CCH Parliament

Western Australian Political Update

Issue: 47 of 2010 Date: 29 November 2010

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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 ...... 3 Emergency Services ...... 4 Energy...... 4 Environment...... 4 Family & Community Services ...... 5 Finance ...... 6 Foreign Affairs...... 6 Health...... 7 Housing & Property...... 8 Industry ...... 9 Legal ...... 9 Local Government...... 10 Politics...... 10 Rural & Regional Affairs...... 11 Social & Moral...... 11 Sport & Recreation...... 11 Tourism ...... 12 Transport...... 12 Workplace Relations ...... 14

Parliament: ¾ WA Parliament resumes 15 – 17 February 2011 ¾ Legislative Assembly 2010 sitting pattern ¾ Legislative Council 2010 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

Barnett Government must respond to Indigenous wages report ROGER COOK 22/11/10 326N6300 The Barnett Government must respond to recommendations of the report into the stolen wages of Indigenous people, Shadow Indigenous Affairs Minister Roger Cook said. Mr Cook said the Barnett Government has had the Stolen Wages Taskforce Report for over two years and had failed to do anything. "An estimated 4,000 to 6,000 people have been affected by State Government policies over the years," Mr Cook said.

State Government funding for rock art research COLIN BARNETT 24/11/10 328N6300 The State Government will provide $300,000 over three years to The University of Western Australia for rock art research in the Kimberley. Premier Colin Barnett said the research would involve traditional owners and aimed to improve the protection, management and maintenance of Kimberley’s rock art. The ancient rock art is of immense importance to WA and also of huge significance to the rest of Australia and the world, Mr Barnett said.

EDUCATION

Government to apply pressure to retain regulation of State Training Providers PETER COLLIER 25/11/10 329N6501 The State Government will continue to apply pressure to ensure Western Australia maintains control of the regulation of its State Training Providers (formerly TAFE colleges). Following a meeting of national training ministers in Sydney last week, Training and Workforce Development Minister Peter Collier is concerned that WA could lose regulatory responsibility for the quality assurance of its State Training Providers, with legislation expected to be introduced into Federal Parliament this week.

Funding boost to rural boarders as country hostels mark 50 years ELIZABETH CONSTABLE 26/11/10 330N6200 The State Government has boosted financial assistance to families whose children board away from home in the 50th anniversary of one of the State's best-known country boarding services. The Country High School Hostels Authority (CHSHA) has celebrated half a century of providing accommodation to high school students from some of the most remote parts of Western Australia. Speaking at the 50-year celebrations, Education Minister Liz Constable said the authority's nine co-educational boarding facilities had been a vital provision for students attending country schools from Broome to Esperance.

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EMERGENCY SERVICES

Western Suburbs Police Station to open in 2014 COLIN BARNETT 22/11/10 326N6506 Premier Colin Barnett has announced funding for the new $27.4million Western Suburbs Police Station to service the Claremont, Cottesloe, Wembley and Subiaco police sub districts had been brought forward by two years. Mr Barnett said the design work on the project would commence in mid-2011, with expected completion by 2014.

ENERGY

Fuel price advice for Perth drivers DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE 23/11/10 327N6100 On Wednesday 24 November 2010, 19 BP sites are increasing their ULP price to a maximum of 131.9 cents per litre (cpl) - an increase of up to 14.0 cpl. However, most petrol stations in Perth will be selling for less than 117 cpl on 24 November. Given that Perth ULP prices follow a weekly cycle, with Thursday and Friday being the most expensive days, FuelWatch recommends filling up today or tomorrow and paying no more than 117 cents per litre.

HUGS funding desperately needed as utility customers struggle ERIC RIPPER 25/11/10 329N6200 The Barnett Government must reinstate funding for the Hardship Utilities Grant Scheme (HUGS) after a Parliamentary inquiry revealed a huge number of Atlinta Gas customers have accessed the grants this year. Labor Leader Eric Ripper said evidence given by the Western Australian Council of Social Services to the Parliamentary Inquiry into Domestic Gas Pricing revealed huge increases in the number of people applying for hardship grants to avoid disconnection.

City signs up for underground power PETER COLLIER 26/11/10 330N6505 Energy Minister Peter Collier joined the City of Canning in a signing ceremony to mark the start of the Bentley East Underground Power Project. This is the latest project to be launched through Round Four of the State Underground Power Program (SUPP) and is expected to be finished by January 2012. Mr Collier said it would deliver underground power to almost 760 homes in the project area at a cost of $8.13million.

ENVIRONMENT

WA Government fuels debate about offshore regulator model NORMAN MOORE 24/11/10 328N6506 The release of the Montara Commission of Inquiry Report has been welcomed by the Western Australian Government. Mines and Petroleum Minister Norman Moore said the report would provide understanding of how the 2009 oil spill occurred off the Northern Territory coast. I will be carefully studying this report and the Federal Government's response as I view this blowout incident as very serious. What we can learn from the report will impact the way environmental and safety regulation is carried out in WA, Mr Moore said.

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New reforms streamline environmental assessments JOHN DAY 26/11/10 330N6701 A new opportunity for the public to comment on significant proposals referred to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) will be available as part of a suite of reforms to environmental assessments which come into effect today. Environment Minister John Day said the new legislative, administrative and funding arrangements would allow for early community input on key proposals and a clearer, streamlined assessment process.

Minister opens new waterwise development GRAHAM JACOBS 27/11/10 331N6201 A new village development south of Perth will achieve significant water savings with innovative reuse of wastewater outside the homes. Opening the National Lifestyle Village Tuart Lakes on Old Mandurah Road, Baldivis, Water Minister Graham Jacobs said the use of fit-for-purpose water would significantly reduce dependence on drinking water to keep gardens green. The village's wastewater will be treated at an onsite wastewater treatment plant and recycled for garden irrigation.

FAMILY & COMMUNITY SERVICES

Minister walks in annual Silent Domestic Violence Memorial March ROBYN McSWEENEY 23/11/10 327N6506 Child Protection Minister Robyn McSweeney will lead women, men and children to mark the 20th anniversary of the Silent Domestic Violence Memorial March in Perth. The annual event raises awareness of the women and children across Australia, killed by a family member or partner as a result of family domestic violence.

Nominations open for rural women's group TERRY REDMAN 26/11/10 330N6506 Women from across the State are invited to become involved in the Rural Remote and Regional (RRR) Women's Network of Western Australia. Agriculture and Food Minister Terry Redman has encouraged rural and regional women who wanted to make a difference to nominate for the network's reference group. Women who are active in their local community and interested in areas including health, education, small business, agribusiness, local government and indigenous affairs would be an asset to this reference group, Mr Redman said.

Awareness Week highlights achievements in disability SIMON O'BRIEN 26/11/10 330N6700 Count Me In Awards and scholarships, key funding announcements and new programs form part of Disability Awareness Week events, beginning on Monday until December 3. Hosted by the Disability Services Commission, the week recognises and shares the achievements of individuals, organisations, State and local government, and local communities in contributing to a better future for people with disability, their families and carers. It promotes the objectives of the 15-year strategy 'Count Me In: Disability Future Directions' which contains priority areas and pathways to ensure all people live in welcoming communities that facilitate citizenship, friendship, mutual support and a fair go for everyone.

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Clarkson and Rockingham respite facilities on track SIMON O'BRIEN 26/11/10 330N6702 The State Government is on track to open two new respite facilities in Clarkson and Rockingham, offering carers of a family member with disability the opportunity to take breaks from their supportive role. Disability Services Simon O'Brien said the Clarkson and Rockingham respite facilities were part of the Government's $12million election commitment to build five respite facilities across Western Australia, the first of which opened in Broome in March this year.

FINANCE

List of unclaimed money published BILL MARMION 22/11/10 326N6700 The Department of Treasury and Finance (DTF) has released the latest update of the State's 'Register of Unclaimed Money'. Minister Assisting the Treasurer Bill Marmion said that in the past year alone, DTF had received unclaimed money notifications totalling $5.25million. "This unclaimed money comes from a variety of sources, such as the proceeds of unpresented cheques, dividends, real estate bonds and deposits," Mr Marmion said. There is no time limit for a person claiming their money, but they are required to prove they are the rightful payee.

FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Malaysian representative visits 'world class' WA Health licensing unit WA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH 24/11/10 328N6505 WA is quietly influencing a number of regional countries with its policy of licensing private hospitals and clinics. This is the view of Malaysian Federal Government Health representative, Dr Mohd Anis bin Haron, who is currently visiting the WA Health Department. Dr Anis bin Haron's research tour is under the auspices of the Health Department's Licensing Standards and Review unit (LSRU). He is the second doctor the Malaysian Government has sent to visit LSRU in recent weeks.

Innovation hot spots on agenda at international conference in Perth BILL MARMION 25/11/10 329N6503 Delegates from 18 countries are in Perth to discuss innovation hot spots in the Asia Pacific region as part of the 2010 International Association of Science Parks (IASP) - Asian Science Park Association (ASPA) Joint Conference. The three-day conference is themed 'The Asia-Pacific Region's Innovation Hot Spots - Opportunities for Sustainable Collaboration'. Commerce and Science and Innovation Minister Bill Marmion will address delegates at the conference dinner tonight (November 25). Mr Marmion said the conference played an important role in bringing together key international representatives from the science and technology parks community.

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HEALTH

State Government to provide new support for LifelineWA GRAHAM JACOBS 22/11/10 326N6509 Mental Health Minister Graham Jacobs announced a one-off $250,000 grant to LifelineWA to support the vital 13 11 14 telephone crisis line in Western Australia. Dr Jacobs announced the grant during a visit to the Perth offices where he met staff and volunteers to hear first-hand about their important work. The grant marks the first time that State Government funding has been extended to LifelineWA and reflects the priority which the Government places on mental health.

Minister announces new mental health scholarships GRAHAM JACOBS 23/11/10 327N6500 Mental Health Minister Graham Jacobs has announced a $910,000 pool for scholarships to equip mental health workers in Western Australia. Dr Jacobs said the new Mental Health Commission would offer 70 scholarships to mental health nurses or clinicians wishing to complete a graduate certificate in mental health.

New nurse and more visits available for people with Parkinson's disease KIM HAMES 23/11/10 327N6502 Health Minister Kim Hames has announced an additional $90,000 to expand services provided by Parkinson's Western Australia to people who suffer from the degenerative condition. Dr Hames said the additional funding would allow 1,550 more nursing hours with a projected 400 more visits to homes, nursing homes and hospitals this financial year. The funding boost coincides with the 12th anniversary of the first Parkinson's Nurse Specialist service, which is part of the 30-year-old support agency.

Mixed findings in ADHD stimulant report WA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH 23/11/10 327N6505 The number of Western Australians being prescribed stimulants for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has fallen by 10.6 per cent over the past six years. Acting Principal Medical Officer, Dr Revle Bangor-Jones said findings from the Western Australian Stimulant Regulatory Scheme 2009 Annual Report showed 13,561 Western Australians received medication for the disorder in 2009. Fewer Western Australian children were prescribed stimulants in 2009 compared to 2008, but there was a small increase in the number of adult prescriptions during the same period.

Minister moves to curb drink and drug driving in WA ROB JOHNSON 24/11/10 328N6500 Drink and drug drivers in Western Australia will face tougher penalties under new legislation being introduced to State Parliament. Road Safety Minister Rob Johnson said the Road Traffic Amendment (Alcohol and Drug Related Offences) Bill 2010 would also require a zero Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) level for drivers of buses, taxis, heavy vehicles, small charter vehicles and vehicles carrying dangerous goods.

Minister opens new mental health unit at Rockingham GRAHAM JACOBS 24/11/10 328N6501 Mental Health Minister Graham Jacobs has officially opened the $18million acute mental health inpatient unit at Rockingham General Hospital. Dr Jacobs said the unit was a first for the hospital and would provide access to enhanced mental health services for people living in Rockingham, Kwinana and the Peel region.

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Minister launches new mental health workforce and training initiatives GRAHAM JACOBS 24/11/10 328N6502 Mental Health Minister Graham Jacobs has announced an injection of $960,000 to help secure a highly-trained workforce in mental health services for Western Australia. This funding reflects the State Government's focus on mental health and will help ensure we can recruit and equip mental health experts throughout the State, Dr Jacobs said. An enhanced workforce means improved services and better outcomes for those in need. Children, young people and new mothers are set to benefit along with rural West Australians and those with substance misuse problems.

New funding for mental health anti-stigma campaign GRAHAM JACOBS 25/11/10 329N6502 Mental health promotion received a boost following the announcement of $300,000 in State Government funding to the Act-Belong-Commit campaign. Mental Health Minister Graham Jacobs said the funding would enable the State-wide campaign to continue educating the community about the importance of mental health. Act-Belong-Commit is a health promotion campaign encouraging people to take action to improve their mental wellbeing, Dr Jacobs said.

Minister announces funding increase for mental health justice services GRAHAM JACOBS 26/11/10 330N6500 Mental Health Minister Graham Jacobs announced an extra $336,250 in funding for mental health training and research in the justice system. Dr Jacobs said the funding was in keeping with the State Government's aim that all government sectors were equipped to adequately respond to mental health problems.

HOUSING & PROPERTY

New planning legislation in effect from today JOHN DAY 22/11/10 326N6503 New reforms aimed at improving and streamlining the planning approvals process in Western Australia became law November 22. Planning Minister John Day said the Approvals and Related Reforms (No.4) (Planning) Act 2009 would provide additional tools to help make the WA planning system more transparent, consistent and efficient.

Heftier penalties for illegal works JOHN CASTRILLI 24/11/10 328N6301 Legislation to increase penalties to up to $1million for illegally demolishing or damaging State- registered heritage properties has been approved in the Legislative Assembly. Heritage Minister John Castrilli said these were the first major amendments to the Heritage Act since it was introduced in 1990. This is also the first milestone in a major review of the Heritage Act in Western Australia, Mr Castrilli said.

Community safety first under proposed prostitution reforms CHRISTIAN PORTER 25/11/10 329N6504 All forms of prostitution will be banned from residential areas and police will be given expanded powers to shut down illegal brothels under the State Government's proposed law reforms. Announcing details of the proposed prostitution model, Attorney General Christian Porter said the Liberal-National Government had put community safety first in the drafting of its Bill. The model encompasses licensing issues, prohibits any form of prostitution in residential zones, expands police powers to deal with unlawful prostitution, controls advertising and includes measures to reduce risks to persons engaged in prostitution.

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Perry Lakes stadium seating lives on in new boardwalk JOHN DAY 26/11/10 330N6501 Timber used for grandstand seating at Perry Lakes Stadium, built in 1962, has been recycled and used in a new boardwalk opened by Planning Minister John Day. The 280m boardwalk was built as part of work to restore the lake edge during civil works for Stage 1 of LandCorp's Perry Lakes redevelopment. It is made from 7,500 linear metres of the original Wandoo timber seating from the athletics stadium, and the seat number markings on some of the boards serve as a wonderful reminder of the site's heritage, Mr Day said.

Former Hollywood High School site providing affordable housing BILL MARMION 26/11/10 330N6503 Thirty new affordable units have been completed on the site of the former Hollywood High School site in Nedlands. Visiting the Quadrangle Place development, Housing Minister Bill Marmion said the new units would be available for low income earning singles and families who were experiencing housing stress. Ten of the units are one-bedroom to cater for singles, while the remaining 20 units have two bedrooms and are suitable for families, Mr Marmion said.

INDUSTRY

Unlicensed car sellers and dealers fined after crackdown WA DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE 23/11/10 327N6503 Commissioner for Consumer Protection Anne Driscoll has expressed concern at the high level of unlicensed people selling within the WA motor vehicle industry after two dealers and two salespeople were fined in one day in the Perth Magistrates Court last Friday (19 November 2010). The legal action followed an extended educational campaign aimed at WA’s motor vehicle industry which highlighted the importance of employing licensed people.

Transport Minister opens Perth's first electric car charging station SIMON O'BRIEN 24/11/10 328N6503 Transport Minister Simon O'Brien officially opened Perth's first electric car fast charging station at RAC headquarters in West Perth. At the same time, the Department of Transport took delivery of the first of 11 Ford Focus sedans specially converted by Perth company EV Works to run solely on electricity. Mr O'Brien said he was pleased the first car was delivered to a State Government agency, and from within his portfolio.

LEGAL

Call for trial of Labor's justice reinvestment strategy in WA PAUL PAPALIA 25/11/10 329N6201 A Parliamentary Committee inquiry into the State's prison system has recommended the Barnett Government adopt Labor's Justice Reinvestment strategy to reduce crime and make the community safer, Shadow Corrective Services Paul Papalia said.

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LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Gascoyne Regional Planning Committee appointed JOHN DAY 22/11/10 326N6508 Western Australia's four new regional planning committees have been established, following the appointment of the inaugural members of the Gascoyne Regional Planning Committee by Planning Minister John Day and the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC). These new regional committees have been established in response to current economic, social and environmental pressures in the regions and the State Government's commitment to promote prosperous and sustainable regional communities, Mr Day said.

Planning approval for Shotts Industrial Park BRENDON GRYLLS 25/11/10 329N6500 A town planning scheme amendment and structure plan has been approved to create the Shotts Industrial Park, near Collie. Regional Development and Lands Minister Brendon Grylls said the State Government, through LandCorp and the Department of Regional Development and Lands, remained on track to transform the former Shotts townsite, seven kilometres east of the Collie town centre, into a 235ha heavy industrial park. Mr Grylls said the Government-owned land had been under a variety of titles and zonings but had been re-zoned 'special use', allowing the industrial development to proceed.

Draft Greater Geraldton Structure Plan Update 2010 released for comment JOHN DAY 26/11/10 330N6504 Planning Minister John Day has released the draft Greater Geraldton Structure Plan Update 2010 for public comment. The draft structure plan updates the existing Greater Geraldton Structure Plan (1999), which forms part of the Geraldton Region Plan (1999). Mr Day said the draft plan maintained the same boundary as the existing structure plan and provided renewed focus on urban areas and areas likely to experience development pressure within the City of Geraldton-Greenough and the Shire of Chapman Valley.

POLITICS

Praise for Donna Faragher COLIN BARNETT 22/11/10 326N6507 Premier Colin Barnett has acknowledged Donna Faragher's achievements during her time as Minister for Environment and Youth for the Liberal-National Government. Mrs Faragher is expecting her first child in just a few weeks and she told Cabinet that she would step down from her Ministerial duties, Mr Barnett said.

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RURAL & REGIONAL AFFAIRS

Australian farmers to be recognised in 2012 TERRY REDMAN 25/11/10 329N6506 Agriculture and Food Minister Terry Redman has welcomed the announcement that 2012 will be recognised as the Australian Year of the Farmer. Mr Redman said West Australian farmers were experiencing one of the driest and toughest seasons on record and deserved to be acknowledged for their vital contribution to the nation.

SOCIAL & MORAL

Liberals back-flip on prostitution JOHN QUIGLEY 25/11/10 329N6202 The Barnett Government has back-flipped on its election promise to ban the spread of prostitution, instead releasing a discussion paper which will legalise brothels and hand planning power to local councils, Shadow Attorney General John Quigley said.

SPORT & RECREATION

International regatta whets WA's appetite for ISAF Sailing World Championships ELIZABETH CONSTABLE 22/11/10 326N6505 Tourism Minister Liz Constable has congratulated the organisers and competitors who participated in the Perth International Regatta, which finished November 21. Dr Constable said the regatta, held from November 16-21, was the major prelude to one of the biggest sporting events to be held in Western Australia, the Perth 2011 ISAF Sailing World Championships.

Rediscover parks this summer JOHN DAY 26/11/10 330N6502 Environment Minister John Day has announced a series of free entry days, beginning this Sunday, November 28, at selected national parks during the summer period. Parks are places where people can connect with the natural environment and gain a real appreciation of the natural beauty of Western Australia, Mr Day said. By taking advantage of a free day, visitors can discover again the natural wonders that exist in their own areas.

F1 champion Mark Webber races into Perth for Festival of Speed ELIZABETH CONSTABLE 27/11/10 331N6202 Tourism Minister Liz Constable has extended a warm welcome to Australian Formula One driver Mark Webber who has arrived in Perth to participate in the inaugural Australian Automobile Club's Festival of Speed at Barbagallo Raceway. More than 400 local, national and international competitors will race on the day, including legends such as former world F1 champion Alan Jones, Le Mans winner Geoff Brabham, and Perth's rising star Daniel Ricciardo, who is also a member of the Red Bull Racing team. The AAC Festival of Speed will feature more than 14 different types of motorsports. It brings together the biggest collection of cars and bikes ever seen in Perth, including F1, V8 supercars, rally cars, Ferrari and Porsche supercars, drag cars, off-road V8s, vintage racing cars and bikes, historic Bathurst sedans and more.

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TOURISM

WA's outstanding tourism industry recognised ELIZABETH CONSTABLE 22/11/10 326N6504 Tourism Minister Liz Constable congratulated the winners of the 2010 Western Australian Tourism Awards at a gala dinner at the Burswood Entertainment Complex. Dr Constable said the awards recognised local tourism operators for their achievements and contribution to WA's growing tourism industry.

TRANSPORT

Review Of The Railways (Access) Code 2000 - Draft Report ECONOMIC REGULATION AUTHORITY WA 22/11/10 326N6000 The Economic Regulation Authority is seeking public comment on the draft report on the review of the Railways (Access) Code 2000 (Code). This review of the Code is being undertaken pursuant to the provisions of section 12 of the Railways (Access) Act 1989 (Act). In October 2009, the Authority invited submissions from interested parties on matters in relation to this review and published an issues paper to assist interested parties in making their submissions on the review.

Bridge maintenance under way in northern Wheatbelt SIMON O'BRIEN 22/11/10 326N6500 Transport Minister Simon O'Brien announced that the State Government had awarded Regional Bridging Pty Ltd a $900,000 contract to undertake repair and refurbishment works to 24 timber bridges across the northern Wheatbelt. The work includes repairing bridge substructures and superstructures, as well as routine and specific maintenance on 22 bridges, and constructing approach slabs and upgrading the off-bridge guard rails on another two bridges, Mr O'Brien said.

Government upgrading 11 bridges across the South-West SIMON O'BRIEN 22/11/10 326N6501 Transport Minister Simon O'Brien said that Bunbury based firm Jonor Construction Pty Ltd had won a $1.1million contract to refurbish 11 timber bridges through the South-West. The refurbishment work includes installing concrete overlays, repairing the bridges substructure and superstructure, as well as other maintenance, Mr O'Brien said.

Timber bridges in the southern Wheatbelt to be upgraded SIMON O'BRIEN 22/11/10 326N6502 The State Government has awarded a $1.24million contract to refurbish four timber bridges in Western Australia's southern Wheatbelt region. Transport Minister Simon O'Brien said Densford Civil Pty Ltd would carry out the works, which included structural strengthening works, upgrading guardrails and concrete overlaying. The refurbishment works are important to enhance safety while prolonging the lifespan of the bridges and reduce ongoing maintenance costs, Mr O'Brien said.

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Greenlands Road upgrade Stage 2 set to start SIMON O'BRIEN 23/11/10 327N6501 The upgrade of a major road linking the South Western and Forrest highways is continuing, with the second and final stage of the project to commence next month. Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Transport, Murray-Wellington MLA Murray Cowper, said the State Government would spend $2.45million on Stage 2 of the works. The upgrade is part of a project to improve Greenlands Road, which is an important six kilometre section of road between Forrest and South Western highways on the southern side of Pinjarra, Mr Cowper said.

Transport Minister announces taxi industry review SIMON O'BRIEN 23/11/10 327N6504 Transport Minister Simon O'Brien has announced four levels of action in the State's taxi industry to address a spike in passenger complaints to the Department of Transport (DoT). Complaints so far this year total 484, compared to 419 for all of 2009. What is concerning is the severe nature of these complaints, ranging from alleged fare gouging and meter tampering to displays of verbal abuse towards some passengers and inappropriate behaviour by male drivers to female passengers, Mr O'Brien said.

Opposition slammed for its approach on ports review SIMON O'BRIEN 24/11/10 328N6504 Transport Minister Simon O'Brien has described as 'feeble' the Opposition's scaremongering campaign over the future of the State's ports. There is currently a review into Western Australian ports and there is nothing 'secret' about it, Mr O'Brien said. Port authorities across the State, along with various other government agencies, have been involved from the outset and asked to comment on the review's terms of reference.

Government continues to target drink driving in WA ROB JOHNSON 27/11/10 331N6200 Police and Road Safety Minister Rob Johnson launched a new education campaign targeting drink driving in the lead-up to Christmas, warning motorists that police would be out in force on Western Australian roads. The launch coincided with this week's passing of legislation to immediately suspend the licences of anyone caught driving with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) level of 0.08 or above, as well as the introduction of laws for tougher penalties for drink and drug drivers.

Government contract enables work to start on major Midvale traffic interchange SIMON O'BRIEN 28/11/10 332N6200 Safety and efficiency at the busy intersection of Roe and Great Eastern highways in Midvale will significantly improve with the construction of a new interchange. Transport Minister Simon O'Brien commemorated the start of work on the new interchange by turning the first sod of soil at the official groundbreaking ceremony.

Milestone reached on new Reid Highway overpass at Alexander Drive SIMON O'BRIEN 28/11/10 332N6201 Bridge beams for the new Reid Highway overpass at Alexander Drive have been erected this, heralding a major milestone in the $29million construction project. Transport Minister Simon O'Brien inspected the construction site where 16 pre-fabricated steel beams have been lifted into place by a 350-tonne crane.

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WORKPLACE RELATIONS

National harmony in occupational licensing BILL MARMION 25/11/10 329N6505 The State Government's red tape reduction reforms continued with the passing of national occupational licensing laws through the lower house of State Parliament. The new laws are designed to provide the establishment of a national licensing system for specified occupations, aimed at improving efficiency, enhancing competition, boosting productivity and reducing costs for businesses. Commerce Minister Bill Marmion, who introduced the Occupational Licensing National Law Bill 2010 into Parliament yesterday (November 24), said the aim of the Bill was to replace overlapping and inconsistent regulations currently administered by the States and Territories. It covers occupations such as builders; electricians; plumbers and gas fitters; real estate and settlement agents; land valuers; and air conditioning and refrigeration installers. Additional occupations can be added to the scheme in the future.

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