Support Network portal to make life easier for WA families doing it tough
WA Labor will introduce a Support Network portal to ensure that Western Australian families struggling to meet the rising costs of living can easily find the assistance they are entitled to.
The portal, to be based on the Department for Communities website, will be a one-stop shop for Western Australians to find out what rebates, concessions and other assistance they are eligible for, from utility companies' financial hardship programs to local, State and Federal Government assistance programs.
Read a copy of the announcement here...
Labor launches policy to embrace long-term infrastructure vision
Labor has advanced its economic reform agenda with the launch of WA Labor’s Plan for Infrastructure.
The paper recognises that as the nation’s economic powerhouse, WA needs a long term infrastructure strategy outside the electoral cycle to guide its development into the future.
It is clear that the business and broader community need a plan to cater for a growing State but the Barnett Government is reluctant to embrace a long-term vision for WA.
Under this policy WA Labor will create a 20-year State Infrastructure Strategy which sets out priorities for infrastructure planning and investment across WA.
Read a copy of the policy statement here...
Labor moves to strengthen animal welfare in WA
WA Labor has launched its Strengthening Animal Welfare In Western Australia paper, which reaffirms WA Labor’s commitment to animal welfare.
The issue of animal welfare extends much further than protecting animals from cruelty and ensuring that animals bred for eggs, milk and meat are treated humanely.
As more information becomes available that shows how animals are treated, Western Australians are demanding higher standards and better protection for both companion and stock animals.
It is crucial that the animal welfare system is sufficiently funded and underpinned by a strategic policy framework.
Read a copy of the discussion paper here...
WA Labor will streamline the housing and approval system
WA Labor has been listening to the development industry’s concerns about unnecessary bureaucracy and is committed to streamlining planning processes.
Despite a booming economy and a strong demand for affordable housing, the past few years have been difficult for the property industry and consumer confidence is still lower than it was last year.
WA Labor wants to manage the boom for everyone. By reducing the regulatory burden on planning and development, it will be easier and cheaper to do business in Western Australia and the cost savings can be passed on to home buyers.
Read a copy of the discussion paper here...
Labor's commitment to tackle knife crime
A WA Labor government will tackle knife-related attacks by introducing tough new penalties and providing police with additional resources for detection, including creating a new offence to deal with people carrying knives in a public place without a lawful excuse.
Statistics show knives are responsible for more murders of people under the age of 25 than any other weapon.
Western Australians are sick of hearing reports of random acts of violence on our streets and Labor is committed to stamping out the knife culture that has made some people believe it is acceptable to carry knives.
Read a copy of the policy statement here...
Labor launches new policy to remove absurd potato laws
WA Labor will remove the restrictive laws that control the growth, supply and marketing of potatoes in Western Australia.
There are 66 varieties of commercially grown potatoes around Australia, yet the Potato Marketing Corporation (PMC) only permits 13 varieties to be grown in Western Australia.
The PMC and Western Australia’s absurd laws have stifled competition and denied choice to growers and consumers.
It’s time to abolish the PMC and remove the maze of red tape it has generated for potato growers and traders. Read a copy of the policy statement here...
Labor's policy to promote small bars and safer drinking
A Labor Government will continue to reform WA’s liquor laws to stimulate growth in small venues and provide a safer drinking environment.
WA Labor’s 2006 reforms created a small bar culture in Perth and provided diversity to the State’s social scene, but the time has come to further reform the law to remove red tape and create diversity.
Stage two of Labor’s liquor reform policy is all about cutting red tape and encouraging a safer, more sophisticated hospitality environment for Western Australians. Read a copy of the policy statement here...
WA Labor opens debate on domestic and family violence
Domestic and family violence is an insidious and often silent crime that requires urgent and immediate attention.
Victims' reticence to report incidents of domestic and family violence makes it difficult to ascertain the true extent of the problem. However, increasing domestic assault offence or incident figures show we need to look at new ways to achieve a real reduction in domestic and family violence.
No single approach will eradicate domestic and family violence, but we must ensure better protection for victims as well as a shift in the culture, values, attitudes and actions of perpetrators. Read a copy of the policy statement here...
Government department will move to Bunbury
The Department of Regional Development and Lands will be relocated to Bunbury if Labor is successful at the next election.
The Department is responsible for regional policy and funding allocations so it should be located in the country.
Relocating the Department to Bunbury would result in a massive economic boost to the region and provide additional secure jobs throughout the South West.
Another bonus is the relocation would save rent in the CBD and the existing offices can be occupied by other government agencies that are currently paying rent elsewhere.
The Department's relocation would provide huge benefits to the entire South West and communities surrounding Bunbury would be the big winners. Read a copy of the policy statement here...
Albany to become home to State Government department
The Department of Local Government will be relocated to Albany if Labor is elected at the next State election.
Labor believes in providing an economic base to regional communities and there are few better ways to do it than moving government departments to these areas.
The Department is tasked with monitoring the activities of local governments and the vast majority of these are located in the country, so it is logical that it is moved.
Having millions of dollars in salaries and additional housing can only be good for Albany. The move will bring more kids to local schools and produce countless other flow-on benefits to local businesses.
This is the start of Labor's decentralisation strategy, which will give real clout to regional communities and a stronger economic base to country areas. More...
McGowan releases back to school cost of living policy
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WA Labor will help families with teenage children to cover the costs of their education or training with annual payments of up to $400 for those in training and $200 for those in Year 11 or 12.
Families have been hit hard by the Barnett Government’s cost of living increases and need help to ensure their children received the best education possible. More...
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McGowan announces new look Shadow Cabinet
WA Labor Leader Mark McGowan has made cost of living pressures a top priorty for his new Shadow Cabinet, by creating a new portfolio dedicated to the issue.
Portfolios to focus on the Suburbs, Economic Reform and Early Childhood have also been created, while the regions were also given renewed attention in the new look Labor Shadow Cabinet. More...
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No place for tourists to stay in WA
The Barnett Government has failed to ensure there is enough accommodation in Perth for tourists visiting Western Australia, Shadow Tourism Minister Michelle Roberts said today.
Mrs Roberts said the latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics Survey of Tourist Accommodation revealed a big decline in Perth accommodation from 2008 to 2011, with 118 less rooms, five less hotels and 822 less beds.
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WA Labor's paper offers real solutions to elder abuse
Around 12,500 elderly Western Australians could be abused this year. This figure could be even higher as many cases of elder abuse go unreported and research shows the number of older people abused in the State will double in the next 20 years if nothing is done.
WA Labor has launched Behind Closed Doors, a discussion paper into elder abuse in Western Australia. Read a copy of the paper here
WA Labor announces commitment to children's futures
WA Labor has announced its commitment to investing in the early years of Western Australian children's lives.
When Labor is elected to State Government it will:
- appoint a Minister for Early Childhood;
- establish children's centres;
- ensure funding is available to employ additional child health nurses; and
- trial a program to provide intensive support for vulnerable first-time mothers until their child reaches at least two years of age.
WA Labor is committed to ensuring as many children as possible have a fair chance to grow up and become the responsible and contributing members of society they are expected to be.
Read a copy of the direction statement here...
transport for our future
A fully funded light rail line from East Perth to West Perth
WA Labor has launched a policy discussion paper to build a light rail line from East Perth to West Perth using the surplus funding from the Perth Parking Levy.
Labor’s proposal would see an initial 5.7km of light rail constructed from the Causeway in East Perth to Thomas Street in West Perth, with an additional short line to a depot near Royal Street in East Perth.
Click here for a copy of the discussion paper.
A long term vision required for Public Transport Network Plan
The Barnett Government’s Public Transport Network Plan, due to be released tomorrow, must include an expansion of the suburban rail network, a new inner urban light rail network and more feeder bus services, WA Labor Leader Eric Ripper and Shadow Transport Minister Ken Travers today.
Mr Ripper should be based on a 50 to 100 year vision with a detailed implementation timeline for the next 20 years.
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