Matt O'Sullivan (WA, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Farrell. The presidents and other representatives from the Western Australian shires of Leonora and Laverton wrote to Prime Minister Albanese earlier this year about the increase in alcohol fuelled violence that is ravaging their community, children not being fed and the increase in violence against women, all following the abolition of the cashless debit card. My very sincere question to you is: have these reports been verified by the Western Australian police, and what information does the government have about the changes in crime rates across these communities?

Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Trade and Tourism) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank Senator O'Sullivan for his question about an important issue that affects his community in these areas—let's call it the Goldfields areas—of Western Australia. I understand there have been some meetings between the Laverton Shire and the relevant Albanese government minister. I think there have been some discussions with Mr Patrick Hill, President of the Shire of Laverton; Mr Peter Craig from the Shire of Leonora; Phil Marshall, Chief Executive Officer of the Shire of Laverton; Mr Jack Carmody, a Shire of Laverton councillor; and Mr Marty Sealander, chief executive of Pakaanu. I understand those discussions and other positive discussions have been about what support services those community leaders want to see in their community. I understand there has been a willingness by the shire to reinstate the jobs hub. There was, particularly in Laverton, some uncertainty about the long-term funding of the jobs hub because, under the previous government, it was going to run out in June. I think there are some positive signs there. When it comes to the issue of alcohol use in remote and regional— (Time expired)

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator O'Sullivan, a first supplementary?

Matt O'Sullivan (WA, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Reports published on the weekend indicate that the number of offences committed in Ceduna has doubled since the cashless debit card was abolished four months ago. Minister, given you didn't quite answer my last question about the police, I ask you in relation to South Australia: have these reports been verified by the South Australian police? What information does the government have about changes in crime rates across the Ceduna community?

Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Trade and Tourism) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank Senator O'Sullivan for his question about Ceduna. I think the most recent reports that the minister has received from her department indicate there's been a decline in admissions and presentations due to alcohol and drugs or injuries in Ceduna.

Anne Ruston (SA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Are you kidding me?

Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Trade and Tourism) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I'm just telling you. I mean, you asked the question, and I'm giving you a direct answer to the question. You may not like the answer, but, with respect, Senator Ruston, you're no longer in charge of this area. We've got a terrific minister in the person of Amanda Rishworth who, I know, takes a very particular interest in issues in Ceduna, as she does— (Time expired)

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator O'Sullivan, second supplementary?

Matt O'Sullivan (WA, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Months later, why hasn't the Prime Minister responded to the correspondence from the representatives of affected West Australian communities, and when will he visit any of the negatively impacted communities?

Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Trade and Tourism) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

As I recollect, one of your complaints was that the Prime Minister didn't go to Alice Springs when they were having a range of issues there. My recollection is I saw the Prime Minister and Minister Burney both attending up in Alice Springs. I do note—

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Shadow Assistant Minister to the Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The tennis was in Melbourne, though.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Order! Minister Farrell, please continue.

Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Trade and Tourism) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I do note that the Prime Minister—

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Shadow Assistant Minister to the Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

He had time for tennis.

Murray Watt (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

What a mess.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Shadow Assistant Minister to the Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

You want to say something to Sarah, mate?

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Order! Senator McGrath and Senator Watt, calling out across the chamber constantly is disorderly. The minister is on his feet answering a question. Minister, please continue.

Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Trade and Tourism) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I think I'm right about this: the Prime Minister has been to Western Australia either nine or 10 times since becoming the Prime Minister of this country, which is a lot more than in the previous 12 months— (Time expired)