Ms O’CONNOR question to MINISTER for PARKS, Mr DUIGAN
I do not know if it has been explained to you how question time should work, but members have an opportunity to ask ministers questions and we are expected to get open and transparent answers to the greatest extent possible. It is not, in any way, interfering with an investigation to confirm or deny to this Council whether you have received advice on any other potential breaches, the dumping or depositing of offal waste on any other crown or reserve lands apart from Ninepin Point Marine Reserve.
The problem that you have, if you give an answer like the one you just gave, is that it creates a suspicion that you are trying to hide something. If you have been advised that there have been potential breaches, that is something that you should tell the Council.
Mr PRESIDENT – And the question?
ANSWER
Mr President, I appreciate the question. I say again that if you have evidence of such breaches, you should take those to the EPA.
Ms O’Connor – I have the privilege of sitting here opposite you able to ask you questions.
Mr DUIGAN – I am very cautious in this matter because I think it is important that the EPA is able to carry out its investigation free from some of the noise that may be created through other channels.
Ms O’Connor – What, free from transparency?
Mr DUIGAN – In the interest of transparency then, no, I have not been informed of any other breaches such as which you described.
