DOCSLIB.ORG

Parliamentary Debates (HANSARD)

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Parliamentary Debates (HANSARD) Parliamentary Debates (HANSARD) FORTIETH PARLIAMENT FIRST SESSION 2018 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Thursday, 17 May 2018 Legislative Assembly Thursday, 17 May 2018 __________ THE SPEAKER (Mr P.B. Watson) took the chair at 9.00 am, acknowledged country and read prayers. CORRUPTION OVERSIGHT AGENCIES — MULTI-PARTISAN SELECT COMMITTEE Petition MS L.L. BAKER (Maylands — Deputy Speaker) [9.01 am]: Mr Speaker — The SPEAKER: Member for Maylands, are you standing? Ms L.L. BAKER: I am leaning. The SPEAKER: You had one foot on the bottom step! Ms L.L. BAKER: I am leaning a bit; I am tilting. It has been a long week. My petition, which complies with the standing orders of the house, states — To the Speaker and the Legislative Assembly, We, the undersigned, petition the state government to convene a Multi-partisan Select Committee to audit the internal workings of Western Australia’s police and other corruption oversight agencies. This audit should include: the WA Corruption and Crime Commission, WA Police Internal Affairs, and the WA Ombudsman. They should be replaced with a single civilian oversight body, in the model of the UK’s Independent Police Complaints Commission, to improve efficiency, save money and be publicly accountable. It is our belief that the current system of accountability is not effective. As it stands, investigations into police corruption are reported and then systematically refuted. This is not for lack of meritorious complaints. Police are rarely prosecuted or disciplined for the death, assault or ill-treatment of a member of the public. In WA there have been a string of homicide cases where innocent people have been incarcerated for years. Criticisms include a failure to safeguard women from domestic violence assaults, a failure to enforce restraining orders and, most damning, WA leading the nation in young indigenous incarcerations. Yet not one of the existing Oversight bodies has civilian powers to enforce justice. An Independent Police Complaints Commission should have Royal Commission type powers; be headed by an external superior court Judge; have a deputy legal practitioner with a minimum of 7 years of Law practice; appointments for 5 year periods; a completion date of 6 months for all corruption complaints. “We ask that the WA Government take action for WA Police transparency and accountability.” This petition has been signed by 121 people. [See petition 86.] REGIONAL EDUCATION — FUNDING CUTS Petition MR I.C. BLAYNEY (Geraldton) [9.03 am]: I have a petition from 38 petitioners that has been certified by the clerks and is in the following terms — To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly of the Parliament of Western Australia in Parliament assembled. We, the undersigned, say That we are opposed to the Government’s punishing funding cuts to regional education in Western Australia. 1. We oppose the closure of regional camp schools 2. We oppose the closure of Moora Residential College 3. We oppose the imposition of a 20 per cent Government levy onto the funds that flow into the Agricultural Education Farms Provision Trust from the five Agricultural Colleges Now we ask the Legislative Assembly To call on Premier Mark McGowan to abolish these proposed changes that will severely impact education in the regions. [See petition 87.] PAPER TABLED A paper was tabled and ordered to lie upon the table of the house. 3010 [ASSEMBLY — Thursday, 17 May 2018] FORMER MEMBER FOR DARLING RANGE — CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION Notice of Motion Dr M.D. Nahan (Leader of the Opposition) gave notice that at the next sitting of the house he would move — (1) That this house, in response to a request of the Commissioner of Police to the Speaker dated 10 May 2018, directs the Procedure and Privileges Committee to provide to WA Police the materials that the former member for Darling Range, Mr Barry Urban, gave to the committee which came into existence independent of any parliamentary proceedings. (2) That this house further directs the Procedure and Privileges Committee, that if the Commissioner of Police confirms that WA Police are investigating whether Mr Urban committed an offence or offences under section 57 of the Criminal Code, to provide to WA Police — (a) all correspondence between the committee and Mr Urban or his lawyers; and (b) all evidence that Mr Urban gave to the committee that is relevant to proving that Mr Urban knowingly gave a false answer to any lawful and relevant questions put to him in the course of the committee’s inquiry. ROYAL AUSTRALIAN NAVY HELICOPTER FLIGHT VIETNAM AND 1ST AUSTRALIAN TASK FORCE — RECOGNITION Statement by Minister for Veterans Issues MR P.C. TINLEY (Willagee — Minister for Veterans Issues) [9.06 am]: Last October I rose to my feet to pay tribute to the men of the Royal Australian Navy Helicopter Flight Vietnam and acknowledge the 50 years that had passed since the formation of the unit and its embedding into the US Army’s 135th Assault Helicopter Company. At that time, I outlined the involvement of RANHFV, also known as the Experimental Military Unit, or EMU, in some of the most intense battles experienced by Australians in Vietnam. This experience resulted in the unit having the highest casualty rate of any RAN unit in Vietnam; however, it also resulted in the unit being the most decorated of all the RAN units, earning more than half the total number of honours and awards presented to RAN personnel during the entire Vietnam War. This year also sees the fiftieth anniversary of the battles of Fire Support Bases Coral and Balmoral. The battles at Coral and Balmoral resulted in more Australian casualties than at any other series of engagements, with 26 Australians killed and 99 wounded. It was some of the heaviest fighting the task force ever undertook. In April last year, an inquiry was launched into the possibility of a unit recognition for both EMU and the 1st Australian Task Force. Last month, that report was tabled and accepted by the government. The tribunal recommended that the Royal Australian Navy Helicopter Flight Vietnam be awarded the unit citation for gallantry for acts of extraordinary gallantry in action in South Vietnam from October 1967 to June 1971, and that the citation be offered to the United States Army’s 135th Assault Helicopter Company. The tribunal also recommended that all associated units of the 1st Australian Task Force be recognised for their courageous service at Coral and Balmoral. As a point of reference, the unit citation for gallantry is the highest bravery award that can be conferred on a group in the Australian Defence Force. It is the collective equivalent of the Victoria Cross. The units of the 1st Australian Task Force included the 1st Battalion and 2nd Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment; A Squadron of the 3rd Cavalry Regiment; C Squadron of the 1st Armoured Regiment; the 12th Field Regiment of the Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery; and the 1st Field Squadron of the Royal Australian Engineers. The RAAF No 9 Squadron and 161 (Independent) Reconnaissance Flight have also been recognised. This is long overdue recognition of the extreme courage and professionalism shown by our ADF personnel. I commend them on receipt of this award. I thank each and every one of them for their service, as well as all personnel who served in Vietnam, and I pay my respects to those who paid the ultimate price. Lest we forget. LESLIE THOMAS STARCEVICH — GRAVE AND MEMORIAL PROTECTION Statement by Minister for Culture and the Arts MR D.A. TEMPLEMAN (Mandurah — Minister for Culture and the Arts) [9.08 am]: I rise to inform the house that on Saturday, 21 April, I was privileged to be in Esperance in the presence of the family members of the late Leslie Thomas “Tom” Starcevich, VC, to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Shire of Esperance to protect the grave and memorial of Mr Starcevich. This follows the earlier signing of a similar MOU with the Metropolitan Cemeteries Board, fulfilling the McGowan government’s pledge to protect the graves and memorials of WA’s Victoria Cross recipients who are commemorated at Esperance, Fremantle and Karrakatta Cemeteries. This adds a greater level of certainty, ensuring their protection and retention in perpetuity. The Victoria Cross is the highest military decoration awarded for valour to members of the Australian Defence Force. It is awarded to a person who, in the presence of the enemy, displays the most conspicuous gallantry, daring, [ASSEMBLY — Thursday, 17 May 2018] 3011 pre-eminent act of valour, self-sacrifice or extreme devotion to duty. Tom Starcevich was awarded the Victoria Cross during the Borneo campaign of the Second World War for single-handedly capturing four Japanese machine gun positions on 28 June 1945. Complete disregard for his own safety played a significant part in the success of his decisive action. It is crucial that we physically preserve the memorials of those Western Australians who acted so honourably in the face of such tremendous adversity. Tom Starcevich, VC, is one of nine Victoria Cross recipients buried in Western Australian cemeteries. The names of the other heroic Western Australians are Thomas Leslie Axford, John Carroll, Martin O’Meara, Hugo Vivian Hope Throssell, James Park Woods, Hughie Idwal Edwards, James Heather Gordon and Leonard Henry Trent. Each recipient has his own story of gallantry and honour. By preserving these war graves and memorials, we demonstrate our collective respect for the contributions, sacrifice and heroic achievements of VC recipients, and we also help to ensure that their individual stories are shared with the community for generations to come. This announcement coincides with the 103rd anniversary of the ANZAC landing at Gallipoli in World War I.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Pro Patria Commemorating Service
    PRO PATRIA COMMEMORATING SERVICE Forward Representative Colonel Governor of South Australia His Excellency the Honorable Hieu Van Le, AO Colonel Commandant The Royal South Australia Regiment Brigadier Tim Hannah, AM Commanding Officer 10th/27th Battalion The Royal South Australia Regiment Lieutenant Colonel Graham Goodwin Chapter Title One Regimental lineage Two Colonial forces and new Federation Three The Great War and peace Four The Second World War Five Into a new era Six 6th/13th Light Battery Seven 3rd Field Squadron Eight The Band Nine For Valour Ten Regimental Identity Eleven Regimental Alliances Twelve Freedom of the City Thirteen Sites of significance Fourteen Figures of the Regiment Fifteen Scrapbook of a Regiment Sixteen Photos Seventeen Appointments Honorary Colonels Regimental Colonels Commanding Officers Regimental Sergeants Major Nineteen Commanding Officers Reflections 1987 – 2014 Representative Colonel His Excellency the Honorable Hieu Van Le AO Governor of South Australia His Excellency was born in Central Vietnam in 1954, where he attended school before studying Economics at the Dalat University in the Highlands. Following the end of the Vietnam War, His Excellency, and his wife, Lan, left Vietnam in a boat in 1977. Travelling via Malaysia, they were one of the early groups of Vietnamese refugees to arrive in Darwin Harbour. His Excellency and Mrs Le soon settled in Adelaide, starting with three months at the Pennington Migrant Hostel. As his Tertiary study in Vietnam was not recognised in Australia, the Governor returned to study at the University of Adelaide, where he earned a degree in Economics and Accounting within a short number of years. In 2001, His Excellency’s further study earned him a Master of Business Administration from the same university.
    [Show full text]
  • 460 Squadron Veterans & Friends Group
    460 Squadron Veterans & Friends Group The G for George Squadron January - March 2018 As noted in our September 2017 edition, this bulletin is being published in early January. We hope you and your family enjoyed a comfortable and happy Festive Season. Best wishes from the 460 Squadron Veterans & Friends Group to all Readers for 2018 th synthetic-oil plant (Gelsenkirchen), and the While the selection of targets in 75 Anniversary of the Rheinmetal–Borsig plant in Düsseldorf. Germany is well known, the attacks on Although not strictly part of the Ruhr area the submarine pens are less recognised. itself, the Battle of the Ruhr included other Bomber Command was called upon to First Quarter of 1943: cities such as Cologne which were within help ease the U Boat crisis in the Atlantic. arrying on from last year’s 75th the Rhine-Ruhr region and considered part 460 Squadron continued to carry out anniversary of the commencement of the same “industrial complex”. Some attacks on Italian targets (Turin was ofC RAF Bomber Command operations, in targets were not sites of heavy industrial this and each of the upcoming bulletins bombed once in Nov 1942 & twice in Dec production but part of the production and the Editor thought readers may like to see 42). Readers may not be aware that 460 movement of material. what 460 Squadron was doing 75 years Sqn only flew twelve bombing operations Before the Battle of the Ruhr ended, ago. in total to Italy. These raids are uniquely Operation Gomorrah began: the “Battle RAAF Historian Dr Alan Stephens depicted on the Lancaster fuselages by of Hamburg”.
    [Show full text]
  • A Technical, Administrative and Bureaucratic Analysis of the Victoria Cross and the AIF on the Western Front, 1916-1918
    i Behind the Valour: A technical, administrative and bureaucratic analysis of the Victoria Cross and the AIF on the Western Front, 1916-1918 Victoria D’Alton Student Number 3183439 Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts University of New South Wales Australian Defence Force Academy 22 October 2010 ii Originality Statement I hereby declare that this submission is my own work and to the best of my knowledge it contains no materials previously published or written by another person, or substantial proportions of material which have been accepted for the award of any of any other degree or diploma at UNSW or any other educational institution, except where due acknowledgement is made in the thesis. Any contribution made to the research by others, with whom I have worked at UNSW or elsewhere, is explicitly acknowledged in the thesis. I also declare that the intellectual content of this thesis is the product of my own work, except to the extent that assistance from others in the project’s design and conception or in style, presentation and linguistic expression is acknowledged. Victoria D’Alton UNSW Student Number 3183439 22 October 2010 iii For my friend, Lieutenant Paul Kimlin, RAN O156024 1 January 1976 – 2 April 2005 ‘For many are called, but few are chosen.’ Matthew 22:14 iv Abstract This thesis focuses on the how and why the Victoria Cross came to be awarded to 53 soldiers of the AIF on the Western Front from 1916 to 1918. It examines the technical, administrative and bureaucratic history of Australia’s relationship with the Victoria Cross in this significant time and place.
    [Show full text]
  • June 2007 Vol
    Registered by AUSTRALIA POST NO. PP607128/00001 THE June 2007 VOL. 30 no.3 The official journal of The ReTuRned & SeRviceS League of austraLia POSTAGE PAID SURFACE ListeningListening Branch incorporated • Po Box Y3023 Perth 6832 • established 1920 PostPostAUSTRALIA MAIL Darwin troops return home anZAC day celebrated around the world from Iraq Page 15 The first batch of 520 troops, mostly from Darwin’s Robertson Barracks, have returned home after serving with the Overwatch Battle Group (West) - Two (OBG(W)-2) has been based at the Ali Air Base, Tallil in the Dhi Qar province. OBG(W)-2 carried out more than 300 patrols across the 72,000 square kilometre area of operations. These patrols included providing hMaS Pararamatta security for reconstruction projects, meeting honoured with local leaders, convoy escorts as well as the training and mentoring of the Iraqi Security Page 10 Forces in Dhi Qar and the neighbouring Al Muthanna province. OBG(W)-2 Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Tony Rawlins praised the efforts of all members of the Battle Group. “Australian soldiers have again made an outstanding contribution to coalition efforts to strengthen the security situation in southern Iraq, and to improve the quality of life and future prospects for the local people. It has been an absolute indigenous participation honour to serve with these fantastic young programme cadet camp men and women who have been outstanding ambassadors for their country,” said Lieutenant Pages 14 Colonel Rawlins. 2 The Listening Post June 2007 $ * $ * 16354 DRIVE AWAY 31809 DRIVE AWAY Metallic paint (as depicted) $300 extra. TIIDA ST Maxima ST-L V6 SEDAN OR HATCH MANUAL • 3.5L DOHC V6 • Dual front and side airbags • 6 speed manual transmission • Air conditioning • CD player • 17” Alloy wheels • Leather trim • Remote keyless entry • Dual SRS airbags • ABS brakes • ABS with vehicle dynamic control FREE PROTECTOR PACK $ * $ * 27881 DRIVE AWAY 42745 DRIVE AWAY Metallic paint (as depicted) $300 extra.
    [Show full text]
  • Victoria Cross Recipients by Electorate Electorates Online Only 22 April 2010 Printable Version [PDF 185KB]
    VC recipients by electorate Background Note Index Introduction Background Note Abreviations List of Victoria Cross recipients by electorate Electorates Online only 22 April 2010 printable version [PDF 185KB] New South Wales Marty Harris Victoria with assistance from Nicholas Fuller, Laura Rayner and Brooke McDonagh Foreign Affairs, Defence and Security Section Queensland Western Australia Introduction South Australia Purpose of publication Tasmania The intent of this website is to allow Members and Senators to identify Victoria Cross (VC) winners with ties to Northern Territory particular electorates. A Victoria Cross winner is defined as ‘connected’ with a specific federal House of Representatives electorate if the recipient:: Australian Capital Territory ● was born in the electorate ● resided in the electorate when he enlisted ● died in the electorate or ● is buried or was cremated in the electorate. The Victoria Cross … is the pre-eminent award for acts of bravery in wartime and Australia’s highest military honour. It is awarded to persons who, in the presence of the enemy, display the most conspicuous gallantry; a daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice; or extreme devotion to duty.1 History http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/BN/fads/VC/VCbyElectorate.htm (1 of 17) [27/04/2010 2:02:59 PM] VC recipients by electorate The (Imperial) Victoria Cross was created in 1856, and retrospectively covered the Crimean War beginning in 1854.2 It was first awarded to 62 sailors and soldiers following the Indian Mutiny in 1957. The Victoria Cross for Australia was inaugurated in 1991, and is the highest Australian award in the Australian system of Honours and Awards.
    [Show full text]
  • Newsletter 35
    12/4/2018 Federation of Australian Historical Societies - Newsletter_35 Home About us What's new Support Awards Links Contact FEDERATION OF AUSTRALIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETIES INC NEWSLETTER No. 35 – May 2012 Hon Editor, Esther V. Davies search tips advanced search search site search by freefind From the President Obituary: Emeritus Professor A.G.L. Shaw OA Feature article: Website development - Royal Historical Society of Queensland Good news stories from historical societies ….Warracknabeal and District Historical Society’s Wheatland Warehouse (Vic) ….Coalfield Heritage Group, Kurri Kurri, Edgeworth David Museum (NSW) - Roll of Honour News from our constituent organisations …. Canberra and District Historical Society - Canberra Day Oration - with Stanley Melbourne Bruce …. Historical Society of the Northern Territory - John McDouall Stuart 150th Anniversary …. History South Australia - Bravest of the Brave: South Australians awarded the Victoria Cross …. Royal Australian Historical Society - Dr. Lesley Muir OAM appointed Fellow of the RAHS …. Royal Historical Society of Victoria - two new exhibitions, and 85th birthday celebration for Hugh Anderson …. Royal Western Australian Historical Society - Angove Street festival, and annual secondhand booksale Historical Society Odd Spot - Logos and mottoes Nominations for FAHS Merit Awards 2012 A gentle reminder - about forwarding to your members A final quote - from Cicero FROM THE PRESIDENT FAHS President Don Garden One of the pleasures of working with the FAHS is the stream of ‘good news stories’ that I encounter about the work and successes of our historical and heritage societies and museums across Australia. These include various grants and awards, publications, exhibitions, campaigns to save heritage places, societies that are building membership and activities, and societies that are using the special skills of their members and volunteers.
    [Show full text]
  • Summer 1992 - P-Ve 3 SENIOR S' INFORMATION SERVICE Enjoy Your Next Holiday at the We Are Here for You Call Us Between 9Am and 3Pm AMBLIN Weekdays on CARAVAN PARK
    POSTAGE SURFACE PAID MAIL AUSTRALIA T.HE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE RETURNED & SERVICES LEAGUE WA BRANCH (INCORPORATED) SUMMER, 1992 Registered by Australia Post Publication No. WAS 1158 VOL. 15, No. 4- PRICE $1 Chopper Lift-Out, )Vietnam 1967 -Oil painting by Ken McFadyen, AWM 428 ] F Commonwealth Department of . Veterans' Affairs Can we help you? You could be eligible for benefits if • you are a veteran • a widow, wife or dependent child of a veteran, or • your spouse, parent or guardian is, or was, a veteran, or member of the Australian Defence or Peacekeeping forces. • you have completed qualifying peacetime service in the case of Defence Service Homes benefits. Veterans' benefits include: • Pe nsions and allowances • H ealth-care benefits • Counselling services • Pharmaceutical benefits • Defence Service Homes - housing loan subsidy - homeowners' insurance • Funeral benefits • Commemoration FIND OUT WHETHER YOU ARE ELIGIBLE FOR BENEFITS BY CONTACTING THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS' AFFAIRS ON 425 8222 " . "-- Country Callers Free Line: 008 113304 Remember .... "We're only a 'phone call away" Veterans' ~ Affairs Cares .~----------------------------~ ~--~~~--- LISTENING POST Contents Publishers Retumed & Services league W.A. Branch (Incorporated) Anzac House G.P.. O. Box Cl28, 28.St. Georges Terrace Perth, W.A. 6001 Perth, W.A. 6000 Tel: 325 9799 1992 Sl<!lt· Congr (''>'> 1 i 460 Squ<~drun 27 • • 1 6 6 1 S t' r ~Jl'" n I In ~ l v ill ~>< J 11 l / W;utrme S<l i V<l SJt' dl Broorw IJ Editorial Defence lssuec, 11 Editor /Chairman: Mrs Pat Balfe Truscott Rc•vrsr tvcf lCJ Deputy: Mr John Surridge ' Committee: Mrs B.
    [Show full text]
  • An Other Place
    an other place The Australian War Memorial in a Freirean framework Catherine Anne Styles April 2000 A thesis submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy of The Australian National University Declaration I declare that apart from sourced citations, this thesis is my own original work. Signed, Catherine Styles Acknowledgements Staff at the Memorial were enormously helpful during the course of my research. I had the good fortune to work with Jean McAuslan, Robert Nichols and Anne-Marie Condé as they prepared the Memorial’s new Orientation and Circulation Gallery. Nola Anderson, Linda Ferguson and Mark Whitmore provided me with valuable information on Council, Collection and Evaluation policies and procedures, and Research Centre staff were always happy to assist with my enquiries. Phil Gordon and Peter White at the Australian Museum were excellent correspondents, and I hope some time to learn more about the Australian Museum’s outreach practices. Feedback from Ann Curthoys and Nicholas Thomas helped me identify the nature of my project. Had I better attended to Michael Williams’ observation that “You need to work out what your hamburger is”, the process of producing this thesis might have been shorter. Just when the end seemed farthest away, I met David Hollinsworth. His generosity as a reader and his good cheer inspired me in countless ways. I may never have embarked on graduate studies if my supervisor, Rosanne Kennedy, had been less encouraging, or if I had admired her critical capacities less, and I benefited enormously from the company and critique of a writing group comprised of Rosanne, Catriona Elder and Tikka Wilson.
    [Show full text]