Page 2530 - Week 10 - Tuesday, 13 October 1992
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MR WOOD: Madam Speaker, I am rather bemused by the need for this questioning. I cannot imagine what the background is. I did indicate, to either Mr Kaine or Mr Cornwell - one or the other - some of the background to this, and I cannot understand the reason for their questioning. I cannot understand the reason for continued questioning on this.
As the Chief Minister says, the process was completely open and above board. There is no doubt about that. We acted entirely within the framework of the recommendations that were made by the selection panel. There is no question of that. In the course of the panel's deliberations a number of contacts were made. Referees were approached and, I understand, people beyond referees, in order to ensure accurate information to Cabinet as we deliberated on the information given to us and made our decision. I was informed of these. To the best of my knowledge, two directors-general of education were part of the process. One was the chair of the panel and another, I believe, was approached by way of seeking out information. I do not know what further you want me to say. If you publicly or privately express your concerns to me, perhaps I can alleviate them.
MR KAINE: I ask a supplementary question. Minister, you just said, "It was an open process". Yet both you and the Chief Minister decline to answer questions about it. My supplementary question is: Will you give us an assurance that the Chief Minister will not; that the person appointed was, in fact, the preferred candidate recommended to the Cabinet by the selection panel?
Ms Follett: Oh, come on!
MR KAINE: Madam Speaker, these are perfectly valid questions and there is no reason for them not to answer.
MR WOOD: Madam Speaker, the facts in respect of the open nature of it are these - - -
Mr Kaine: Just answer my question.
MR WOOD: You asked a question relating to this. Think back to what you asked. You will remember that you asked whether it was open.
Mr Kaine: No. I said that you said that it was open. Leading from that, I asked you a question, and I would like you to answer the question.
MR WOOD: The open nature of it is that the position was advertised in national newspapers. Expressions of interest were further sought. A panel was set up in the usual way. Interviews were held.
Mr Kaine: I want to know whether their recommendation was adopted, and you will not answer the question.
Mr Berry: I raise a point of order, Madam Speaker. The Leader of the Opposition has interjected repeatedly while the Minister attempts to answer the question. I would call on you to ask him to sit - - -
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