Thursday, 20 July 2017

• ​International expert, Professor Hugo Mascie-Taylor, commissioned to review safety and quality across WA's public health system
• Quality and safety a top Government priority, fundamental to delivering world-class healthcare
• Review's findings and recommendations made public to drive continuous improvement

The State Government has today released a wide-ranging review into the safety and quality of public health services and hospitals in Western Australia.

The review was commissioned by the Director General of Health earlier this year, and undertaken by UK expert Professor Hugo Mascie-Taylor.

Professor Mascie-Taylor is Executive Medical Director EY UK and Ireland; former Medical Director of the NHS Confederation; Medical Director of Monitor; Executive Medical Director Leeds Teaching Hospitals; and Trust Special Administrator of Mid-Staffordshire Foundation Trust.

The review was commissioned in recognition of the need for continuous improvement in safety and quality, and of the need for assurance processes to be safeguarded in times of system change.

The Department of Health, and Health Service Providers, will work together to address all recommendations of the review over the coming 12 to 18 months.

The 'Review of safety and quality in the WA health system' report is available at http://www.health.wa.gov.au

Comments attributed to Health and Mental Health Minister Roger Cook:

"WA has a good record of health safety and quality, but we must constantly strive to deliver the best outcomes for our patients and the community.

"Health is operating in an era of significant change as a result of advances in technology and research, and our Sustainable Health Review - announced last month - will deliver a patient first, innovative and sustainable health system for all Western Australians.

"The community can be assured that patient safety is the highest priority as we aim to make a good system great."

Comments attributed to Director General of Health Dr D J Russell-Weisz:

"Delivering safe and high quality care is a central and critical focus of the Western Australian health system - now and into the future.

"Professor Mascie-Taylor has made several recommendations for the system to build on its successes based on sound principles of clinical governance.

"These include clear roles; responsibilities; accountabilities at all levels; a culture of transparency; a willingness to benchmark and learn from experiences locally, nationally and internationally; and a clear patient and community focus at all times."

20/07/2017 6:05 AM

• ​17 local governments to share in $199,000 Age-friendly Communities grants
• Age-friendly WA Workshop, a State Government initiative, held today
• Program encourages seniors to participate and remain active in their communities

A group of experts in building age-friendly communities will today join Secretary General of the International Federation on Ageing Dr Jane Barratt to discuss the challenges and opportunities of Western Australia's ageing population.

More than 100 stakeholders will take part in a program covering topics such as economic participation of older adults, ageism, technology and diversity.

The workshop took place as it was announced that more than $199,000 would be shared by 17 Western Australian local governments in the latest round of the State Government Age-friendly Communities grants.

Earlier this week, Seniors and Ageing Minister Mick Murray met with Dr Barratt to discuss WA's nation-leading performance in the age-friendly space.

The grants program consists of two streams: age-friendly planning and implementation, with up to $10,000 and $20,000 available to local governments respectively.  To date, 75 local governments have received $673,113.

In June the State Government was named an affiliate member of the World Health Organisation's Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities, which gives it a significant role in supporting age-friendly communities worldwide. 

For a full list of recipients by local government area, visit http://www.dlgc.wa.gov.au

Comments attributed to Seniors and Ageing Minister Mick Murray:

"There is some terrific work being done to create age-friendly communities in WA.  The State is a leader in this space and I congratulate the efforts being made to support our seniors.

"In an age-friendly community, there is a culture of inclusion shared by people of all ages and ability levels.  This encompasses spaces, places, programs and initiatives that make a community better for all residents.

"The age-friendly grants and today's Age-friendly WA Workshop reflect the McGowan Labor Government's commitment to addressing the needs of our ageing population."

Wednesday, 19 July 2017

• ​Biennial local government elections to be held on October 21, 2017
• Chance for communities to take part in local democracy

Western Australia's residents and ratepayers are being encouraged to have a say in who runs their local community, by making sure they are ready to vote in October's local government elections.

Just one in four eligible Western Australians voted in the 2015 elections, despite local governments providing significant services and infrastructure to their communities.

Community members can ensure they are enrolled to vote by checking their enrolment status online with the Western Australian Electoral Commission before 5pm on September 1, 2017.

This year, participation in elections is strongly encouraged among under-represented sections of the community including women, Aboriginal people, young people, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

Strong councillors are the foundation of an effective and efficient local government and community members are asked to take the time to assess their candidates and vote for someone who will best represent them.

Local government elections take place on Saturday, October 21, 2017.  Enrolment forms are available at post offices, the Western Australian and Australian electoral commissions, most local government offices or from http://www.waec.wa.gov.au

Candidates nominating for council have until September 7-14, 2017 to lodge a nomination. More information is available from the websites of the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries and the Western Australian Electoral Commission.

Comments attributed to Local Government Minister David Templeman:

"This Government is committed to increasing engagement in local government elections.

"By getting involved in the elections, people are taking an active role in influencing the decisions that are made where they live and deciding who will represent them in their communities.

"Competition breeds excellence, and a greater number of candidates will contribute to a higher standard of community representation, and the effective governance that communities deserve.

"It is essential that everyone - regardless of age, gender or cultural background - has their say, and I encourage all local communities to get informed, and involved."

Wednesday, 19 July 2017

• ​$500,000 meets growing demand for crisis accommodation

Housing Minister Peter Tinley officially opened the Sun City Christian Centre in Geraldton today to assist local people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

The crisis accommodation facility is managed and operated by service provider Sun City Care.

In 2014, the Department of Communities (then known as the Housing Authority), approved $500,000 under the Crisis Accommodation Program to build the 10-bedroom facility.  Practical completion occurred in May 2017.

The centre was built on land owned by Sun City Christian Centre, which obtained extra funding of $1.45 million from Lotterywest for the fit-out and construction.

The facility provides short-stay accommodation and support services for men, women and families experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness.

Sun City also offers practical help to clients including food, clothing and furnishings; family and parenting support; pastoral care; advocacy; and referral services and life-skills development.

The Federal Government's Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations provides ongoing operational funding.

Comments attributed to Housing Minister Peter Tinley:

"The challenge of providing affordable housing is too big for government to solve on its own. The McGowan Government recognises the importance of developing innovative partnerships with the community sector to meet the challenge.

"One of the most important things any government can do is support people who are in need.

"There is a growing demand in Geraldton for crisis accommodation.  Sun City is helping meet this demand by providing accommodation for men, women and families who are experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness.

"Clients of this facility have access to a range of amenities and services including a community garden, sports, and training and work experience opportunities that can help them re-establish themselves in the community."

19/07/2017 8:00 AM

• ​Annual awards recognise WA's most outstanding young people

Youth Minister Peter Tinley has opened nominations for Western Australia's annual Youth Awards, giving the State's young people an opportunity to shine.

The awards, which have run for 19 years, recognise Western Australians aged 12 to 25 for their achievements and contribution to the community, as well as individuals and organisations which work with and support Western Australian youth.

The awards are a partnership between the Department of Communities and the Youth Affairs Council of Western Australia and are supported by Lotterywest.

Nominations are open for the following categories:

• Minister for Youth's Outstanding Youth Worker;
• Commissioner for Children and Young People Participate Award;
• ECU Community Leadership Award;
• Perth Theatre Trust Cultural Endeavors Award;
• Hope Community Services Active Participation Award;
• Mercy Care Organisational Achievement (Large);
• RUAH Organisational Achievement (Small); and
• RAC Innovation for a Sustainable Future Award.

Each category winner receives a $1,000 prize.  The WA Young Person of the Year will be selected from among the category winners and will receive a $10,000 travel bursary to participate in youth-related events and activities across WA, in addition to airfares for two to a European destination, valued at $3,000.

Nominations close on Thursday, August 31, 2017 with winners announced at the State Theatre Centre of Western Australia in October.  For more information, visit http://www.yacwa.org.au

Comments attributed to Youth Minister Peter Tinley:

"The McGowan Government is proud of its involvement with the WA Youth Awards.  The awards help us identify and celebrate our most inspirational and dedicated young people - they also recognise the important contributions young people make to our society.

"Young people carry out fantastic work across our State and I encourage Western Australians to nominate an outstanding young person, or an organisation working with young people, for an award."

29/06/2017 6:05 AM

• ​Mandatory code of practice for prepaid funeral funds being developed
• Regulations to provide consumers with consistency, clarity and certainty

The McGowan Government will regulate Western Australia's $140 million prepaid funeral sector to better protect seniors and their families from fund mismanagement.

The Government is developing a mandatory code of practice to give consumers greater consistency, clarity and certainty when investing in prepaid funeral plans - bringing WA into line with other States.

Currently the industry is governed by a voluntary standard set out by the Australian Funeral Directors' Association, though the level of compliance to that standard is unclear.

There are also other organisations in the community without funeral director certification offering prepaid funeral plans.

The mandatory code of practice will be designed, under the Fair Trading Act, to cover all sellers of prepaid funeral packages to protect Western Australians from fund mismanagement.

Comments attributed to Seniors and Ageing Minister Mick Murray:

"Unfortunately there is the potential for unscrupulous operators in the prepaid funeral market to take advantage of vulnerable people, especially seniors.

"By introducing a mandatory code of practice, we will make sure companies selling prepaid funeral plans are held to a high standard and our seniors and their families are protected.

"Seniors and other interested parties will have the opportunity to contribute to a consultation process later this year to guide the development of the code."

Comments attributed to Commerce and Industrial Relations Minister Bill Johnston:

"The future financial risk for prepaid funerals is high. About 1,000 packages are sold each year in WA, and the amount of money being held is expected to rise significantly.

"It's imperative that such large amounts of money are managed and invested properly and professionally, while keeping the financial risk to consumers as low as possible."

29/06/2017 6:00 AM

• ​First four graduates receive statements of attainment in the Certificate III Electricity Supply Industry Remote Community Utilities Worker qualification
• Apprenticeships to assist the reliability of power networks in remote communities
• Important boost for economic development and sustainability of remote communities

Energy Minister Ben Wyatt has expressed heartfelt congratulations to four men from some of the most remote Aboriginal communities in Western Australia, who are the first graduates to complete a unique new national apprenticeship to improve outcomes in remote communities.

Keith Hunter, of Bidyadanga; Clinton (Minty) Sahanna, who covers the Dampier Peninsula communities of Beagle Bay, Lombadina/Djarindjin and Ardyaloon; Robert Hassett, of Kalumburu; and Brendan Walters, of Yungngora, are Australia's first Remote Community Utilities Workers after completing an apprenticeship created by Horizon Power.

The employees, who live and work in their communities, maintain electrical networks in these towns and power stations in Kalumburu and Yungngora, and have just received their trade qualification after years of study and on-the-job training.

Before the apprenticeship program began, it could take a day for crews based in Kununurra just to get to towns such as Kalumburu if there was a power outage and even longer during the wet season.

The State Government supports all efforts to create training positions and employment in Aboriginal communities, and is encouraging procurement policies which support Aboriginal-owned businesses and create jobs.

Comments attributed to Energy Minister Ben Wyatt:

"It has been a long journey for the four men who graduated today and I wish them the very best of success in their future roles. These positions will be significant for their communities and they should be very proud of their achievements.

"The staff at Horizon Power should also be congratulated for creating this apprenticeship scheme. I hope it produces graduates for many years to come."

Wednesday, 28 June 2017

• 10 years since Perth Seawater Desalination Plant was officially opened
• About 475 billion litres of drinking water produced since 2007
• Each year, the plant has the capacity to produce 45 billion litres of drinking water 

Water Minister Dave Kelly today visited the Perth Seawater Desalination Plant to mark 10 years since it first began to produce climate independent water.

The plant was commissioned by the Gallop Labor Government and opened by the Carpenter Labor Government in 2007, in response to the impacts climate change was having on Western Australia's dams and groundwater. It was the first large scale plant to be built in Australia.

In the last 10 years, it has produced about 475 billion litres of drinking water for Perth and has the capacity to provide 45 billion litres of drinking water each year from the ocean.

The Perth Seawater Desalination Plant is one of two seawater desalination plants in WA that supplies 47 per cent of water for Perth and the Integrated Water Supply Scheme.

Investment in desalination forms part of the Water Corporation's long-term Water Forever plans - to secure water supplies in response to climate change.

For more information, visit https://watercorporation.com.au

Comments attributed to Water Minister Dave Kelly:

"The McGowan Labor Government, just like Labor governments of the past, understands the impacts climate change is having on our dams and groundwater supplies.

"As we face the water challenges of the future, we will draw on the vision and innovative thinking that Labor governments are renowned for.

"Over the past decade, the Perth Seawater Desalination Plant has taken seawater from the Indian Ocean and produced about 475 billion litres of fresh drinking water - which is enough water to fill Sydney Harbour. 

"Ten years on, it is great to see the plant continues to provide a reliable, climate independent source of water.

"However, climate change is continuing to impact our precious water supplies - so it is important we all do our bit, whether it be at home or at work, to be more water efficient."

Wednesday, 28 June 2017

• ​Revised Digital Security Policy for WA public sector launched
• New policy falls in line with international ICT security standards
• For eight years, the previous government failed to address weaknesses in IT systems

The McGowan Labor Government has launched a revised whole-of-government Digital Security Policy for the Western Australian public sector.

Premier Mark McGowan this week wrote to all Ministers to request they speak with their departments and discuss implementation of this updated policy as an issue of high priority.

The updated policy, developed by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer, is supported by guidance and tools that will help public sector agencies protect themselves against cyber threats.

It requires agencies to continuously improve their security practices and aligns with an internationally established standard for creating Information Security Management Systems (ISO 27001).

The updated policy follows eight annual Auditor General reports which found weaknesses in government agencies' ICT practices. For more information, visit https://audit.wa.gov.au

Comments attributed to Innovation and ICT Minister Dave Kelly:

"The McGowan Labor Government understands the rising threat cyber security attacks pose to the public sector and community, and are working with government agencies to address them.

"For eight years, the previous Liberal National Government failed to address damming Auditor General reports which demonstrated many government agencies had insufficient security governance and procedures.

"In May 2017, the 'WannaCry' malware outbreak affected an estimated 200,000 computers across 150 countries worldwide.  As we release this policy today, there has been another major cyber security attack from the 'Petya' ransomware, affecting businesses and governments around the world.

"So far this morning there have been no known successful attacks on the WA Government, but it is still early.

"WA avoided a serious breach last time, and the security updates put in place by government agencies should also protect against this new 'Petya' ransomware.

"These ongoing attacks demonstrate the seriousness of the situation and the importance of ensuring WA Government agencies are on the front foot in preventing successful attacks.

"We are committed to building a capable public sector that manages risk and delivers benefits."

Wednesday, 28 June 2017

• ​Two young Western Australian musicians have been awarded $30,000 scholarships to study in the United States of America
• The Young People and the Arts International Scholarships enable talented young artists to develop world-class skills to develop their careers in the cultural industries sector

Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman has announced two young Western Australian musicians have been awarded $30,000 scholarships to enable them to develop their talents overseas.

The scholarships were awarded to percussionist Euphina Yap of the northern Perth suburb of Darch; and viola player Kathryn McKay of North Fremantle.

The scholarships are administered by the Department of Culture and the Arts and enable artists up to 29 years old, the opportunity to study overseas.

The scholarships enable young WA artists to develop world-class skills by providing them with the opportunity to undertake a course not available in Australia.

Ms Yap's scholarship will enable her to study for a Master of Music in percussion performance at the internationally renowned Boston Conservatory in Massachusetts.

Ms McKay will undertake a one-year, post-graduate performance course at the Manhattan School of Music, studying with acclaimed viola player Daniel Avshalomov of the American String Quartet.

Comments attributed to Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman:

"I congratulate these two gifted young musicians on being awarded Young People and the Arts International Scholarships.

"The McGowan Government believes that fostering talented artists and developing a strong arts sector is important if WA is to continue to be a vibrant State.

"The creative industries sector has an important role to play in diversifying the State's economy and creating jobs."