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Opposition’s Approach to Government’s Actions

MR KAINE (4.37): I have been rather disappointed since the Assembly reconvened last week in the negative approach that has been taken by the Opposition. I referred in the debate this morning to the fact that they are very negative. They do not see anything positive in anything that the Government does. I exhorted them to examine the Chief Minister's statement to find at least something that they could agree with. I exhort them also to look at the budget when it is brought down. I am sure that they will find some goodies in there if they look deeply enough.

Not everybody in the world, however, is a knocker and a complainer. I would like to read a letter which the Opposition might take as an example of finding something that you can compliment people on when they do the job right. I would like to read this letter for the edification of the members opposite, Mr Speaker. It is from an elderly gentleman in Curtin and it is addressed to the Chief Minister. He says:

Madam,

I wish to thank you for your prompt action on my behalf in regard to my letter of 18 April 1995 requesting assistance in removing trees from my neighbour's house which were overhanging into my backyard.

This also compliments public servants. It goes on:

I wish to praise the thoughtfulness and help shown to my wife and myself of Mr Paul Blinksell of the Corrective Services Office.

The team sent to cut and trim the trees were very good and despite their limited equipment were able to clear about ninety per cent of the overhanging trees. They also assisted me in trimming some trees in my yard.

The next paragraph relates to a neighbour and I will not read that, but the final paragraph says:

Again, many thanks for your help and it is great to know that at long last we have a Chief Minister who acts instead of sending a letter full of promises and does “Sweet Fanny Adams”.

Yours sincerely.

The Opposition may take that as a little lesson in looking for things that people do right, and complimenting them when they do them.

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