Page 4730 - Week 13 - Tuesday, 10 November 2009
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members of the Assembly that that is an offer that has been rejected by Pace Farm. They insist that it is not nearly enough; that the economies are not there for them.
We have indicated strongly our commitment to seek to enhance, and I am sure ultimately to phase out, cage egg production. Our position on this is unequivocal: we do not believe other than of course accepting that there is a leadership role for governments to play in relation to issues of community concern. I believe there is a leadership issue. We have shown leadership on this issue. We have not shown the extent or degree of leadership that perhaps some would like; in other words that we simply close the facility, with the impact that that would have on employment and on our economy. I think there is, Ms Le Couteur, a reasonable and genuine argument to be had: to what extent is the animal welfare of a single hen enhanced by simply moving the facility into New South Wales? (Time expired.)
MR SPEAKER: Ms Bresnan, a supplementary question?
MS BRESNAN: Are you taking action against Parkwood under the Animal Welfare Act for confining animals in a way that causes injury, pain or excessive distress using a method that does not even meet the minimum standard in the poultry welfare code?
MR STANHOPE: Ms Bresnan, if you have specific allegations to make against Pace Farm, I would be grateful if you would refer them to me and I would be more than happy to refer them to the appropriate authorities.
Actew Corporation—portfolio responsibility
MRS DUNNE: My question is to the Treasurer. Treasurer, last week, in a briefing given by officials from Actew Corporation, members of the opposition were informed that Minister Corbell does not have ministerial responsibility for Actew Corporation. We were informed that you as Treasurer have portfolio responsibility and this is borne out by the administrative arrangements. But previously in this place Mr Corbell has sought to take responsibility for answering questions about the major water projects and the related activities of Actew and about the Bulk Water Alliance of which Actew is a member. Treasurer, why was Mr Corbell trying to field questions directed to you?
Mr Stanhope: I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. I am responsible for the administrative arrangements orders. Mr Corbell, as minister for the environment, has administrative responsibility, as minister for the environment and minister for water, for water policy and for water security. Mrs Dunne may take her advice from others in relation to administrative arrangements in this place, but she is wrong, and so are they. Mr Corbell has administrative responsibility, as minister for the environment and minister for water and minister for climate change, for water policy—
MR SPEAKER: Mr Stanhope, is this a point of order or an answer to the question?
Mr Stanhope: It is a point of order. The question was out of order.
MR SPEAKER: Well, I do not think the question is out of order, Mr Stanhope.
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