ETHNIC CONSULTATIVE CONFERENCES
The Hon. J. M. SAMIOS: My question is directed to the Treasurer, Minister for Energy, Minister for State and Regional Development, Minister Assisting the Premier, and Vice-President of the Executive Council. Is the Treasurer aware that in a letter to State Australian Labor Party parliamentary members, Camile Shalala of the Australo-Lebanese-Christian Council Incorporated referred to a consultative gathering of Lebanese Muslim and Christian community leaders held recently by Premier Carr? Is the Treasurer further aware that Mr Shalala alleged that the consultative conference was nothing more than a media event meant to persuade the media that Bob Carr was consulting involved groups before coming to a decision, although the decision had been made before the consultative meeting? Will the Premier please ensure that all future consultative gatherings with ethnic community leaders are based on a meaningful and sincere dialogue, respectful of the issues and needs of the ethnic communities?
The Hon. M. R. EGAN: The answers to those three questions are: one, no; two, no; and three, yes.