Page 4201 - Week 10 - Tuesday, 21 September 2010
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
MS BURCH: Indeed, three members of the Assembly attended an advanced civics course at Campbell high. You were there, Mr Coe, as was Ms Hunter. We were invited by the school as members of this Assembly to discuss differences in policies and different issues that affected children and young people.
In the discussion between Campbell and my office it was agreed that we would bring some material to support that, which I did. I see nothing wrong, however, in providing information that was consistent with the intent of what we were there for, which was an advanced civics course to discuss the difference in policy platforms and positions between the three parties.
Did I take the bags? Yes, I did take the bags. The students were there. The teachers were in the room at the same time.
MR SPEAKER: Supplementary question, Mr Coe?
MR COE: Thank you, Mr Speaker. Minister did you or a member of your office consult with the minister for education or his department about this material prior to your distribution of the bags?
MS BURCH: I think a statement has been issued, and I ask if Mr Coe, indeed, made contact with the minister’s officers before his attendance.
Mr Hanson: On a point of order, Mr Speaker, Mr Coe asked a question about whether there was any engagement between her office and the minister’s office. To refer to a statement from the minister for education’s office is certainly not answering the question. I would ask that you direct Ms Burch to answer the question, which was quite specific, rather than referring Mr Coe to a statement made by the education minister.
MR SPEAKER: Mr Hanson, you raised a point of order. Whilst I am not going to comment on the calibre of the minister’s answer, I do not believe it is out of order. You are welcome to ask a supplementary question, but there is no point of order.
A supplementary, Mr Doszpot?
MR DOSZPOT: Yes, Mr Speaker. Minister, other than the generic letter that was sent to all MLAs by the minister for education, has the minister for education written to you or otherwise contacted you about this breach of policy?
MS BURCH: I received the letter, the same as all MLAs, but as a collegiate friend, as a member of this Assembly, yes, we have had a discussion about it.
MR SPEAKER: Supplementary, Mr Doszpot?
MR DOSZPOT: Yes. Minister, why didn’t you ask the Strategy and Parliamentary Education Office to provide you with appropriate material about the Assembly?
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video