CCH Parliament

Western Australian Political Update

Issue: 6 of 2012 Date: 6 February 2012

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Western Australian Political Update A weekly summary report of political, government and legislative news

Portfolio Index – please select:

Aboriginal Affairs...... 3 Education ...... 4 Energy...... 5 Environment...... 5 Food Industry ...... 6 Foreign Affairs...... 6 Health...... 6 Housing & Property...... 7 Industry ...... 8 ICT ...... 8 Local Government...... 9 Politics...... 9 Rural & Regional Affairs...... 9 Sport & Recreation...... 10 Tourism ...... 11 Transport...... 11

Parliament: ¾ WA Parliament resumes 21 – 23 February 2012 ¾ Parliamentary sitting pattern

Legislation:

¾ WA Bills are available at: http://www.parliament.wa.gov.au/web/newwebparl.nsf/iframewebpages/Bills+-+Current ¾ WA Acts are available at: http://www.slp.wa.gov.au/legislation/statutes.nsf/default.html

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ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS

Indigenous Scholarship Winners Announced CHAMBER OF MINERALS AND ENERGY 30/01/12 030P6000 Four indigenous resource sector employees have taken a step forward in their managerial careers by winning a scholarship through the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia (CME) in partnership with the Australian Institute of Management (AIM). CME Chief Executive Reg Howard-Smith congratulated the successful candidates who he said were excellent examples of the leadership and diversity that exists within the WA resources sector. "I'm delighted we have such high calibre candidates who are keen to take that next step in their resources carer." Mr Howard-Smith said. The candidates are already acting as mentors to their peers and other Indigenous communities so the Certificate IV in Frontline Management through AIM will add to their natural abilities and provide them with a nationally accredited qualification.

Wheels turn on new South-West health clinic BRENDON GRYLLS 2/02/12 033P6508 A new mobile clinic will soon be hitting the road to deliver health services to Aboriginal people in the South-West region, thanks to funding from the State Government. Officially launched in Bunbury today by Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls, the South West Aboriginal Medical Service's Kaarbapiny Maar mobile clinic will next month begin operating on a trial basis in Brunswick Junction and Collie. "I am pleased $200,000 in funding from Royalties for Regions and the South West Development Commission has helped the South West Aboriginal Medical Service get the wheels turning on this new health service," Mr Grylls said.

Tracking system reveals Aboriginal transiency ELIZABETH CONSTABLE 3/02/12 034P6502 Figures obtained from 285 remote schools near the Western Australian, and South Australian borders quantify the level of Aboriginal student transience for the first time, Education Minister Liz Constable revealed today. "In June 2008, the Tri-border Attendance Strategy was launched," Dr Constable said. "This involved the use of a new live data system that allowed attendance, enrolment and learning information to be easily shared across public, Catholic and independent schools with the aim of addressing Aboriginal absenteeism and providing smoother transitions for students between schools."

Recognition for traditional owners in South West CHAMB OF MINERALS & ENERGY WA 4/02/12 035P6100 WA's peak resources body has commended the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council (SWALSC) and the State Government on an agreement to recognise the Noongar people as the traditional owners of the South West. The Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia (CME) Chief Executive Reg Howard-Smith said the announcement would provide greater certainty for resource companies operating in the region. The resources sector has a strong commitment to facilitating education, employment and economic opportunities for Aboriginal people right across the state, Mr Howard-Smith said.

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EDUCATION

'iSchool' in as students head back to class 1/02/12 032P6502 As almost 262,000 students begin lessons at public schools across Western Australia today, some of the smallest children are set to use touch technology to boost their literacy and numeracy skills. Premier Colin Barnett and Education Minister Liz Constable today announced a new Early Childhood iPad Initiative would provide nearly 900 iPads for Year 1 and 2 classes in 17 schools, and two mentor schools that have previously participated in a pilot iPad program.

Experts to ensure high quality education for all ELIZABETH CONSTABLE 1/02/12 032P6506 The membership of the inaugural board of the School Curriculum and Assessment Authority (SCAA) has been announced by Education Minister Liz Constable. The new authority will replace the Curriculum Council when the Curriculum Council Amendment Act is proclaimed. Dr Constable said all seven members of the board, chaired by Emeritus Professor Patrick Garnett, met the State Government's criteria of being eminent educators or experts in their fields, as well as having no current involvement with the governing body of a school or system of schools.

Parents must support school attendance ELIZABETH CONSTABLE 3/02/12 034P6503 Education Minister Liz Constable said parents and carers must do much more to get their children to school after 2011 attendance figures showed too many students were still regularly missing public schooling. Writing in today's The West Australian, Dr Constable said that, despite concerted efforts by the State Government, principals and teachers to encourage regular school attendance, data continued to show that while some schools were making progress, overall attendance rates were static despite some individual schools showing gains.

DEC mops up after Carnarvon fire suppression BILL MARMION 3/02/12 034P6505 The Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) is wrapping up its biggest firefighting operation in decades after more than a month of battling multiple fires that burned through more than 800,000ha of mostly pastoral land near Carnarvon. Environment Minister Bill Marmion said in terms of the size and duration of the fires, it was the biggest single suppression campaign DEC had undertaken since the Dwellingup fires of 1961. The fire was started by lightning on December 27 on the former Mooka pastoral lease near Kennedy Range National Park. Since then, more than 350 people from DEC, the Fire and Emergency Services Authority (FESA); the shires of Carnarvon, Exmouth and Upper Gascoyne; WA Police, Main Roads WA, pastoralists, local volunteer bushfire brigades, SES, Forest Products Commission; the departments of Water, Agriculture and Food, and Child Protection; St John Ambulance and local volunteer organisations have all been involved in the fire response.

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ENERGY

Apache completes acquisition of 49-percent stake in Burrup Fertilisers plant APACHE ENERGY LTD 1/02/12 032P6507 Apache Corporation announced that its Apache Energy Limited subsidiary has completed previously announced plans to acquire an interest in Burrup Holdings Limited, owner of an ammonia fertilizer plant in the Burrup Peninsula region of Western Australia, from ANZ Bank. Apache paid $439 million, including customary closing adjustments, to acquire a 49-percent interest in Burrup Holdings Limited. Yara International ASA paid ANZ Bank $143 million, including adjustments, to increase its ownership in Burrup Holdings to 51 percent from 35 percent. Yara will become operator after a transition to ensure continued safe operation of the plant.

Fuel price advice for drivers WA DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE 1/02/12 032P6509 On Thursday 2 February 2012, most Coles Express, Caltex, BP and Caltex Woolworths sites are increasing their ULP price 12 cents per litre (cpl) to a maximum of 149.9 cpl. Most Gull and Peak sites are also increasing their prices between 9 and 10 cpl. Tomorrow's metropolitan ULP average will be 146.6 cpl, however there will be over 50 Perth sites selling below 140.0 cpl. Given that Perth ULP prices follow a weekly cycle, with Thursday and Friday being the most expensive days, FuelWatch recommends filling up today and paying no more than 138.9 cpl.

WA top choice to locate business SIMON O'BRIEN 2/02/12 033P6506 Commerce Minister Simon O'Brien turned the first sod of soil at the site of global oil and gas supplier Cameron Australasia's new operations in Kewdale. Mr O'Brien said Cameron's $120million investment strengthened the increasing trend of global companies choosing to locate in Western Australia to capitalise on business opportunities arising from the massive investments in the resources sector. "Cameron Australasia's decision to consolidate its Australian operations in WA is an important indicator of the State's positive future," he said.

ENVIRONMENT

Pilbara wastewater projects on track BILL MARMION 1/02/12 032P6501 Major projects to improve and secure vital wastewater infrastructure in the Pilbara are on track with two proponents shortlisted to deliver a suite of works. Water Minister Bill Marmion said Tenix and a joint venture partnership between Thiess and Black & Veatch were the successful final two proponents which would now work closely with the Water Corporation in an alliance development phase. The final proponent will be selected in mid-year to form the Pilbara Wastewater Alliance. "The works package covers the upgrade of the existing South Hedland and Karratha wastewater treatment plants which are scheduled to be completed by mid-2014," Mr Marmion said.

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Community protection key for turtle nesting BILL MARMION 1/02/12 032P6504 A volunteer environmental community group in the Pilbara has documented another successful nesting season for protected flatback turtles. Environment Minister Bill Marmion today congratulated the volunteers from Care for Hedland Environmental Association at Cemetery Beach in Port Hedland. "At last count, 416 turtle nests have been recorded this season at Cemetery Beach by this outstanding community program, which is linked to a wider marine turtle monitoring program that extends from Shark Bay to the Kimberley," Mr Marmion said.

FOOD INDUSTRY

Plentiful supply drives fresh value at Woolworths WOOLWORTHS LTD 1/02/12 032P6800 As we celebrate 25 years of The Fresh Food People, it will be no surprise to shoppers that Woolworths offers the best value and freshest fruit and vegetables to our customers. General Manager of Fresh Food, Pat McEntee, said that Woolworths has been the leader in fresh produce for more than 25 years because of our unrivalled attention to quality, range and price. We’ve always had the best value specials in the market week in, week out. This week is no different. In regard to the lines identified by Coles, we guarantee that on these items Woolworths’ prices in Western Australia are better than our competitors.

FOREIGN AFFAIRS

New Agent General announced COLIN BARNETT 2/02/12 033P6507 Premier Colin Barnett announced the appointment of Mr Kevin Skipworth CVO to a two-year term from March as Agent General for Western Australia. Mr Skipworth was previously Official Secretary to the last five WA governors and Mr Barnett said this extensive experience made the appointee well suited to the role. "Mr Skipworth has had a distinguished career working within the WA public sector," he said. "He has held senior roles within the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, working closely with visiting dignitaries and was a key member of the team that helped co- ordinate last October's successful Royal Visit during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting."

HEALTH

Campaign targets continued rise in chlamydia notifications WA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH 30/01/12 030P6501 Sexually active young people are being encouraged to get themselves tested for chlamydia as part of an annual Department of Health campaign. Sexual Health and Blood Borne Virus Program Manager, Lisa Bastian said notification rates continued to rise across Australia and the world. "Between 1998 and 2011 the number of chlamydia infections reported to the Department of Health increased from 2,067 notifications to 11,650," she said.

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Mosquito-borne virus warning for regional WA WA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH 31/01/12 031P6503 The Department of Health has expanded its warning to residents and travellers in the Pilbara and Gascoyne regions to take additional precautions to avoid mosquito bites. The warning follows detection of the Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) virus in the Pilbara; and Kunjin virus in the Gascoyne regions of Western Australia. The Department of Health's surveillance program (undertaken by The University of Western Australia) had previously detected activity of the MVE virus in the Kimberley but it has now also spread to the Pilbara.

SIHI medical model making a difference 24/7 KIM HAMES 2/02/12 033P6501 Tourism Minister Kim Hames said residents of Northam and surrounding areas now have improved access to emergency medical care 24-hours a day, seven-days a week thanks to the Southern Inland Health Initiative (SIHI). The State Government, under the Royalties for Regions program, is investing $565million over five years to reform and improve access to health care for all residents of the Southern Inland area of Western Australia. The Western Wheatbelt Health District is implementing SIHI's revolutionary integrated health district network model of emergency care - the centrepiece of the half billion dollar plus project.

HOUSING & PROPERTY

Newman's growth continues BRENDON GRYLLS 1/02/12 032P6500 Regional Development and Lands Minister Brendon Grylls announced the new release of residential lots in East Newman to address the current and future demand of residential land within the Newman area. The online Registration of Interest process for the 23 Stage 3A lots being run by LandCorp, is a key part of Newman's revitalisation under the State Government's Pilbara Cities vision. Mr Grylls said he expected the demand to be strong as the last release sold quickly. The majority of interest has come from local residents, business owners and investors.

WA remains the investment leader of the nation CHRISTIAN PORTER 1/02/12 032P6503 More than $89.5 billion worth of projects are currently under way in Western Australia, representing more than a quarter of all construction in the nation. According to the Deloitte Access Economics December quarter 2011 Investment Monitor released today one third of all projects 'committed to' or 'under consideration' in the country are also in WA, valued at $140.1billion. Treasurer Christian Porter said this pipeline of investment was up 30 per cent on the June 2011 quarter and highlighted the significant role WA played in securing the economic future of Australia.

Collie endorses residential plan for public comment BRENDON GRYLLS 2/02/12 033P6502 Plans for the ongoing development and growth of Collie as a SuperTown have reached a crucial milestone following the shire's endorsement of a new residential estate structure plan for public comment. Unveiling the plans for the proposed Buckingham Way development, Lands Minister Brendon Grylls said the project would deliver a quality 234-lot estate with capacity to meet future population growth. "Buckingham Way will contribute significantly to the economic growth of Collie by providing an attractive well integrated estate to offer contemporary and affordable country living options for families, singles and couples," Mr Grylls said.

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Premier opens new Civic Administration Centre COLIN BARNETT 4/02/12 035P6501 Premier Colin Barnett officially opened the new Shire of Augusta-Margaret River Civic Administration Centre. "I congratulate the Augusta-Margaret River shire on this attractive building and I have no doubt it will be well used by the local community," Mr Barnett said. "The construction of this centre represents excellent value for money for residents and sends a strong message to the community that the shire is a local government that invests in its future." While in Margaret River, the Premier announced funding of $40,000 to the local shire.

INDUSTRY

WA's own Red Dog named best in show JOHN DAY 1/02/12 032P6505 The reputation of Western Australia's film and television industry continues to grow, with another two local productions receiving major awards in the second round of the Australian Academy Cinema Television Arts (AACTA) Awards. The latest AACTA Award winners were Red Dog, adding the Samsung AACTA Award for Best Film to a growing list of achievements, and Lara Robinson, who received the Award for Best Young Actor for her role as young Rose Pickles in the three part television series, Cloudstreet, which was shot on location in Perth. Both were supported by ScreenWest. Culture and the Arts Minister John Day said this has been a landmark year for WA's screen industry and State Government-supported productions, with local productions receiving a total of 29 AACTA Award nominations.

ICT

Telstra and government invest in WA mobile coverage expansion TELSTRA 31/01/12 031P6100 Telstra and the Western Australia State Government today announced a significant expansion to Western Australia’s regional mobile phone coverage, with Telstra winning the contract to build the Regional Mobile Communication Project (RMCP). For the State Government’s investment of $39.2million through the Royalties for Regions program, Telstra will deliver a total return of $106million in value to Western Australia, made up of both direct capital expenditure and access rights to Telstra’s infrastructure. This will result in 113 new mobile sites to bring increased coverage to regional and remote areas of the state.

$39.2million to improve telecoms in regions JOHN DAY 31/01/12 031P6500 Science and Innovation Minister John Day and Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls today announced Telstra had been awarded $39.2million in Royalties for Regions funding under the Regional Mobile Communications Project (RMCP). Mr Day said RMCP would provide Western Australia's regional, rural and remote communities and businesses with access to a self- sustainable and affordable mobile voice and wireless broadband service. "Under the project, the WA Government and Telstra will deliver about $106million in value to deploy new mobile communications infrastructure at 113 sites along major roads and highways across the State, and in several regional communities," Mr Day said.

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LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Key projects opened at Kununurra/Wyndham BRENDON GRYLLS 3/02/12 034P6504 The formal opening of Kununurra's new airport terminal and a new public jetty in Wyndham tomorrow are the latest developments to vital community assets in the growing East Kimberley region. Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls said the regional airport at Kununurra was a vital service to people who live in and visit the East Kimberley region. "The investment in the newly-developed terminal is a terrific outcome which will serve people there for many years to come," Mr Grylls said.

POLITICS

Long-standing member to retire in May 2013 NORMAN MOORE 1/02/12 032P6508 Mines and Petroleum, Fisheries and Electoral Affairs Minister, and Mining and Pastoral Region MLC Norman Moore has decided to not seek pre-selection by the Liberal Party for the next State Election due in March 2013. Mr Moore said that he will therefore retire from State Parliament on May 21, 2013 when his current Legislative Council term concludes. "I will continue in my ministerial role with the intention of completing a number of important projects and reforms in my portfolios prior to the election, as well as working as hard as possible to assist in the re-election of the Liberal-National Government," he said.

RURAL & REGIONAL AFFAIRS

Albany borefields upgrade to boost water supply BILL MARMION 3/02/12 034P6501 Dozens of bores will be upgraded or replaced and six new bores installed as part of a $24million water source project in Albany. Water Minister Bill Marmion said the project would help secure the town's mid-term water supply and allow greater flexibility to meet the seasonal water demands of Albany's growing population. "A series of new bores will be installed to increase the spread of withdrawal points and minimise the impact on the groundwater environment," Mr Marmion said. "The new bores will be fitted with equipment to measure water levels, assess the level of salinity and determine water quality."

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SPORT & RECREATION

New Barbagallo Raceway to host V8 Supercars TERRY WALDRON 31/01/12 031P6502 The multi-million dollar redevelopment of Barbagallo Raceway is on schedule to be finished in time for the Perth round of the V8 Supercars Series in May. Sport and Recreation Minister Terry Waldron today inspected the construction work as he launched the 2012 Tradingpost Perth Challenge. "Motorsport fans will see a 'new look' Barbagallo Raceway when they visit for the V8 Supercars on May 4 to 6," Mr Waldron said. "The State Government recognised in 2010 that there was an urgent need to improve facilities here at Barbagallo and committed $15million to these redevelopments."

State-of-the-art DNA lab for WA Museum JOHN DAY 2/02/12 033P6505 Culture and the Arts Minister John Day officially opened a new science and research facility at the Western Australian Museum's Collection and Research Centre. Mr Day said the Molecular Systematics Unit was a new state-of-the art laboratory for the identification of Western Australian fauna using modern DNA technology. "Opening the facility is a significant milestone for the WA Museum, enabling the organisation to undertake cutting-edge molecular research on a variety of WA animals," he said. "The laboratory will allow for the accurate identification of new species using molecular tools and methods that will provide, among other things, better certainty for environmental impact assessments to Government and industry."

New jetty completed in time for summer boating BRENDON GRYLLS 2/02/12 033P6509 The year has got off to a bright start for the South-West boating community with the completion of a new jetty in Bunbury. Officially launched today by Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls, the jetty provides the infrastructure required for bigger boats to moor in Koombana Bay. "Previously there was no public jetty for bigger boats to moor against in Koombana Bay, limiting access to the shore," Mr Grylls said. "This new jetty will provide up to 48m of mooring area, improving access to the popular Koombana Bay beach."

Funding towards a Mid West Sports Academy TERRY WALDRON 3/02/12 034P6500 The future sporting champions of the Mid-West won't have to travel so far from home for top level coaching and support following the announcement of funding to help develop a sport academy in the region. Sport and Recreation Minister Terry Waldron today announced the State Government would contribute $100,000 as seed funding to help develop a Mid West Sports Academy. "The Government shares the Mid-West community's excitement at the idea of getting an academy established in the region, and this funding to the Mid West Sports Federation follows our long-time involvement in the project," Mr Waldron said.

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TOURISM

Regional Events funding applications closing KIM HAMES 2/02/12 033P6500 Regional event holders are encouraged to apply for funding under Eventscorp's Regional Events Scheme (RES), which is partly funded by Royalties for Regions. Tourism Minister Kim Hames said smaller, developing regional events held between July 1, 2012 and June 30, 2013 could apply for funding between $5,000 and $50,000. "The Regional Events Scheme supports the development of regional events across Western Australia to encourage visitation which in turn adds vibrancy to regional communities," Dr Hames said.

TRANSPORT

Perth City Link tunnelling under way COLIN BARNETT 31/01/12 031P6501 Work on the Perth City Link took a major step forward with a ceremony today to mark the start of tunnelling to sink the Fremantle train line west of the Horseshoe Bridge. Premier Colin Barnett said the $360million rail component, on track for completion in 2014, literally underpinned the delivery of the entire Perth City Link vision. "The Perth City Link will fundamentally change the face of Perth and benefit both local people and visitors to our city through reconnecting the CBD and Northbridge for the first time in 100 years," Mr Barnett said.

Government announces improvements to ports COLIN BARNETT 2/02/12 033P6503 The State Government today outlined its plans to undertake the biggest reform of the State's ports in decades, to ensure the wealth generated by increasing commodity exports delivered greater benefits to the Western Australian community. Under the plan, seven of the State's eight port authorities will be consolidated into four regional port authorities to improve efficiency and reduce red tape. Premier and State Development Minister Colin Barnett said the plan was developed after a comprehensive review of the governance of WA ports undertaken by the Liberal-National Government.

Efficient ports crucial to sector CHAMBER OF MINERALS AND ENERGY WESTERN AUSTRALIA 2/02/12 033P6504 Key to the success of the State Government's reform of WA ports will be in-depth consultation with the resources sector. The Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia (CME) Chief Executive Reg Howard-Smith welcomed today's announcement as it signalled a move toward administrative efficiency gains at key export points. "The Government has outlined significant change in the way ports are managed and industry hopes the implementation lead time will provide for in-depth consultation with the WA resources sector and all port users," Mr Howard-Smith said.

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New ad campaign targets city/regional drivers ROB JOHNSON 4/02/12 035P6500 Western Australian motorists are being urged to do whatever they can to remind themselves and their loved ones to stick to the speed limit in a new advertising campaign starting today. Police and Road Safety Minister Rob Johnson said the 'Post it notes' campaign featured drivers being reminded by post it notes, either written by themselves or by family members, why they should not speed. Mr Johnson said while WA Police was doing everything it could to stop people from speeding, motorists needed to take responsibility for their own driving behaviour and make a conscious effort to obey the speed limit.

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