Speed Limits

I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for State/Local Government Relations a question on speed limit reductions on country roads

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK: The local government says that it is actually not aware of any consultation from this government on its recent decision to reduce speeds on certain country roads. Furthermore, all the councils involved in those areas have unanimously objected to the reductions. My questions are:

1. Will the minister counsel his colleague the Minister for Road Safety now that this government is no longer supposed to be indulging in its practice of announce and defend?

2. Will the minister assist a review of this situation, particularly in relation to those roads where the local councils believe there will be an increase in overtaking accidents?

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for State/Local Government Relations) (14:31): I understand that there is a memorandum of understanding between the Premier and the Local Government Association president, Mr Kym McHugh.

The Hon. J.S.L. Dawkins interjecting:

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY: Do you want me to answer this question or not?

Members interjecting:

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY: Well, I'm happy to sit down.