31 August 2016

• $4.9 million land purchased by the Liberal National Government for Armadale justice complex
• Planning underway for justice complex building 

The Liberal National Government has reaffirmed its commitment to community safety in Perth's south-eastern suburbs by purchasing land for the Armadale justice complex.

Deputy Premier and Police Minister Liza Harvey said the State Government purchased two adjacent blocks of land in the heart of Armadale for $4.9 million.

"This Government is committed to ensuring the south-eastern suburbs community is kept safe and police in the area have the resources they need to help combat crime and antisocial behaviour," Ms Harvey said.

Attorney General Michael Mischin said the Armadale justice complex would include a new police station and courthouse.

"While the land purchase has been underway, the Government has also committed $1.8 million for the planning of the Armadale justice complex building in the 2016-17 State Budget," Mr Mischin said.

"The Armadale justice complex will have state-of-the-art facilities and update the current courthouse and police station."

The Armadale justice complex site is bound by Third Road and Thomas Street, behind Armadale Shopping City.

"This is a further example of the Liberal National Government renovating Western Australia.  In the last four years, $116 million has been allocated to build new and refurbished police stations across the State," the Deputy Premier said.

Ms Harvey said the Government was also committed to getting more police back onto frontline duties and away from desk work and administrative tasks.

"Since 2014, we have added 104 more uniformed officers into the Armadale sub-district.  Labor is committed to removing officers from the frontline and putting them on administration and desk duties," she said.

Fact File

• Police prosecutions in Armadale increased by 29% in June 2016
• Armadale sub-district has been resourced with an additional 104 officers since 2014
• 1,050 additional officers will have been recruited between 2008-2017 

31 August 2016

• Broadspectrum Australia Pty Ltd in negotiations to deliver court security and custodial services
• New contract to be in place in early 2017 if negotiations are successful 

The Liberal National Government today named Broadspectrum Australia Pty Ltd as the preferred respondent for court security and custodial services in Western Australia.

Corrective Services Minister Joe Francis said the State Government would enter negotiations with the company, which were expected to be completed in October 2016.

"Broadspectrum provided a comprehensive response to the request for tender, drawing on several decades of experience in court custody and prisoner transport services in the United Kingdom," Mr Francis said.

"The company also has significant experience in providing custodial services in Australian immigration detention."

Broadspectrum is a multi-national company working across a range of sectors including transport, facilities management and defence.

The Department of Corrective Services and Broadspectrum will now negotiate the contract and, if successful, the company will take over service delivery in early 2017.

The Minister will table a project summary report in State Parliament once negotiations are completed.  This report will provide further details of the procurement process and the contract.

Fact File

• The court security and custodial services contract includes security and custody at a number of metropolitan and regional courts across WA
• The contract also provides for the transport of persons in custody, which delivered an estimated 34,500 prisoner movements across the State in 2014-15 by air, coach and secure vehicle
• In June 2016, the Public Administration Committee concluded that re-tendering of the contract was necessary to ensure a cost-effective service is being delivered 

29 August 2016

• $934,000 PV Lesueur joins Department of Fisheries patrol fleet
• Patrol vessel designed for shallow water work and at-sea inspections 

Fisheries Minister Joe Francis today visited Jurien Bay to inspect and officially launch the newest vessel in the Department of Fisheries' patrol fleet.

Mr Francis said the 12 metre diesel-powered patrol vessel (PV) Lesueur would increase patrol capability in the Mid-West by monitoring fishing activity along the coast between Lancelin and Dongara.

"With its waterjet propulsion, PV Lesueur will be able to work in the shallower areas of the Jurien Bay Marine Park, reef inshore areas along the Mid-West coast and also at the Abrolhos Islands, if required," he said.

"The Jurien Bay Marine Park is sheltered by islands and reefs that make the surrounding ocean perfect for water activities, and suitable vessels are needed to enable Fisheries and Marine Officers to carry out compliance work. 

"While the region is popular with recreational fishers, commercial activity includes rock lobster fishing and wetliners catching sharks and demersal species, such as pink snapper and dhufish.  There is also a developing octopus fishery and deep sea crab operations."

The $934,000 PV Lesueur is capable of operating up to 100 nautical miles offshore, providing wider flexibility for at-sea operations.

"Like the majority of the department's patrol vessels, PV Lesueur is fitted with a soft collar to allow it to come alongside commercial and recreational vessels at sea," the Minister said.

"This means inspections can not only be conducted at sea, but also in a range of weather conditions, while reducing the likelihood of property damage or injury to people."

Fact File

• PV Lesueur replaces the Abrolhos Piper which operated in the region for 19 years
• New patrol vessel named in honour of maritime figure and artist Charles Lesueur
• PV Lesueur was built at Henderson shipyard
• Fisheries has 15 patrol vessels ranging in length from 8.5m to 23m
• Keep up-to-date on fishing rules at http://www.fish.wa.gov.au  

29 August 2016

• Kaata-Koorliny Enterprise and Employment Development Aboriginal Corporation to create Cultural Brokers in Wheatbelt pilot project
• Cultural Brokers will develop a long-term relationship with families to help build resilience and promote culturally secure suicide prevention activities 

Mental Health Minister Andrea Mitchell today announced a $150,000 grant to the Kaata-Koorliny Enterprise and Employment Development Aboriginal Corporation (KAATA) to provide Aboriginal suicide prevention training in the Wheatbelt.


The grant, which is part of the Liberal National Government's $25.9 million suicide prevention strategy, Suicide Prevention 2020, will enable the organisation to train 'cultural brokers' to engage families and ensure they can access the care they need following a suicide within the community.


"This grant will make a significant contribution to strengthening the capacity of the Wheatbelt community to reduce the incidence of suicide and will deliver long-term change in groups of people who are especially vulnerable," Ms Mitchell said.


"The pilot program will engage families over a 12-month period to ensure they are can recognise and respond to signs of suicide and self-harm and then access the most appropriate services.


"Working on the ground with families over an extended period will allow more meaningful relationships to develop and provide the opportunity for honest conversations about mental health and suicide."


The pilot is a grassroots program developed by KAATA, which is re-applying the skills and experience it has gained through engaging Aboriginal students in education to suicide prevention.


Fact File

• On average, one person loses their life to suicide each day in WA
• For support, contact Lifeline 13 11 14 or beyondblue 1300 22 4636 

Sunday, 28 August 2016

• Report outlines care models to address increasing regional aged population
• Is guiding more than $70 million investment in regional aged care
• Report made possible by the State Government's Royalties for Regions program 

The Ageing in the Bush Report, which is changing the delivery of aged care throughout regional Western Australia, was officially launched by the Liberal National Government today in Moora.

Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said regional WA had an older population profile than the State as a whole and would encounter an increasing need for aged care not yet experienced in metropolitan areas.

"The State Government understands the value of retaining older residents in regional WA and it is important we provide opportunities that allow them to remain in their communities," Mr Redman said.

"Staying connected with the community is a real concern for seniors, especially in regional areas.

"Seniors have contributed greatly to our communities over many years and the report identifies ways in which government, communities and the aged care sector can work together to enable people living in regional WA to better access care they require."

Health Minister John Day said the report identified a series of innovative aged care solutions based on four key principles and had already guided more than $70 million of investment in aged care through the State Government's Royalties for Regions program.

"The Ageing in the Bush Report will continue to provide a critical evidence base to guide intelligent and targeted investment," Mr Day said.

"Addressing needs for aged care services presents real opportunities for economic and jobs growth across WA.  If we can get it right, the social and economic dividends are considerable."

Mr Redman congratulated the Regional Development Council on leading the development of the Ageing in the Bush Report and said it identified fundamental and realistic solutions based on evidence and community need.

Fact File

• The State Government's more than $70 million Royalties for Regions investment in aged care includes more than $25 million towards aged care housing in the Wheatbelt and Great Southern; $20.2 million for Ageing in Place from Growing our South; the $16.5 million, 38-bed Carnarvon aged care facility; $4.8 million for the South West Ageing in Place Pilot; and $2.5 million as part of the Creating Age Friendly Communities in Small Towns Project
• The Government is committed to supporting contemporary models of care that enhance the wellbeing of older people and ensures sustainability
• To view the report, visit http://www.drd.wa.gov.au/Pages/Home.aspx 

28/08/2016

• Australian-first canine handler course in urban search and rescue
• Urban Search and Rescue dogs taught life-saving skills to find people buried under rubble 

Emergency Services Minister Joe Francis today inspected an Australian-first training course specialising in canine response to disasters such as earthquakes and cyclones.

The Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) canine course, at the Western Australian Fire and Emergency Services Academy in Forrestfield, is aimed at strengthening Western Australia's capacity to respond to the collapse of buildings and other structures.

"This innovative course is the first of its kind in Australia, and is being attended by international and interstate emergency services personnel," Mr Francis said.

"The course will provide volunteer canine handlers with the expertise and knowledge to teach their dogs to detect people buried under rubble, with a focus on agility skills to enable them to access hard to reach areas.

"Canines are superior to people and equipment in undertaking this lifesaving work.  When disasters such as earthquakes or cyclones strike, it is essential we have highly trained and skilled search dogs ready to be deployed at a moment's notice."

The Minister congratulated the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) for its work to develop and implement the specialised training course.

"This course will enable us to increase our USAR capacity not only in WA, but also our ability to help interstate and internationally," he said.

"The course will help in fast-tracking USAR canine handlers, who come from DFES and the general public, to become operational."

Fact File

• Six WA canines and their handlers are participating in the course
• The course is presented over four days, with ongoing training for 12 to 24 months to meet competencies 

Friday, 26 August 2016

• Nominations open for a young West Australian to lead youth week events
• More than 100 events to take place across WA during National Youth Week 

Nominations are now open for a driven, creative young person to lead Western Australia's 2017 National Youth Week celebrations.

Youth Minister Tony Simpson said the role of National Youth Week Ambassador was a great platform for a young person looking to take on a leadership role in the State-wide celebrations.

"The ambassador will play an important part in guiding and promoting the week's events and will chair the planning committee," Mr Simpson said.

"This is a rewarding opportunity for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to showcase their creative flair and inspire other young people across WA to become involved."

The Minister said 2016 ambassador Georgie Carey had been an invaluable part of this year's activities and commended Georgie for her commitment to the role.

"Georgie started out by getting involved in her local community through the Youth Advisory Council in Mosman Park," he said. 

"Through her appointment as ambassador, Georgie demonstrated admirable leadership skills, actively promoting, informing and influencing National Youth Week events in WA.  I thank her for a job well done."

To be eligible to apply for the National Youth Week ambassador role, candidates must be aged between 18 and 25 years.  They must be accessible by phone and email and available for meetings and media activities relating to National Youth Week 2017.

Fact File

• National Youth Week 2017 is presented by Propel Youth Arts WA, in partnership with the Department of Local Government and Communities
• Applications are available at http://www.dlgc.wa.gov.au and must be received by 5pm on September 16, 2016 

Friday, 26 August 2016

• Permanent BreastScreen WA clinic replaces mobile service
• New Mandurah centre to complement breast cancer awareness campaign
• Growth forecast for local breast cancer risk group 

Daffodil Day 2016 marks the start of a new era in the Peel region's fight against breast cancer, with a permanent BreastScreen WA clinic to help spearhead the campaign to increase local screening.

Officially opening the $550,000 centre today, Health Minister John Day said screening rates remained steady in Western Australia but fell short of the national target.

"We have to do better with breast screening," Mr Day said.

"This state-of-the-art clinic is about saving lives and improving the quality of life for cancer sufferers, through early diagnosis.

"The female population in the eligible 40 to 74 year-old age group in the Peel region is expected to grow by 19 per cent in the next decade.  That means there will be 21,700 women in the higher-risk category, with research showing that about 2,700 of these will likely develop breast cancer."

The new, purpose-built facility replaces the visiting mobile unit which has been servicing Mandurah and the broader Peel District.

"As a result, the mobile van will now be able to spend 15 more months during each two-year testing cycle to meet the growing demand in other regional areas across the State," the Minister said.

"The Liberal National Government is proud to contribute about $1.1 million per year towards the operations of BreastScreen WA, as part of our commitment to delivering quality health care services closer to home.

"This will include jointly funding a new $296,000 awareness campaign to help lift screening rates in women aged 50-74, from 54 per cent towards the target of 70 per cent."

Testing takes less than 20 minutes and can detect tiny cancers that cannot be identified by touch.  More than 75 per cent of breast cancers are found in women aged over 50.

Fact File

• The number of WA women receiving breast screens has grown from 103,111 in 2011-12 to 120,656 in the 2015-16 financial year
• BreastScreen WA provides free breast screening mammograms every two years to women aged 40 years and over - including those with no breast cancer symptoms
• One in eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime
• WA now has 11 permanent and four mobile BreastScreen WA clinics
• 80% of funding for the new clinic has come from the Australian Government under the Expansion of BreastScreen Australia Services Project Agreement
• For appointments, visit http://www.breastscreen.health.wa.gov.au or phone 13 20 50 

Friday, 26 August 2016

• State Theatre Centre of WA to host Mental Health Week finale
• Stand Up! For Comedy event to raise mental health awareness 

After a sell-out performance in 2015, Mental Health Week 2016 will again officially close with a night of stand-up comedy designed to raise community awareness of mental health issues.

Featuring local and national comedians, Stand Up! For Comedy is expected to attract an audience of nearly 600 people.

Mental Health Minister Andrea Mitchell said part proceeds from the comedy night would be reinvested back into community mental health.

"The aim of Mental Health Week is to reduce stigma and promote mentally healthy communities," Ms Mitchell said.

"If we can build awareness through comedy while raising funds to continue awareness raising for the rest of the year, that's a great outcome."

Relocating to the State Theatre Centre of Western Australia from His Majesty's Theatre, Stand Up! For Comedy will feature a stellar line-up of comedians, including Ben Darsow, Matt Dyktynski, Damien Callinan, Suns of Fred, Cameron McLaren, Sian Choyce, Hayden Stevens and other special guests.

Culture and the Arts Minister John Day said the event marked the second time the Perth Theatre Trust had partnered with the Western Australian Association for Mental Health.

"This event demonstrates the role the arts can play in raising issues with the community, as well as increasing public awareness," Mr Day said.

"Laughter is a vital ingredient for mental health and wellbeing.  I encourage everyone to get out to as many events as possible during Mental Health Week, including Stand Up! For Comedy."

Mental Health Week 2016 will have a special focus on suicide prevention, promoting the Act-Belong-Commit message 'Together we can save lives'.

Mental health consumers and carers have been allocated tickets to the comedy night.

Fact File

• Mental Health Week runs October 8-15, 2016
• Proceeds from the event will go to local charity, the WA Association for Mental Health, to reinvest back into community support services
• The event is supported by Perth Theatre Trust and WA Association for Mental Health
• To buy tickets, visit http://www.ticketek.com.au or phone 1300 795 012
• For Mental Health Week events and information, visit http://mhw.waamh.org.au