Page 884 - Week 03 - Tuesday, 20 March 2012
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MR SPEAKER: Mr Doszpot, a supplementary question.
MR DOSZPOT: Minister, I was provided a directorate briefing on 7 March and advised that the investigation had long finished. So how can you on 8 March say in an interview “police are involved” when in fact police had already finalised the matter?
DR BOURKE: I am actually sorry; I misunderstood the earlier question which you are referring to. Police were called immediately to the incident and their investigation commenced then. And police operations are a matter for the police.
MR COE: A supplementary, Mr Speaker.
MR SPEAKER: Yes, Mr Coe.
MR COE: Minister, why did you refuse to meet with the father at the forefront of this issue?
DR BOURKE: I thank the member for his question. I never refused to meet with the father. The father never contacted my office. The father never requested a meeting with me. When I became aware through the media that he wanted a meeting with me, I arranged one immediately.
MR HARGREAVES: Supplementary, Mr Speaker.
MR SPEAKER: Yes, Mr Hargreaves.
MR HARGREAVES: Minister, do you believe in fact that this is the correct place for a conversation around this issue or do you think this is better handled by the proper authorities, such as the police?
Mrs Dunne: Point of order, Mr Speaker.
MR SPEAKER: Yes, Mrs Dunne.
Mrs Dunne: Mr Hargreaves asked Dr Bourke whether he believed that this was an appropriate venue. I think that that is asking for an expression of opinion and is out of order under the standing orders.
MR SPEAKER: Mrs Dunne, I find myself challenged by the fact that these kinds of questions occur frequently in this place and points of order are not often raised. I am sure that Mr Hargreaves could rephrase his question in a suitable way.
MR HARGREAVES: I certainly can, Mr Speaker. I can rise to the challenge that Mrs Dunne gives me any day of the week. Minister, is this the appropriate place for community conversations around such issues or is this a matter better dealt with by the appropriate authorities, such as the police?
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