Telephone Referrals

I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the non-answering Minister for Industry and Trade a question on the subject of telephone referrals.

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK: There was a bit of a stuffup in the current version of the White Pages—which Sensis tells me occurred in Premier and Cabinet, while Premier and Cabinet assures me that a mistake was not made—that is, the advertising of my telephone number in the government section of the White Pages. The minister may recognise the number next to my name, which is 8303 2500. As much as I might like to have a ministerial office under the current situation, that is the minister’s number.

I have received a couple of complaints from constituents who tried to contact me last week in particular and who dialled that number, having looked it up in the phone book.

They asked to speak to either me or my personal assistant.

The staff have been either reluctant or unaware of the fact that such a member of parliament exists, and therefore will not refer my telephone number. I am hampered by this, because anyone who looks up my phone number in the telephone book cannot get through to me. Will the minister direct his staff to provide my correct telephone number—that is, 8237 9434—to all his staff so that I can do my job as a member of the Legislative Council?

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY (Minister for Industry and Trade): I suggest the honourable member write a letter on it or put a question on notice.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!