The Opposition is shocked the McGowan Labor Government has failed to commit critical funds to the Heart Hub South West in the 2022-23 State Budget.
Opposition Leader Mia Davies said despite delivering an eye-watering $5.7 billion surplus, the Premier and Minister for Road Safety couldn’t find funds to support this vital service.
“Heart Hub South West is an inspiring project made possible through the passion and commitment sparked by the shocking loss of a young life to road trauma,” Ms Davies said.
“With road fatality rates 30 percent higher than the national average, West Australians are no strangers to road trauma.
“While much effort has been rightly invested in education and prevention, the need for those left behind to be cared for and nurtured can be easily overlooked.
“Heart Hub offers sensitive, understanding services for those touched by road trauma through support groups and qualified, expert counselling.
“The McGowan Government has missed a major opportunity to fund these volunteers, who take their lived experience with road trauma and provide peer-to-peer support to those who need it most.”
“This is a priority project for the Opposition and we will keep fighting for this funding and for the volunteers who already give back so much,” said Ms Davies.
Shadow Road Safety Minister Martin Aldridge said the number of people killed on regional roads was significantly higher than in metropolitan areas each year.
“We know there has been major spend on improving the quality of our roads in both Perth and regional areas, but there must be support in regional areas for families experiencing road trauma,” Mr Aldridge said.
“There have been 51 lives lost on West Australian roads this year so far, and 35 of those deaths occurred in regional WA.
“That’s 35 people whose friends, family, and local communities are now left with the devastating grief and loss felt following road fatalities.
“This week is National Road Safety Week, and it’s about time the McGowan Labor Government to show some leadership and invest in Heart Hub South West, to help local victims of road trauma.”
Early Childhood Education
April 18, 2024
