Police Board Appointment
POLICE BOARD APPOINTMENT
Mr ANDERSON: Does the Premier, and Treasurer recall telling the House yesterday that he had no knowledge whether former Governor Sir James Rowland sought reappointment to the Police Board, with the support of the board? Has the Premier now had time to investigate this matter? Why was the reappointment of Sir James Rowland rejected?
Mr FAHEY: Yesterday I indicated to the House that I had no knowledge of whether the former Governor -
Mr SPEAKER: Order! The honourable member for Liverpool has asked a question. He will listen to the answer. I call the honourable member for Ashfield to order for the second time.
Mr FAHEY: It is clear that members of the Opposition do not want to hear any answers. Obviously they are only interested in attempting to make good interjections.
Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the honourable member for Hurstville to order for the second time.
Mr FAHEY: Yesterday I indicated to the House that I had no knowledge of whether the former Governor, Sir James Rowland, applied for reappointment to the Police Board. That is correct; yesterday I had no knowledge. However, I have been informed that the term of the former Governor expired. At that time the Minister - as is his right within legislation, which the honourable member for Liverpool was responsible for putting in place - made an appointment. That appointment was universally accepted by Cabinet. I do not know whether the former Governor sought reappointment; it is irrelevant.
Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the honourable member for Londonderry to order for the second time.
Mr FAHEY: Honourable members opposite seek to introduce intrigue. The simple fact is that every Tuesday, on the recommendation of a Minister, Cabinet considers the appointment of various boards. Obviously if there is a vacancy, someone is recommended for appointment to a particular board.
Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the honourable member for Liverpool to order.
Mr FAHEY: This matter was dealt with in light of the nomination for that position - nothing more and nothing less. The recommendation was subsequently approved by Cabinet.