Friday, 23 September 2016

• Encouraging results from ongoing trial in Perth's southern suburbs 
• 124 of 179 participating tenancies successfully progressed
• A small number of problem tenancies did not have their fixed term renewed 

The Liberal National Government is considering a State-wide rollout of its probationary tenancies initiative.

Housing Minister Brendon Grylls said results from the ongoing 'P plates' trial, announced in June 2015, for new tenants in the Housing Authority's south metropolitan zone had been encouraging. 

During the trial, potentially troublesome tenants were offered six month tenancies, on the basis that disruptive behaviour or non-payment of rent during that period would see the tenancy not renewed and the tenant required to vacate.  A trouble-free first six months would see the tenancy moved to an ongoing periodic tenancy.

Mr Grylls said the P plates initiative further reinforced the 'three strikes' policy which was introduced by the Liberal National Government in 2009 and strengthened in 2011.

"Tenants are expected to follow three simple, basic rules:  pay the rent, look after the property and respect the neighbours," he said.

"This trial is building a greater understanding among new tenants that housing assistance is conditional on them meeting those obligations."

The trial has been run from the Housing Authority's Fremantle office for all new tenants, with the exception of people 55 years and older who have been proven good tenants.  The trial saw 179 tenancies participate, with 124 (69 per cent) of those tenancies successfully progressing from a fixed term tenancy to a periodic tenancy.

A small number of tenancies in the trial - less than 13 per cent - did not have their fixed term tenancy renewed for breaches of their tenancy agreement including accrued debt, disruptive behaviour and poor property standards.

"Lessons learned through the trial have informed the need to consider further conditions on tenancies that are having difficulty maintaining their tenancies, rather than face eviction," the Minister said.

A small number of tenants (three per cent) were referred to the Support and Tenant Education Program (STEP), a voluntary early intervention program for tenants to provide support to those who are having difficulties sustaining their tenancy and who may otherwise face eviction.

A final decision on how the Housing Authority can use tools such as probationary tenancies to help build tenant capacity is expected to be made in the next three months.  

Fact File

• The Housing Authority is the State's biggest landlord, managing more than 36,000 properties for more than 69,000 tenants in need of subsidised housing
• STEP assists tenants with issues such as property standards, rent payments or behaviour.  Housing does this to offer its tenants some practical assistance to help them and their neighbours enjoy a peaceful and happy tenancy 

Friday, 23 September 2016

• Margaret River Gourmet Escape wins big at Australian Event Awards
• Prestigious festival boosts State's economy through visitation and international exposure
• Proudly supported by the Liberal National Government through Tourism WA and Royalties for Regions 

Margaret River Gourmet Escape has taken out one of Australia's top event accolades, Best Tourism Event, at the Australian Event Awards ceremony on the Gold Coast this week.

The popular culinary festival is supported by the Liberal National Government through Tourism Western Australia's Regional Events Program, made possible by Royalties for Regions.

Festival operator IMG Culinary accepted the tourism prize, seeing off competition from finalists Byron Bay Bluesfest, the Blues on Broadbeach Music Festival and Santos Tour Down Under.

Now in its fifth year, Margaret River Gourmet Escape continues to grow as a premier global culinary event, attracting international chefs and personalities such as Heston Blumenthal, Rene Redzepi, Marco Pierre White, Massimo Bottura, Antonio Carluccio, David Chang and Rick Stein.

Premier and Tourism Minister Colin Barnett said the festival was a major success story for the State's economy.

The 2015 event resulted in 23,000 room nights booked in the South-West, more than $7.8 million in expenditure in the region and more than $6.5 million worth of global brand awareness for WA.

"With the UK's Nigella Lawson confirmed for this year's Margaret River Gourmet Escape, this popularity is set not only to continue, but to grow," Mr Barnett said.

"In just a few short years, Margaret River Gourmet Escape has become a powerful brand in the culinary world, lifting Margaret River and WA's profile as a premium food and wine destination.

"This is really powerful when marketing the State to potential visitors to increase on the 400,000 food and wine enthusiasts who travel to WA each year.  Margaret River Gourmet Escape is a key component of the State Government's Taste 2020 strategy to boost food and wine tourism.

"Tourism is a vital industry for our State.  In 2015-16, visitors spent $9.6 billion in WA, including $4.5 billion in regional areas."

Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said the Royalties for Regions investment in the Margaret River Gourmet Escape was also reaping rewards for the South-West region.

"Events of this calibre provide trade potential and broad exposure for local producers, as well as local jobs and training opportunities," Mr Redman said.

Fact File

• Another WA event, The Gibb Challenge mountain bike relay, was a finalist in the people's choice prize, Australia's Favourite Event
• A full list of winners is available at http://eventawards.com.au/2016-winners-and-finalists
• Margaret River Gourmet Escape, presented by Audi, is on November 18-20, 2016
• For more information, visit http://www.gourmetescape.com.au 

Thursday, 22 September 2016

• Liberal National Government investing $21 million to expand softwood plantations in the South-West
• Softwood Industry Strategy focused on supporting regional communities 

Forestry Minister Mia Davies has launched a Softwood Industry Strategy for Western Australia, which will provide ongoing job security, supply continuity for the building and construction sectors and sustainability of the State's forest estate.

Ms Davies said the strategy was underpinned by a $21 million investment in expanding the softwood estate and the establishment of manufacturing and processing hubs in the South-West.

"The strategy will double the annual investment in planting on State Government and private land around manufacturing and processing hubs in regional WA, which will strengthen industry development and improve productivity," she said.

"Up to 10,000 hectares of softwood will be planted by the Forest Products Commission to expand our softwood estate over the next five years, the equivalent of two trees for every one harvested, or 2.7 million pine seedlings annually."

The strategy is focused on six key areas, with actions including a renewed focus on attaining higher levels of certification, development of new training and employment pathways, improving community engagement and increasing efforts to protect plantations from fire.

The Minister said sufficient scale in forest estate was essential to safeguard jobs, avoid a dependency on imported timber and contribute to a domestic industry with significant economic and environmental value to regional WA.

"As well as building the estate, the strategy will establish a $100,000 innovation fund to stimulate market opportunities and appoint a forestry adviser to support and work with farmers looking to develop forestry enterprises," she said.

Fact File

• The forestry industry in WA is worth more than $1 billion annually
• WA's softwood industry supplies up to 70% of the State's construction roofing timber
• For more information on the Softwood Industry Strategy for Western Australia, visit http://www.fpc.wa.gov.au/softwoodstrategy 

Thursday, 22 September 2016

• Investigating sustainable water supply options in the Midlands region
• Increasing regional food production and boosting local economies and jobs
• Made possible by the Liberal National Government's Royalties for Regions program 

An exploratory drilling program is now underway in the Irwin area, near Dongara, as part of the Liberal National Government's $40 million Water for Food program.

Water Minister Mia Davies said the $4.7 million Midlands groundwater and land assessment project was investigating groundwater availability, land capability and crop suitability in the Midlands area between Gingin and Dongara, one of the most economically promising irrigation zones in Western Australia.

"The exploratory drilling program is the next stage of water investigations in the Irwin area near Dongara after being identified as a potential irrigated agriculture focus area," Ms Davies said.  

"The aim of the drilling program is to identify new, sustainable groundwater resources to meet the needs for irrigated agriculture and to develop better scientific knowledge for government, industry and individuals to make more informed decisions in the future."

Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said the $40 million Water for Food program was made possible by the State Government's Royalties for Regions program and was a key component of the $350 million Seizing the Opportunity Agriculture initiative.

"Extensive groundwater investigations to support increased irrigated agriculture are continuing in other areas of the State, with the commencement in May 2016 of exploratory drilling in the Kimberley region and another in the Myalup-Wellington area before the end of the year," Mr Redman said.

"The Government will continue to support Water for Food projects aimed at increasing investment in, and expansion of, irrigated agriculture projects that facilitate regional development and employment opportunities."

Agricultural Region MLC and chairman of the Midlands Community Reference Group, Martin Aldridge said the results from the drilling program would provide information to redefine the sustainable yields of the aquifers in the area.

"Matching the water information with soil quality, infrastructure and crop studies will provide confidence to private investors looking to develop and expand horticulture in the region," Mr Aldridge said.

Fact File

• 11 Water for Food projects across the State
• Midlands project is in partnership with the Department of Agriculture and Food WA
• For more information on the projects, visit http://www.waterforfood.wa.gov.au  

Thursday, 22 September 2016

• Legislation to protect payments to subcontractors in the construction industry 

The Liberal National Government today introduced legislation into State Parliament to protect payments to subcontractors in the construction industry.

The Construction Contracts Act 2004 provides a useful mechanism for resolving contractual payment disputes and provides building contractors, subcontractors and suppliers with a right to be paid within a reasonable period of time, and a low cost method of enforcing that right.

Introducing the Construction Contracts Amendment Bill 2016, Small Business Minister Sean L'Estrange said the legislation was the first part of a 'whole of Government' approach to improving payment protection for subcontractors.

It will enhance the operation of the scheme and make it easier for subcontractors to access the rapid adjudication process for resolving construction payment disputes.

"The non-payment and late payment of subcontractors, many of which are small businesses, is being addressed by the State Government," Mr L'Estrange said.

"This legislation will also be complemented by a Code of Conduct for contractors and the establishment of a compliance unit within the Department of Commerce to monitor compliance with the code.  Other measures include the Small Business Commissioner having expanded power to review and mediate disputes between contractors and subcontractors.

"Plus, from September 30, 2016, the Government is rolling out Project Bank Accounts across Building Management and Works construction projects valued at more than $1.5 million to speed up the payment process for businesses working on these projects and enable subcontractors to better protect themselves in the event that a head contractor experiences financial difficulty."

Key aspects of the Bill include:

• reducing the maximum time in which head contractors can pay subcontractor payment claims to 30 calendar days
• increasing the time in which an application for rapid adjudication of a payment dispute can be lodged by a subcontractor to 90 business days
• creating greater flexibility in the scheme by allowing adjudication of previously rejected or disputed claims
• providing a faster and more efficient means for a party to enforce an adjudication determination through the courts. 

"Having listened to the concerns of subcontractors and other stakeholders, the Liberal National Government is taking effective action to encourage better behaviour in the building and construction industry, as well as improve the operation of the Act in keeping the money flowing in the contracting chain," Commerce Minister Michael Mischin said.

Fact File

• The building and construction industry in WA generates 12.5% of Gross State Product
• The sector accounts for 10% of the total workforce, including more than 40,000 small businesses 

22/09/2016

• Dedicated Agriculture and Food Minister
• Bill Marmion to take on the Transport portfolio 

Wanneroo MLA Paul Miles has been promoted to Minister for Local Government, Community Services, Seniors and Volunteering and Youth.

"Paul has been a strong and committed local member who also understands the importance of how people can contribute and strengthen a community," Premier Colin Barnett said.

Mr Miles, who has been Parliamentary Secretary to the Attorney General and Minister for Commerce since March 2013, said he was looking forward to elevating the important role of seniors and the invaluable work of volunteers in the community.

"As a Lions Club member for 30 years, communities are close to my heart," Mr Miles said.

Agricultural scientist and Mining and Pastoral Region MLC Mark Lewis has been appointed Agriculture and Food Minister, Mr Barnett announced today.

"Before entering State Parliament in 2013, Mark was involved in developing irrigated agricultural opportunities and also held management positions within the Department of Agriculture and Food in a region which covered the extent of his current electorate," he said.

"Mark was raised on farming, cattle and sheep properties in Queensland and will bring to the portfolio a vast knowledge about the agricultural sector and the challenges it faces."

The Premier said the sector was among a number of industries critical to the broadening of the Western Australian economy.  Appointing a dedicated Minister to the portfolio would ensure the sector was given Mr Lewis' full attention in progressing key policies, including upgrading the Doppler tower network and launching the WA Biosecurity Strategy.

Senior Minister Bill Marmion will take on the Transport portfolio.

"Bill was a civil engineer for Main Roads before entering State Parliament.  He has been a Minister since 2010 and I have every confidence he is the right person to continue to move forward major public infrastructure projects such as the Forrestfield-Airport Link, NorthLink WA and Roe 8," Mr Barnett said.

The Premier said Mr Marmion would divest his Finance portfolio to Sean L'Estrange, who would add the responsibility to his Mines and Petroleum and Small Business roles.  Mr Marmion would retain State Development and Innovation.

"The opportunity for new people, with new ideas, to sit at the State Cabinet table will re-energise the Cabinet and the Liberal National Government as we move toward the March 2017 election," he said

Mr Barnett said two new Parliamentary Secretaries had also been appointed.

South Metropolitan Region MLC Nick Goiran will become the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Mental Health and Child Protection.

Carine MLA Tony Krsticevic will be Parliamentary Secretary to the Attorney General and Minister for Commerce.

State Cabinet:

HON C J BARNETT MLA
Premier; Minister for Tourism; Science

HON L M HARVEY MLA
Deputy Premier; Minister for Police; Road Safety; Training and Workforce Development; Women's Interests

HON B J GRYLLS MLA
Minister for Housing; Racing and Gaming

HON P C COLLIER MLC
Minister for Education; Aboriginal Affairs; Electoral Affairs

HON J H D DAY MLA                
Minister for Health; Culture and the Arts

HON Dr M D NAHAN MLA         
Treasurer; Minister for Energy; Citizenship and Multicultural Interests

HON W R MARMION MLA        
Minister for State Development; Transport; Innovation

HON M MISCHIN MLC  
Attorney General; Minister for Commerce

HON A P JACOB MLA              
Minister for Environment; Heritage

HON J M FRANCIS MLA           
Minister for Emergency Services; Fisheries; Corrective Services; Veterans

HON M J DAVIES MLA 
Minister for Water; Sport and Recreation; Forestry

HON D T REDMAN MLA
Minister for Regional Development; Lands; Minister Assisting the Minister for State Development

HON D FARAGHER MLC                       
Minister for Planning; Disability Services

HON A MITCHELL MLA             
Minister for Mental Health; Child Protection

HON S L'ESTRANGE MLA        
Minister for Mines and Petroleum; Finance; Small Business

HON P T MILES MLA           
Minister for Local Government; Community Services; Seniors and Volunteering; Youth

HON M W LEWIS MLC
Minister for Agriculture and Food

Parliamentary Secretaries

Mr John McGrath MLA         
Paliamentary Secretary to the Premier

Hon Alyssa Hayden MLC           
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Tourism

Hon Jim Chown MLC
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Transport

Hon Colin Holt MLC      
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Housing, Racing and Gaming; and; Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Water; Sport and Recreation; Forestry

Mr Shane Love MLA                  
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Regional Development; Lands; Minister Assisting the Minister for State Development

Mr Matt Taylor MLA                  
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Innovation

Mr Jan Norberger MLA   
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Planning

Mr Nick Goiran MLA
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Mental Health; Child Protection

Mr Tony Krsticevic MLA
Parliamentary Secretary to the Attorney General; Minister for Commerce
​
Note
Ms Libby Mettam MLA​
Government Whip

Thursday, 22 September 2016

• Concern over number of unrestrained children in cars
• Police targeting road safety as we head into long weekend and school holidays
• Double demerits apply from midnight tonight 

Western Australian motorists have been put on notice after the Liberal National Government released statistics showing 1,902 people fined in one year for having children in their cars without a seatbelt on.

On the eve of the long weekend and school holiday period, Deputy Premier and Road Safety Minister Liza Harvey said there was no excuse for not wearing a seatbelt or ensuring children were correctly restrained.

"The heartache of road trauma is nearly always avoidable and the simple act of putting on your seatbelt every time you get in your car is a habit that could save your life," Ms Harvey said.

The Deputy Premier said that last year 31 of the 119 motor vehicle occupants killed on Western Australian roads were not wearing a seatbelt.

Ms Harvey said the driver of a vehicle was responsible for ensuring their passengers were properly restrained in their vehicles and there were significant fines if they were not.

The statistics showed that in 2015:

• 1,902 people were fined for an unrestrained child in their vehicle
• 2,008 people were fined for having an incorrectly restrained child in their vehicle
• 31 of the 119 motor vehicle occupants killed on Western Australian roads were not wearing a seatbelt. 

"You are 10 times more likely to be killed in a road crash if you're not wearing a seatbelt in a car and that should be motivation enough to put your seatbelt on," the Deputy Premier said.

"If you are hitting the road these school holidays with the family, I urge all parents to ensure everyone has properly secured their seatbelt before you even start the engine."

Fact File

• To date in 2016, statistics show 948 fines have been issued for having an unrestrained child in the vehicle
• To date in 2016, statistics show 990 fines have been issued for having an incorrectly restrained child in the vehicle
• For the purpose of the statistics in this statement a 'child' is anyone aged 15 years or younger
• The State Government has allocated a record $148.5 million in 2016-17 from the Road Trauma Trust Account for proven road safety initiatives 

Thursday, 22 September 2016

• Forest Products Commission nursery to propagate up to 20,000 native seedlings for the Shire of Harvey to revegetate Yarloop town site and primary school
• Minister visits Yarloop Primary School students for seed sowing activity to produce about 200 seedlings for planting next winter 

Forestry Minister Mia Davies has commended the Forest Products Commission (FPC) for donating 20,000 native seedlings towards revegetating Yarloop town site and Yarloop Primary School following devastating fires earlier this year.

Ms Davies joined students of Yarloop Primary School in Harvey today where they took part in sowing 200 seeds that will be nurtured for planting next year.

"The FPC has offered the Shire of Harvey native seedlings from its nursery in Manjimup to help revegetate Yarloop," she said.

"More than 20 native species of shrubs and trees propagated by the commission will be available for greening the scarred Yarloop town site including eucalyptus, corymbia, bottlebrush, melaleuca and hakea."

The FPC's Manjimup nursery produces superior seedlings for the commission's regeneration of native forest and establishment of plantations.

Parliamentary Secretary and South West Region MLC Colin Holt said the Yarloop community had shown amazing resilience during times of recent hardship.

"Their spirit and determination to return to the place they call home is extremely uplifting and I am glad FPC can support this important journey," Mr Holt said.

"As they mature, these seedlings will bring colour and birdlife back to Yarloop as the town and community continue the rebuilding process."

Fact File

• The FPC is growing millions of seedlings to replant the fire-ravaged McLarty and Myalup plantations near Waroona
• The commission is responsible for the sustainable management and development of WA's forest and timber industry using native forest, plantation and sandalwood products on land owned or leased by the State
• For more information, visit http://www.fpc.wa.gov.au  

Thursday, 22 September 2016

• West Australians urged to hook into the first-ever national Gone Fishing Day
• Enjoy licence-free fishing in some of the world's best-managed fisheries 

Fisheries Minister Joe Francis today encouraged West Australians to join in and celebrate the inaugural national Gone Fishing Day on October 16, 2016.

Mr Francis said that, as an added incentive, recreational fishers in WA would not require a licence on the day, allowing people to try their hand at something they might not have tried before.

"More than 750,000 West Australians enjoy recreational fishing each year and Gone Fishing Day is designed to encourage as many people as possible to participate," he said.

"With the State's huge expanse of coastline and numerous seaside communities, recreational fishing has long been part of WA's social fabric, with proven health and wellbeing benefits.

"Whether it is wetting a line in a South-West stream or trying to boat a 'barra' in the Kimberley, there is a diverse range of fishing experiences on offer across the State.

"While October 16 will be licence-free, the normal fishing rules will still apply and fisheries and marine officers will be out and about to ensure compliance."

As a concession to the first-ever national Gone Fishing Day, the annual West Coast Bioregion demersal finfish closure, due to start on Saturday October 15, will be delayed for 48 hours.  All other applicable closures will remain in force, including the existing closure on fishing for pink snapper in Cockburn and Warnbro sounds.

"Annual or seasonal closures are used in combination with other measures to ensure the long-term sustainability of fish stocks," the Minister said.

"With the recovery of key demersal species being on track, starting the closure two days later this year, on October 17, will allow fishers to enjoy a day out on the water in the West Coast Bioregion."

Mr Francis said Gone Fishing Day was another example of the Liberal National Government's commitment to providing quality recreational fishing experiences to West Australians through initiatives including artificial reefs and fish stocking projects.

"Every dollar of recreational fishing licence revenue is invested in recreational fishing management, research and compliance, with more than $6 million put towards a range of projects benefiting fishers across the State," he said.

Fact File

• See plans for Gone Fishing Day WA at http://recfishwest.org.au/gonefishing
• Check http://www.fish.wa.gov.au and the Recreational fishing guide 2016 for fishing rules 

Thursday, 22 September 2016

• Expense growth of 2.4% in 2015-16 - the second lowest in 21 years
• Growth in general government sector salaries expenditure was just 2.6% in 2015-16 - the lowest since 1998-99
• Total public sector net debt at June 30, 2016 was $27.3 billion, $513 million lower than estimated in the 2016-17 Budget 

The Liberal National Government has brought spending growth down to 2.4 per cent in 2015-16, its second lowest level in more than two decades, according to the Annual Report on State Finances released by Treasurer Mike Nahan today.

The report also found salaries across the general government sector grew by just 2.6 per cent in 2015-16 - the lowest increase in 17 years.  It also highlighted that total public sector net debt came in $513 million lower than the 2016-17 Budget estimate, and a substantial $3.6 billion lower than the original 2015-16 Budget forecast, at $27.3 billion for 2015-16.

Dr Nahan said the results were achieved in the face of unprecedented revenue downturns over the past two financial years.  In 2015-16, these included:

• a substantial decline in royalty income (down $477 million or 10.4 per cent on 2014-15), primarily due to a 28 per cent fall in the iron ore price
• a $377 million (or 16.7 per cent) reduction in the State's GST grant relative to 2014-15, bringing the total reduction since 2013-14 to $626 million or 25 per cent
• a $249 million (or 28.7 per cent) decline in the State's North West Shelf grants, reflecting a significant weakening in the oil price
• very modest growth in taxation revenue (up $187 million or 2.1 per cent), largely reflecting increased land tax collections and landholder duty, partially offset by lower transfer duty receipts and the first decline in payroll tax collections in more than two decades.  

"As we said at the time of the 2016-17 Budget, an operating deficit in 2015-16 was unavoidable in the face of the State's declining revenue base," the Treasurer said.

The general government sector recorded an operating deficit of $2 billion in 2015-16, $688 million lower than the original 2015-16 Budget deficit projection and in line with the 2016-17 Budget estimate.

"General government spending grew by a low 2.4 per cent in 2015-16 - the second lowest rate of expenses growth in 21 years following the result of just 2.2 per cent in 2014-15," Dr Nahan said.

"Those outcomes required substantial restraint and commitment, particularly when compared with the average annual expense growth over the preceding decade of 7.7 per cent.

"These results show the impact of successive measures implemented to improve the efficiency of the public sector workforce, including the temporary recruitment freeze announced in the 2015-16 Mid-year Review, voluntary separation programs, the Workforce Renewal Policy, leave liability management and the Government's Public Sector Wages Policy.

"The State Government has worked hard to keep this collapse in revenue away from households and businesses, while continuing to provide the high quality services expected by West Australians.

"The increase in borrowings is required to fund essential infrastructure through the Asset Investment Program and was pushed higher in 2015-16 by the revenue downturn.  This highlights the importance of keeping a tight rein on spending and pushing ahead with the Government's asset sales program."

Fact File

• GST grant declined by $377 million in 2015-16 (State's GST relativity fell from 37.6% of WA's population share in 2014-15 to just 30% in 2015-16)
• Payroll tax collections decreased by $100 million or 2.8% relative to 2014-15 (the first decline in payroll tax in more than two decades)
• Commodity prices were significantly lower than in the previous year (the iron price continued to weaken in 2015-16, falling from an average of $US71.1 per tonne in 2014-15 to $US50.9 per tonne in 2015-16, while the oil price declined from $US73.5 per barrel to $US43.4 per barrel)
• To read the Annual Report on State Finances, visit http://www.treasury.wa.gov.au