament?

(2) Prior to appointing the Minister for Regional Development, did he seek legal advice on whether it was lawful to appoint a minister of the Crown who is not a member of Parliament?

(3) If yes to (2), when will he table that advice?

(4) Has he or any of his staff had any conversation with the minister about her remuneration or allowances?

(5) Is he aware whether the minister has been paid any remuneration allowances?

Hon STEPHEN DAWSON replied:
On behalf of the Leader of the House, I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question.
(1) Yes.

(2) The Department of the Premier and Cabinet sought advice from the Solicitor-General as part of its briefings for the incoming government.

(3) Legal advice provided to government is subject to legal professional privilege.
(4) The Premier has had one brief conversation with the minister about the matter.

(5) Payment of remuneration and allowances in accordance with the determination of the Salaries and Allowances Tribunal for members of Parliament is administered by the Parliament of Western Australia.