Kim Beazley (Brand, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Savaged by a sheep, Mr Speaker.

David Hawker (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Leader of the Opposition will come to his question.

Kim Beazley (Brand, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister for Transport and Regional Services. I refer the minister to his answer yesterday in which he blamed on the states the gross delay in the production of the government’s promised legislation to underpin the role of Inspector of Transport Security. How does the minister expect to be treated seriously when he makes this claim about legislation that was promised 15 months ago but which has not been circulated in draft form to state governments?

Warren Truss (Wide Bay, National Party, Minister for Transport and Regional Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My comments yesterday were accurate. There have been detailed discussions with the states in relation to what sorts of powers should be made available to the Inspector of Transport Security. The states need to be involved because many of the issues which would be under consideration are in fact within the province of the states. Land transport issues are essentially the responsibility of the states and therefore it has been necessary to discuss those issues with the states. That has happened at officer level and indeed also at ministerial level.

Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Manager of Opposition Business in the House) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, I rise on a point of order. It was a very specific question about draft legislation in accordance with the minister’s own statements before this House yesterday. Under standing order 104—

David Hawker (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The member for Grayndler will resume his seat. The minister is clearly answering the substance of the question. Has the minister completed his answer?

Warren Truss (Wide Bay, National Party, Minister for Transport and Regional Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Yes, I have finished.