Hansard debates

Mr WYNNE (Richmond—Minister for Housing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Minister for Planning) (12:09): I thank the member for Kew again for his supplementary question. This goes to the substance of when I am likely to approve the amendment, and I indicated in my answer previously to a similar question that there are in the order of 109 submissions that have been made to me in relation to the industrial land use—

Mr T Smith: On a point of order, Speaker, I understand that there was context given in my supplementary question with regard to C219, but the actual question regarded whether or not there was a probity auditor present at these meetings and were notes taken. I ask you to refer the minister back to that specific question.

The SPEAKER: Order! The minister is being relevant to the question that was asked, but the extra context given in the point of order may help the minister answer the question.

Mr WYNNE: Thank you, Speaker, and I repeat my earlier answer that a probity auditor was always—always—engaged with me on any of these Progressive Business events, as is entirely appropriate. Probity is absolutely critical to this, and indeed—

Mr T Smith: On a point of order, Speaker, I reiterate my question. I understand the minister is attempting to answer my question, but it went to: were notes taken? He is not being relevant to that part.

Members interjecting.

Mr T Smith: Are you a bit touchy over there? Was that close to the bone, Dan?

The SPEAKER: Order! I do not uphold the point of order. The Minister for Planning is being relevant to the question asked.

Mr Andrews interjected.

The SPEAKER: Order! I ask the Premier to come back to order.

Mr WYNNE: Thank you very much, Speaker, and I again reiterate to the member for Kew that on all occasions when I have been involved in Progressive Business events an independent probity auditor has been part of all those conversations, and indeed to all of the people who participated in those events with me it was made very clear that the probity auditor was in attendance.

Mr T Smith: On a point of order, Speaker, let the record reflect that the minister has not answered the question with regard to whether notes were taken—

Members interjecting.

The SPEAKER: Order! The member for Kew will leave the chamber for the period of 1 hour.

Member for Kew withdrew from chamber.

Mr Wynne interjected.

The SPEAKER: Order! The Minister for Planning can leave the chamber for the period of 1 hour.

Minister for Planning withdrew from chamber.