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Other Parliamentary SpeechesThis page is dedicated to Peter's speeches during parliament that do not fall under Questions or Questions without notice. They range from debating legislation, reporting on events or issues in his seat of Southport and his Ministerial Statements.
Estimates Commitee |
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| Posted by Administrator (admin) on Aug 10 2007 |
| Other Speeches >> |
Mr LAWLOR (Southport-ALP) (9.34 pm)
I support the report of Estimates Committee G which
examined the proposed expenditure set out in the Appropriation Bill 2007 for organisational units within
the portfolios of the Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries, and the Minister for Communities and
Disability Services, and that also covered the budget allocation for the Office of the Speaker.
Firstly I thank our research director Julie Copley, research officer Amanda Honeyman and
executive assistant Michelle Benham. As is always the case with parliamentary staff, they were efficient,
conscientious and pleasant. That also applies to the Hansard reporters whom I thank, along with the
ministerial and departmental staff who approached the hearing in such a professional manner. I thank
my fellow committee members and Chair Evan Moorhead, who conducted the hearing with fairness and
efficiency.
In listening to the various non-government members, it is particularly disappointing to hear the
usual complaints about the ineffectiveness of the estimates hearing processes. Also, there is the usual
standard reservation statements. They are all the same. One could just change the name of the
committee as was pointed out by other people, including Minister Geoff Wilson.
Mr Horan: Like your standard Dorothy Dixers.
Mr LAWLOR: I will come to that in a minute. The member for Caloundra complained about
Dorothy Dixers from government members of committees. However, non-government members go on
and on with the same question in slightly varied forms, up to six times in one case. Then they complain
about insufficient time. They also ask questions about issues that have nothing to do with the budget
and questions that have nothing to do with the government, such as when some public company will
build a power station. During the debate today one member of the National Party even wanted to ask a
question of the minister. That is how dopey he was. Frivolous points of order are often taken, all of which
takes up opposition time and then they complain about a lack of time.
Estimates Committee G considered a wide range of topics within the primary industries and other
portfolios. The minister for primary industries, the director-general and the department's senior team
answered questions on things like the alumni, cultural surveys, biodiversity and much more. The
minister showed confidence in asking members of his senior departmental team to elaborate on specific
topics and, in particular, science-orientated and technical issues. That is entirely appropriate and was
appreciated by the committee. For a process that aims to provide a detailed analysis and informed
advice on matters within the portfolio as regards the MPS, information from the experts and the minister
is critical and must be applauded.
The extent to which the estimates committee hearings are effective is a function of how effective
the opposition is. They say it is ineffective. I rest my case and I commend the report to the House. Last changed: [PUBLISHED_DATE] at 3:42 PM
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