Ms O’CONNOR question to MINISTER for PARKS and ENVIRONMENT, Mr DUIGAN
Minister, I will just remind you that Reg Hall managed to maintain his hut without a helicopter. But in the decades since the government’s policy, which they called ‘Unlock the Parks’ came into effect, not a single contentious project in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area has proceeded with the Halls Island project being the flagship for failure.
A right to information has recently revealed several projects have been withdrawn, stalled or radically altered. However, what it does not reveal is most alarming. You continue, your government continues, your agency continues to hide plans to privatise the common public lands that belong to all Tasmania. Minister, when will this secrecy and subterfuge end? When will your Government end the EOI farce?
ANSWER
Mr President, as I alluded to in my previous answer, the government remains committed to the EOI process. It is an entirely appropriate method for sensitive development in Tasmania’s parks –
Ms O’Connor – Helicopters in the TWWHA – sensitive?
Mr DUIGAN – You can have your own commentary, but we believe it is a sensitive and
Ms O’Connor interjecting.
Mr DUIGAN – As you would say – yeah, yeah, yeah.
Mrs HISCUTT – Point of order, Mr President, Standing Order 99(8).
Mr PRESIDENT – Promoting a quarrel?
Mrs HISCUTT – Yes.
Mr PRESIDENT – Yes, I remind members that question time is not time for debate across the Chamber. If the question is asked, then it will be answered. I cannot direct anyone to answer the question in a particular way. I can rule on debate during question time through interjection. The normal practice is that the question is asked, and the question is given an answer. If members wish to follow that up, there are other means by putting questions on notice to get detailed answers through the government. I remind members of that process.
Ms O’Connor – On the point of order, Mr President. Can I ask if, because the point of order was raised, the minister is permitted to not finish his answer?
Mr PRESIDENT – Question time is not a time for debate in this Chamber. It is clear in the Standing Orders. It states that the rules of debate do not apply to question time. The Standing Orders are quite clear on how question time should be handled and there cannot be any debate across the Chamber.
