QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE
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FORMER PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT OFFICE COMMISSIONER Mr KENNETH CRIPPS
Mr COLLINS: My question without notice is directed to the Premier. The Premier called the position of his friend and personal adviser, Ken Cripps, "untenable" following allegations involving pornography shown to two minors. Why did the Premier then authorise $4,000 a week of sick leave instead of making him stand down immediately on leave without pay? Was this sick leave windfall a huge favour to a close friend?
Mr CARR: Yesterday I issued a press statement in which I announced that Dr Colin Gellatly would be the new Director-General of the Premier's Department. Consequent upon that I will be announcing on Monday a comprehensive restructuring of the administration of the Premier's Department, which will have a number of implications for its structure and personnel.
Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the honourable member for Davidson to order. I call the honourable member for Ermington to order.
Mr CARR: I heard some interjections from Opposition members including one from the honourable member for Eastwood who took the time of this House yesterday with an allegation that I and the Minister for Police had sat on an Ombudsman's report into a matter dealing with a hotel owned by the Minister for Police. That was the allegation - a reference to a report of Irene Moss. The Ombudsman said yesterday in unqualified terms that there was never such a report, interim or otherwise, to the Minister or the Premier.
Mr Hartcher: On a point of order. It is correct that this was a question that was asked yesterday. The Premier has the right to give supplementary material in response to an answer which he gave yesterday, but he should do so at the end of question time. The standing orders are clear. The Premier cannot use question time to give supplementary material. If he wants to give supplementary material he can certainly do so but, under standing orders, he must do so at question time.
Mr SPEAKER: Order! What the honourable member for Gosford says is perfectly true. I indicate to members, such as the honourable member for Eastwood, that if they wish to interject, that is ample reason for the Premier to reply. That is exactly what the Premier was doing. I suggest to members of the Opposition that they should cease interjecting.