Monday, 12 December 2016
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Deputy Premier and Road Safety Minister Liza Harvey said a new offence of careless driving causing death, grievous bodily harm and bodily harm was now in force and would give courts the ability to jail people whose careless driving resulted in death or serious injury. "Previously the maximum penalty for careless driving where a person was killed or seriously injured was a $600 fine, which was completely inadequate and not in line with community expectations," Ms Harvey said. "The lack of an adequate penalty for this offence had been expressed by the State Coroner, a senior magistrate and the general public." The maximum penalty for the new offence would be three years in prison or a fine of up to $36,000. The Deputy Premier said the Road Traffic Act changes also meant a person sent to prison for a driving offence could now only serve their licence disqualification after they were released. "The community expects penalties to have an impact and this confirms the State Government's stance that a driver's licence is a privilege, not a right," she said. Another anomaly in the Road Traffic Act has been addressed with supervisors of learner drivers now limited to a blood alcohol content below 0.05. "This change brings Western Australia into line with the rest of Australia and is very much a common sense move that had been ignored, until it was uncovered by this Government," Ms Harvey said. "This package of amendments sends a clear message to the community that road safety is a serious issue for the Government and the community." Fact File
Sunday, 11 December 2016
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Mr Barnett said Singapore was one of Western Australia's leading export markets, with exports valued at $2.3 billion in 2015-16. "Western Australia and Singapore share a special and longstanding relationship, which is the reason we chose Singapore as the ideal location to launch our new agrifood brand internationally," he said. "This will be my fifth official visit to Singapore since becoming Premier, and I look forward to building on the strong foundations we have across the Singaporean economy." During his visit, the Premier will also meet with representatives from the Singapore Government and undertake a series of meetings focusing on opportunities in financial services, innovation and higher education. State Development Minister Bill Marmion said since Western Australia Worth Sharing launched domestically in mid-October this year, more than 35 Western Australian agrifood exporters had signed up, taking the total number of companies involved in the branding to more than 60. "Demonstrating how invested these companies are in Western Australia Worth Sharing, 21 companies will be sending representatives to Singapore to take part in the launch event," Mr Marmion said. "Our website, which features producers showcasing their premium products, has already received almost 30,000 hits since it launched two months ago." The brand has been made possible by the Liberal National Government's Royalties for Regions program through the $350 million Seizing the Opportunity Agriculture initiative. Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said the State Government was committed to harnessing international trade opportunities to diversify the economy through the expansion of WA's agrifood sector. "Western Australia Worth Sharing showcases our State as a reliable source of premium and safe agrifood products," Mr Redman said. "Our agrifood sector is integral to the sustainability of our regional communities and this new branding will enable the sector to become more prominent, prosperous and resilient." Fact File
Sunday, 11 December 2016
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Premier and Tourism Minister Colin Barnett said the game-changing deal had the potential to inject more than $36 million a year into the local economy when the Qantas Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner started the long-haul route. In helping to secure a deal between the airline and Perth Airport Pty Ltd, the Liberal National Government has committed $14 million for capital works to accommodate infrastructure requirements for Commonwealth border services at domestic terminal T3. "The State Government played an intermediary role in negotiations and our contribution is based on border control, quarantine and immigration services at T3 being an interim measure with Qantas committing to relocate to the international terminal T1 by 2025," Mr Barnett said. "This is an appropriate funding contribution by the Government. "Today's announcement is fantastic for West Australians with the non-stop service making travel to the UK more appealing and over time it is expected it will open up the potential for direct routes to and from other European cities. "The tourism benefits to the State are enormous. The service will create opportunities for people to stop over in Perth for a day or two if en route to or from another Australian destination. "With Perth's large UK expat population, direct flights are anticipated to drive increased visitation from visiting friends and relatives. In addition, direct services from a Qantas hub are likely to improve trade links. The Premier said a Qantas hub was also expected to create new jobs at the national carrier in Perth and within businesses providing support services to hub operations. "It is anticipated Qantas will increase the number of pilots based in Perth as well as job opportunities on the ground and there is also potential for Western Australian produce to be used on the long haul flights," he said. Mr Barnett congratulated Qantas and Perth Airport on negotiating a deal which would have far-reaching benefits for the State. Fact File
11/12/2016
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Premier Colin Barnett said Western Australia had formalised the relationship with the signing of a Sister State agreement with Andhra Pradesh, an emerging mining, technology and agricultural hub which has a population of 49.5 million people. "Under this historic agreement, WA and Andhra Pradesh have committed to working together across four key economic areas - including mining and mining services, agriculture and fisheries, energy production and distribution, and higher and vocational education and training, in a bid to further diversify the economies of both States," the Premier said. Treasurer and Citizenship and Multicultural Interests Minister Mike Nahan witnessed Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu signing the agreement in New Dehli on Friday. State Development Minister Bill Marmion said both States shared a wealth of mineral resources and agricultural land, which would be further developed through the agreement. "While this Sister State Agreement has an initial term of five years, we expect the relationship between WA and Andhra Pradesh to flourish for decades to come," Mr Marmion said. Dr Nahan said there was scope to expand the co-operation between both States to include science and technology, infrastructure, water management, manufacturing, sport and culture. "WA has a thriving Indian community with more than 40,000 people indicating they have Indian heritage, so I am excited by the many economic and cultural benefits this presents," he said. Fact File
Friday, 9 December 2016
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The legislation would require people who meet strict criteria to undergo compulsory treatment and support for up to 12 weeks. Mental Health Minister Andrea Mitchell said the proposed legislation would help people, who were a risk to themselves or to others as a result of their addiction, to receive the treatment they needed to begin to recover their lives. "The proposed program builds on the current range of voluntary treatment services available in Western Australia," Ms Mitchell said. "After compulsory treatment in a designated treatment centre, people will be offered ongoing assistance to stay in the program for another nine months of voluntary residential rehabilitation and support. "This will give them the best chance of making long-term changes to improve their health and wellbeing in a safe and supportive environment." The Minister said the proposed legislation had inbuilt safeguards to protect individual civil and legal rights, including access to independent advocacy and review. It also made provision for the services to be culturally appropriate. "A range of people, including those who have experienced alcohol or drug problems, their families, health professionals, non-government organisations and advocates, have been consulted in preparing the draft legislation," she said. "We are now inviting people to have a say on the Exposure Draft Bill before it is refined and provided to Government for consideration." Feedback will be received until January 31, 2017. To make a submission, visit http://www.mhc.wa.gov.au Fact File
Friday, 9 December 2016
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Deputy Premier and Police Minister Liza Harvey said the 3D camera and software equipment was being used by Major Crash investigators to capture and analyse all aspects of crashes. "The 3D camera uses laser technology to scan a crash scene capturing physical aspects such as skid marks, road markings, fluid traces and so on, to fully document the scene and recreate it on a computer," Ms Harvey said. "This allows Major Crash officers to conduct their investigation off site at a computer, rather than impacting motorists for what can be a significant length of time at a crash scene. "The 3D camera is another example of the Liberal National Government's commitment to give WA Police officers the resources they need to conduct their job in the most efficient manner." Transport Minister Bill Marmion said Main Roads had funded the camera as part of the State Government's commitment to reduce congestion on Western Australian roads. "Major crash investigators will often need to revisit a crash scene and reclose the road to gather further information and the 3D camera reduces the need for this to occur," Mr Marmion said. "The initiative to use 3D scanning equipment has reduced attendance times and time to process crash scenes in the metropolitan area, resulting in extended road closure times being reduced significantly." Fact File
Friday, 9 December 2016
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A 'STAND UP' event is being held at nib Stadium today to thank the men who took part in the project to mark the global male-led White Ribbon campaign. Child Protection Minister Andrea Mitchell said it was a stark reality that one in three women had experienced physical or sexual abuse perpetrated by someone known to them. "The Liberal National Government has implemented a range of initiatives, including new family safety teams offering outreach services in the Kimberley to address the over-representation of Aboriginal women as victims of family and domestic violence in the region," she said. "A meaningful reduction in family and domestic violence will only happen if as a society we challenge the attitudes that normalise this violence. "I thank all the men, such as leading sportsmen Damian Martin and Matt Priddis, and Daniel Morrison, chief executive officer of the Aboriginal Alcohol and Drug Service, who have taken a stand as mentors and spoken out against violence towards women. "As a community, we must not accept violence in any form, and the more awareness there is about the realities of family and domestic violence, the more we can hold perpetrators accountable and protect those who are vulnerable." Fact File
Friday, 9 December 2016
Minister for Justice Michael Keenan and Western Australian Emergency Services Minister Joe Francis today announced $12.5 million in funding to support WA communities to develop their resilience to natural disasters. Mr Keenan said the funding is being provided as part of the $52 million national partnership agreement on natural disaster resilience, with the Commonwealth and WA each contributing $6.26 million. "Preparing for, withstanding and recovering from disasters is not something the government can do alone – we need everyone in the community to get involved," Mr Keenan said. "That is why we work with state and territory governments through the national partnership agreement, to support local projects that mitigate local risks and contribute to safer, more sustainable communities." Mr Francis added this collaboration across sectors will deliver programs that demonstrate the importance of understanding and communicating risks to all levels of the community, and will enhance capability, response and recovery activities. "Natural disasters are a fact of life for West Australians, but a community that is prepared is in a better position to save lives and property," Mr Francis said. Of the $6.26 million in Commonwealth funding, $2 million is assigned to the natural disaster resilience program competitive grants program, open to applicants involved in emergency management. Projects must meet one of the categories in the priority areas of risk, capability, impact or engagement to be eligible, and must address at least one hazard identified in West Australia's state level risk assessments. Applications for the grants program open on 9 December 2016 and will close on 22 February 2017. Grants ranging from $10,000 to $250,000 are available to successful applicants. Further information in relation to eligibility and applications is available at ndrp@oem.wa.gov.au or by calling 9482 1706. Friday, 9 December 2016
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Environment Minister Albert Jacob presented Mr Scott with the honour today at the Department of Parks and Wildlife Volunteer of the Year and outstanding service awards. "Darryl has been a long-serving campground host and has assisted with general maintenance, ecological surveys and many infrastructure projects, as well as volunteering as a runner during large bushfires," Mr Jacob said. "Darryl has contributed almost 8,000 hours of service and his strong work ethic and positive attitude have made him an invaluable part of the Parks and Wildlife team on the south coast. "These awards are an opportunity to publicly acknowledge the very important role volunteers play in the community, and their tireless and selfless work towards environmental conservation in this State. "The 300 programs delivered by Parks and Wildlife that involve volunteers have varied and sometimes demanding tasks, but they are ultimately rewarding to anyone who takes the time to challenge themselves for a valuable purpose." More than 5,000 Parks and Wildlife volunteers contributed more than 630,000 hours to the conservation and management of Western Australia's environment in 2015-16, a record for the department. Nine outstanding service awards were also presented to volunteers for their work, dedication and commitment, and 25 volunteers were presented with certificates for long service. Fact File
Friday, 9 December 2016
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Commerce Minister Michael Mischin said the items all had button batteries that could easily come loose and pose a danger to young children. "Suppliers and retailers who sell toys and novelty items that contain button batteries must ensure that they are securely sealed and pass a 'drop test'," Mr Mischin said. "Product safety officers from Consumer Protection visited retailers in the Perth metropolitan area in the past few weeks, as part of their annual campaign to ensure Christmas gifts are safe. "The eight unsafe products found during this year's pre-Christmas safety checks include flashing reindeer noses and antlers, gift bows, necklaces and baubles that change colour. "When Consumer Protection's concerns about the button battery-powered products were brought to the attention of retailers, store managers acted quickly to remove the items from sale voluntarily, which is highly commendable. "Button batteries that easily come loose can be swallowed by a baby or young child, putting their lives in danger. The battery can lodge in the child's throat or digestive system and begin burning after two hours. "There have been deaths and serious injuries reported over recent years as well as many close calls, with 20 admissions to hospital emergency departments in Australia every week on average." Safety tips:
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