2017 WA LABOR PLATFORM CONTENTS
Chapter 1: Enduring Labor Values 01
Chapter 2: Community and Social Policy 03
Chapter 3: Conservation, the environment 34 and climate change
Chapter 4: Economics, Industry and 43 Regional Development
Chapter 5: Transport, Roads, 106 Infrastructure and Planning
Chapter 6: Education and Training 111
Chapter 7: Health 119
Chapter 8: Law, Public Administration 127 and Community Safety
Chapter 9: International Relations 145
Non-Platform Items 151
ii | 2017 WA Labor Platform 2017 CHAPTER 1: ENDURING LABOR VALUES FAIRNESS INTRODUCTION We value fairness and equality and believe in a fair go for all - we believe that a nation 1 The Australian Labor Party was founded by the trade union movement on the principle should be governed in the broader interests that collective action is the best way to of all, not in the sectional interests of a few. improve the circumstances of working people in the community. COMPASSION 2 The Australian Labor Party recognises We value compassion and dedicate ourselves that modern societies are dynamic and to social justice. We believe that it is the changing, and that Western Australia must Australian way to work together to help be integrated into an increasingly connected alleviate suffering and disadvantage when we world. The Australian Labor Party also can. We believe that this compassion is also understands that Western Australia has a vital in ensuring human rights everywhere. dynamic free market economy, where the private sector generates most of the wealth INDIVIDUAL FREEDOM and creates most of the employment. We value liberty - the freedom to hold 3 Our Party is founded on pillars of fairness, whatever beliefs we choose while respecting justice and compassion for all. those of others; the freedom to express those beliefs without fear or favour; and As a Party, we believe that our diversity as the economic freedom to pursue our own individuals and communities actively engaged employment and enterprise. in building our future in Australia is our strength. LABOUR RIGHTS
We are committed to protecting and Equity for those groups who face advancing the rights of working families, discrimination and exclusion, which unifies including their rights to join trade unions, and respects difference, are fundamental to to organise in the workplace, to bargain living this vision. collectively and to exercise their right to 4 WA Labor believes that all people are created strike. Our partnership with the trade union equal in their entitlement to dignity and movement remains crucial for Australia’s respect, and should have an equal chance future. to achieve their potential. For WA Labor, government has a critical role in ensuring RESPONSIBILITY fairness by: We believe that for all Australian • Ensuring equal opportunity citizens, rights must be accompanied by • Removing unjustifiable discrimination; and responsibilities. These responsibilities are • Achieving a more equitable distribution of to each other and to the wider community; wealth, income and status. and must be exercised by individuals, social and economic groups, organisations and Achieving these goals of an equitable governments. distribution of resources, power, rights, opportunities and responsibilities are what we OPPORTUNITY commonly refer to as social justice. We believe in opportunity, creativity and innovation as the basis for individual These are all goals that we share, and which aspiration and being rewarded for hard work, define Labor Governments. These goals are achievement and success. founded upon WA Labor’s enduring values:
Authorised by P Gorman, 54 Cheriton St, Perth WA 6000 | 1 SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT 6 Therefore, when in Government, Labor will: We value the environment that sustains us a) Scope, design, implement and deliver a social all - and which we must now sustain with our inclusion strategy that ensures the social country’s united and urgent effort. and economic participation of all individuals, groups and communities in Western DEMOCRACY Australia. The strategy will include initiatives designed to address key challenges to the We value our democratic and public well being of all Western Australians such as institutions, which have the power to address poverty, homelessness and disadvantage in exclusion and disadvantage. all its forms. This strategy will be overseen by
the Department of Premier and Cabinet and COMMUNITY provide a whole of government approach that We value our communities and our implements the social justice objectives of the families. Our families are the bedrock of our WA Labor Party; communities which we need to nurture, b) Deliver on all election promises; protect and support. We recognise the role of the community c) Engage the community as a whole in an in government decision making and the ongoing debate aimed at leading opinions on community’s right to be heard. inequality; d) Focus public fiscal activities and the HISTORY AND THE FUTURE role of the public sector on sustainable improvements that are tested against our We value the role that government and belief in social justice and not just our credit people have to play in creating a better future rating; and based on the lessons of our shared history. In particular, we acknowledge the role of e) Reward private sector activities that promote Indigenous people as the original owners Labor’s social justice objective. of this land and the unique role Indigenous 7 WA Labor will: people play in making policy decisions about a) Undertake measures to improve the the future. representation of women on government boards and committees and work towards a EQUALITY target of 50%; We value equality. We value people. We b) Actively oppose the inaction of governments recognise the value of every person and of all who do not establish significant affirmative peoples. action measures and/or have under- We believe the same rights, entitlements, representation of women in Parliament; opportunities, benefits and practices should c) Proactively pursue a 50% representation be available and accessible to all people. target on all Western Australian local We recognise the value of each person, as councils; individuals, as members of society and as collective groups within our community. d) Commit to a minimum of one third representation of women in State or Shadow
Cabinet where there are sufficient numbers of LABOR IN GOVERNMENT elected women for this to take effect; 5 When Labor is in Government, the party, the electorate and the parliamentarians we select expect and are expected to further the objective of achieving social justice through government intervention and other policies
2 | 2017 WA Labor Platform 2017 e) Proactively pursue equal pay for women of b) Ensure all government departments and work of equal or comparable value; agencies fulfill their responsibilities to recognise and support the needs of carers; f) Commit to an Office of Women’s Policy Unit which will undertake research and provide c) Ensure carers and family members have policy advice and recommendations to the access to a range of respite options, State Cabinet; and including in-home, out-of-home, and other flexible options; g) Continuously build on the significant progress made towards reaching equal representation d) Ensure carers have access to packages of women in Parliament. which include provision of domiciliary support services, holiday care and occasional and CHAPTER 2: COMMUNITY AND SOCIAL emergency care; POLICY e) Provide financial and advocacy services CARERS support to carers; and VALUING CARERS f) Design program delivery and services in a way that recognises the diversity of carers 1 WA Labor believes; and their needs. a) That carers play an integral role in the FAMILIES AND CHILDREN Western Australian community; 4 WA Labor believes; b) That carers need ongoing support and services to assist them in their caring role; a) Strong families make strong communities and and a strong society; c) Caring needs may change over the life of b) Families are diverse; the individual living with disability, and so c) Positive experiences in early childhood are additional support may be required as an crucial for individual development and lead to individual’s age and primary carers change. good life outcomes; 2 WA Labor recognises: d) Government has a duty to support families, a) The diversity and differing needs of those who protect children and build communities; and are caring for others in our communities e) Quality family and children’s services depend b) That community services need to be on a professional workforce that is properly genuinely accessible so that no one is forced recognised and remunerated. to be a carer, and that no one is forced to rely 5 WA Labor in Government: on care from family members; a) Will place the rights and interests of the child c) That families and unpaid caregivers play an at the centre of the child protection system; essential role in enabling those who require care; and b) Supports proper resourcing of services and strong legislation to ensure children’s safety; d) That governments play an integral role in developing ongoing strategies to improve the c) Understand that as well as a central lives of carers. obligation to ensure child safety, resources must be allocated to early intervention and 3 WA Labor will: family support; a) Ensure legislation protects the rights of carers;
Authorised by P Gorman, 54 Cheriton St, Perth WA 6000 | 3 d) Values the community and voluntary sectors 6 WA Labor will: as partners in supporting families and a) Deliver streamlined and flexible childcare children, particularly those that are vulnerable; regulation and continue to work with the e) Acknowledges that Aboriginal children are Commonwealth to maximise parental choice disproportionately represented in WA’s child in the care of children and ensure childcare protection system. WA Labor recognises providers give safe, accessible, affordable that this is largely as a result of trauma and high-quality services; stemming from past government decisions b) Support workforce development in early and practices, and that responses must childhood education and care by: be culturally appropriate and developed in partnership with Aboriginal controlled i ) Introducing ongoing compulsory community organisations; education for childcare professionals on aspects of childcare including f) Believes that there must be better service mandatory reporting, understanding integration between Government agencies ratios, and national standards and and the community sector; complying with general OH&S g) Will promote a whole-of-community provisions; responsibility for child safety; ii ) Providing induction training for new h) Understands the importance of a child’s early childcare staff; and, years, and will work to support children and iii ) Providing student access to quality, their families during this time to meet the affordable early childhood education full physical, cognitive, emotional and social care TAFE training and qualifications. developmental needs of children so that they c) Work with childcare providers and the can reach their full potential; relevant union to achieve professional i) Supports the independent Commissioner for recognition and pay for childcare Children and Young People; professionals. j) Will regulate quality early childhood education d) Strengthen legislation and provision to and care, ensuring that providers deliver encourage and require responsible parenting; safe, accessible, affordable and high-quality e) Provide families with parenting support services; information; k) Support workforce development in early f) Implement education and awareness childhood education and care, and work with raising to prevent family and domestic providers and the relevant union to achieve violence, including promoting respectful professional recognition and wages for the relationships, as well as the message that sector; and family or domestic violence in any form is not l) Improve support for children living with acceptable; disability to ensure they are provided with g) Ensure that children remain the central focus health and social support services to reduce of child protection action; the risk of harm. h) h) Consider the development of child advocacy centre models in WA; i) i) Adhere to the measures detailed in the UN Convention on the Rights of a Child; j) j) Update adoption legislation and improve long-term placement outcomes for children in the care of the State; k) Co-ordinate a state wide early childhood agenda, focusing on the delivery of co-
4 | 2017 WA Labor Platform 2017 ordinated services at a local level to give our INTRODUCTION young children a flying start in life; 8 WA Labor is committed to promoting the l) Continue to strengthen the community sector social, cultural, economic and physical well as partners with Government and a vital being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander building block in the community; peoples. m) Maximise take up of family support 9 WA Labor recognises and respects Aboriginal and concessions as well as keep State authority and self-determination. Government fees and charges at affordable 10 Past experience and dislocation has levels; significantly contributed to the current n) Improve inter-agency work in supporting disadvantage Aboriginal and Torres Strait families and children; Islander people face across a range of socio- economic indicators. o) Introduce safeguards to protect children living with disability while in care at home or in 11 Acknowledgement of this history and its service facilities; impact is vital to Australia’s future. p) Improve support for children living with 12 A commitment from government and the disability and their siblings to ensure they are community to substantial change is required, provided with opportunities and health and and this can be facilitated through the social support services to reduce the risk of continuing development of the processes harm; and, outlined by the Statement of Commitment to a New and Just Relationship between q) Ensure the independent appointment of the Government of Western Australia and the Commissioner for Children and Young Aboriginal Western Australians, signed by People. the Gallop WA Labor government in October r) Ensure all people have the right to form and 2001. belong to a family regardless of gender, 13 These practices should be used to develop gender identity or sexual orientation. WA a framework for constructive negotiation on Labor will ensure all those who wish to form legislation that may have a disproportionately a family are not impeded from doing so nor negative impact on Aboriginal people in discriminated against. Western Australia. s) Commit to reducing the disproportionate rate 14 Land has an inherent physical, emotional and of Aboriginal and Torres Strait children in the spiritual meaning to all Aboriginal Australians. child protection system and to uphold the “Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child 15 This way of life has been acknowledged with Placement Principle”. the recognition of the traditional property rights of Aboriginal Australians (Mabo 1992), ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS who have the full protection of the law in exercising their common law rights of native PREAMBLE - RECOGNITION OF title. TRADITIONAL RIGHTS 16 However, not all Aboriginal Australians have WA Labor recognises that Aboriginal decision 7 equal access to the remedies provided for making processes lay within individual under native title. WA Labor will develop language groups. alternative strategies to redress the dispossession of Aboriginal Australians for whom native title recognition is not a viable option.
Authorised by P Gorman, 54 Cheriton St, Perth WA 6000 | 5 17 WA Labor is committed to forms of b) Identify and support sustainable commercial governance for Aboriginal Australian development opportunities for Aboriginal communities that foster self-determination. communities to encourage economic independence, employment and training; 18 All future policies and programs affecting Aboriginal Australians must be developed c) Provide support and training to help new and implemented in consultation with the local enterprises and encourage community Aboriginal communities. self reliance using local community skills and resources; 19 WA Labor recognises the importance to Aboriginal Australians of increased political d) Promote economic development projects that participation including in political parties; as involve local Aboriginal people in developing such, WA Labor party policy committees will and maintaining community infrastructure; encourage, support and implement strategies e) Provide training and support that increases to increase the involvement of Aboriginal understanding of the economic and people. employment systems in Australia, to promote 20 Aboriginal people should be empowered economic development; to achieve higher standards of education f) Support Aboriginal communities to enjoy leading to improved employment the social and financial benefits of new opportunities and full participation in the technologies; economic and social life of the community. g) Ensure accounting systems strengthen 21 Disproportionately high levels of community controls; unemployment and welfare dependency are major determinants of social exclusion h) Focus on localised small scale economic and dysfunction, and require significant programs for community training and improvements in education and employment employment; opportunities for Aboriginal Australians. i) Provide a business mentor scheme using 22 22. WA Labor acknowledges that racism mentors with appropriate cultural background still exists in Australian society and will or training to engage communities with new continue to address this issue through policy initiatives; and action. j) Facilitate specific labour market entry 23 WA Labor believes that it is important that programs for Aboriginal school-leavers all Australians recognise the contribution of in consultation with Aboriginal education Aboriginal people and Aboriginal cultures to stakeholders; and the Australian way of life. k) Facilitate relationships that foster improved ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT employment and economic outcomes between the private sector and Aboriginal 24 WA Labor recognises that Aboriginal communities. communities should have access to an equitable level of services and citizenship EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT AND rights and will encourage capacity building TRAINING and self-reliance. 26 WA Labor believes that all Aboriginal 25 WA Labor will work with Indigenous Australians should have access to a high communities to: quality education regardless of age, gender or location. a) Develop strategies to encourage economic development and increase employment; 27 WA Labor will:
6 | 2017 WA Labor Platform 2017 a) Work with families and communities to l) Ensure that schools develop behaviour improve participation and attendance management policies that empower particularly during compulsory schooling Aboriginal young people with skills to better years; manage any behavioural issues with the potential to result in their exclusion from the b) Establish benchmarks and targets to track classroom; retention rates of Aboriginal children at schools in order to best direct funding and m) Ensure that Aboriginal children excluded resources; from schools for disciplinary reasons receive appropriate alternative education services; c) Develop programs and strategies to ensure and that more Aboriginal Australians participate in and have access to relevant, appropriate and n) Ensure that schools with high suspension and engaging education at all levels; expulsion rates are given additional resources to address the social and emotional needs of d) Guarantee that more Aboriginal Australians students who frequently require disciplinary will be afforded more opportunities to action. participate in the delivery of education at all levels; 28 WA Labor recognises that the general and youth unemployment rate of Aboriginal e) Develop and promote access to education Western Australians is unacceptable. programs that provide all students and educators with relevant, culturally appropriate 29 WA Labor is fundamentally committed to information about Aboriginal histories and reducing Aboriginal unemployment as a cultures; major policy priority. f) Develop and enhance Aboriginal culture 30 WA Labor will establish benchmarks and and language programs, provide adequate targets that quantify decreases in Aboriginal resources to enable language renewal and employment rates. maintenance programs and promote those 31 WA Labor will encourage Aboriginal self- languages to all students; management and economic self-sufficiency. g) Broaden the range of education programs 32 WA Labor believes Aboriginal people should for Aboriginal Australians identifying as have full access to employment and will disengaged from education; target areas where Aboriginal people are h) Incorporate Aboriginal learning styles into underrepresented. appropriate curriculum; 33 WA Labor will support the further i) Encourage and support Aboriginal Australians development of high quality training and in the pursuit of post-compulsory education employment environments shaped by, and and the achievement of tertiary qualifications; for, Aboriginal Australians. j) Increase the variety of transitional learning 34 WA Labor will support local, flexible programs pathways for Aboriginal Australians with that meet the needs of Aboriginal Australians the potential to enter a diverse range of either alienated from, or unable to gain professions; access to, learning environments. k) Facilitate opportunities in education settings 35 WA Labor, as a model employer will ensure for students to benefit from role models and that where CDEP is used, it will lead to mentors from a variety of backgrounds; the promotion of the full and permanent employment of Aboriginal workers in the same manner as other public servants and State Government employees. Furthermore WA Labor will ensure that CDEP is not used as a cheap source of funding to employ Aboriginal workers.
Authorised by P Gorman, 54 Cheriton St, Perth WA 6000 | 7 36 WA Labor will: i ) Acknowledge the cultural diversity of Aboriginal Australians; a) Promote onsite training and flexible learning courses at TAFE accommodating the needs ii ) Recognise the role of Aboriginal of Aboriginal people; systems of kinship and law; iii ) Promote community involvement and b) Continue the recruitment, employment and decision making; career development of Aboriginal Western Australians in the public and private sectors; iv ) Encourage involvement with local government; c) Provide support for employers of Aboriginal v ) Facilitate joint management of National Australians; Parks and Reserves; d) Support Aboriginal participation in community vi ) Uphold the rights of Aboriginal based economic and employment Australians over their artistic and development programs; intellectual property; their products and e) Promote a variety of employment training services; programs offered by flexible delivery; vii ) Adequately resource Aboriginal people f) Facilitate training in community based to manage and protect Aboriginal management; heritage areas; viii ) Recognise culturally significant events g) Maintain and improve the skills base of and festivals; and Aboriginal people; and ix ) Introduce measures to reinforce h) Expand the representation of Aboriginal Aboriginal cultures and cultural people employed in State Government heritage. departments to better meet the needs of 39 WA Labor will promote the recognition Aboriginal clientele. of Aboriginal place names given by LAND, LANGUAGE AND CULTURE nomenclature committees of Local 37 Past government policies and practices Governments. have limited the traditional rights, access to 40 WA Labor will promote the knowledge of land and security of title that are essential to Aboriginal languages in the wider community. enable Aboriginal Australians to fully exercise HEALTH, HOUSING AND WELL-BEING their economic, social and cultural rights. 41 Good health is necessary for Aboriginal 38 WA Labor will: Australians to prosper. Aboriginal Australians a) Defend, preserve and build upon the are severely disadvantaged. The average principles embodied in the Native Title Act for life expectancy of Aboriginal people is the constructive resolution of land issues; unacceptably low. All tiers of Australian b) Adopt strategies that build on native title government, in close consultation with and accommodate the claims of Aboriginal Aboriginal men and women, must Western Australians for whom native title immediately take measures to achieve remedies are not available; sustained progress. c) Encourage the negotiation of regional 42 WA Labor recognises that environmental community agreements between Aboriginal health standards in some Aboriginal interests, all levels of government and other communities are unacceptable and commits interests; and to improving standards, including of sanitation and the provision of drinking water. d) Implement programs that: 43 WA Labor will: a) Involve Aboriginal people in improving health and housing;
8 | 2017 WA Labor Platform 2017 b) Facilitate expansion of Aboriginal Medical of housing that fulfils their cultural, social and Services; living needs; c) Improve the training of Aboriginal health, n) Require existing community services to housing and community workers and include courses in living skills for all ages, in a encourage their recruitment; format and in locations which are acceptable and accessible to Aboriginal people; d) Ensure that Aboriginal Studies is a pre- requisite for health and health-related o) Facilitate development with the relevant union university and TAFE courses; of professional organisations of Aboriginal health community workers, and encourage e) Support and expand undergraduate training their involvement in school and community schemes for Aboriginal health and community activities; and workers and institute a system of registration for them; p) Facilitate research into and development of Aboriginal health and health related issues, f) Identify any inadequacy in the provision of and investigate the feasibility of establishing a services to Aboriginal people, including those College of Aboriginal Health; in custody, and move promptly to rectify those gaps (e.g. health services, prison q) Improve strategies to prevent family and health services, birthing centres for both domestic violence and assist those affected; urban and rural women, housing, nutrition); and g) Examine the relevance of current health r) Support policies and programs designed promotion policies and practices and change to reduce the incidence of foetal alcohol them to take account of cultural differences; syndrome. h) Design and implement maternal and child 44 WA Labor recognises that Aboriginal well-being programs which help families to Australians are disproportionately gain access to mainstream services, and represented in public housing and that which sensitise those services to the needs public housing policies therefore, should be of their Aboriginal clients; sensitive to Aboriginal cultural obligations to family members. i) Devise culturally appropriate sex education
programs designed specifically for Aboriginal WA Labor will ensure that the disruptive adolescents; behaviour management (‘three strikes’) policy j) Ensure that Aboriginal people, who wish to, is used a means to identify and engage including those in regional areas, are able to appropriate support for tenants at an early access safe, culturally sensitive and publicly stage so that their tenancy can be sustained, funded reproductive health care services, rather than as a purely punitive measure that including pregnancy termination care; may result in eviction. k) Encourage projects which address violence, particularly intra-familial violence, in a WA Labor will remove the barriers that may culturally appropriate way through education, prevent Aboriginal Australians from gaining support facilities, and active community access to safe community housing, including participation; ensuring that rent charged is within their capacity to pay. l) Ensure that appropriate care for Aboriginal
aged and disabled people is available Private rental assistance loans should be and that it includes affordable and secure used as an early intervention tool to help accommodation, and services that allow for Aboriginal tenants to sustain their tenancy home care in all communities; when it is at risk due to rent arrears. m) Facilitate full participation of Aboriginal 45 WA Labor recognises that suicide remains communities in the design and construction one of the main causes of preventable
Authorised by P Gorman, 54 Cheriton St, Perth WA 6000 | 9 deaths in Aboriginal communities in Western b) Ensure full implementation of all the Australia. recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody; 46 WA Labor commits to working with remote and regional communities to provide greater c) Implement strategies aimed at reducing self resources and more localised support, harm and deaths in custody; such as further training for Aboriginal health d) Implement policies to reduce the numbers workers, mental health first aid training for of people held in custody and recidivism of community members and more funding for those in prison; peer-to-peer education programs dealing with depression and suicide e) Co-operate with the Commonwealth to ensure that comprehensive and consistent 47 WA Labor recognises the vital role human rights protection and enforcement Aboriginal Health Workers play in improving mechanisms are available to all Australians; health outcomes for Aboriginal people. In Government WA Labor will commit to f) Encourage Australians to appreciate the increased funding for the sector to provide significance of, and the need to respect, the greater training and improved remuneration human rights of all Australians; for Aboriginal Health Workers. g) Take legislative, administrative and other 48 WA Labor in Government commits to action to eliminate racial discrimination undertaking measures to understand, fund including special measures to achieve and legislate (where necessary) to deal with equality and eliminate the effects of past and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. Such current discrimination; measures include: h) Promote sentencing options that provide a) The development of a culturally appropriate culturally based programs of rehabilitation, diagnostic tool for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum especially for young Aboriginal repeat Disorders, in partnership with Aboriginal offenders; health organisations; i) Legislate to create an office of Public b) Fund Aboriginal community controlled health Defender, to ensure that no Western organisaions to deliver training on Fetal Australian is tried for a custodial offence Alcohol Spectrum Disorders to government without legal representation. agencies including; WA Police, Youth Justice 50 The Royal Commission on Aboriginal Deaths Services, regional Magistrates and Children’s in Custody Recommendations 8, 15, 16, Courts; and, 18-26, 35-28 all be legislated into the WA c) Ensure all metropolitan and regional Youth Coroners Act. Justice Services have the ability to diagnose Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. These recommendations relate to the conduct of coronial inquiries into deaths in JUSTICE custody and include: 49 WA Labor will: a) timelines for ministerial responses and the a) Ensure that Aboriginal Australians have provision of information to parties at coronial equitable access to legal representation and inquests; interpreters; b) the development, by the coroner, of guidelines for the conduct of inquiries into deaths in custody including: c) the rights of relatives and the deceased’s representative to view the body and have independent observers present at the post- mortem and to obtain their own independent
10 | 2017 WA Labor Platform 2017 post-mortem. result they have increased contact with the criminal justice system and in turn are more d) that the post-mortem should be conducted likely to receive a period in detention, either by a specialist forensic pathologist; on remand or post sentencing. It is clear e) awareness and respect of cultural issues that there should be a serious examination as to may relate to autopsy and engagement with how we can best ensure young Aboriginal relatives and organisations such as Aboriginal people have opportunity and support early Legal Services to address these; in their lives free from involvement with the f) that custodial authorities be required by law criminal justice system. to immediately notify the Coroner’s Office of 54 WA Labor acknowledges that in Government all deaths in custody; it can play a role in reducing Indigenous g) that autopsy reports, CCTV and other critical juvenile detention rates. evidence be provided to bereaved families as 55 In particular WA Labor commits to: soon as possible after a death in custody or a) Increase resourcing to evidenced based care and in a timely and culturally competent programs that support early intervention; way; b) Ensuring that young Aboriginal people are h) that the Coroner’s Court fund and engage provided with holistic support that addresses Aboriginal advocates to provide advocacy, their health, education, social and economic information and support to bereaved families concerns stemming from the long term and to presiding coroners from the time of effects of intergenerational social issues; death through to the aftermath of inquest findings; and c) Developing localised strategies for rural, regional and remote communities that i) that deaths in custody and care be the encourage and support young Aboriginal subject of expedited hearings. people’s engagement with their peers and JUVENILE JUSTICE wider communities; 51 WA Labor acknowledges there are d) Ensuring, legislatively, that incarceration is unacceptably high Aboriginal and Torres treated as a last resort, and that diversionary Strait Islander juvenile detention rates. tactics, restorative justice and rehabilitation Aboriginal young people are 28 times more are the priority for young offenders; likely to be incarcerated than non-Indigenous e) Developing a focus on evidenced-based young people. Further, there are high-levels education projects that partner with of economic and social disadvantage in community organisations and education Indigenous communities that lead to such authorities to create strategies to assist disproportionately high level of contact with young Aboriginal students at risk of the criminal justice system. disengaging from formal education; and 52 WA Labor recognises that accountability is f) Partnering and consulting with Aboriginal the core of successful policy implementation. elders and leaders in positions of WA Labor will ensure that Government is held responsibility in the creation and accountable for all policy affecting Aboriginal implementation of all policy and legislation people. directly affecting their communities. 53 WA Labor recognises that some of the primary obstacles to breaking the cycle of offending and reducing recidivism stem from intergenerational issues, institutionalised and systemic discrimination. Aboriginal young people are significantly less likely to receive the benefits of court diversionary programs than non- Aboriginal young people, as a
Authorised by P Gorman, 54 Cheriton St, Perth WA 6000 | 11 ACCOUNTABILITY • WA Labor acknowledges the shortcomings of the Stolen Wages established by 56 WA Labor will work closely with Aboriginal the Barnett Government. Western communities to develop governance Australia became the third state to offer structures that combine the standards of compensation after the scheme was accountability established by contemporary announced and opened on the same fiscal practice with culturally appropriate day, 6 March 2012, and closed on 30 institutions. In particular WA Labor will ensure November 2012. that community policies and programs include: • WA Labor will work closely with stakeholders and Aboriginal a) Strategies for communities to monitor and representatives to develop a scheme that evaluate policies and programs that affect delivers justice and genuine repatriation to them, including reporting directly back to the Aboriginal workers whose wages and the relevant government departments and entitlements were withheld. Ministers; • The terms of any future settlement will b) Appropriate capacity building and specific include financial reparations to individuals, training to ensure self management of a common experience fund, and other accountability structures; measures such as proper recognition and c) Appropriate consultation; and respect for the contributions which many Aboriginal people made to the pastoral d) Appropriate allocation of State Government industry and other enterprise in this State. resources to Aboriginal development
strategies. STOLEN GENERATION RECONCILIATION 60 WA Labor acknowledges that the removal of 57 WA Labor supports the view that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people reconciliation between Aboriginal and from their families has led to an “entrenched non-Aboriginal people is a priority in our pattern of disadvantage and dispossession community. which continues to wreak havoc and destruction in Indigenous families and 58 Recognising that reconciliation is not simply communities.” an Aboriginal concern, but a matter for the whole community, WA Labor will: 61 WA Labor will take into consideration the systemic disadvantage confronting Aboriginal a) Provide specific funding over and above and Torres Strait Islander people when current DIA funding to facilitate reconciliation formulating policies and laws which affect between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. people in Western Australia; and 62 WA Labor acknowledges that funding for all b) Provide funding over a three year period Indigenous related services and programs, to support the establishment of a credible should take into account the needs of and viable peak reconciliation organisation members of stolen generations. in WA. The aim is to build the capacity for genuine reconciliation amongst the people 63 WA Labor believes that a Labor government and organisations of WA. Funding will not be should continue to work towards the taken from Indigenous programs to fund this recognition and compensation by the state initiative. to the people and communities of stolen generations. STOLEN WAGES 64 WA Labor will work with our Federal 59 The Stolen Wages Scheme was established counterparts to implement the by the Barnett Liberal Government following recommendations of the Bringing Them a recommendation from the Stolen Wages Home Report. Task Force Report of 2008.
12 | 2017 WA Labor Platform 2017 65 WA Labor supports the establishment and b) Fairness funding of Healing Centres, for Aboriginal The pursuit of public policies free of communities impacted by the Stolen prejudice, discrimination and exclusion on Generation. the basis of characteristics such as origins, perceived ‘race’,ethnicity culture , religion, MULTICULTURAL INTERESTS ethnicity and nationality. VALUING DIVERSITY c) Equality Equality of opportunity for all members of PRINCIPLES FOR A LABOR society to achieve their full potential in a GOVERNMENT free and democratic society where every 66 WA Labor acknowledges that there are individual is equal before, and under, the ongoing challenges in a multicultural law. Labor will also ensure this through the society. Members of racial, ethnic and creation and enactment of legislation which cultural minority groups continue to face will create a Substantive Equity Unit within discrimination, economically, socially and the Equal Opportunity Commission. culturally. WA Labor believes that the specific d) Participation discrimination suffered by racial , ethnic and The full and equitable participation in society cultural minority members of our society of individuals and communities, irrespective deserves specific policies to counteract these of origins, culture, religion, ethnicity and societal ills. nationality by providing proper and adequate 67 WA Labor recognises that Australian society resources within the Governance Structure. is a racially, ethnically and culturally diverse, 70 A WA Labor Government will support these liberal democratic society, encompassing a principles through: wealth of cultures, histories and traditions. This racial, ethnic and cultural diversity a) Economic, Political and Social Equality is inseparable from, and guaranteed by, All Australians are entitled to equality of Australia’s traditions of egalitarianism and freedom, treatment and opportunity, enabling democracy. Racial and ethnic diversity in them to contribute to achieve their full society benefits Australians as individuals, potential in the social, political and economic and as members of society as a whole. life of Australia, free from discrimination and exclusion on the grounds of race, culture, 68 WA Labor recognizes that a high proportion religion, language, location, gender, ethnicity, of the WA community comes from a non- place of birth or national origin. English speaking background (NESB), and that this is not reflected in any of the three b) Mutual Respect arms of government, nor is it reflected in any Subject to the rule of law established within meaningful manner in government agencies existing legal and constitutional structures and associated service provision. of Australia, all Australians have the right to express their own culture and beliefs, and 69 WA Labor believes our multicultural society the reciprocal obligation to accept the right of should apply the principles of the Western others to do the same. Australian Charter of Multiculturalism: c) Community a) Civic Value Encourage and support the development The equality of respect, mutual respect, of culturally diverse community groups, individual freedom and dignity for all especially new and emerging communities, members of society subject to the and provide opportunities for inclusion and acceptance of the rule of law, social, political engagement across all sectors of society. and legal institutions and constitutional Promote practical self-help initiatives and structures. leadership by communities to resolve issues within the community or in a multicultural
Authorised by P Gorman, 54 Cheriton St, Perth WA 6000 | 13 society, especially where communities may b) Commit itself to develop a set of public be more effective than government agencies sector benchmarks for all service delivery to and statutory bodies. Every effort should promote substantive equality, which: be made to involve community groups in • Recognise the special needs and the planning, administration and delivery entitlements of newly arrived migrants of government services, including services irrespective of visa categories; which support settlement of migrants in • Encourage and support the participation Western Australia. of all members of Western Australia’s 71 Citizenship culturally and linguistically diverse All Australians recognise and accept the population in all social, political, cultural, following declaration of commitment: artistic and economic activities, recognising • To value the unique status of Australia’s the unique contribution these make to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Western Australia’s society; people; • Recognise the need for inclusiveness and • To maintain the rule of law and the ideal of equity for Western Australians of cultural equality under the law for all Australians; and linguistic diverse backgrounds as policies and programmes are formulated • To strengthen Australia as a representative and implemented, particularly in relation to liberal and social democracy based on seniors, women and youth; and universal adult suffrage and freedom of opinion; • Support the Equal Opportunity Commission to implement the Substantive • To uphold the ideal of Australia as an Equality Framework in all state government accepting, open and fair society that departments. encourages mutual respect, participation and interaction between its citizens; c) Empower communities to fully participate in social, political and economic activities in • To recognise and celebrate Australia as an society through the provision of an adequate inclusive multicultural society devoted to grants programme by all government the wellbeing of all its people. agencies; LABOR GOVERNMENT IN ACTION d) Ensure that all appointments to government 72 WA Labor Government affirms: committees, agencies and instrumentalities a) That policies and strategies promoting reflect the multicultural composition of cultural diversity through community relations Western Australia’s population, and that education programs are essential in a recruitment methods will not be limited to the multicultural society; and traditional sources of public information or media advertising; b) That these principles must be adhered to across all parts of government and e) Ensure that the Minister for Multicultural encouraged across other parts of the Interests, in conjunction with the appropriate community. Cabinet Standing Committee on Social Policy, will monitor and promote the State’s 73 WA Labor Government will: multicultural agenda; a) Support the principles of the WA Charter of f) Ensure and facilitate effective access by Multiculturalism in recognising the culturally community groups and organisations to diverse nature of Western Australian society; government decision making and policy development primarily, but not exclusively, through peak organisations;
14 | 2017 WA Labor Platform 2017 g) Ensure that funding is provided to provision. multicultural organisations in Western 78 WA Labor Government understands the Australia who provide services to cultural and necessity of English as a lingua franca in our linguistically diverse communities society and its role in encouraging labour h) Commit to strengthening WA laws in market participation by recent migrants. As addressing racial vilification; and such a WA Labor Government will endeavor to provide a variety of English language i) Work with ethnic and community groups courses accessibly and affordably to recent to strengthen state based legislation racial migrants from NESB backgrounds. vilification and discrimination. 79 Labor re-establish a Multicultural Commission 74 WA Labor recognises the strong and unique contribution that refugees have made to our 80 In conjunction with courses funded through community and believes that appropriate the Adult Migrant Education Services, State and adequate support must be provided Government Departments and agencies will to assist the resettling of refugees in our provide on request courses, workshops and state. In government, WA Labor will ensure other relevant information for migrants and that asylum seekers living in our community ethnic communities on: on bridging visas have access to state a) Law and order; government services and benefits, such as public education and transport concessions. b) Governance and civics; 75 A WA Labor Government believes that all c) Employment rights and responsibilities; category of visa holders and those who d) Cultural familiarisation programs; have gained permanent residence should e) Cross-cultural programs; be entitled to all existing and future services and protection provided by the State f) Community cultural development; Government. g) Sourcing government funding and grant 76 A WA Labor Government will review the writing; and appropriateness and effectiveness of the h) Other programs that will assist in the full existing State Government Language integration of all newly arrived migrants into Service Policy with a view to developing an Western Australian society. appropriate whole-of-government policy framework for the provision of language PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES service throughout the State. Subsequent to ACCESS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL such review and framework development, the 81 WA Labor believes: requirements for a State based translation and interpreter service should be established a) That people living with disabilities should have to supplement the existing services provided equal opportunities in all aspects of life and at a Federal level. should be treated with dignity and respect; 77 All Government Departments, agencies and b) That people living with disabilities experience instrumentalities in a WA Labor Government social justice, economic opportunity and shall make specific provision within their access to the same rights as other members budgets for proper language service delivery of the community; required by the clients of their departments c) Legislation should exist to protect the rights or agencies. This includes, but is not limited of, and guarantee full equality for people with to, ensuring that 15% of the client facing a disability; staff in WA Government service provision are competent in at least one of the 5 major non English languages spoken in WA, including Indigenous languages in rural/remote service
Authorised by P Gorman, 54 Cheriton St, Perth WA 6000 | 15 d) Government and the wider community play e) Families of children living with disabilities are an integral role in assisting people with exposed to health risk and early intervention disabilities to obtain and maintain a fulfilling is needed to protect the health of all family independent lifestyle; members; e) People living with disabilities have a right to f) That there are special needs applicable be involved in decision making processes to people with psychiatric disabilities and that affect them and their lifestyles; and acquired brain injuries which are currently not must be consulted meaningfully both directly being met; and through representative and advocacy g) Service delivery for people living with organisations; disabilities should be provided by qualified f) Accommodation based on individual needs workers and be appropriate to their individual and choice is a fundamental right of people needs and the needs of their families; with disabilities; h) That organisations who support the needs g) That people living with disabilities alleged of people living with disabilities should be to have committed crimes have the right funded at appropriate levels; to be dealt with justly, especially when i) Domestic Care workers are marginalised their disability has contributed to offending workers within the sector who provide behaviour; important care to people living with h) That people living with disabilities should disabilities in their own home; be able to demand a minimum standard of j) That disability workers should be paid fair support and service provision; and reasonable wages for the work they i) That all levels of Government and their undertake; departments and agencies have a k) The challenges faced by the disabilities responsibility to meet the needs of people sector in attracting and retaining quality staff living with disabilities and should be working and that much of this problem is rooted in collaboratively; and the poor wages and conditions for disability j) The needs of people living with disabilities direct care workers; and should be reflected in all government l) That disability workers in the non-government legislation and policies; as well as by sector receive lower wages and lower organisations and business in the wider conditions of employment than their community. colleagues employed directly by the Disability 82 WA Labor recognises: Services Commission, and will work with the sector in addressing this through registered a) That the number of people living with industrial agreements. disabilities in Western Australia is growing; m) That some people with disability may be b) The critical need for intervention and more vulnerable to abuse due to their specific investment in early childhood and school circumstances, including isolation, mobility years programs and service delivery; constraints, dependence, lack of community c) People with disabilities must have the same relationships and language or communication access as others to realise their capacity for barriers. individual and social development; 83 WA Labor will: d) That caring for people living with disabilities a) a) Ensure that disability service can significantly affect carers and families, standards are provided in a manner that including parents, siblings and extended is safe, accountable and responsive to family members; individual needs by legislating to safeguard people with disability who may be vulnerable to abuse and enhance the integrity and
16 | 2017 WA Labor Platform 2017 quality of the workforce, including, but not b) That the greatest disadvantage for many limited to, pre-employment background seniors is a low income which restricts their checks and worker registration; access to participation, goods and services; b) Ensure that disability service standards are c) In the importance of social inclusion promoted, maintained and adhered to by and enabling seniors to maintain their funding independent standards monitoring, participation in the community and will and by supporting independent individuals continue to address the specific transport and systemic advocacy; problems and other barriers to participation faced by seniors; c) Support the vital role of non-government organisations in the provisions of services to d) That access to information technology is a people with disabilities, including ensuring significant issue for seniors’ social inclusion; that the wages and conditions of employees e) That seniors have a right to remain are regulated; independent and secure within their home d) Seize the opportunity the National Disability environment; Insurance Service offers to work with f) That the experience and wealth of talent that providers and relevant Unions to establish our mature employees have to offer will not professional wages and quality jobs within only enrich our workforce but will be required the sector, and work towards pay parity with by our community to support its future needs DSC employees; and requirements; e) Work towards making the built environment g) Preventative health measures reduce medical is universally accessible to people with care costs; and disabilities; h) That healthy, active seniors symbolise a f) Maintain a direct governmental role in service healthy State. delivery and service provisions; 85 WA Labor recognises: g) Work with the Commonwealth, the non- government and the private sector to a) That we have an ageing population and will facilitate access for people with disabilities need to expand and improve on seniors to employment, training and alternatives to services; employment; b) That we have an obligation to provide a h) Work with stakeholders in health and strong safety net to seniors who are unable education including government and non- to be financially independent; government agencies to deliver innovative c) That the rise in the age of retirement will services and programs to meet the changing disadvantage a number of seniors; needs of children and young people with d) That there is a growing need for more disabilities; and supported accommodation and services to i) Recognise the home as a workplace for help seniors to stay in their own homes for domestic care workers. longer; SENIORS e) That seniors require secure, affordable A PROGRAM FOR DIGNITY AND accommodation that meets their individual INDEPENDENCE needs; and 84 WA Labor believes: a) That the experiences and skills of senior citizens are an important and valuable part of the State and will respond to the needs of seniors in a way which retains the dignity and independence of older Western Australians;
Authorised by P Gorman, 54 Cheriton St, Perth WA 6000 | 17 f) That seniors, including those in remote k) Strive to improve weekend and non-peak and rural areas, need to be able to access services, providing better mobility for seniors; essential health and welfare programs. l) Develop further guidelines to enable 86 WA Labor will: prevention, early identification and strategies to deal with violence and abuse against a) Retain transport concessions for seniors in seniors; conjunction with the Federal government and other States and Territories. This will m) Support increased access to and an enable WA seniors card holders to access increased role for senior citizens’ centres; public transport concessions when travelling n) Increase the number of new homes interstate, and will include the Indian Pacific, specifically for seniors; the Ghan and the Overland; o) Work with the Federal WA Labor b) Maintain a dialogue with relevant groups of Governments to increase the number of beds how to best to serve the needs of seniors; in aged care facilities; c) Report annually on the progress made by p) Ensure Federal Funding contributes to wage government in addressing the needs of increases for care/clinical staff in order to seniors and our ageing population through attract and retain staff in aged care facilities; the Minister for Seniors Active Ageing Progress Reports; q) Work with education organisations and employers in aged care, to better attract, d) Implement health promotion programs train and retain skilled people to the aged dealing with the specific health care needs of care workforce by seniors; • recognising that relatively low wages in the e) Deliver a community education campaign sector result from gender pay inequality; to encourage take-up of State Government and concessions, including media publicity and a • ensuring that future aged care funding brochure; is allocated to both service and wage f) Ensure that seniors, including those in rural increases. and remote areas, can access essential r) That the level of funding for aged care health and welfare services; services, including culturally appropriate and g) Provide services to seniors that will allow LGBTI services, is significantly increased and them to live in their own homes for as long as extended to meet growing demand in the possible; area; h) Consider and incorporate in strategic s) That proper and improved healthcare planning by government agencies the measures for pensioners are prioritised implications of an ageing population; including medical, dental, optical, hearing, pharmaceutical and culturally appropriate i) Provide a range of rebates and concessions services, is significantly increased and to support seniors who are on low and extended to meet the growing demand in this fixed incomes. Work with local government area; and community organisations to increase access to appropriate and affordable fitness, t) Ensure an adequate nurse coverage on site recreation and leisure programs for seniors; at aged care facilities; j) Develop further policy on safety and security u) Will abolish stamp duty for qualifying senior for seniors as identified by consultation with citizens on Centrelink who wish to own their older people in the community, including family home to bring Western Australia in line safeguards to ensure the needs of seniors with other States and Territories; are taken into full account in the development v) Transport concessions for seniors to be of housing; extended to seven days a week 24 hours a
18 | 2017 WA Labor Platform 2017 day; and ix ) Introduce new laws for park homes where termination of leases can only w) Provide a range of rebates and concessions be achieved through mutual agreement to support seniors who are on low and fixed or upon application to the SAT; incomes. x ) Ensure that any future amendments to 87 Labor acknowledges that seniors now the Caravans and Camping Grounds comprise an increasing proportion of our Act 1995 must incorporate transitional State’s population. It further acknowledges provisions to acknowledge and protect growing numbers of seniors are becoming the interests of long term residents, homeless while others have insecure security many of whom are seniors; and of tenure in their housing. xi ) Develop and implement legislation
regulating formalities, content and use Labor will, in its first term of government: of family accommodation agreements i ) Implement more effective checks and provide for adequate remedies in and balances to prevent financial the event of the agreement’s failure. elder abuse, especially the fraudulent transfer of property; SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT ii ) Incorporate a code of conduct for SHARING THE BENEFITS strata managers in the Strata Titles Act 1985 as well as a “fit and proper STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLE person test” for such persons; 88 All people living in Western Australia should iii ) Expand the jurisdiction of the State share in the benefits the State has to offer. Administrative Tribunal (“SAT”) in 89 WA Labor is committed to a government relation to Strata management which will develop integrated and sustainable disputes; economic and social policies which benefit iv ) Amend the Strata Titles Act 1985 the whole community. to provide for greater levels of transparency and accountability on 90 WA Labor is committed to eliminating financial reporting; inequality and disadvantage experienced by individuals and groups which occurs as a v ) Amend the Strata Titles Act result of income differences, discrimination, 1985 to prohibit harassment and racism and exclusion from the decision unconscionable conduct towards making processes of government. residents; vi ) For elderly tenants of public housing, 91 WA Labor will develop, assess and implement consider if accommodation provided policies which give effect to these principles would allow for a for live-in carers; and values. vii ) Promptly enact the second tranche INTEGRATION OF SOCIAL AND of recommended amendments to the ECONOMIC POLICY Retirement Villages Act 1992; 92 The fundamental objective of WA Labor’s viii ) Consider accessible complaint economic policy is to ensure the well-being mechanisms for residents in retirement and improve the quality of life of all Western villages, a rapidly growing sector of the Australians. market; 93 This can be achieved by: a) Providing a climate that encourages maximum employment opportunities and delivers liveable wages; and
Authorised by P Gorman, 54 Cheriton St, Perth WA 6000 | 19 b) Providing a strong safety net for people who b) That there is no shame in being homeless, are unable to participate in the workforce. and people are capable of bouncing back and leading fulfilling lives, with the right 94 WA Labor is committed to: support; a) Providing a fair distribution of the benefits of c) That all levels of Government have an the state’s economy; important role in supporting people to obtain b) Ensuring opportunities for all Western safe and stable accommodation; Australians to readily access education and d) That the definition of homelessness includes training; people who are unable to stay in their usual c) Protecting the living standards of those place of residence and are forced to ‘couch without work or unable to work; surf’, or stay with other people; d) Providing ongoing access to quality social e) In a whole-of-community response to benefits and community services; and addressing homelessness; e) Properly understanding and identifying the f) That certain groups of people are at greater needs of those most vulnerable to social, risk of homelessness, and require additional structural and technological changes across support; and the state. g) That early prevention and intervention can POVERTY AND INCOME SECURITY prevent a lot of issues for individuals, and 95 A WA Labor Government has an essential result in strong outcomes for the community. role in addressing poverty and promoting 100 WA Labor acknowledges: income security through its relationship with a) The importance of stable placements in the Federal Government. supported accommodation; 96 An adequate income is fundamental b) The need for ongoing case management to a person’s security, well-being and to support individuals in supported independence. accommodation; 97 WA Labor recognises that due to the c) The importance of measuring outcomes and changing economy and the rise of precarious acknowledging successful programs that forms of employment, job insecurity is a generate strong outcomes for people; major concern for workers and their families. d) That further work is required to address the 98 WA Labor will: public’s awareness of homelessness as an a) Support a fair and equitable wages system to issue; and provide greater income security; and e) That there has been a large amount of b) Ensure that people experiencing financial uncertainty in the homelessness sector due hardship have timely and appropriate access to short-term funding contracts, and the lack to the social services they require. of a clear strategy on the part of the Federal Coalition Government. HOMELESSNESS 101 WA Labor will: 99 WA Labor believes: a) Support low income individuals and families a) That safe and stable accommodation should to prevent homelessness by: be attainable by all Western Australians; i ) Improving access to financial counselling and assistance for unexpected costs that could lead to homelessness; ii ) Working to streamline processes to access bill concessions; and
20 | 2017 WA Labor Platform 2017 iii ) Increasing the availability of funding c) Ensure that non-government organisations for the community sector to provide that receive state funding adhere to anti- emergency assistance to people in discrimination practices. Non-government immediate financial crisis. organisations that withhold care and/or b) Consult with the community sector to assist assistance on the basis of age, gender in implementing policy development; identification, sexuality, race, disability or impairment, religion or other grounds covered c) Work with government at all levels, and in the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 will have the community sector, to achieve the best their funding reviewed. possible outcomes for homelessness issues; and VOLUNTEERS d) Support prevention and early intervention 104 WA Labor recognises that volunteering is an programs and initiatives that deliver stable important way for individuals to contribute accommodation. to their community and fulfils an essential economic function providing large social PARTNERSHIP WITH THE COMMUNITY gains to the community. NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS 105 Volunteers deserve respect and protection 102 WA Labor acknowledges: from those who may misuse their commitment. a) The valuable contribution that the community sector makes in supporting Western 106 WA Labor will: Australians in need, as well as building a) Support the active training of volunteers and stronger communities; establish guidelines that include involvement b) The primary coordinating role of the Western of volunteers in decision making; Australian Council of Social Services b) Ensure that volunteers are protected in terms (WACOSS), and the need for government to of occupational health and safety and legal work with the community sector; and responsibilities; c) The importance of Aboriginal controlled c) Ensure that volunteers have access to training community organisations in achieving real and up-skilling opportunities to enable and sustained change for Aboriginal people. them to meet their legal responsibilities and 103 WA Labor will: obligations and perform their volunteer role effectively; and a) Improve procurement processes and deliver improved security of funding for the d) Establish a regime to compensate eligible community sector; and volunteer firefighters who contract cancer as a consequence of their volunteer service. b) Deliver a framework to measure outcomes and assist the sector to provide more SPORT AND RECREATION integrated, targeted and flexible services; PARTICIPATION IS CRITICAL TO SUCCESS FOR ALL AGES INTRODUCTION 107 WA Labor recognises and supports the positive impact that sport and recreational pursuits make on the physical, mental and social well being of all Western Australians.
Authorised by P Gorman, 54 Cheriton St, Perth WA 6000 | 21 108 WA Labor is committed to initiating and e) Develop recreational complexes in developing opportunities for the maximum partnership with Local Government and participation of all members of the community regional sports to service regional areas; and in recreational and sporting activities. f) Enable greater communication and 109 WA Labor is committed to ensuring that cooperation between sporting groups and all sporting participation is accessible and levels of government. affordable for all individuals and families, 112 WA Labor is resolutely committed to including providing extra support, creating an environment for the pursuit of concessions and rebates to those on low excellence as well as equality of opportunity incomes. WA Labor recognises that the to achieve excellence, for all members of the quality of open space affects the nature community. and amount of physical activity. High quality open space is available to all members of the 113 WA Labor understands that reaching community irrespective of age, ability, gender, and achieving the peak levels of active race or cultural background recreational pursuits and in sport is both physically and mentally demanding and 110 WA Labor is resolutely committed to creating appropriate preparation through quality an environment for the pursuit of preventative training and coaching is required for success. health through education, recreation and WA Labor supports supervision by accredited sport opportunities for all members of organisations within an environment of community. managed risk and challenge. WA Labor will: 111 WA Labor will: a) Provide adequate resources, through the a) Provide adequate resources, through the Department of Sport and Recreation and Department of Sport and Recreation, other government agencies, to ensure to ensure that facilities are provided to that facilities are provided to encourage encourage maximum participation by all maximum participation by all members of members of the community in a wide range the community in a wide range of sporting of sporting and leisure activities to suit the and recreational activities to suit the various various needs of the community; needs of the diverse population in regional, rural and metropolitan areas; b) Develop initiatives to highlight and enhance the importance of developing sporting and b) Explore policy options to address gender recreational skills and enjoyment for all inequity in the promotion and televising of primary and secondary school students, sport; including encouraging the participation c) Develop initiatives for generational transition of sporting mentors and role models eg. through education and to highlight and professional athletes; enhance the importance of developing c) Develop and implement suitable programs sporting and recreational skills for future to increase the opportunities for community lifestyles, health and enjoyment for all primary members to participate in social and and secondary school students competitive sport and recreational activities; d) Develop and implement suitable programs d) Review the management and maintenance of to increase opportunities for community community sporting and recreational facilities members to participate in active, non- to ensure effective and efficient utilisation of competitive and competitive sport and facilities to the advantage of all community recreational activities; members; e) Review, ensuring high standards in, the management and maintenance of community sporting and recreational facilities to ensure effective and efficient utilisation of facilities to the advantage of all community members; 22 | 2017 WA Labor Platform 2017 f) Develop recreational complexes in q) Plan, coordinate, and resource recreation partnership with Local Government and and sport activities via the three tiers of regional sport and recreation organisations to government, aligning activities on an age service regional areas; and ability-appropriate basis after research and research and consultation with relevant g) Enable greater communication and agencies and experts; and cooperation between recreation and sporting groups and all levels of government; r) Encourage maximum out-of-school hours usage of educational facilities to enhance h) Develop programs to engage young women recreational and sport needs of local in the pursuit of healthy active lifestyles; communities throughout Western Australia i) Develop and support accessible low cost through devices such as after hours facility and appropriate recreational opportunities for management plans and after hours staff. seniors; YOUTH PREPARATION IS CRITICAL TO j) Work with all levels of government to ensure SUCCESS that the quality of public open space is 114 WA Labor understands that reaching improved and developed to ensure that a and achieving the peak levels of active range of active and passive recreational recreational pursuits and in sport is both activities can be enjoyed by all irrespective physically and mentally demanding and of age, ability, gender, race or cultural appropriate preparation through quality background; training and coaching is required for success. k) Support the Western Australian Institute WA Labor supports supervision by accredited of Sport and other community agencies organisations within an environment of to enhance and develop opportunities for managed risk and challenge. excellence through interagency cooperation; 115 WA Labor will: l) Maintain and improve training and career a) Support organisations in pursuing well opportunities as well as fair remuneration for founded training to help participants improve; trained recreation staff; b) Explore the feasibility of the establishment of m) Develop and maintain a vibrant link between national and international visitations of various government and sporting organisations to sports to achieve and establish benchmarks ensure ongoing development and upgrade of for our youth in the world arena; and programs to cater for changing needs within the community; c) Ensure correct skills and healthy practices are encouraged during the two hours per n) Remain committed to increasing week of physical activity for children from opportunities for all members of the four years to seventeen years in schools by community to access and use sporting and having appropriately qualified staff directing recreational facilities for pleasure and the learning through the adoption of appropriate pursuit of excellence within the various sport programs and best practice in sport and and recreational activities; recreation. o) Support organisations in pursuing well founded training for coaches, leaders and instructors, including volunteers to help participants improve; p) Explore the feasibility of the establishment of national and international visitations of various sport and recreational events to achieve and establish benchmarks for our youth in the world arena;
Authorised by P Gorman, 54 Cheriton St, Perth WA 6000 | 23 LGBTI WA Labor acknowledges the impact on LGBTIQ people of past practices, systems, 116 The LGBTIQ community are full and equal attitudes, behaviours and laws that excluded, members of our society with a unique and discriminated, demeaned or criminalised diverse contribution to make to Western LGBTIQ people. WA Labor will work Australia. to ensure that past wrongs caused by 117 WA Labor believes all people deserve to discrimination or criminalisation of sexual experience life as their genuine self and to be orientation are corrected. recognised as their true identity. 124 WA Labor recognises the suffering and 118 WA Labor understands the challenges faced distress experienced by people with gender and placed upon LGBTIQ people, especially dysphoria. WA Labor believes all people youth, Aboriginal people, people from diverse deserve to experience life as their genuine racial and ethnic backgrounds and those self and to be recognised as their true living in regional areas. identity. 119 WA Labor recognises specific challenges faced by LGBTIQ people of faith or religious WA Labor: backgrounds. • Endeavours to facilitate and empower 120 WA Labor values LGBTIQ people as transgender people to re-assign to their individuals, as families and as family correct gender as easily and with as much members, as workers, young people, dignity as possible. seniors, and as a collective group within • Will take steps to ensure the Gender society. Reassignment process is as streamlined, efficient and expedient as possible with 121 WA Labor recognises the needs of LGBTIQ a minimum of bureaucracy, expense and people are diverse and cover a range of unnecessary complication. policy areas. • Will work to amend the Gender WA Labor will endorse the WA Labor Leader Reassignment Act 2000 to achieve such. for taking overarching responsibility for • Will ensure no person who undertakes ensuring the needs of LGBTIQ people are to transition or who commences Gender recognised and met as not one Minister Reassignment will be disadvantaged for has responsibility for ensuring the needs of having done so. LGBTIQ people are met and, therefore, all • Commits to working with the Transgender Ministers share responsibility in ensuring community to achieve the best method LGBTIQ community are supported in line with possible for achieving 1-4. Labor’s Enduring Values. • WA Labor opposes the current practice
that requires a transgender person to WA Labor will work toward forming an divorce from their marriage, in order Equality Commission with an Equality to have their correct gender legally Commissioner overseeing responsibility for recognised on their birth certificate and the LGBTIQ community across all policy other identity documentation. areas. 125 WA Labor believes all people, regardless 122 WA Labor opposes Gay Conversion Therapy of their gender, gender identity or sexuality as a cruel and misinformed practice. WA should have the right to marry the person Labor will work toward ending this practice. they love. WA Labor recognises the 123 WA Labor recognises that discrimination overwhelming community support for causes hurt, trauma and suffering. marriage equality and will support efforts Discrimination towards LGBTIQ people was to make marriage equality a reality for all wrong and remains wrong. Australians.
24 | 2017 WA Labor Platform 2017 126 WA Labor will abolish the Gender c) The majority of unpaid work in the community Reassignment Board and will allow is still undertaken by women and while this transgender people to change the gender work is greatly valued, a reliance on unpaid marker in their official identity papers to work contributes to the social and economic their preferred gender on written request disadvantage of many Western Australian and without the need for hormones and/or women; and surgery. d) All women of any age group should have
equitable access to life opportunities and A third new gender category known as “X” for support services specific to their age and ‘not specified’ will also be introduced gender needs, in both their personal and 127 WA Labor recognises the specific needs of professional lives. LGBTIQ Aboriginal people and Aboriginal 131 WA Labor condemns and will act against youth. WA Labor will support programs unfair discrimination on the basis of gender, and policies that provide LGBTIQ-specific gender identity, sexuality, marital status, services, education, information and support. cultural diversity, economic status, disability, WOMEN religion and age. EQUALITY, CHOICE AND PARTICIPATION 132 WA Labor will: INTRODUCTION a) Proactively pursue equal gender 128 The rights of women to fully participate representation across all levels of in society are now partially enshrined in Government, including in the executive and legislation but have yet to be fully realised on Government boards; in the social, economic, political and public b) Actively oppose the inaction of governments institutions of our society. who do not establish significant affirmative 129 WA Labor recognises that it is the right of action measures and/or have under- women to participate fully in all aspects of representation of women in Parliament; and life: politically, socially and economically, and c) Proactively pursue equal pay for women for that our society is enriched and improved by work of equal or comparable value. the ongoing and vigorous pursuit of gender WOMEN AND HEALTH equality. WA Labor will promote policies that allow every woman to pursue her own goals 133 WA Labor believes: as an equal member of the community. a) That gender is a key consideration in 130 WA Labor believes: understanding the complexities of health related disadvantage; a) That equal gender representation across all levels of decision-making is central to good b) That the general health of women in our governance, and as a result will encourage society is an important factor in ensuring a continued efforts to increase the number of strong foundation for healthy and sustainable women at senior levels in both the public and families and communities. A full range of private sectors; general health services (including dentistry services) should be made available to all b) Affirmative action is vital to encouraging women and children; more women into politics and participating in decision making processes across all levels c) In the rights of women to make choices of government; about their reproductive lives, particularly the right to choose and access appropriate fertility control or abortion services including after-care;
Authorised by P Gorman, 54 Cheriton St, Perth WA 6000 | 25 d) In the rights of women to make choices about 135 WA Labor recognises that; their maternal health, particularly the right to a) many people experience difficulties accessing choose a midwife as their primary health care abortions for a range of reasons, including professional; location, cost, discrimination and other e) That all women must have access to inhibitive factors. reproductive technology regardless of their b) often people face difficulty obtaining a referral marital status or sexual orientation; to medical professionals able to provide f) There is increased and unacceptable appropriate termination care. sexualisation of girls and young women in the c) private telehealth services have improved media access to medical abortions in regional areas 134 WA Labor will: where care can be followed up by a GP, however; a) Locate a range of general health, mental health, reproductive health and dental health • medical abortions are not recommended services so that they are available for all for all patients; women and children to access and ensure • some patients may prefer a surgical that they are affordable and of a high quality; abortion, and b) Provide access to professional, quality and • there are few providers of surgical compassionate antenatal and postnatal care, abortions in regional Western Australia. to minimise the risk of mental illness; c) Ensure that all women have access to Accordingly, in government, WA Labor will; accurate, professional and accountable i ) improve access to abortion services for medical advice as a basis for decision- West Australians in the public health making; system, including in regional areas; d) Continue to support women’s health centres ii ) improve access to abortion services and child health clinics and aim to provide all for West Australians unable to afford women with access to specialised women’s private services; and children’s health services; iii ) work with health stakeholders including the AMA and Royal College of GPs e) Ensure public health services - particularly to improve referral and on-referral public hospitals have a duty to provide pathways; access to abortion services, especially in rural and remote areas, or where there is WOMEN AND WORK: PAID AND UNPAID not another public service provider available 136 WA Labor believes: within a reasonable distance; a) That employers and their workforces benefit f) Require health professionals who object to from family friendly workplace policies and the provision of fertility control services to entitlements; make their objections known in advance; b) That all workplaces should be free of sexual g) Provide every student with age appropriate harassment, bullying, intimidation and comprehensive sex education as a way to discrimination, and that there should be empower young people to make informed strong and independent workplace umpires and responsible decisions; that protect workers and their employment; h) Continue to support children and adult health services specific to eating disorders and body image related mental health issues; and i) Ensure all state government advertising depicts women and girls in an appropriate and representative manner.
26 | 2017 WA Labor Platform 2017 c) Women should not be penalised in their achieved. career or capacity to earn due to the need to 139 WA Labor will: care for their children or aged parents; a) Improve and strengthen family and domestic d) That the failure to truly value the traditional violence support services by providing work of women has resulted in the security of funding, and bringing together a undervaluation of skills typically associated range of specialist support services in single with women, in particular those associated locations; with caring and involving children, the aged, and the health and disability sectors; b) Hold perpetrators to account through stronger sentencing and supervision e) That Government must play a strong role in requirements; the closing of the gender pay gap, particularly in relation to female dominated workforces c) Provide culturally appropriate support where skills are often undervalued and services to victims from Aboriginal underpaid; and and culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; f) That women should be recognised for the unpaid work that they undertake, for example d) Promote a more responsive culture within the caring for parents, children and partners. police and justice systems, making it easier and less traumatic for people experiencing 137 WA Labor will: family and domestic violence to seek a) Work to eradicate the gender pay gap protection; through its own employment practices, e) Deliver primary prevention programs in valuing the work of women and promoting schools and community organisations to equal employment across all sectors of the tackle the cultural issues which lead to state economy. violence against women and children; b) Implement measures to eradicate f) Provide legal protection of the discrimination based on pregnancy, age, and accommodation and housing rights of victims gender and sexual harassment and bullying of family and domestic violence to reduce the in the workplace; risk of homelessness; c) Continue to work with the Federal g) Provide counselling and services for Government towards improving access to perpetrators to address the issues which flexible working conditions for families; contribute to their offending; d) Initiate and support measures to educate h) Continue to offer state public sector employers and their employees about employees paid domestic violence leave and legislation pertaining to equal opportunity and encourage its adoption in all sectors of the sexual harassment; WA economy; and FAMILY AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE i) Increase training for health professionals 138 WA Labor believes: in identifying signs of family and domestic violence, and strengthen information sharing a) In eliminating all forms of family of domestic and risk assessment frameworks. violence;
b) That family and domestic violence takes a number of forms including physical, sexual, financial and emotional abuse, and controlling behaviour; and c) That there are culture, behavioural and power imbalances that lead to violence against women and children. These imbalances need to be addressed if sustained change is to be Authorised by P Gorman, 54 Cheriton St, Perth WA 6000 | 27 ARTS AND CULTURE f) The importance of promoting funding LABOR VALUES THE CULTURE OF OUR programs to encourage and support young COMMUNITY people engaging in the arts, new and innovative art forms and technologies, at 140 WA Labor believes: the same time as respecting our heritage art a) The arts are vital to the quality of life of forms and collections. Western Australians. The arts contribute to 142 WA Labor will: the economic, cultural, educations, health, leisure and social fabric of our community; a) Ensure the public collecting institutions implement a cohesive strategy for the b) Participation in and universal access to development of State collections that balance culture and the arts is a crucial part of a international aspirations and the need to progressive society; and reflect the community of the State within c) That it is vital that national arts funding and which they operate; touring policies should take into account b) Advocate and encourage strategic the unique geography of Western Australia partnerships across the government and and ensure equitable access to Federal arts non-government sector to ensure a vibrant funding and programs is vital. and healthy arts community, and to make 141 WA Labor recognises: studying, living and working in Western Australia more attractive for talented and a) That Government must meet the long-term experienced artists of all genres; infrastructure needs of WA’s arts and cultural development and foster organic growth c) Promote and support creative industries and development of culture and creative development and the integration of the arts industries; into programs supporting new technology development; b) That Government must foster quality culture, entertainment and tourism program with an d) Value and promote the cultural diversity of appeal to both local residents and visitors Aboriginal Western Australians while also from around the world; encouraging innovation and connection across cultures; c) That public cultural institutions and organisations in receipt of public funding e) Value cultural facilities as vital assets within should respect award conditions and the community and encourage a whole of structures, and show vigilance in corporate government and community approach to governance and public accountability so as ensure ongoing investment in development to work transparently with their employees, and maintenance of them to ensure their the Government, private sector partners and ongoing viability and relevance to the the whole community. They should maintain community; provision for membership that is available to f) Support the digitisation of significant state the whole community on a non-discriminatory collections, and initiate and support the and equitable basis; documentation of significant Aboriginal sites d) That indexation of all State arts funding and include them in identified collections so programs is vital to ensure the development that all State collections may be preserved and capacity of Western Australian arts and made accessible for future generations; organisations, programs and artists across the State; e) The need to support culturally and regionally diverse arts activities; and
28 | 2017 WA Labor Platform 2017 g) Advocate investment in culture and the arts r) Work with local government to develop by the whole community as essential for professional and affordable local venues the development and presentation of art for cultural performances including music, and culture across the State, encouraging theatre and dance. contribution by all tiers of government, the YOUNG PEOPLE private sector and individuals; SUPPORTING THE NEEDS AND RIGHTS h) Work to improve standards of arts education OF YOUNG WESTERN AUSTRALIANS in all educational spheres to ensure a strong creative community; 143 WA Labor believes: i) Appropriately fund and work with public a) Young people are not a homogenous group; cultural institutions and organisations, non- they represent the diversity of the wider government arts bodies and the Department community; of Education to improve access to arts in b) Civil, political, economic, social and cultural Government schools and ensure equity in rights of young people should be inherent in arts education; all levels of government and in law; j) Promote and encourage equitable c) Young people are key stakeholders in the provision of communication services Western Australian community and all throughout Western Australia (radio, legislation and policy should consider the television, broadband coverage or any new views and needs of young people; communication means), to give choice and d) Government consultations with young people access to all areas of the arts; are needed to ensure that legislative change k) Ensure that public cultural institutions reflects the needs of young people as well as maintain equitable and open access to other community members; programs for the Western Australian e) That presenting positive images of young community; people in our community is central to l) Support a local content policy in the arts in changing negative community attitude; WA, to ensure that State Government funding f) That the targeting of young people by is used to develop local arts practitioners and politicians seeking to appear tough on anti- companies; social behaviour is wrong; m) Explore new mechanisms for distribution g) Negative impacts of government policy often of arts funding and new ways to support disproportionately affect young people; creators and arts organisations in a multi- platform environment; h) That access to services, employment and education are vitally important for young n) Address the dearth of funding for touring arts people’s development; products and programs; i) That the social services sector provides o) Support the activation of under-utilised essential services to young people who spaces for arts and cultural activities; experience disadvantage and need adequate p) Lead a regional renaissance which will put support to do so; arts and culture are the heart of community j) The lives of young people are improved by life in regional Australia; opportunities to develop and participate in q) Support the development of ideas and recreational, cultural, artistic and sporting arts projects which are uniquely Western activities and these should be affordable and Australian; and accessible;
Authorised by P Gorman, 54 Cheriton St, Perth WA 6000 | 29 k) Young people have a right to gain meaningful funding model that provides funds to employment, without fear of exploitation; organisation based on need, rather than competitive tendering; l) That young people are often in irregular and casual work, and as such, rely significantly f) Continue its financial support of the state upon penalty rates as a source of much youth peak body, the Youth Affairs Council of needed income; Western Australia; m) Access to public space is a human right and g) Hold a review of the voting age, with a focus should not be restricted by age; on lowering the voting age to sixteen (16); n) Campus student organisations provide vital h) Facilitate active engagement of young people support to tertiary students and should be in the decision making process, through supported by Government to deliver services already established models including Youth and advocacy for students; Advisory Councils and Youth Parliament, but will also work to utilise technology as a new o) That every effort must be made to ensure and innovative medium for consultation with young people do not engage with the juvenile young people; justice system, and that education and awareness are the most effective way to i) Provide opportunities for young people to achieve this, rather that punitive measures; sit on government committees and advisory bodies, and ensure that they receive p) That further resourcing should be provided adequate support in those roles; to the juvenile justice system to cater for appropriate rehabilitation and redirection so j) Develop partnerships between local as to ensure that young people interacting government, businesses and young with the juvenile justice system do not people, to manage the development and continue to do so; maintenance of youth cultural venues and public spaces; q) That LBGTI youth face unique challenges and barriers within the community Their k) Commit to ensuring penalty rates remain in community services should be supported operation at a state and federal level; andthese barriers should be removed; and l) Abolish youth wages that exist in State r) That cultural, economic and social barriers Awards, and commit to the progressive and discrimination facing migrant youth in our abolition of junior rates of pay nationally; community should be removed. m) Fight youth unemployment with the 144 WA Labor will: development of a youth employment strategy, including increasing apprenticeships a) Express and execute all policies in a manner and traineeships through local content rules, which considers the views, values and improvement of state government graduate outlook of young people; programs for non-university graduates, and b) Promote positive images of young people; developing incentives for expanding graduate c) Work to ensure policy development and programs in the public, private and not-for legislative change that reflects the diversity of profit sectors; needs of young people; n) Introduce ‘service hubs’ in all Western d) Ensure that rural and regional young people Australian high schools that provide are supported and have access to cultural information and support to at risk young and recreational activities similar to those people; offered in the metro area. A specific focus o) Repeal law and order legislation that should be placed on creating opportunities disproportionately impacts upon youth, for Aboriginal young people; including out of control parties legislation and e) Increase funding to social services that the prohibitive behaviour orders legislation; support young people and introduce a 30 | 2017 WA Labor Platform 2017 p) Continue its opposition to corporal a consistent, high quality service that is punishment; respectful of and facilitates individual needs and goals. q) Support tertiary students by fiscally supporting student organisations which • the current NDIS pricing arrangements provide essential services and advocacy, if are flawed, and a reflect systemic the need arises; undervaluation of disability support work, are predicated on an under classification r) Ensure that TAFE students are provided of support workers and supervisors and adequate support on campus, whilst an under estimation of the time needed to completing their study; deliver services. s) Increase civics focused education in high • Service providers are struggling to schools that informs young people about provide a quality standard of care under government processes and encourages them current NDIS pricing arrangements, this to become active in the community; is particularly problematic for the complex t) Remove discriminatory driving restrictions residential care sector. that disproportionately affect young people, such as the midnight curfew and the four This State Conference urges WA Labor to demerit point system; and see the NDIS in Western Australia as an u) Remove the burdens that prevent young opportunity to protect current competitive people from obtaining their driver’s licence wages and conditions and to raise quality and buying their first car, including fair standards across the sector in the long remuneration upon purchase and licensing run which will drive systemic quality fee relief. improvements in service delivery for all Western Australians with a disability.
RESOLUTIONS WA Labor will: 145 WA Labor will ensure that the Neighbourhood • Ensure service delivery for people living Centre Sector in WA is always financially with disabilities is provided by qualified supported and is fully consulted when it workers and is appropriate to their comes to matters of proposed funding individual needs and the needs of their changes. families; 146 WA Labor proposes that Western Australia • Ensure organisations who support the introduce a public holiday to celebrate and needs of people living with disabilities are value Australian Aboriginal people, their funded at appropriate levels; culture, history and contribution to our • Ensure disability workers are paid fair country, in order to promote reconciliation and reasonable wages for the work they and unity. undertake; 147 WA Labor acknowledges that an integral • Acknowledge the challenges faced by the component of the successful implementation disability sector in attracting and retaining of the NDIS is the capacity of the disability quality staff and that much of this problem workforce to deliver quality services for is rooted in the poor wages and conditions people with disability. for disability direct care workers; and
WA Labor knows: • a stable workforce of professionally trained, skilled and dedicated workers with decent working conditions, job security and competitive wages is required to provide
Authorised by P Gorman, 54 Cheriton St, Perth WA 6000 | 31 • Seize the opportunity the National Disability If the decision to exclude the Western Insurance Service offers to work with Force from any Super Rugby or rebranded providers and relevant Unions to establish elite competition stands we encourage the professional wages and quality jobs within Western Australian Government to consider the sector. this treatment in future dealings with the 148 The Australian Rugby Union has excluded Australian Rugby Union. Western Australia’s “Western Force” from 149 WA Labor notes that only 5% of GPs participating in the Super Rugby Competition and 10% of Gynaecologists are certified in a decision that doesn’t stand scrutiny. The prescribers of RU486, the medical abortion Western Force were admitted to the Super pill. A WA Labor State Government will work Rugby Competition in 2006 ahead of a team with healthcare providers to support them from Melbourne. WA Rugby by any measure becoming certified prescribers of RU486. is performing better than the Melbourne Medical abortion through the use of RU486 Rebels franchise admitted to the competition currently leaves patients significantly out of in 2011. pocket, with costs over $500. While these costs are a federal responsibility, a WA Labor The Australian Rugby Union hasn’t been government will do what it can to promote fair and equitable in their support for the more affordable access to RU486. Australian Teams participating in Super 150 WA Labor recognises that there is currently Rugby and have acted in their own self a shortage of physicians who are qualified to interest to preserve the old school tie network perform pregnancy terminations. WA Labor control of the game. in Government will work with universities and
GP training associations such as the AMA The Australian Rugby Union has failed to WA and WAGPET to ensure all prospective meet its commitments to Rugby WA, the general physicians and specialists in the Western Force and the Rugby Community. field are educated thoroughly in reproductive In short, the Australian Rugby Union has and sexual healthcare, including pregnancy treated Western Australia like the fictional city termination services. of Panam (Hunger Games) treats the Districts who exist only to provide. 151 WA Labor recognises that people who are gender diverse, sexually diverse and/or live The Australian Rugby Union encouraged the with intersex variation(s) can experience Western Australian Government to invest unintended pregnancies. WA Labor will approximately $100M into Perth Oval to work with the LGBTQI+ community and provide a rectangular field stadium, training health professionals to provide appropriate and administration facilities. care for those patients, including pregnancy termination services. The McGowan WA State Government is 152 WA Labor supports the right to choose the challenging the action of the Australian reproductive and fertility health services Rugby Union and WA Labor should people wish to access. WA Labor believes encourage and endorse this action as well that people should be able to make this as support a bipartisan Senate Inquiry into choice and access these services without the relationships and commitments the ARU fear of harassment, fear of being identified gave the Western Australian Government or public obstruction. WA Labor will act to and the report the Victorian government pay ensure that there are safe access zones a lower fee for the Wallabies to play in their around clinics that provide reproductive and state than Western Australia is asked to pay. fertility health services.
32 | 2017 WA Labor Platform 2017 153 WA Labor believes public hospitals should community is the racial, religious and sexual refer patients requesting abortion counselling diversity of its people, and that this should be to unbiased, objective and non-directive celebrated proudly. counselling services. WA Labor will endeavour to act as a leader 154 WA Labor believes widely accessible, publicly in supporting attitudinal shifts so that this is funded and high quality health care is one never seen as a point of shame. Accordingly of the cornerstones for a fair society. This WA Labor reaffirms its condemnation includes reproductive and sexual health of attacks on people due to their sexual services. orientation, ethnic, racial or religious 155 WA Labor recognises that current pregnancy background. termination policy and practices have lead to an unfair divide between those that can WA Labor also notes the recent attacks on access and afford care and those that the Thornlie and Southern River Mosque and cannot. the Sikh temple in Bennet Springs. WA Labor condemns groups that spread misinformation WA Labor will work to improve access and hate and use it to incite violence. WA and equity to publicly funded sexual and Labor condemns the attempts by Reclaim reproductive healthcare, including pregnancy Australia to misappropriate a symbol of the termination services, especially for those union movement: the Eureka Flag. unable to afford private services, and/ 157 State Conference acknowledges the abuse or unable to access private services due and neglect that sadly occurs in the disability to regional locations, and/or unable to support sector. access due to discrimination on their sexual
preference, ethnicity or other inhibiting These incidents can have a profound impact factors. on those involved, as well as adversely
affecting the confidence of the wider WA Labor condemns the previous Barnett community in the ability of the sector to Liberal Government for restricting publicly provide a quality service. funded abortion services and creating an
unequal and untenable situation in our This risk is exacerbated by the complete community. absence of legislation in WA which mandates
pre-employment screening for all people who WA Labor continues to oppose the Barnett work with adults with a disability. Government’s decision to award the tender
for Midland Health Campus to Catholic WA Labor acknowledges the stress and healthcare provider St John of God. A public trauma instances of abuse and neglect bring hospital servicing a large area should offer all to people with a disability, and also to direct services including pregnancy terminations, care workers in the sector. vasectomies, IVF and contraception services.
WA Labor will ensure that public healthcare WA Labor will introduce new laws into providers offer comprehensive reproductive Parliament which will require comprehensive and sexual health services in the future. pre-employment screening of all workers who 156 WA Labor notes and condemns the provide direct care and support to adults with increasing prominence of groups such a disability. as Reclaim Australia and other similar “alternative right” collectives. WA Labor The laws will include the introduction of the believes that “alternative right” is a misnomer CLEAR CARD, a pre-employment screening for these groups. They are hate groups that system to ensure disability support workers spread fear, division and violence. WA Labor have undergone appropriate background recognises that a key strength of the WA Authorised by P Gorman, 54 Cheriton St, Perth WA 6000 | 33 checks before they are permitted to work e) Biodiversity is crucial to environmental with people with disabilities. sustainability and must therefore be protected; and Every disability sector employee will be f) Aboriginal people have a relationship with the required to hold a CLEAR CARD. The land that gives them the right to determine CLEAR CARD will ensure people who have and implement environmental policy for that been convicted of abuse, violent crimes land, subject to the determinations of the or other relevant offences cannot gain Environmental Protection Authority. employment in the disability sector. CLIMATE CHANGE & CLEAN ENERGY WA Labor will also introduce a formal 2 WA Labor recognises the science reporting system so abuse and neglect in demonstrating that Human induced climate the disability sector can be quickly identified, change is real and Western Australia’s natural bringing WA into line with other States who environment, public health infrastructure and have effective systems in place to report economy are all vulnerable to its impacts. abuse of people with disabilities. 3 WA Labor supports the need for Western
Australia to develop strong mitigation WA Labor will strengthen the Health and adaptation plans to deal with the and Disability Services Complaint Office consequences of climate change. (HaDSCO) to ensure it has increased capacity to investigate and, where necessary, 4 WA Labor supports the need for a take action on individual reports of abuse and comprehensive Energy, Jobs and Community neglect. Transition Plan to smoothly and fairly transition WA’s energy sector from fossil fuel CHAPTER 3: CONSERVATION, based energy production to renewable based THE ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE energy production. CHANGE 5 WA Labor believes that: Building our environmental legacy a) Responding to climate change presents ENVIRONMENT Western Australia with an opportunity to diversify our economy, create jobs and WA Labor believes that: 1 enhance our social fabric; a) A strong economy and environmental b) Reducing energy use and improving energy sustainability are mutually compatible; efficiency is the most economically viable b) The Western Australian Government’s and cost effective way to reduce greenhouse responsibility is to ensure that the present emissions; needs of everyone in our community are met c) A market-based mechanism is a highly without compromising the ability of future effective method to reduce carbon emissions generations to meet their needs; on a large scale; and c) Committing to sustainability will create jobs, d) The Western Australia Government must improve living standards, support regional establish and work towards renewable development and encourage growth in new energy targets for Western Australia, industries; consistent with target commitments made by d) Environmental sustainability requires a Federal Labor. whole of government approach and that all e) The WA Government should have a government decision-making should consider dedicated office tasked with implementing the need for a sustainable future; and monitoring climate change policies. 6 In Government, WA Labor will: a) Consider legislation that includes: 34 | 2017 WA Labor Platform 2017 i ) Implementing a mandatory energy k) Continue to invest strongly in the public efficiency scheme for large and transport system, and look to further expand medium electricity users; the system; ii ) Supporting mandatory renewable l) Investigate and implement programs to energy targets; and encourage the uptake of low and zero iii ) Continuing to develop ways to reduce emission vehicles for the State Government waste to landfill and increase recycling. vehicle fleet; b) Monitor the effects of greenhouse offsets m) Continue to encourage the generation of in reducing the carbon footprint of major renewable energy from the grid-connected projects; customers, including working with energy c) Monitor, publicly advertise and appropriately utilities to reduce red tape; regulate greenhouse gas emissions, n) Strongly invest in an innovative and local particularly in high emitting industries; renewable energy industry, including offshore d) Continue to support clean coal technology wind and wave energy, creating jobs for and ensure that any new coal fired power Western Australia’s future; plants utilise world’s best practice carbon o) Promote Western Australia as an international reduction technology; centre for research in renewable energy e) Require that Government owned and leased technologies; properties, where possible, achieve a six p) Prioritise the installation of household star rating under the National Australian Built renewable energy systems on state housing Environment Rating System; stock ; and f) Require that all Government owned office q) Develop the legislation, policy and science equipment is the most energy-efficient necessary for the establishment of a available at the time of purchase; commercial carbon sequestration industry g) Require energy efficient design principles in Western Australia’s Rangelands, ensuring and building practices in the construction that a royalty is paid to government for use of of all Government building works, including this publicly owned resource. schools and public housing; 7 WA Labor reaffirms its in principle support h) Review all government purchasing and for the Paris Climate Change Agreement and procurement to identify areas where reaffirms its commitment to Western Australia greenhouse emissions can be reduced; undertaking fair and equitable efforts to reduce carbon pollution to ensure that global i) Ensure minimum mandatory energy and temperature rise is kept to 1.5 degrees water efficiency standards are met in the construction of new homes and major 8 WA Labor will develop a Just Transition renovations, as well as work towards the Agreement for energy and coal workers to introduction of similar standards for existing transition into renewable energy over the next homes; ten years. The Agreement will be developed with stakeholders including relevant Unions j) Establish innovative education programs to and environment groups to ensure that target the reduction of greenhouse emissions energy workers and communities such as and increase energy conservation in Collie and Bunbury are not disadvantaged. households, including home energy audits; 9 Given the Party’s concerns with mitigating climate change, the increasing cost of energy and the jobs market broadly, a WA State Labor Government commits to commissioning a detailed review into Pumped Hydro Storage technology as a
Authorised by P Gorman, 54 Cheriton St, Perth WA 6000 | 35 component of the SWI grid, more specifically: e) More can be done to protect our unique wildlife, native forests and community a) Explore the long-term potential demand for heritage, particularly in the Kimberly and energy storage infrastructure with respect south-west regions of Western Australia. to a renewables based grid, as well as in mitigating concerns about baseload power. WA Labor recognises that the Biodiversity Conservation Act passed by the Barnett b) Acknowledge the Australian National Government is inadequate to maintain healthy University’s (ANU) Department of Engineering biodiversity in WA and to protect our unique costing of $13 million for a system plants and wildlife. comparable in capacity to South Australia’s Lithium Ion battery project, is 40% of the 11 In Government, WA Labor will: lowest quoted figure for their capital costs a) Introduce legislation to amend the Biodiversity and that Pumped Hydro has approximately Conservation Act to update and strengthen double the life cycle. our current wildlife conservation laws for c) Explore the relative costs and benefits of the protection of Western Australia’s unique Pumped Hydro Storage at sites in the Collie wildlife and ecosystems for generations to Region, near the Perth Metro area, namely come; This will include at a minimum passing the Darling Range, population centres in the amendments to the legislation that were the South West, namely the Stirling Range, tabled by WA Labor while in Opposition; and relevant sites in the North of the State, including: namely the Super Pits. • Requirement for a State Biodiversity d) Commit to investing in this infrastructure in Strategy; the most economically beneficial way as • Establishing a Scientific Advisory presented by the report. Committee; e) Allow this infrastructure to interact with the • Requirements for public reporting on the WEM in the methodical way the Energy state of biodiversity Minister recommends. • Increasing public transparency of decisions that affect biodiversity; and BIODIVERSITY • Other improvements to the Act. 10 WA Labor believes that: b) Develop programs that rehabilitate and a) Western Australia has a unique and diverse restore our landscape to a productive and range of species, habitats and ecosystems ecologically healthy condition; that remain under threat from human activity; c) Develop programs to tackle land degradation b) Natural resource management, and caused by salinity, soil acidification, erosion particularly native vegetation protection, is a and acid sulphate soils; prime responsibility of government; d) Establish a system of bioregional planning; c) Our urban bushland must be conserved and e) Ensure that proposals to destroy native protected both for its biodiversity values and vegetation for urban development its role in enhancing our urban lifestyle; are appropriately assessed under the d) Our native forests are a national treasure, and Environmental Protection Act; deserve to be treated as such; and f) Examine cost effective incentives for bushland and wetland protection programs that give financial rewards to landholders who meet high standards of ecosystem management; g) Support a process that involves the participation of relevant stakeholders including land owners, Local Government,
36 | 2017 WA Labor Platform 2017 environment groups and unions to reach c) Establish a container deposit scheme with agreement about the management of forests refunds on cans and bottles; at a regional landscape level, with a focus d) Institute a statewide ban on plastic bags in on transitioning to a more environmentally consultation with Local Government; and economically sustainable approach to meeting our timber demands; and e) End the dumping of construction and demolition waste in landfill by insisting that h) Investigate incentives to support a plantation this material is reused wherever possible; industry and secure the jobs of those workers supported by the forestry industry. f) Work with producers to extend their responsibility for eliminating packaging and PROTECTING OUR NATURAL HERITAGE other unnecessary material which ends up as WA Labor believes that our unique wildlife waste; and remarkable landscapes are a central part g) Work with industry to eliminate e-waste; of our State’s heritage, and important to our culture and identity as Western Australians. h) Promote world’s best practice for tyre As such, we believe it is our responsibility to recycling; protect it for future generations and recognise i) Support strong, enforceable measures to the central role that National Parks and other protect groundwater aquifers from pollution, protected areas play in achieving this. contamination or depletion by industrial WA Labor recognises that Western Australia’s activities; and conservation reserve system is currently j) Support national action to ban the use of insufficient in size and resourcing to secure microbeads in cosmetics and other products our state’s natural legacy into the future. Consequently we strongly support the OCEANS AND RIVERS expansion and resourcing of our network 14 WA Labor believes that: of protected areas to reach international a) Western Australia contains some of the scientific standards and meet local best coasts, oceans and rivers in the world, community expectations. underpinning our way of life; POLLUTION & WASTE MANAGEMENT b) Our state’s oceans, estuaries, waterways 12 WA Labor believes that: and catchments lack the comprehensive a) Economic growth and pollution reduction are governance mechanisms which are needed not mutually exclusive; to deliver the policy required to cope with the modern demands on the aquatic b) The costs of managing the health and environment; and environmental impacts of pollution should always be met by polluters; and c) The Swan Canning river system and Peel- Harvey estuary and the Leschenanet Estuary c) Western Australia can be a world leader in the and inlet, the Vase Estuary and Collie and elimination of waste and resource recovery. Preston River Systems are under serious 13 In Government, WA Labor will: threat. a) Ensure that standards for levels of air, water 15 In Government, WA Labor will: and soil pollutants in the environment meet or exceed world’s best practice; b) Ensure that agencies set up to monitor the effects of pollutants on our air, water and soil are properly resourced and able to operate effectively to provide advice, information and recommendations to government in a timely manner;
Authorised by P Gorman, 54 Cheriton St, Perth WA 6000 | 37 a) Establish a scientifically credible and SUSTAINABILITY & WATER representative system of marine sanctuaries MANAGEMENT for Western Australia, at least meeting 16 WA Labor believes that: the standards for protection and science established by Australia’s world-leading a) Western Australia can be a world leader Ningaloo and Great Barrier Reef marine in making our urban, regional and remote parks; communities sustainable; and b) Establish a comprehensive marine b) The decline in rainfall and considerable sanctuaries network in state waters, based per capita consumption of water has put on international best practice for marine significant strain on available resources. protected area design to protect all areas of 17 In Government, WA Labor will: high conservation value and the broad-scale a) Act to ensure that the principles of ecological health of our marine environment; environmental protection, economic efficiency c) Ensure catchment management is a specific and social equity are respected in relation to task of government; matters affecting: d) Develop a comprehensive program to i ) Efficient land use; improve the health of the Swan Canning ii ) Energy efficiency; river system and Peel-Harvey estuary, which iii ) Water use; will include reducing the amount of nutrient and non-nutrient pollutants entering the river iv ) Air quality; system and audits of potential polluters; v ) Traffic congestion; e) Ensure the regulation of river-based activities vi ) Transport efficiencies; and which threaten the stability of river banks, vii ) Carbon neutrality. the sustainability of fish stocks and any other b) Implement a long term water supply strategy aspect of the ecology of the river system; and that will provide for climate independent f) Support the protection and development of water security, including measures such as: a management plan for the Fitzroy River and i ) Water recycling and aquifer recharge; new Fitzroy River National Park to ensure ii ) Desalination, using renewable energy the health of the river and provide a basis for as a power source; sustainable economic development iii ) Environmentally sustainable drawdown g) Revise the governance provisions relating on aquifers; to our river systems, with the object of iv ) Efficient and sustainable use of dam coordinating funding from all levels of water; government to ensure that all funding v ) Sustainable use of water from contributes directly and effectively to the dewatering operations; and improved health of them, including their catchments; and vi ) The reintroduction of Waterwise subsidy program for the efficient use h) Use scientifically proven methods of reducing and supply of water in the home; the incidence of shark attacks. Labor will c) Promote the adoption of water efficiency resource measures that are known to make and re-use technologies, as well as urban beaches safer, such as aerial and beach planning measures that improve the quality patrols and beach enclosures. Labor will and integration of urban water, sewerage and also support new methods to increase safety drainage; such as personal shark deterrents. WA Labor will not implement a cull of shark populations. d) Maintain public ownership and control over all major water supply, distribution, drainage and disposal systems; and
38 | 2017 WA Labor Platform 2017 e) Review and improve Western Australia’s REGULATION water market. 18 WA Labor believes that: f) Take advantage of the opportunities that will a) The best way of protecting our environment be created by Metronet to integrate water is to have a robust and transparent planning with land use planning in developing environmental assessment system, effectively urban areas under the principles of a Water engaging all industry and community Sensitive City. stakeholders; FRACKING b) The long term legacy issues associated with WA Labor acknowledges that communities the closure and rehabilitation of mining and have expressed opposition to gas fracking other industrial sites in Western Australia development throughout the State, and that must be addressed as a matter of urgency to the previous Government failed to protect ensure that proponents, and not taxpayers, communities and the environment from the pay the costs of closure and rehabilitation; harmful effects of this industry. and WA Labor will immediately ban fracking in c) Proposals or developments which represent the SouthWest, Perth, Peel and Swan Valley a significant change in public policy and Regions. involve environmental threats in terms of the WA Labor supports a scientific approach to long term management of the consequences the regulation of fracking, and will conduct a of that proposal or development should public inquiry to examine environment, health, be subject to a public inquiry in the form agriculture, heritage and community impacts specified in s40(2)(c) of the Environmental prior to any fracking activity. Protection Act 1986. WA Labor will place a moratorium on 19 In Government, WA Labor will: the use of fracking until such an inquiry can demonstrate that fracking will not a) Correctly resource the Environmental compromise the environment, groundwater, Protection Authority and the Department public health or contribute adversely to of Environmental Regulation such that climate change. assessments and compliance monitoring are carried out in a way that maintains the Following the public inquiry into fracking and community’s trust; where supported by Traditional Owners, WA Labor will consider a permanent ban on b) Insist that mine closure plans and the fracking in any water reserves or groundwater capacity to finance and progressively areas, productive farmlands, or areas with implement those plans will be built into the environmental, cultural heritage or tourism assessment processes for mining proposals values which could be compromised by and developments; fracking. c) Review and, where necessary, modify existing WA Labor supports strong, enforceable mine closure plans where the proponent’s measures to protect groundwater aquifers capacity to finance and progressively from pollution, contamination or depletion by implement those plans is in doubt; industrial activities including the oil and gas d) Initiate an inquiry with the powers equivalent industry. to those specified in s40(2)(c) of the WA Labor will target renewable energies in Environmental Protection Act 1986 into any order to combat climate change and diversify proposal or development, which represent a regional economies to create employment significant change in public policy and involve opportunities.. environmental threats, approved by a non- Labor Government without such an inquiry being held; and
Authorised by P Gorman, 54 Cheriton St, Perth WA 6000 | 39 e) Provide sufficient resources to enable HERITAGE community groups, NGOs and other 24 WA Labor believes that: environmental organisations to participate in government processes and play a substantial a) Our built, cultural and Indigenous heritage is role in ensuring best environmental outcomes an important monument to the achievement for Western Australia. of past generations and is a continuing focus for our sense of community. URANIUM AND THORIUM 25 In Government, WA Labor will: 20 WA Labor believes that: a) Continue to provide adequate funding to a) Enriching uranium poses significant risks to the National Trust and the Heritage Council human health, the natural environment and is to ensure their autonomy and capacity to not a solution to climate change; and implement their objectives; and b) Thorium also poses significant risks to human b) Encourage government and community health and the environment. heritage organisations in their advocacy of 21 In Government, WA Labor will: heritage issues and in their education of the a) Oppose the mining and export of uranium; professional and wider community about heritage matters. b) Oppose nuclear enrichment, nuclear power and otherwise the production of dangerous radioactive waste; RESOLUTIONS c) Oppose the storage of nuclear energy waste 26 WA Labor notes that the former Liberal in Western Australia; National Government failed to deliver a credible science-based process for the d) Oppose the testing or use of nuclear establishment of marine sanctuaries in the weapons in Western Australia or near our Western Australian marine environment, coastline; including creating WA’s first ocean marine e) Encourage local governments to declare park with no sanctuary zone at Roebuck Bay. themselves ‘Nuclear Free Zones’; and Accordingly, WA Labor will establish a f) Ensure that the mining of thorium in Western scientifically credible and representative Australia only occurs under the most system of marine sanctuaries for WA, at stringent environmental conditions and least meeting the standards for protection oppose thorium exports to countries that do and science established by Australia’s world- not observe the Nuclear Non-Proliferation leading Ningaloo and Great Barrier Reef Treaty. Marine Parks. GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS 22 WA Labor believes that: As the last WA Labor Government proved at Ningaloo Reef, creating world class a) Genetically Modified Organisms, if they protection in marine sanctuary zones leads to escape into the wild, may pose a risk to world class environmental, social, economic biodiversity including interfering with wild and political gains. genetic stock, disrupting the breeding systems of native species and damaging WA Labor notes that Ningaloo remains a agricultural produce. benchmark for marine protection, tourism 23 In Government, WA Labor will: has grown, the environment has recovered and it also remains a top recreational fishing a) Maintain a moratorium on GMOs and their destination. It has stood the test of time as a respective products until these issues are major environmental accomplishment of the resolved. Gallop and Carpenter Labor Governments.
40 | 2017 WA Labor Platform 2017 WA Labor will establish a comprehensive 27 WA Labor notes the acquisition by marine sanctuaries network in the Kimberley, government over the past two decades of 7 based on international best practice for million hectares of outback areas which hold marine protected areas, designed to protect great natural and cultural importance, as well all areas of high conservation value and the as economic potential, for future generations broad-scale ecological health of the unique of Western Australians. It also notes that, Kimberley marine environment. although these areas were acquired for the conservation estate, they are yet to receive WA Labor congratulates the McGowan Labor formal protection and adequate resourcing. Government on their election commitments: WA Labor strongly believes that our unique • to continue to implement a mosaic of wildlife and remarkable outback landscapes national parks to protect the outstanding require protection for nature conservation, natural and cultural values of the broader as well as to support jobs and economic Kimberley, including a network of marine diversity in regional and remote areas. sanctuaries;
• to deliver a credible science-based process Equally, we strongly believe that Aboriginal of the establishment of future marine Australians maintain a deep connection to sanctuaries in the Kimberley; and and knowledge of country and, as such, are • to include the thousand islands of the often best suited to manage lands dedicated Buccaneer Archipelago and the fringing to the conservation of our natural and cultural reefs that surround them within a new heritage. marine park. WA Labor will conduct a science-based With the free, prior and informed consent of review of the Yawuru Nagulagun Roebuck local Traditional Owner groups, WA Labor in Bay Marine Park to determine the location of government will look at incorporating these sanctuary zones. areas into the conservation estate. Areas with the highest conservation and heritage values WA Labor notes that the sealing of the Cape will be declared A Class Reserves. Leveque Road will have benefits for tourism and communities on the Dampier Peninsula These parks should be jointly vested with but will also increase pressure on the coastal local Traditional Owner groups and have the environment, fisheries and cultural values. resourcing to employ Aboriginal Rangers for on-ground management.
WA Labor will work with Traditional Owners WA Labor recognises the vital importance and other stakeholders to ensure the of governmental, corporate and other non- environmental and cultural values of the government partnerships in building and Dampier Peninsula are protected. The rights securing the long term financial capacity and and aspirations of Traditional Owners will technical expertise of these Ranger Teams to be respected through strong consultation, ensure their long-term sustainability. including on the boundaries of marine parks and by providing opportunities in Labor also supports resourcing these management, science and tourism. park declarations to ensure that Native
Title responsibilities and opportunities WA Labor recognises the importance of Sea are honoured, and sound conservation Country to Aboriginal people and will amend the CALM Act to allow for the Joint Vesting of marine parks with Traditional Owners. New marine parks will be joint managed with Traditional Owners.
Authorised by P Gorman, 54 Cheriton St, Perth WA 6000 | 41 management can be undertaken into the legislated buffer zone to protect the river and future. its floodplains.
28 WA Labor congratulates the McGowan WA Labor will support measures to ensure Government for the landmark election that water extraction outside of the buffer commitment to protect the Fitzroy River zone is environmentally and culturally and supports the Environment and Water sustainable. Ministers in:
• Establishing the Fitzroy River National Park, WA Labor supports the creation of the Fitzroy which will extend the Geikie Gorge National River National Park. The national park will be Park along the Fitzroy River to the north jointly managed by the Traditional Owners and along the Margaret River to the east; and the Department of Environment and • Supporting the protection and Conservation. Under the joint management development of a management plan for agreement, Traditional Owners will be the Fitzroy River to ensure the health of the able to exercise significant control over river and provide a basis for sustainable their traditional lands, create sustainable economic development; and economic enterprises in their own right and • Not allowing the Fitzroy River or its in partnership with private and Government tributaries to be dammed. entities.
WA Labor recognises that the Fitzroy River WA Labor will work with Traditional Owners has unique cultural and environmental values and other stakeholders to ensure the of national and international significance. protection of the National Heritage and other The health of the Fitzroy River is intimately significant cultural and environmental values linked to the culture and health of people, of the Fitzroy River and provide a basis for the protection of endangered species, and culturally and environmentally sustainable the health of the Kimberley’s pristine coastal economic development. environment that supports tourism, fishing, pearling and aquaculture industries.
WA Labor recognises that Traditional Owners have released a Fitzroy Declaration that raises concerns about the potential for cumulative impacts on the unique cultural and environmental values of the Fitzroy River and outlines principles for the protection and management of the river founded on cultural governance.
WA Labor will support Traditional Owners in ensuring protection for the Fitzroy River and in establishing a management framework that builds on the aspirations expressed in the Fitzroy Declaration.
WA Labor recognises that the development of mines, oil and gas, fracking, irrigation and dams pose a significant risk to the cultural and environmental values of the river.
WA Labor will support the creation of a
42 | 2017 WA Labor Platform 2017 29 WA Labor notes and congratulates the CHAPTER 4: ECONOMICS, INDUSTRY McGowan Government’s delivery of a core AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT election promise to ban all future uranium- Economic Growth: Benefits for the whole community mining applications in Western Australia. INTRODUCTION WA Labor reaffirms its long and principled 1 The fundamental objective of economic policy opposition to the mining and use of uranium is to promote the well being and improve due to the devastating effect it and its by- the quality of life of all Western Australians products have on workers, the environment by improving living standards, providing full and communities. employment opportunity and rising incomes, and enabling the community to provide a WA Labor, in particular, notes that due to decent standard of living for those unable to the location of uranium deposits in WA, provide for themselves. any potential mining of uranium would likely 2 WA Labor is therefore committed to an have a disproportionate effect on Indigenous economic policy that seeks to achieve: communities. a) Sustainable economic growth and continual WA Labor also reaffirms its pre-election improvements in living standards; commitments to investing in renewable b) A fair and efficient distribution of the energy and leading the industry in the benefits of our state’s economic success, development and implementation of especially an equitable distribution of work sustainable energy technology. opportunities;
This Conference condemns the previous c) Increasing real wages and job security; Liberal Government for its reckless approval d) An education and training system that drives of uranium mining projects within Western the knowledge-based economy, encourages Australia. lifelong learning and provides students with the attributes needed in the modern WA Labor State Conference notes the legal balanced economy; advice that these approvals cannot be e) A competitive taxation regime that overturned without serious legal and financial encourages investment and employment, ramifications for the State. while providing the State with financial
capacity to meet community needs; WA Labor cannot and will not use taxpayers’ money to pay out projects which are not f) A limit on annual increases to State financially viable. Government tariffs, fees and charges, to ensure that Western Australian households WA Labor commits to supporting and are not financially debilitated by State resourcing the Environmental Protection Government decisions. Authority, the Department of Mines and g) Protection of living standards for those unable Petroleum, WorkSafe and any other relevant to work; and departments to ensure they have the capacity to guarantee strict compliance h) The preservation and enhancement of our from any potential uranium mines to best natural and urban environment. practice in the environmental, industrial and 3 The benefits that flow from economic growth community spheres. should be distributed as equitably as possibly to all Western Australians. 4 The key to achieving the twin objectives of strong, consistent and sustainable economic growth and its equitable distribution involves
Authorised by P Gorman, 54 Cheriton St, Perth WA 6000 | 43 the implementation of a broad based b) Strategic planning and intervention to enable industry policy that encourages investment, the state to take advantage of changes in the education, innovation and competition as global economy; well as the development of an effective and c) Fostering our creative and innovative talents impartial way to measure the degree to which that will lead to new markets, business and quality of life has been affected by changes in employment opportunities; the economy. d) The provision and continual investment in our STRATEGIES FOR GROWTH essential economic infrastructure, particularly 5 WA Labor will pursue policies to ensure that in transport, communication and energy; the Western Australian economy meets the e) Encouraging business to adopt world’s best challenges of an increasingly competitive practice in such matters as export promotion, global economy. This means implementing innovation and skill formation and online an industry policy that builds on our natural trading; strengths, promotes economic growth and builds a more diversified industry base. f) Promoting research and development and the greater use of science and technology; WESTERN AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRY POLICY g) The development of a highly skilled workforce through education and training; 6 WA Labor in Government will legislate for a local content policy that: h) Facilitating the development of new industries by the implementation of industry attraction a) Provides a level playing field for local arrangements; businesses seeking to supply Western Australia’s major resources projects; i) Legislating to ensure higher levels of local content and work to facilitate the further b) Ensures that local content commitments of processing of raw materials and energy our major resources projects are taken into products; consideration when considering statutory approvals for the projects; and j) Implementation of a timely project approvals process that provides greater certainty and c) Ensures government makes the local content timely decision making; and commitments and performance of our major resources projects publicly available in a k) Adopting an ‘open for business’ taxation and manner that is both timely and detailed. business regulation regime that encourages investment and employment; 7 WA Labor will implement an industry policy that employs a full range of policy instruments PARTNERSHIPS designed to facilitate business success and 10 WA Labor recognises that broad community foster a strong and diversified industry base and industry support is essential to the that is internationally competitive. implementation of a successful industry 8 WA Labor recognises the development of policy. an imaginative industry policy involves all 11 WA Labor also recognises that the broader aspects of the interface between government community needs to be assured that and industry and does not exclusively revolve changes in economic and industry policy around government financial assistance will lead to improvements in the quality of programs. life for all Western Australians. To that end, 9 Essential features of the industry policy will Labor will develop a series of Quality of involve: Life indicators that measure the impact of economic change on the community. These a) Creating a partnership between Government, indicators will assess economic, social industry stakeholders and the wider and environmental factors that affect the community, recognising the broad support broader community and the degree to which necessary for a successful industry policy. 44 | 2017 WA Labor Platform 2017 economic and industry change has impacted 18 To encourage the creative and innovative on those factors. spirit involves, in part, recognising the importance of intellectual property rights and 12 WA Labor also recognises the wisdom of the protection of those rights. It also involves adopting an industry policy that enjoys broad devising a clear policy within Government industry support. To that end, Labor will that strikes a balance between fostering the consult with industry, unions and the broader innovation effort and the way the results of community in formulating the broad thrust of such efforts are used. the policy. 19 WA Labor also recognises an important STRATEGIC PLANNING component of the innovation process is the 13 A WA Labor Government’s key priority need to constantly explore value-adding during its term of office will be to implement opportunities. an active industry policy that enables the 20 WA Labor will continue to implement a state to intervene where it adds value to range of initiatives that publicly recognise our natural strengths or improves our global the importance of innovation and encourage competitiveness, leading to more exports creativeness. and investment. It will focus on creating jobs in new industries as well as securing those in INFRASTRUCTURE existing industries. 21 One of the keys to attracting major projects in 14 WA Labor recognises that industry policy Western Australia is the provision of common relates to the Government’s interaction user infrastructure. with the entire economy and the necessity 22 Western Australia competes for footloose to adopt a collaborative approach across capital-intensive projects that have the option government agencies. of locating in various parts of the world where 15 To assist in strategic planning and the common user capital infrastructure is already development of long-term industry policy, available. To be internationally competitive, Labor will maintain the WA Manufacturing Western Australia needs to provide and Industry Council, reinstate the State promote such infrastructure in a timely and Development Forum and create a new ongoing manner. consultative process for stakeholders in the 23 WA Labor will, to the extent that it is oil and gas industry. financially prudent to do so, make provision 16 WA Labor will ensure that strategic for such infrastructure requirements in order intervention includes the development to ensure the state remains an attractive of legislation that address the regulatory place to invest. requirements for local content and develops EXPORT PROMOTION policies to further processing of raw materials and energy products, and the use of 24 A central aim of industry policy is the government purchasing to encourage local attainment of internationally competitive investment in new technology, manufacturing products and services. But even high quality and building and construction. competitive products and services will not find a market in the absence of proper CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION promotion. 17 Western Australians have proven themselves 25 While it is not responsibility of government to to be creative, innovative and capable of promote individual companies, government identifying new and emerging business working with local industry can play an and product opportunities. Fostering these important role in promoting quality of talents is essential for new business and products and services produced in Western employment opportunities. Australia. A Labor Government will promote the State in this way.
Authorised by P Gorman, 54 Cheriton St, Perth WA 6000 | 45 26 WA Labor will work to achieve better b) Work with industry to identify high potential coordination and consistent branding of the innovation’ targets for ‘fast-tracking’ and way the State’s products and services are priority investment. For example high promoted in international markets. potential sectors include—renewable energy technologies, transport and freight 27 And because international markets require infrastructure, digital communications, water quality products and services, Labor will work recycling and security of supply, minerals with local producers and companies on ways processing and information technology; to add value and improve the recognition of WA products. c) Create incentives for innovative industries, academic organisations and entrepreneurs 28 Export promotion also plays a critical role in to build critical research and innovation Labor’s long-held objective of creating a more infrastructure, including human capital; and diversified economic base. New innovative products and services developed by Western d) Maximise the benefits of innovation by Australian based companies will benefit from encouraging the commercialisation of local the State being promoted as the provider of innovations and the development of export quality goods and services. markets for new technologies and knowledge based service industries. INNOVATION AND SKILL FORMATION e) Foster structured interactions between 29 WA Labor recognises the fundamental government, universities, business, industry changes that have occurred in the global and the community to drive the development economy and in Australian society. As of Innovation Hubs creating new industries the translation of science and technology and opportunities. innovation into the productive economy proceeds at a rapid pace, we must enhance ONLINE ECONOMY this process through strategic public and 32 Information and communication technologies private investment. can enhance the well-being and employment 30 WA Labor accepts there are challenges prospects of all Western Australians, both as to boosting the innovation culture and industries in their own right, and as enablers that fundamental research which benefits of more efficient production across all other the broader economy, rather than just industries. the company undertaking it, may be 33 These technologies can broaden the undersupplied in the free market. In this economy’s base in rural and regional sense there is a case for government areas, and enable all Western Australians, support. Labor will look at whether this regardless of location, to become informed support can be provided through a and active economic participants, but only if competitive grants scheme along the lines the technologies are available throughout the of the now defunct Commercial Ready. community. The scheme should focus on R&D with wide benefits that would not be undertaken 34 The penalty for not developing the otherwise. understanding and utilisation of these technologies properly, however, may 31 To bolster the growth of innovation, WA Labor be significantly increased international will competition that will destroy local industry a) Assist private enterprise and academia to and condemn many Western Australians to increase research and development (R&D) lower standards of living. investment, as a percentage of gross 35 Therefore, WA Labor in Government, in state product, to underpin higher rates of cooperation with all stakeholders, will: innovation throughout Western Australia;
46 | 2017 WA Labor Platform 2017 a) Pursue opportunities for online trade 37 The ability of Western Australian firms to promotion and marketing activities, delivery remain competitive in the technology-driven of online Government services as well as global economy will be determined by their a range of other economic, social and capacity to be innovative, not only in what environmental services that will be made they produce, but how they produce it. available by the use of the technology; 38 WA Labor acknowledges that government b) Ensure resources equivalent to those used plays a critical role in providing an to support other significant sectors of the environment in which innovative companies State economy are available to promote can develop and flourish. and develop the place of Western Australia 39 WA Labor will encourage scientific and in the global information technology and technological innovation by: communication industries; a) Investigate the benefits of re-establishing a c) Ensure the availability of information and Science Council comprising of individuals communication technologies at affordable with both research and applied skills; prices to all Western Australians, regardless of economic status; b) Encouraging the development of technology parks, laboratories, marine research facilities d) Develop specific strategies designed to and shared facilities between the private increase the development of infrastructure sector and government departments to to support Western Australia’s involvement support research programs; in the global information technology and communications industry; c) Promoting cooperation between the Commonwealth Government, universities, e) Pursue the widest possible access to State Government departments and communications and information services by institutions and private industry in selecting working to extend the telecommunications research programs for support; network to reach the maximum number of WA homes and places of work; with provision d) Creating a number of state government of sufficient bandwidth to meet current and funded fellowships to carry out research of an future needs; internationally prominent standard in Western Australian institutions in fields identified for f) Continue to work for the extension of the priority by our strategic industry policy; telecommunications network, in consultation with the information technology and e) Ensuring State Government participation telecommunications sectors and other in cooperative research centre initiatives, stakeholders; particularly in the fields of information technology, medicine, biotechnology and g) Encourage the widest possible dissemination environmental management; of information technology; and f) Encouraging an adequate supply of h) Recognise the challenges to existing graduates in the science and technology- taxation and regulatory regimes created by based disciplines; the expansion of the on-line economy and the need to work with other governments g) Expanding the skill base to meet the and the community to implement the best demands of the IT and T sector. possible arrangements which both enhances h) Appoint and maintain a STEM advisory panel the on-line economy and protects the state’s incorporating industry, researchers and interests. educators, chaired by the Chief Scientist SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY to ensure there is a job ready workforce to capitalise on the creation of job opportunities; 36 WA Labor recognises the role that science and technology play in underpinning the State’s economy.
Authorised by P Gorman, 54 Cheriton St, Perth WA 6000 | 47 i) Develop a STEM Strategy for Western f) Promote Sister State and sister city relations Australia to improve STEM education, identify based on shared economic and commercial STEM growth industries and provide a vision interests and facilitate international trade to grow the local workforce; and linkages works between institutions such as government departments, universities and j) Sponsor Science Industry fellowships to hospitals. build links between the University sector and industry. LOCAL CONTENT HIGHLY SKILLED WORKFORCE 44 An incoming WA Labor Government will: 40 WA Labor will strive to achieve a world class a) legislate to ensure Skilled Work Agreements education and training system. are implemented on all major resource projects in WA to maximize local engineering, 41 WA Labor recognises the wider role fabrication and other skilled work. of education and training as being the catalyst for knowledge-based economic b) continue to support the construction of development. facilities and equipment for resource and infrastructure projects such as the Australian INDUSTRY ATTRACTION Marine Complex, which can build, and 42 WA Labor will actively encourage companies service, major offshore and onshore resource to establish operations in Western Australia projects. and provide reasonable incentives to attract c) legislate to ensure that local content new industries that will provide economic regulations are strengthened, particularly in benefits to the state by producing goods or relation to materials which require a High Risk services for export, replace imports, create Work Licence (HRW). This includes, but is not jobs and facilitate the transfer of valuable limited to scaffolding, cranes, and forklifts). It skills. follows that the importation of such materials 43 A WA Labor Government will actively promote (including but not limited to pre-cast concrete programs which: and tilt up panels) will be subject to a a) Assist business in its pursuit of international stringent assessment process. competitiveness; d) Create more opportunities for businesses, b) Enhance cultural ties, trade and investment including local small and medium businesses, links between Western Australia and the to complete for government contracts. overseas markets and financial centres which e) support industry networks to enable business are most prospective for Western Australia; and government departments to maximize c) Establish opportunities for networking to opportunities for local suppliers. enable Western Australian exporters link with f) require all government agencies to report international markets; annually on their success in creating jobs and d) A Labor government will invest in supporting the local economy through this research infrastructure which co-locates process. complementary research groups, industry, g) adopt the Aboriginal Procurement Policy of education organisations and associated awarding three per cent of all government activities to build a critical mass of talented contracts to Aboriginal owned businesses by researchers, scientists, innovators, 2020. entrepreneurs and investors; h) drive employment and apprenticeship e) Encourage quality management and creation through a continuous infrastructure certification to internationally recognised development. standards where this is demanded by the market; and
48 | 2017 WA Labor Platform 2017 i) appoint a Minster for Defense Issues to 50 Any strategic intervention by Government will champion the Western Australian defense be subject to a cost benefit analysis taking industry, assisted by the creation of a into account factors such as the impact of Defense West advisory board to provide the intervention on employment, growth, expert advice. quality of life and the likely net benefit to the state. PROJECTS APPROVALS PROCESS INDUSTRY SECTORS 45 WA Labor believes it is essential that the State has an effective and efficient project Manufacturing Industries in Western Australia approval process that provides a high level 51 The manufacturing industry is increasingly of certainty and timely decision making. characterised by business competitiveness Competition for large projects from various and globalisation, market diversity and locations around the world makes it converging technologies, and business imperative that our assessment processes networks and partnerships. are effective and efficient. 52 WA Labor is committed to increasing Western 46 WA Labor is committed to ensuring an Australia’s manufacturing sector, on the basis approvals process that is timely and that: effective without impacting on the integrity a) This sector can be the engine for significant of environmental and other assessment job growth, particularly in generating high processes. skill, high income jobs; and OPEN FOR BUSINESS REGULATORY APPROACH b) Service enhanced manufacturing, which bring together manufacturing systems, design, 47 WA Labor is committed to encouraging an delivery, and quality through information open, competitive, but fair, economy. Labor technology are the engine of growth in will work to eliminate unnecessary red tape current world trade and it is essential that for business, thereby reducing transaction Australia is part of this and realises its full and compliance costs. potential. 48 WA Labor recognises that modern regulatory 53 WA Labor’s policies will encourage expansion approaches involve the development of of Western Australia’s manufacturing sector. regulations that minimize transaction or compliance costs while providing for the 54 In conjunction with TAFE and other VET protection of the environment, consumer and suppliers, WA Labor will create new job worker rights, remuneration and safety, as training programs for clean technologies. well as prudent corporate behaviour and the 55 A WA Labor Government will develop a elimination of anti competitive practices. state manufacturing strategy in response OPEN AND ACCOUNTABLE to the sector’s current and expected future GOVERNMENT challenges & transformations. 49 In government, WA Labor will ensure its 56 It is accepted that difficulties in attracting industry attraction strategies are subject to new employees to fill skills shortages in the highest level of public scrutiny, openness manufacturing may be exacerbated by the and accountability. These include extending sector’s poor public image. Whilst some old- the powers of the Auditor-General to include style manufacturing industries remain, there scrutiny of expenditure of public monies for may be insufficient community awareness of industry attraction purposes. the many manufacturers offering attractive and increasingly interesting working environments.
Authorised by P Gorman, 54 Cheriton St, Perth WA 6000 | 49 a) To remedy this situation the manufacturing c) Growing public concern about the practices industry, with the support of a Labor being used in the production of animals for government will develop a coordinated food, in science and sport (performance communications strategy for promoting or racing etc) as well as how other (pet, the career opportunities in manufacturing, companion and wild) animals are being especially in innovative, knowledge based treated. The public is demanding that animals manufacture. are treated humanely throughout their lives and that their welfare has been adequately b) Additionally in conjunction with TAFE and met during this time; other VET suppliers, Labor will create new job training programs for clean technologies. d) The current legal framework in place to protect animals relies on legal remedies ANIMAL WELFARE rather than prevention; and 57 WA Labor believes; e) The link between acts of cruelty and torture to a) All animals should be cared for in a humane animals and violent and aggressive behavior manner that provides freedom from pain, in children and adults, is commonly known as injury and distress; the ‘Cruelty Connection’. b) ‘Animals’ includes pet, domestic and 59 WA Labor will; companion animals, sport and performance a) Work with stakeholders to develop a WA animals, farm animals and animals used in Animal Welfare Strategy; scientific research and wild animals; b) Review and introduce amendments to c) Good animal welfare requires disease strengthen the Animal Welfare Act 2002 prevention and veterinary treatment, thereby improving outcomes for animals; appropriate shelter, management, nutrition, humane handling and humane slaughter/ c) Ensure that a state Labor government killing; adequately funds an independent and effective Animal Welfare Inspectorate; d) Children and adults who commit acts of cruelty on animals are at risk of d) Establish a parliamentary committee that can showing violence and aggression in other have oversight and inquire into. Matters of circumstances; and animal welfare; e) Acts of cruelty against animals should e) Work with stakeholders to reduce and be prevented from occurring rather than eventually eradicate intensive farming in punished after the event. favour of humane food production; 58 WA Labor recognises that; f) Promote standardised, regulated, labelling of foods so that consumers are better informed a) Animal welfare means how an animal is as the demand for humane food increases; coping with the conditions in which it lives; g) Provide appropriate interventions for children b) An animal is in a good state of welfare if (as caught being cruel to animals; and indicated by scientific evidence) it is healthy, comfortable, well nourished, safe able to h) Advocate to Commonwealth Government express innate behaviour and is not suffering that it establish an independent Commission from unpleasant states such as pain, fear and of Animal Welfare that will monitor, investigate distress. (Source; The World Organisation for and be able to make commendations to Animal Health); government regarding matters impacting on animal welfare including, inter alia, Commonwealth Model Codes of Practice fir intensive animal production, all aspects of the live export industry, inconsistent and ineffective enforcement of animal
50 | 2017 WA Labor Platform 2017 welfare laws in states and territories, animal c) Develop and implement an alternative and transportation, animals in sport, animals used sustainable economic base for the pastoral in experimentation and the killing of feral industry in the north of WA; animals. d) Work with the Commonwealth government, i) Establish an independent Office of Animal industry and importing countries to promote Welfare to improve the protection and well- the trade in chilled meat from animals being of animals and restore consumer humanely transported and slaughtered in confidence by introducing a more robust, Australia; independent structure to oversee the State’s e) Pursue, as part of trade negotiations, the animal welfare legislation and develop and elimination of policies of foreign governments, monitor the delivery of a WA Animal Welfare such as subsidies and tariffs, that distort Strategic Plan. competitive neutrality between the meat j) The work that an independent office should processing and the live export industries; and pursue also developing animal welfare f) Promote Australian chilled and frozen meat policy and law independent of commercial in potential new markets through intensive and animal advocacy interests, based on international promotional campaigns, such as independent, evidence-based animal welfare the emerging markets in China. science; and monitoring and reporting to Government (and Parliament) on the TRADED SERVICES effectiveness of legislation regulations and 62 Trade in services is of growing importance policies and practices governing animal to both the world and Western Australian welfare with the aim of improving animal economies. Some of these industries are welfare outcomes. well recognised in policy as important areas LIVE EXPORT of jobs and wealth creation but many others such as health, education, aviation and 60 WA Labor recognises that: consulting are not. a) There are strong economic, jobs and animal 63 These industries are typically characterised welfare reasons for transitioning from the by high skills and the ability to provide full, live export trade to domestic processing of part-time and casual employment according animals for local consumption and the chilled to people’s wishes in both metropolitan and and frozen meat trade; and regional areas. b) While the live export trade continues, 64 WA Labor recognises that improvements in livestock for slaughter from Australia will be information technology will enhance not only treated humanely while being transported Western Australia’s ability to provide services and in the country of destination. to both Australian and overseas markets but 61 To this end, WA Labor will: also the ability of our competitors. a) Require that livestock be transported, 65 In addition to measures to promote tourism unloaded, held and slaughtered in and the on-line economy a WA Labor accordance with the OIE Guidelines and Government will develop an active approach stunned using appropriate humane restraints to traded services, which will contain the immediately before slaughter, and that following elements: there will be independent monitoring and a) Ensuring the highest quality local demand enforcement of these standards; by delivering to all Western Australian world b) Ensure adequate transitional arrangements class public services; are in place to facilitate the expansion of a b) Ensuring that firms have access to chilled and frozen meat trade; world class infrastructure, particularly in relation to information technology and telecommunications;
Authorised by P Gorman, 54 Cheriton St, Perth WA 6000 | 51 c) Establishing a services industry taskforce to 69 Over the long term, public sector areas that look at ways of fostering public and private are privatised are often left with poor service services exports; delivery. d) Ensuring that new services companies have 70 To ensure that the operation of the Public equal access to small business and trade Sector services provided by and to it are promotion programs; and subject to the highest level of public scrutiny, openness and accountability, WA Labor will: e) Ensuring that serviced industries are adequately represented on the State a) Require State government agencies to Development Forum. establish detailed mechanisms to monitor the operation of contracts awarded by them to PUBLIC SECTOR SERVICE DELIVERY the private sector; 66 WA Labor is committed to the public sector b) Expand the powers of the Auditor General to provision of community service such as audit and publicly report on the efficiency and health, education, welfare, transport, public efficacy of taxpayer funded services provided transport , fire and emergency services, by the private sector; and policing, prisons and community and industrial infrastructure. c) Require that the private service provider is subject to no lesser standards of scrutiny and 67 WA Labor recognises the invaluable role responsibility than would apply to a public public sector employees play in the provision sector provider of those services, including and delivery of services to the wider WA applicable policies, customer service charters community, and will negotiate with Public and complaint handling mechanisms, and Sector Unions to actively put in place complies with all relevant legislation including attraction and retention strategies for its equal opportunity, occupational health and workforce, including: safety and industrial relations legislation. a) Plans to ensure that workers in regional d) Further that the private service provider is centres are not disadvantaged vis a vis their subject to no lesser standards of scrutiny and private sector counterparts, or as a result of responsibility than would apply to a public being based in a region as opposed to the sector provider of those services, including metropolitan area. applicable policies, customer service charters b) The provision of adequate regional housing and complaint mechanisms, and complies (or subsidies) in terms of supply and quality. with all relevant legislation including equal c) Attractive and competitive pay and opportunity, occupational health and safety conditions, including improved employer and industrial relations legislation. superannuation contributions. 71 WA Labor believes that the public sector d) In acknowledging its commitment to public should play the central role in the provision of sector employees, Labor will move to close utilities and infrastructure such as, electricity, the widening gap in pay and conditions water and sewerage particularly where these between workers in the private and public services are provided by natural monopolies. sectors; identify itself as an employer of 72 WA Labor will legislate to prohibit the choice and act accordingly and ensure the privatisation of Health, Hospital and ongoing maintenance and provision of vibrant Education services in terms contained in the public sector services in both metropolitan No Privatisation of Schools and Hospitals and regional centres. Private Members Bill 2010. 68 WA Labor recognises that privatisation and a) WA Labor will legislate so that any Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) can be privatisation of government business used as a means of driving down wages, enterprises may only be approved by conditions of employment and cutting costs Parliament where the proposed privatisation in the delivery of public services. would result in: 52 | 2017 WA Labor Platform 2017 b) Superior service at reduced cost to industry 76 WA Labor is concerned that the and consumers, particularly to isolated and concentration of the grocery market may disadvantaged consumers; have negative impacts on both employment in the sector and the viability of local c) No decrease in the total level of employment suppliers. WA Labor is also concerned about or workers entitlements; the potential impacts of further deregulation d) Positive long term budgets outcomes; and on both current employees in the retail sector e) A maintenance or improvement in the natural and current small retail business operators and built environment. and their families. Further, WA Labor believes that further changes to trading hours should 73 WA Labor will conduct a comprehensive not take place without proper analysis of: review of community service needs and identify long-term and short-term strategies a) the impacts of previous changes, to ensure these needs are adequately met by b) the potential impacts of future changes, and either the public or private sector. c) the veracity of the claims made regarding the 74 The federal public sector employs thousands necessity and benefits of change, including of Western Australians in areas as diverse such claims made prior to previous changes as Centrelink, Medicare, Biosecurity and 77 WA Labor in government will not make any Border Protection, Agriculture, CSIRO and further changes to retail trading hours without Meteorology, Defence, Tax and the ABC. first being convinced of the need for such
change and without taking into account The federal public sector has always offered previously implemented changes and the decent jobs in communities across WA as potential impact of any proposed changes well as vital public services that we all rely on. on: Good public services are the foundation of a strong community. a) The level of employment in the retail sector
b) The viability of small retailers and the share of WA Labor supports decent jobs in the public market held by major chains service and will always defend the social safety net and high-quality federal public c) Small retail business owners and their families services for all Western Australians. d) The viability of local suppliers
e) Religious, cultural, sporting and volunteer The WA Labor Party will use the levers of activities state government, including its participation in the Council of Australian Governments, f) Current retail employees, including: to stand with communities and defend the • Their access to public transport federal public sector • Their ability to undertake family and caring TRADING HOURS responsibilities 75 WA Labor notes that trading hours for • Their ability to participate fully in religious, general retail shops in the Perth metropolitan cultural, sporting and volunteer activities area were expanded in 2010 to allow late In undertaking any such analysis, WA night trading Monday through Friday, and in Labor will seek input from all stakeholders 2012 to allow trading on Sundays. Without including employers, employees, Unions and necessarily attributing causality, WA Labor consumers. notes that following these expansions, there has been, amongst other changes, an increase in the share of the grocery market held by the two major chains, to the detriment of smaller grocery retailers.
Authorised by P Gorman, 54 Cheriton St, Perth WA 6000 | 53 CASINO OPERATIONS e) Regions having the necessary infrastructure; and 78 WA Labor is committed to having one casino operator in Western Australia. f) An economic environment that is conducive to growth. WA Labor acknowledges that casino 83 WA Labor recognises: operations bring jobs, tourism, entertainment and state revenue to Western Australia. a) The strength and diversity of the tourism industry to cater for the widest variety of WA Labor acknowledges gambling can be accommodation and experiences; a major social problem for some people and b) The essential role of Local, State and the the detrimental impact this can have on the Federal Government in the development wider community. of promotional and marketing activities, infrastructure and new job opportunities; and Therefore, WA Labor acknowledges the c) The array of stakeholders who all have a importance of a strong regulatory framework common interest in seeing the industry grow to manage the casino licence and casino and be successful. operations. 84 Accordingly, WA Labor will seek to work in WA Labor will require consultation with the partnership with stakeholders to promote and relevant workforce representatives prior to develop tourism’s full potential, including the any amendments to casino operations under implementation of: the jurisdiction of the Department of Racing, a) Effective infrastructure and product Gaming and Liquor. development; TOURISM b) Intrastate, interstate and international INTRODUCTION marketing campaigns; 79 The Tourism industry is one of the largest c) Strategic development of key industry employment sectors and export income sectors; earners in Western Australia and is set to become one of the major industries in the d) Industry growth and prosperity; and new millennium. e) Employment opportunities for West 80 Western Australia’s environment, climate, Australians. culture and heritage provide an enormous 85 WA Labor will place a strong emphasis in potential for the expansion of tourism, which all of its tourism policies and activities on will give a major boost to the economy and promoting and developing regional WA. employment throughout the State. INFRASTRUCTURE AND PRODUCT 81 WA Labor believes Western Australia can DEVELOPMENT become one of the world’s greatest tourism 86 WA Labor will: destinations and we are committed to achieving this goal. a) Work with local government, regional and local tourism associations and groups to 82 To succeed it will require: improve services and attractions in the a) Long term planning; regions; b) Strong partnerships being formed between all b) Ensure the Western Australian tourism interests involved in the industry; industry has access to and uses the on-line c) Industry development that is environmentally economy; and culturally sustainable; d) Building on our strategic advantages;
54 | 2017 WA Labor Platform 2017 c) Work with the relevant planning and other a) Develop new products and promotional authorities to ensure the industry has material that highlight and help preserve our the room to expand and provide a range environmental assets; of facilities that meet the needs of local, b) Protect and promote our old growth forests; interstate and international visitors in accordance with the destination development c) Ensure our world class natural assets are strategies; protected by being placed in National Parks, Nature reserves and Marine Parks; d) Ensure we have competitive and sustainable intrastate air services and promote new d) Seek world heritage listing, in consultation international links, including exploring with traditional owners and local opportunities for developing Perth as an communities, for appropriate areas of the international air tourism and transport hub; State; and and e) Ensure any development at Rottnest e) Identify and develop key infrastructure maintains its environment and accessibility. requirements to enable WA to host CARAVAN AND CAMPING international standard cultural and sporting 90 WA Labor will: events. INTRASTATE, INTERSTATE AND a) Seek to improve standards in camping INTERNATIONAL MARKETING grounds and caravan parks; CAMPAIGNS b) Ensure the continued access to traditional 87 WA Labor will: camping and caravanning areas for recreational caravanners and campers; and a) Assist communities to identify local tourism potential and package and market their c) Ensure West Australians retain access to attractions; affordable caravan and camping grounds in our prime tourist areas. b) Ensure that an emphasis is placed on bringing tourists to regional and rural WA WINE AND CULINARY TOURISM and will assist those communities to better 91 WA Labor will: capitalise on their tourism product; a) Identify and promote areas with potential for c) Place a priority on regional and rural WA in growth in wine and food tourism; allocating funding for marketing campaigns; b) Develop strategies to promote the wine, food, d) Identify and develop new and emerging lifestyle, craft, woodcraft, natural environment markets in which to promote WA tourism; and recreational opportunities in Western e) Identify areas with significant entertainment, Australia’s wine producing areas; social, cultural and historical sites for c) Foster the development of a comprehensive promotion as tourism precincts; and wine and food tourism strategy that builds on f) Encourage WA tourist businesses to promote the complementary nature of the industries themselves on the World Wide Web. and their facilities; and STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT OF KEY d) Identify and develop infrastructure needs in INDUSTRY SECTORS wine producing areas. 88 WA Labor will pursue initiatives in the INDIGENOUS TOURISM following key industry sectors: 92 WA Labor: ECO-TOURISM a) Acknowledges that Western Australia’s 89 WA Labor will: Indigenous cultures and natural heritage provide a unique attraction to this State for tourists;
Authorised by P Gorman, 54 Cheriton St, Perth WA 6000 | 55 b) Will develop and implement an Indigenous DIVE & MARINE TOURISM Tourism Development Strategy for WA; and 96 WA Labor will: c) Will develop, in conjunction with the a) Place an emphasis on promoting the marine appropriate Aboriginal representative bodies, tourism industry including scuba-diving, tourism projects to enhance the employment kayaking, surfing, recreational fishing, whale prospects of Indigenous Western Australians and dolphin watching; and in areas in which they live and work, and promote respect and understanding of these b) Work to develop a West Coast Dive Park. unique cultures. INDUSTRY GROWTH AND PROSPERITY ARTS AND CULTURAL FESTIVALS 97 WA Labor acknowledges that the sector is 93 WA Labor: predominately operated by small businesses and will seek to ensure that this is reflected in a) Actively supports the Perth International Arts its tourism strategies and policies. Festival and its continued expansion into regional areas; and 98 WA Labor believes that for the industry to grow and prosper it is necessary for the b) Will assist local communities throughout the Government to provide an appropriate State to develop cultural festivals and events. business environment in which the industry MEETINGS, INCENTIVE, CONVENTION can work. AND EXHIBITIONS (MICE) 99 Some of the key features that are necessary 94 WA Labor will: to develop this environment are: a) Develop and implement an Arts and Cultural a) Access to research and forecasting services; Tourism Strategy for WA; b) Appropriate and relevant training b) In partnership with the industry seek to attract opportunities for staff and owners; MICE events to WA; c) Reasonable standards and accreditation for c) Assist regional communities to access this the industry; segment of the tourism industry; and d) Minimised regulation and compliance costs; d) Work to ensure the Perth Convention and and Exhibition Centre is successful and provides the maximum possible benefits to WA. e) Taxation arrangements that are conducive to growth. EVENTS EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES 95 WA Labor will: 100 WA Labor believes that the tourism industry a) Protect Western Australia’s existing events provides an opportunity to provide rewarding that provide a sustainable return on jobs for people throughout the State and investment; especially for young people. b) Actively pursue new events for Perth and 101 To achieve this, Labor will: regional centres; a) Work with business associations and unions c) Work with local communities to create and to raise skill levels across the industry and in promote events in regional centres; particular increase the number of traineeships d) Ensure that all events are subject to a and apprenticeships; and comprehensive analysis of their benefit to b) Seek to promote permanent fulltime WA; and employment, wherever possible, to ensure e) Work with other States in Australia to skilled staff can be retained in the industry. cooperatively market complementary events to maximize the benefits from events to this state.
56 | 2017 WA Labor Platform 2017 EMPLOYMENT advantage of new technologies and processes; and Employment Maintenance and Job Creation INTRODUCTION d) Training young Western Australians to skill levels to meet emerging opportunities in the 102 Since the foundation of the Labor Party labour market, rather than importing skilled the attainment of full employment and labour. the improvement of wages and working conditions have been at the core of Labor’s THE CHANGING WORKPLACE philosophy. 107 WA Labor recognises that there has been 103 WA Labor recognises the decisions that considerable change in the workplace and have a major impact on employment the workforce and there are many challenges levels are the responsibility of the Federal in the rapidly changing labor market. Government. However, WA Labor will ensure 108 WA Labor identifies the principal challenges that the relevant state policies have as their as: goal the maximisation of well-paid, secure a) The erosion of full-time employment and the employment. growth of casual, part-time, contracting, 104 WA Labor is committed to: use of labour hire and insecure forms of a) Working with the federal government towards employment; the achievement of full employment; b) Increased fragmentation and unequal b) The elimination of all forms of discrimination in distribution of working hours, with longer and employment; often unpaid hours for some, and insufficient, irregular and unpredictable hours for others; c) Early intervention for the prevention of long- term unemployment; and c) The intensification of work through reduced staffing, increased workloads and monitoring d) Community involvement in the development of individual performance; of these strategies. d) Health and safely problems driven by long e) WA Labor is committed to abolishing all hours and work intensification; and forms of modern slavery in employment practices, including forced labour, servitude, e) Employer insolvency and the loss of human trafficking, and debt bondage. employee entitlements. THE NEED TO BE COMPETITIVE 109 To address these challenges, WA Labor will: 105 WA Labor recognises the need to maintain a) ensure that working hours and workloads Western Australia’s competitive position both do not pose a risk to health and safety, and nationally and internationally. do not prevent appropriate involvement in family and community life, irrespective of the 106 WA Labor acknowledges wage costs industry or occupation; as one of the factors determining our competitiveness. However there are a b) investigate the effect of the European Union number of other important factors that must Directive on Working Time, which provides be taken into account: for a limit of an average 48 hours per week, including overtime, in the European Union; a) The updating of technology and production methods; c) promote opportunities for increased employment as an alternative to excessive b) The quality of our physical and social hours of work infrastructure; c) Improving workers’ skill levels to take
Authorised by P Gorman, 54 Cheriton St, Perth WA 6000 | 57 d) encourage employers to address staffing b) Improve enforcement of the rights of levels and workloads as an important permanent part-time workers to the pro-rata component of a policy on working hours, entitlements of full-time workers, including including where appropriate to seek to access to training and promotion; establish reasonable links between staffing c) Establish minimum and maximum ranges levels and workloads, such as staff to client of hours per week/month for part-time ratios; employees. improve the quality of part-time e) recognise domestic care workers as employment by generating real choices for employees and will amend the Industrial employees such as the right to convert to Relations Act 1979 so that workers in part-time work in the lead up to retirement, disability and aged care, who may be in returning to maternity leave, or where classified as domestic service workers required for family or personal reasons; by employers, are deemed employees d) Improve the regularity and predictability of and are entitled to minimum conditions of working hours for casual, part-time and shift employment; and work employees; and f) investigate the introduction of a licensing e) Extend regulation of working hours and scheme for labour hire agencies in Western casual and part-time employment to labour Australia to regulate labour hire operators; hire and contracting firms. CASUAL EMPLOYMENT WORK AND FAMILY 110 WA Labor is concerned that the employment 113 WA Labor recognises that the way families of casuals on a regular basis is being used to live and work has changed radically and avoid basic working conditions such as sick policies to better balance work and family pay, holiday pay, overtime loadings and job are required. WA Labor believes that families security. need more options for developing their 111 WA Labor recognises that the growth of own work and family solution to best suit casual employment in the economy is their needs, and that these will be different undermining community standards and is depending on their families’ changing needs. most disproportionately applied to women 114 Accordingly WA Labor will and low paid workers such as childcare workers, aged care workers, cleaners, a) Introduce policies which allow parents hospital and hospitality and retail workers. to better combine work and family responsibilities; 112 To achieve improvements in this area, WA Labor will b) Take steps to encourage employers to provide family friendly workplaces; a) Ensure that casual, part-time and full-time employment is more clearly defined, and c) Extend paid maternity leave of 14 weeks to all for such definitions to provide the basis for public sector employees; regular casuals to convert to permanent d) Give parents the option of returning to employment if that is their choice. Labor comparable part-time work following the birth maintains that this approach would have no of a child by legislating to provide workers effect on casual employees who genuinely returning from parental leave with the right to want to remain casuals and retain their casual part-time work; loading; e) Amend the Minimum Conditions of Employment Act to provide a minimum standard of personal/carer’s leave; and
58 | 2017 WA Labor Platform 2017 f) Introduce legislation guaranteeing workers’ 119 Labour Day (or May Day) is an annual rights to request flexible working hours or public holiday which is held to celebrate the arrangements, and corresponding obligations achievements of workers not only in Australia on employers to consider such requests but throughout the world. to assist workers to meet their family responsibilities. Traditionally, Labour Day falls on 1 May in each calendar year. However, in Western 115 WA Labor recognises the importance of our Australia, Labour Day falls on the first nation’s cultural and religious heritage and Monday of March each calendar year. is committed to the principle that days of
cultural/religious significance such as Anzac WA Labor recognises the historical Day, Good Friday and Christmas Day should importance of this public holiday and calls remain public holidays and non-trading days upon the WA Labor Government to review for general retail shops. the relevant legislation to ensure that Labour 116 WA Labor recognises the significance Day is held on 1 May of each calendar year. of the public holiday granted for Boxing EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE Day. Consistent with this, WA Labor PROGRAMMES in government will amend the Retail Trading Hours Act 1987 to provide that, 120 WA Labor believes that a low unemployment notwithstanding any exemptions to trading rate should not be achieved by pushing hours granted by the Minister, a general retail people out of the labour market. Removing shop may only trade on Boxing Day if the barriers to and providing support for shop is staffed only by employees who have participation is essential, especially for the freely elected to work on that day. groups with low participation; women, older workers, and people in regional areas. WA 117 WA Labor recognises that the Easter period Labor will pursue a strong participation rate is a time of religious and cultural significance by ensuring that there are opportunities and and a time many families utilise for holidays the right mix of support and incentives for all and other gatherings. For workers in seven- Australians who are able to work. day industries, this often proves impossible, as neither Easter Saturday nor Easter Sunday 121 WA Labor believes the task of reducing is a public holiday. unemployment needs an integrated approach across government, and a new partnership WA Labor also recognises that Easter between the three tiers of government and Saturday is a gazetted public holiday in every the private sector as well as key stakeholders jurisdiction in Australia other than Western including unions and the community. Australia and Tasmania; and, further, as of 122 This partnership will ensure that assistance is 2017, that New South Wales, Victoria, the provided where it is needed most. It will allow Australian Capital Territory and Queensland governments to better identify communities have all legislated to provide that Easter and individuals most at risk. Sunday is a public holiday. 123 An important part of this partnership is 118 WA Labor further recognises that Western ensuring that businesses have full access to, Australia, as of 2017, has only ten gazetted and knowledge of government services and public holidays, the lowest of any state or infrastructure. These services include group territory in Australia. WA Labor in government training programs and the pooled use of will amend the Public and Bank Holidays Act public infrastructure. to provide that both Easter Saturday and Easter Sunday are to be observed as public holidays.
Authorised by P Gorman, 54 Cheriton St, Perth WA 6000 | 59 124 WA Labor believes the closer integration b) That crisis services must be guaranteed of education and training, employment sufficient housing to offer to the people they services and income support is the basis for are supporting; and, employment and skills development, which c) That all Western Australians should have is the best insurance policy the nation has access to safe, affordable and appropriate against unemployment in the long term. housing. Provision of public and community 125 WA Labor acknowledges the particularly housing and the support required to sustain crucial and effective role played by group successful tenancy/home ownership is a training companies in providing rotated community responsibility. structured training and other opportunities for 134 WA Labor recognises: apprentices who work in smaller companies that have a limited capacity to train in their a) The importance of providing all Western own right. Australians with a range of accommodation options; INDIGENOUS EMPLOYMENT b) The problem of homelessness in our 126 Labor remains committed to enhancing the community; training and employment opportunities for Indigenous Western Australians. c) The role that community housing plays in meeting the housing requirements of people 127 WA Labor recognises that the general and with special needs or disabilities, young youth unemployment rate of Indigenous people, people in housing crisis, seniors, Western Australians is unacceptable. people from culturally diverse backgrounds 128 WA Labor commits to focus on the reduction and women and children escaping domestic of Indigenous unemployment as a major violence; policy priority. d) That a vibrant housing construction industry 129 WA Labor will establish benchmarks and is a critical element in the state’s economy; targets that quantify decreases in Indigenous e) The importance of having an effective State unemployment rates. Housing Strategy in place to address long- 130 WA Labor will encourage Indigenous self- term challenges in Western Australia; management and economic self-sufficiency. f) That the number of Western Australians in 131 WA Labor believes Indigenous people should ‘housing stress’ (ie paying more than 30% of have full access to employment and will their income in housing costs) continues to target areas where Indigenous people are increase; and under represented. g) That, in order to get into a home of their own, 132 WA Labor will support the further many purchasers are taking out mortgages development of high quality training and that put them into housing stress. employment environments shaped by and for 135 WA Labor will: Indigenous Australians. a) Expand the provision of public and other HOUSING AND CONSTRUCTION forms of affordable housing; THE EQUITABLE PROVISION OF QUALITY HOUSING b) Ensure the provision of more affordable housing by planning and regulation changes HOUSING to reduce cost; 133 WA Labor believes: c) Consult key stakeholders such as local a) That all Western Australians have the right government, unions, tenant organisations, throughout their lifetime to access secure industry bodies and community organisations rental stock or purchase housing that is in the provision of housing; affordable, appropriate, safe, sustainable and secure; 60 | 2017 WA Labor Platform 2017 d) Support and strengthen programs that deal facilitating the opening of doors for people on with the issue of homelessness; low incomes; e) Improve coordination and collaboration j) Call on the federal government to fund between government departments and the ongoing programs, and provide capital community sector to ensure an improved investment in affordable housing; response to homelessness; k) Fund new public housing, and support the f) Ensure a diversity of affordable housing NGO sector and housing groups, to provide locations within the community with access community housing; to essential amenities; l) Investigate, when in government, the g) Provide affordable housing through the capacity for a funded program, to roll out following areas: the installation of solar energy equipment and storage (these being solar hot water • Public housing heaters, solar panels and home batteries for • By providing and expanding appropriate the storage of energy produced during the public housing to six percent of housing day from the solar panels) to every publicly- stock for those in need; and owned • By supporting the growth of public housing availability in rural and metropolitan Department of Housing property in Western regions. Australia. The proposed roll-out of this • Community housing (community- energy and carbon saving initiative would be based, non-government, not-for-profit funded over a set period of time from tenants accommodation generally directed at through a temporary increase to rents based people on low incomes, and women and on the capacity and history of re-payments children escaping domestic violence) and the voluntary acceptance of the solar • By supporting and strengthening installation. the community housing sector as an m) Reject the notion of Australian home buyers alternative housing option. using accumulated superannuation savings • Other to finance a house deposit; • By encouraging land developers to include n) Increase tax on foreign investors who a percentage of affordable blocks in all land purchase established dwellings; developments; o) Provide support for pensioners who are • By supporting low and middle-income downsizing, including options such as people who choose to purchase their own reducing or removing stamp duty for homes through a range of initiatives and downsizers; housing programs; and p) Invest in public transport and major roads so • By identifying and supporting strategies that inner city hubs are not the only desirable developed to encourage investment in areas to live; affordable housing to strengthen the private rental market. q) Investigate introducing a tax on dwellings that h) Call on all levels of government to ensure that are vacant for more than a total of six months new housing – whether new developments or in a calendar year. infill – provide affordable housing as an option within the development; i) Call on all levels of government to encourage innovative investment through leveraging and
Authorised by P Gorman, 54 Cheriton St, Perth WA 6000 | 61 CONSUMER PROTECTION 143 WA Labor will: 136 WA Labor will strengthen laws to protect a) Place new emphasis on greater levels of infill consumers and ensure proper quality urban development to assist in restricting standards are enforced in housing urban sprawl; constructions, including ensuring builders b) Review and introduce Liveable and project managers are responsible for Neighbourhoods as a mandatory guide achieving the energy rating stipulated in for the design of new sub-divisions, and building plans. will develop an equivalent guide for in-fill 137 WA Labor will ensure a high quality of housing development in existing urban residential and commercial construction in Western areas in consultation with local government Australia. and the urban development and building industries; and 138 WA Labor understands the current social dislocation, including ongoing changes in c) Require the design of new urban sub- schools, resulting from families not being able divisions to apply the principles of Water to access long term secure rental housing Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD), which and will work with stakeholders to address recognises the linkages in the water cycle rental security issues. between urban development, stormwater systems and the quality of downstream SUSTAINABILITY ecosystems. 139 WA Labor believes in improving the total HOUSING sustainability performance of all buildings, IMPROVING ENERGY EFFICIENCY whether residential or commercial in nature, publicly or privately owned. 144 WA Labor will: 140 WA Labor recognises: a) Develop a program requiring the measurement of the energy efficiency of a) The opportunity for government to provide all new dwellings and existing dwellings leadership in improving the environmental undergoing sale and for such measurements performance of public buildings and to be disclosed; and infrastructure; and b) Examine the introduction of incentives to b) That construction and demolition waste is encourage the retrofit of existing dwellings to both a major contributor to landfill, and a become more energy efficient. valuable resource. REDUCING WATER CONSUMPTION 141 WA Labor will promote improved building environmental performance for both new and 145 WA Labor will strive to achieve the domestic existing buildings through the introduction water consumption targets of the State Water of appropriate regulatory measures and by Strategy by maintaining, and if necessary, increasing community awareness of the enhancing incentives to: issue. a) Harvest stormwater for re-use; PLANNING b) Use water efficient fixtures and appliances; 142 WA Labor will modify planning regulations to c) Recycle greywater; and facilitate: d) Minimise water for the irrigation of gardens. a) Environmental building design and integrated transport solutions; and e) Improving Water Balance b) Sustainable building construction dependent on sustainable sub-division design.
62 | 2017 WA Labor Platform 2017 146 WA Labor will consider strengthening a) Encourage a contestable market; measures to require residential developments b) Price, quality of product and timeliness of to adopt the principles of Water Sensitive completion; Urban Design (WSUD), which provides for temporary retention of stormwater on site c) Observe the conditions set out in clause 24 and hence approximates the natural water of this platform; and balance on-site prior to the land being built d) Maximisation of the use of local content on. that guarantees a fair opportunity for local REDUCING CONSTRUCTION WASTE businesses. 147 WA Labor will work with the housing industry ENVIRONMENTAL GUIDELINES FOR PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND and local government to develop a strategy INFRASTRUCTURE for the introduction of Waste Management Plans for all residential building activity 154 WA Labor will requiring development approval. a) Develop Sustainable Building and 148 Develop specifications and applications Construction Guidelines to provide guidance for the use of recycled construction and on design and require minimum standards demolition waste materials; with respect to: 149 Encourage the use of building materials with • Life cycle costs; low embodied energy and materials that can • Conservation of native vegetation and be easily recycled and re-used in Western biodiversity on building sites; Australia. • Operational energy efficiency (for buildings); COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS • Water consumption (for buildings); ENCOURAGING ENVIRONMENTAL • Stormwater harvesting for re-use; DESIGN • Re-cycling of greywater (for buildings); 150 WA Labor will encourage developers to • The Life Cycle impact of construction introduce design strategies that improve the materials; environmental design of new buildings. • Protection of the quality and quantity of REDUCING ENERGY CONSUMPTION groundwater; and AND GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS • Construction waste minimisation. 151 WA Labor will encourage building owners b) Where possible ensure that all state and to measure the energy efficiency of their local government housing, building and buildings by rating them in accordance with infrastructure complies with these Guidelines. the Australian Building Greenhouse Ratings (ABGR) System, and making the resulting PUBLIC BUILDINGS reports available to building tenants. 155 WA Labor will develop a programme to CONSERVING WATER IN COMMERCIAL measure the energy efficiency of existing BUILDINGS public buildings by rating them in accordance 152 WA Labor will work to develop strategies with the Australian Building to reduce water consumption in existing buildings, and to introduce water efficiency Greenhouse Ratings (ABGR) System, and measures in new buildings. make the resulting reports available to the public. GOVERNMENT CONSTRUCTION PUBLIC TENDERS 153 Tenders let by a WA Labor Government will conform to the following principles:
Authorised by P Gorman, 54 Cheriton St, Perth WA 6000 | 63 PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE e) That sections of the construction industry are typified by avoidance of proper training, 156 WA Labor will introduce measures to workers compensation, safety and taxation improve the environmental impact of public obligations and seeks to put itself above the infrastructure construction by introducing Life law by refusing long established industrial Cycle Assessment techniques into design entitlements, such as right of entry, under the and materials selection in major projects. false pretence it is unlawful. CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION WASTE 159 WA Labor will: 157 WA Labor will a) Establish a construction industry council a) Further encourage the use of recycled involving construction companies and construction and demolition waste materials contractors, unions, a consumers in construction; representative and government nominees for b) Direct the appropriate government agencies the purpose of implementing the objectives to develop specifications for applications that set out in the subsequent subclauses of this utilise recycled construction and demolition section; waste; and b) Ensure appropriate training, safety, wages c) Work with local government to set targets for and conditions are in place for people the incorporation of these materials in state employed in the construction industry; and local government construction. c) Ensure that the industry complies with THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY statutory health and safety requirements and will require improved amenities on 158 WA Labor recognises: construction sites; a) The national, regional and local d) Focus on the necessary infrastructure to characteristics of the industry; support the state’s major wealth creating b) The critical importance of the construction resource developments; industry to the future economy, environment e) Devise means to counter severe fluctuation in and well being of the Western Australian demand and promote stability in the industry; people in that it produces the built environment of housing, commercial and f) Support innovation both in the building public buildings; our infrastructure of roads, and construction section and the building railways, pipelines, power stations and supplies industry and the greater utilisation of transmission network; and the onshore information technology in the industry; and offshore installations needed for the g) Investigate export opportunities for the resources industries; building and construction industry and c) That the construction industry can provide building services and training sectors; employment and opportunity for thousands h) Assess the annual apprenticeship and training of people of diverse abilities and aptitudes; needs of the building and construction d) That the construction industry in Western industry and develop strategies to meet these Australia has been subjected to severe targets; fluctuation in demand that has promoted i) An incoming Labor Government will legislate instability in the construction business and to ensure that there is a requirement for all uncertainty in employment; and major resource companies to contribute to the Building and Construction Industry Training Fund (BCITF) (through a training levy) at the construction stage of a project. The contribution will be determined based on total project cost. This investment will up skill apprentices and ensure that the building and
64 | 2017 WA Labor Platform 2017 construction industry has the skills to meet 163 WA Labor recognises that integrating social the needs of the future; justice with economic prosperity is best achieved through fostering constructive j) Reject the Federal Government’s attempts to relationships between employees and their interfere with industrial relations in this state unions, employers, and governments. by making divisive and regressive IR policies a contractual condition on Federal projects in 164 WA Labor believes constructive relationships WA; in the workplace will be best achieved by good faith collective bargaining over k) WA Labor will establish a mechanism to working conditions.. Those conditions are regulate labour hire companies, to ensure best secured by collective agreements and that proper industry benchmark employment awards, not by individual contracts. standards are adhered to on construction projects. 165 WA Labor believes that strong right of entry laws for unions lead to better l) Develop and implement a licensing and industrial protections for workers and safer registration requirement for tradespersons workplaces. working in the commercial construction sector engaged on projects over $5 million. 166 WA Labor believes that the industrial relations commission plays a vital independent role in INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS our industrial relations system. The Western PROMOTING FAIRNESS IN LABOR Australian Industrial Relations Commission RELATIONS (WAIRC) must be easily accessible to all 160 WA Labor believes that the industrial relations employees and employers in the state system is a defining statement about the industrial relations system. society we want. It helps characterize both 167 WA Labor believes that government should our society and the community values we be a model employer and is committed to hold important. maintaining core employment in government 161 WA Labor will: agencies to produce high quality government • hold principal contractors to account for services. the actions of their subcontractors; 168 WA Labor believes that quality public • analyse the benefit of implementing a services are best delivered by government statutory requirement for a trust scheme encouraging and maintaining direct on State Government jobs to protect employment in all government departments, payments to contractors and their agencies and corporations. employees; 169 WA Labor will ensure all government bodies • implement effective government behave as model employers. Accordingly sanctions on principal contractors that management of government departments, use companies who engage in pyramid agencies and corporations will be based subcontracting and sham contracting on principles of justice, fairness, equality of arrangements; and opportunity and anti discrimination. As a • apply a vigorous auditing process to hold model employer government will also act principal contractors and employers to to set the highest standards in promoting account. affirmative action policies. 162 WA Labor believes that co-operative labour 170 WA Labor believes that justice for all relations are essential to the development employees, regardless of where they work, of Western Australia and to the equitable is best secured by strong unfair dismissal distribution of increased benefits, protections. opportunities, wealth and income.
Authorised by P Gorman, 54 Cheriton St, Perth WA 6000 | 65 171 WA Labor will establish and operate 176 WA Labor will ensure workers with a disability ethical standards and codes of practice in WA have access to information and to the highest possible standard. These support about their workplace rights. standards will be based on the principle of A FAIRER LEGAL FRAMEWORK open government and administration and will encourage review and transparency in 177 WA Labor believes that the legal framework decision making. of industrial relations should reflect the following important principles: 172 WA Labor recognises that under our current system, domestic workers employed a) To provide fairness for all parties involved in by individuals to work in their home are industrial relations, recognising that different specifically excluded from state industrial relationships of power exist between the relations protections. This means that parties; domestic workers employed by individuals b) To ensure that all employees are entitled to do not have the same level of rights as other relevant, consistent and secure conditions of workers in our state. This puts those workers employment; at risk of working below minimum conditions c) To ensure that employee entitlements of employment, without the opportunity for are protected in the circumstances of a redress. WA Labor commits to ensuring that transmission of a business or part of a all domestic service workers are covered by business or when a contract for service the minimum conditions of employment. changes; RIGHTS, RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES IN THE CHANGING d) To provide opportunities for and encourage WORKPLACE fair, good faith, collective bargaining; 173 WA Labor believes that structural and cultural e) To emphasise the importance of conciliation change in the workplace is essential to and arbitration in dispute resolution; achieve the following objectives: f) To promote the relevance and primacy of a) A maximum rate of employment; the Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission (WAIRC); b) Higher living standards through sustainable economic growth; g) To apply equally to all workers irrespective of the size of their employers business; c) An equitable distribution of benefits, opportunities, wealth and income; and h) To be extended beyond a narrow definition of employees to include those in employment- d) Priority in employment to workers who reside type relationships; locally, along with systems of shift rosters and hours of work conducive to promoting family i) To reduce the increasing ‘legalism’ of the and community life. system and remove barriers to workers accessing rights; 174 The most important source of both security and income for West Australian families is j) In industries regulated by the State participation in the workforce. Labour is not a Government such as security, childcare and commodity, but an important element to our disabilities, all new employees are required well being. to attend an induction program, to be held by the relevant department and that Unions 175 WA Labor believes that it is a fundamental representing those workers are able to right of all employees and their unions to attend; and participate in decisions made about their workplace and the industry in which they k) To ensure that any award modernisation work. Employees contribute to enterprise process does not disadvantage award vitality through time, effort and expertise and dependent workers, and continues to should have an effective say in decisions strengthen and improve awards as living affecting their lives. documents. 66 | 2017 WA Labor Platform 2017 178 WA Labor believes that all employees are Once this legislation is enacted, it will combat entitled to a range of minimum conditions the exploitation and underpayments in of entitlements which will be enhanced in the labour hire sector and will enforce the accordance with the recommendations of the following (among other things): Review of the Labour Relations Reform Act 1 . Require all labour hire companies to 2002. apply for a licence within 28 days of the 179 WA Labor recognises that collective legislation coming into effect; bargaining is not necessarily beneficial 2 . In the event principal contractors engage for all workers, particularly in low paid an unlicensed labour hire provider or industries. WA Labor will ensure that a range a labour hire employer fails to obtain a of minimum conditions and entitlements licence without a reasonable excuse, they are enhanced in accordance with the face individual fines or imprisonment; recommendations of the review of the Labor 3 . Licence inspectors will have the power to relations reform Act 2002. enter workplaces without warrant; and 180 To further protect low paid and vulnerable 4 . Will allow licence inspectors to seize workers, WA Labor will legislate to remove documents and property believed to be in the last vestiges of individual agreements connection with an offence. from the industrial relations system. RECKLESS OR GROSS NEGLIGENT CONDUCT 181 WA Labor will ensure that a provision 187 Every worker in Western Australia has a right providing Redundancy Payments to reflect to go to work and return home free from community standards will be inserted into the harm, injury or the possibility of losing his/ Minimum Conditions of Employment Act. her life at the place of employment. Too 182 Further, WA Labor will ensure that resources many workers in Western Australia have are directed to ensure compliance by all not enjoyed this right because of unsafe employers with such minimum standards. workplaces and unsafe work practises ignored by the management, owners and 183 WA Labor believes that a strong system directors of companies. of penalty rates is vital for maintaining a fair, family-friendly workplace. WA Labor 188 WA Labor believes that the current State will maintain the existing system of penalty health and safety legislation fails to apportion rates for all workers who sacrifice weekends legal responsibility to management, owners and public holidays, or work excessive or and directors of companies when a death or unsociable hours. serious injury occurs in the workplace. The likelihood of owners or directors who have 184 WA Labor supports the right of every worker acted recklessly or in a grossly negligent to a safe home, community and workplace. manner facing the threat of serious legal 185 WA Labor stands against family violence. WA sanctions simply does not exist in WA. Labor is committed to Domestic Violence 189 The National Harmonised WHS legislation leave as a universal workplace right with takes the legal obligations of company appropriate paid leave and employer support. owners and directors a significant step 186 The WA State Labor Government will review further than existing WA law, but has failed the QLD Labour Hire Licencing Bill 2017. to address the key issue of grossly negligent conduct. WA Labor supports the adoption and 190 In Government, WA Labor will legislate implementation of similar legislation in to enact the following health and safety Western Australia to provide the legislative principles: framework for the licensing and regulation of labour hire services and related matters in the Western Australian construction industry.
Authorised by P Gorman, 54 Cheriton St, Perth WA 6000 | 67 a) Every worker has the right to a safe and a) The formal recognition of the representative healthy work environment; role of union delegates in the workplace; b) Every person conducting a business or b) The absence of discrimination or harassment undertaking (PCBU) has a duty to provide in employment; this; c) The right to bargain collectively; c) Compliance with this duty by a PCBU will d) The right to be informed and consulted before ensure a work environment free of hazards decisions are made that will have a significant and thus free of exposure to hazards, illness, effect on employment or work; disease and death; e) The right to reasonable time off to consult d) Work Health and Safety legislation must with other workers and participate in the provide a range of sanctions to reflect the affairs of the union; range of expeosures to hazards, illness, disease and death experienced by workers; f) The right to trade union education; e) An appropriate sanction for breach of WHS g) The right of union delegates to appropriate law should include a jail term for seniors facilities for carrying out their role including officers of a PCBU; consulting with workers and their union; f) Maximum terms, reflecting the seriousness of h) The right to place appropriate information on the breach, should be 20 years; a secure notice board which is accessible to all workers; g) Legislation must ensure that jail is a reasonable and foreseeable prospect for i) The right to consult union officials exercising serious breaches of WHS duty; their right of entry; and h) Acts or ommissions that are reckless or j) The requirement of employers to pass on grossly negligent form the test of what may employees banking details to their Union attract a jail term; where permission has been given. i) Where a regulator fails to initiate a 193 Consistent with its commitment to a prosecution, a union or another party with democratic and open society, WA Labor an interest must have a right to initiate a will seek to ensure that the above rights are prosecution; and enshrined in legislation and in other initiatives of a Labor government. j) The ability of any affected person to seek an independent review of the failure of a OBSERVANCE OF INTERNATIONAL ISSUES AND STANDARDS regulator to initiate a prosecution (by a AFFECTING LABOUR separate body, such as the Director of Public Prosecutions) must be included in any future 194 Labor recognises that workers are often WHS legislation. excluded from access to the Commission if they do not fit neatly into the definition of 191 WA Labor recognises that strong, effective ‘employee’. and representative unions are essential for a democratic and just society. Union delegates 195 The Commission should have jurisdiction are a vital link between employers and to deal broadly with matters that affect workers and ensure that the voice of workers ‘workers’ and contracts for the performance is heard in the workplace of work, and/or situations that may give rise to industrial disputation. 192 WA Labor is committed to ensuring that a number of fundamental rights are established 196 WA Labor recognises the right to join unions, in Australian workplaces for workers and the democratic rights of unions to freely union delegates. These include: organise within the workforce and to conduct their own affairs.
68 | 2017 WA Labor Platform 2017 197 The WA Labor State Conference applauds 202 Accordingly WA Labor believes that an the support of the Gillard Government in Equal Remuneration Principle ought to be the ASU’s equal pay case for the social and inserted in the state wage fixing principles for community services sector. application when the Commission: 198 The trend to casualisation of the workforce a) Makes, amends or reviews awards; and other forms of precarious employment b) Arbitrates industrial disputes about equal should be discouraged in preference for remuneration; and secure, quality employment. c) Values or assesses the work of employees in 199 WA Labor believes that legal action arising ‘female’ industries, occupations or callings. out of industrial relations matters should be confined to the industrial tribunal system, 203 WA Labor believes that, when determining where the determination of matters is done increases in the state minimum wage, the fairly, efficiently and between informed WAIRC must include the need to reduce the parties. In contrast the civil courts are often gender pay gap in its considerations. complicated, costly, rigid and unable to 204 WA Labor in Government commits to fully resolve problems. funding any pay increases required by the 200 WA Labor believes that: social and community services sector arising from the current national pay equity case. a) Legislation must require that all agreements are open to scrutiny, reviewable and VALUING DIVERSITY fair. Furthermore, WA statute will reflect 205 WA Labor believes that the employment the primacy of collective bargaining in of bilingual workers within all Government accordance with ILO convention 87 and ILO departments, especially within the convention 98 and a Labor government will Department of Employment Protection, is actively promote that principle; vital in ensuring that migrants from non- b) Enterprise agreements and industry wide English speaking backgrounds are made agreements, negotiated with trade unions aware of their rights and service entitlements. and employees must be underpinned by the 206 WA Labor believes these bilingual workers in award safety net; appropriate positions and agencies should c) Unions must have reasonable access to take a proactive role in educating migrants workplaces for the purposes of organisation, of culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) recruitment and assistance to workers. This backgrounds about employment standards in includes the right to convene meetings with industries employing CaLD migrants, such as members and potential members free of the contract cleaning industry and outwork intimidation and without the attendance by sector of the clothing industry. It is particularly employers and/or their representatives; and important to ensure relevant government departments and instrumentalities facilitate d) ALL employees must have legislative access to information. protection against unfair dismissal and access to adequate compensation where 207 All industrial awards and agreements entered appropriate. into by a WA Labor Government should make provision for employees who have PAY EQUITY such a need to undertake English as Second 201 WA Labor is concerned that WA has a Language instruction. persistently higher gender gap than the rest of Australia, and will take action to bring the average earnings of men and women into line.
Authorised by P Gorman, 54 Cheriton St, Perth WA 6000 | 69 OUTWORKERS 212 A WA Labor Government will improve our occupational health and safety laws in the 208 WA Labor recognises the disadvantaged following areas: position of outworkers—such as those labouring in the textile, clothing and footwear a) Consultation on WHS representative rights; (TCF) sector—when compared with the rest b) Industrial manslaughter; of the labour force. As workers subjected to the most insecure and vulnerable forms of c) Third party ability to prosecute for breaches precarious employment, outworkers require of Work Health and Safety Laws; specific regulatory protection in order to d) Onus of proof on employers; control the exploitative conditions under e) Minimum standards for work accommodation which they are engaged. facilities & camps; 209 WA Labor is committed to ensuring that f) Tripartism; outworkers throughout Western Australia Australia are engaged under secure, safe and g) Right of entry permit holders; and fair systems of work. h) Implement a system of responsibility based WORKPLACE HAZARDS: PREVENTION on the “hierarchical” chain of command of an TREATMENT, COMPENSATION employer organisation. WORK HEALTH AND SAFETY 213 WA Labor believes that a strong and 210 People WA Labor believes that all people empowered health and safety regulators is deserve to work in an environment free of essential to ensure compliance with work exposure to risk in their workplace. health and safety laws. Labor will do this by: 211 WA Labor is committed to ensuring that WA a) Increasing funding to WorkSafe; has a strong legislative framework to protect b) Ensuring that there are sufficient active people in the workplace. WA Labor will do inspectors to perform the work expected and this by: efficiently service the entire state; a) Strengthening state Work Health and Safety c) Investigating alternative models of funding for Laws; WorkSafe including industry levies; b) Working with other states and territories d) Ensuring regular and comprehensive public to ensure that the national harmonised reporting of injury, disease and fatality framework of work health and safety laws is statistics; and maintained and strengthened with the highest e) Investigating creating a single, cross- international standards; jurisdictional Work Safety and Health c) Ensuring that WorkSafe and the inspectorate encompassing the general, Department of Mine Safety is well resourced resource, and onshore sectors. andempowered to be a tough regulator; 214 WA Labor condemns the State Government d) Blocking attempts to expand the Comcare for the inaccurate reporting of workplace scheme; fatalities and calls for all transport related e) Developing a strong regulatory framework fatalities which occur in the course of a which ensures the health, safety and well worker’s duties to be classified as work being of FlFO workers; related. f) Ensuring all decision making forums are 215 A WA Labor Government will implement genuinely tripartite; and legislation to provide for immediate entry into workplaces for properly trained and g) Increasing resources for research, standards credentialed union officials to ensure setting, information and inspection by WHS compliance and to inspect and investigate regulators. suspected breaches of the WHS Act and Regulations. 70 | 2017 WA Labor Platform 2017 216 A WA Labor Government will advocate for WORKERS’ COMPENSATION AND Safe Work Australia and National Offshore INJURY MANAGEMENT Petroleum Safety and Environmental 222 WA Labor believes that workers’ Management Authority to become genuinely compensation should be available on a no- tripartite bodies. fault basis where an injury “arises out of or 217 WA Labor recognises that Western Australia in the course of employment”, even where is lagging behind international work health it is the aggravation of an existing injury or and safety regulators at appropriately disease. classifying cancer causing carcinogens in the 223 WA Labor believes that the following workplace and commitments a WA Labor principles should form the core of Western Government to implementing appropriate Australia’s workers’ compensation scheme: regulation to recognise these carcinogens. a) Premiums must recover the costs of the 218 A WA Labor Government will implement system as well as encourage safe work legislation to allow for trade unions and other practices; third parties to bring about prosecutions against breaches of the Work Health and b) A range of statutory and common law Safety Act and Regulations. remedies should be available to injured and diseased workers. Statutory benefits must be 219 WA Labor will legislate in its first term to make measured by thelr equity and adequacy; industrial manslaughter an Offence under the criminal code. c) Workers should have equal access to workers compensation regardless of age; 220 WA Labor in Government will introduce an inclusive and secure health monitoring d) That workers’ compensation self-insurance regime for all workers exposed to dangerous should only be available to employers who materials and substances known to have show strong commitment to workers’ rights long term health risks such as asbestos and and occupational health and safety and that radioactive isotopes for the life of the worker mange regulatory safeguards are needed and that this be fully cost recovered by to ensure that current self-insurers meet the industry. This should be supported by annual highest possible standards; full medicals for these employees whilst e) Unions must have the power to enforce non- working in these industries and 5 yearly once compliance with workers compensation law; they leave the industry for their whole life at f) The dispute resolution System should be no cost to the worker. a quick, easy, effective and legally binding 221 WA Labor believes that an open and mechanism to resolve disputes about all transparent safety environment will deliver aspects of the workers’ compensation better outcomes for employees and system; businesses working in Western Australia. g) Workers should have the right to be Reports and managements plans that result represented in all stages of the workers from a legislative framework or statutory compensation and injury management body or officer are public property and system; therefore should be available for scrutiny by the public. WA Labor in Government will h) Return to work should be elevated as a do everything that is necessary to ensure central tenant of workers compensation by: proper parliamentary and public scrutiny of i ) placing an absolute obligation on all Occupational Health and Safety related employers to provide suitable duties; reports, investigations, management plans and statistics.
Authorised by P Gorman, 54 Cheriton St, Perth WA 6000 | 71 ii ) preventing termination unless the injury to determine if the employee consents and, management plan states that the return if unable to make such a determination, or to work goal is a different job and a in the event that the employee does not different employer; and consent, convene a conciliation conference iii ) incentivising the employment of injured in the first instance to seek to resolve the workers. dispute. i) Journey claims and recess claims should be d) That an employee in receipt of workers’ covered by the system; compensation should accrue both annual leave and long service leave. j) Weekly payments should be set at a level equivalent to an injured worker’s ore-injury e) That the prescribed amount be $250,000 (in average weekly earnings irrespective of their year 2017 and indexed thereafter) or three fitness for work and should not be subject to years of the employee’s annual earnings, any caps or step-downs; whichever is the greater. k) Costs associated with medical and all related f) That representatives of the employer and/or treatment should be covered for workers’ insurer are not entitled to be present during compensation purposes with no arbitrary medical appointments with injured workers. caps or limits; and, g) That employers are required to keep an l) Work Capacity Reviews and Decisions should injured employee’s position open for a period be removed from the workers’ compensation of 12 months from the date the employee is legislation. Consideration of a worker’s informed of the decision to accept liability for functionality is properly addressed as part of the employee’s claim. their rehabilitation plan. h) That there should be a system for licensing 224 Labor is committed to the following principles specialist medical practitioners who provide with respect to workers’ compensation: opinions for the purposes of workers’ compensation claims, with both a review a) That casual employees who have been process and a disputes process to be regularly and systematically engaged be created with respect to those opinions. entitled, in addition to any other entitlement, to be paid their average weekly earnings 225 WA Labor opposes multiple jurisdictions of from the date of injury until their claim is workers’ compensation operating in this state either (a) accepted and weekly payments of and will oppose any attempts to expand the compensation begin, or (b) rejected. Comcare scheme into the private sector. b) That permanent employees who exhaust 226 WA Labor recognises that the majority of their sick leave entitlements before their claim work related cancers are uncompensated is either (a) accepted and weekly payments and will investigate avenues to compensate of compensation begin, or (b) rejected are, exposure to known carcinogens in the in addition to any other entitlement, to be workplace. paid their weekly earnings until their claim is 227 Weekly compensation payments should be either (a) accepted and weekly payments of consistent with a worker’s ore-injury earnings. compensation begin, or (b) rejected. WA Labor will oppose any step down c) That, if an employer/insurer intends to cease arrangements to compensation payments of compensation, then such employer/insurer should be required to seek which reduce injured workers’ weekly leave of Workcover before discontinuing payments or excludes payments such as payments rather than to simply advise shift loadings, overtime or penalty rates. the employee. Further, on receipt of such 228 Volunteers who are injured in work situations application, Workcover would be required should be recognised under workers’
72 | 2017 WA Labor Platform 2017 compensation legislation and be entitled to e) Workers should have equal access to make claims. workers compensation regardless of age; 229 A WA Labor Government will extend f) Weekly compensation payments should be presumptive cancer legislation to eligible consistent with a workers pre-injury earnings fire fighters employed by the Department of and Labor will oppose any step down Parks and Wildlife. arrangements to compensation which reduce STRENGTHENING OF THE OHS injured workers weekly payments or excludes INSPECTORATE payments such as shift loadings, overtime or penalty rates; 230 WA Labor will act to create a single, cross- jurisdictional Occupational Safety and Health g) That workers compensation self-insurance (OHS) Inspectorate encompassing the should only be available to employers who general, resource, and offshore sectors. show strong commitment to workers’ rights and occupational health and safety and that 231 WA Labor recognises that OHS legislation stronger regulatory safeguards are needed can only be effective if it is backed by a to ensure that current self-insurers meet the well resourced, trained, motivated and highest possible standards; and managed inspectorate that conducts regular inspections of workplaces to ensure that h) Costs associated with medical and all related occupational health and safety standards are treatment should be covered with no caps or enforced. limits. 232 WA Labor will ensure that there are sufficient i) That PTSD presumptive legislation active inspectors to perform the work protections are developed for Police, Fire and expected and efficiently service the entire Emergency service personnel. State. 234 WA Labor will investigate alternative means WORKERS COMPENSATION SYSTEM of ensuring comprehensive workers’ compensation cover for all Western 233 WA Labor believes that: Australian workers. a) A range of statutory and common law 235 WA Labor will take steps to ensure that the remedies should be available to injured and workers’ compensation system is adequately diseased workers. Statutory benefits must be funded and that premium rates reflect the measured by their equity and adequacy; need to recover the costs of the systems and b) A balanced and expeditious dispute encourage safer workplaces. resolution is critical for an equitable workers’ 236 WA Labor recognises that workers who compensation system; are affected by chemicals within their c) Dispute resolution must recognise the right of workplaces should have recourse to Workers injured workers to adequate representation; Compensation legislation should they be affected by the condition known as ‘Multiple d) Whilst the vast majority of injured workers Chemical Sensitivity.’ return to work within a relatively short period, those people with disabilities who 237 Workers, who are injured travelling to and have impaired work capacity are entitled to from work, and during recess periods of the dedicated rehabilitation efforts to support working day, should be entitled to full access a return to meaningful employment with to the workers compensation system through sufficient funds available; legislated JourneyCover arrangements. 238 Volunteers who are injured in work situations should be recognised under workers’ compensation legislation and be entitled to
Authorised by P Gorman, 54 Cheriton St, Perth WA 6000 | 73 make claims. b) properly fund wage increases for those PROTECTION AND PORTABILITY OF workers most disadvantaged by the policy, WORKERS ENTITLEMENTS where this policy has created inequity between different public sector groups. 239 WA Labor recognises the profound changes These increases will remove inequity between that have occurred in working arrangements those public sector groups. and working patterns for many Western Australians. 245 WA Labor will work with industry and unions to develop portable LSL schemes for private 240 With an increasing flexible and competitive sector employment areas with high labour working environment many employees lack turnover. security with regard to their entitlements or are unable to accrue and attain the ordinary 246 WA Labor will ensure presumptive legislation entitlements accepted as a basic right in full protections for PTSD illness for Police, Fire time long term employment. and Emergency Service personnel. 241 WA Labor supports: PUBLIC SECTOR EMPLOYMENT a) Workers exercising choice in regard to the 247 WA Labor will amend relevant legislation, security of their entitlements, particularly such as the Public Sector Management Act the use of ‘’not for profit’’ industry based and the Industrial Relations Act, to ensure trust funds with employer and employee that public sector employees, including representation that provides 100% accrued Senior Executive Service employees, have entitlements; access to the industrial relations tribunal for all industrial matters. b) Choice for workers as to where their entitlements are placed; 248 WA Labor recognises that the previous Liberal Government public sector wages c) Portability of entitlements, particularly long policy has been applied inconsistently, service leave; and resulting in equity between public sector d) Establishment of the concept of service groups, particularly lower wage earners. WA to the industry as opposed to service to Labor will: individual employers as a basis for accruing a) immediately review the current government’s entitlements, particularly long service leave. public sector wages policy; and 242 WA Labor believes in supporting and b) properly fund wage increases for those promoting by award, arbitral or legislative workers most disadvantaged by the policy, means the portability of entitlements, where this policy has created inequity particularly in the industries with high levels of between different public sector groups. casual part time limited duration employment, These increases will remove inequity between cyclical and seasonal employment patterns those public sector groups. multi-employer engagements, high labour mobility and multi-employer work patterns. 249 WA Labor will establish an agreement with relevant unions of government employees 243 WA Labor recognises that the current Liberal on the systems and processes for managing Government public sector wages policy has change and organisational reviews and been applied inconsistently, resulting in equity structures. between public sector groups, particularly lower wage earners. 250 WA Labor will, in consultation with relevant unions of government employees, review 244 WA Labor will: the use of labour hire, independent a) immediately review the current government’s public sector wages policy; and
74 | 2017 WA Labor Platform 2017 contractors and consultants to ensure that a) That preference in awarding contracts is such employment or contract arrangements given to those companies that are prepared are used only where necessary and in to work within the Labor Governments accordance with ALP policy on government industrial relations framework; that is, which and determine the need for amendments to have a positive approach towards the rights the Public Sector Management Act or other of trade unions and their members and relevant legislation. respect the right of employees to become members of the appropriate union and 251 WA Labor will establish a review of the which do not promote individual employment processes and tools used in job evaluation/ contracts as a mechanism to undermine classification for assessing positions and collective bargaining and the Award system; offices within Government Departments and Statutory Authorities and develop a b) That a Labor Government will only do job evaluation and classification system business with companies that abide by all that is free from gender bias and racial employment and employment related laws, discrimination. including awards, enterprise agreements, superannuation, workers compensation, 252 WA Labor will establish a process for health and safety and taxation obligations; independent review of decisions on and recruitment and selection for appointment and promotion of government employees for c) That all successful tenderers for cleaning both process and outcomes that ensures the contracts in Government owned buildings will primacy of merit selection. be signatories of the United Voice ‘’Cleanstart Principles’’. 253 WA Labor will, in consultation with the relevant unions of government employees, d) That government at all levels should be review redeployment, training and retraining subject to the same reporting requirements systems and processes within the public as the private sector and should always sector and take all steps necessary to have regard to ethical labour practices when maximise redeployment and retraining awarding contracts for goods and services opportunities with particular focus on the provision. WA Labor will ensure public aging demographic of the public sector procurement contracts are only be awarded workforce. to companies that provide evidence of due diligence to minimise the risk of modern 254 WA Labor will, in consultation with the slavery and maximise compliance with relevant unions of government employees, employment standards in their supply chains. implement a plan to eliminate the gender pay gap that exists in the public sector. 258 Further WA Labor expects that such companies will ensure any sub-contractors 255 WA Labor will, where possible, return will also comply with these provisions. outsourced services to the public sector. GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT AND 259 WA Labor will introduce mechanisms, INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS STANDARDS systems and practices within government departments and authorities which are 256 WA Labor in Government will conduct a capable of implementing and policing properly resourced review of WA government the above, including effective contract expenditure and regulation to ensure its management and audit processes to ensure decisions promote collective bargaining, compliance with this policy throughout fair wages and conditions and increased the relevant domestic supply chains. WA productivity. Labor notes the value in the use of relevant 257 A WA Labor Government will review all Trade Unions to assist in the audit of these procurement policies and practices to ensure successive contracts throughout the relevant the following: supply chains. This includes ensuring
Authorised by P Gorman, 54 Cheriton St, Perth WA 6000 | 75 that all government contracts contain fair MINERALS AND ENERGY employment clauses which provide the The Responsible Development of Western Australia’s necessary power to cancel or suspend the Resources contract or to impose financial penalties on any companies which breach these laws and INTRODUCTION policies. 266 Western Australia owns a rich and varied 260 Further a WA Labor Government will ensure world class mineral endowment. The mining that there is a willingness by government and energy industries developed around departments to exercise this power. the extraction of these minerals are a 261 Where a WA Labor Government intends major source of export earnings, direct and to change or issue tenders for any major indirect employment. Labor recognises that contract for the provision of goods or Australia’s minerals and energy industries are services it shall ensure that no new contract vital to the strength of our economy. is entered into that disadvantages those 267 WA Labor believes that there is further employees of the out-going contractor, with potential for development of these industries. respect to employment including continuity The greatest economic and social benefits of employment and entitlements, wages and from further development-will come from conditions and maintenance of labour levels. leveraging this development into high skills 262 Where contracts are returned to direct jobs. employment by government, those existing 268 WA Labor will ensure that any development employees of the outgoing contractor will or expansion of the mining and energy not be disadvantaged in respect to their industries will only proceed in an continuity of employment and payment of environmentally sustainable way, with the wages, conditions and entitlements. highest standards for the health and safety 263 A WA Labor Government will ensure at of workers and their communities, and least fifty per cent of buses and trains with protection for the native title rights of for the Public Transport Authority of WA traditional owners. are manufactured locally. Tenders will be PROMOTING DEVELOPMENT structured to ensure preferential treatment of local manufacturers in order to protect and 269 WA Labor will: lift the skill base of the Western Australian a) Maintain and encourage sound relations with workforce, create local jobs and help in the our trading partners, between governments, diversification of the State Economy. and where appropriate, between government 264 WA Labor will improve and enhance the statutory authorities; power and authority of the WAIRC over b) Work to ensure that WA remains a desirable workers employed by the State of WA option for investment in minerals and energy 265 The WA Labor Government will implement exploration and development; an amendment of the Priority Start Building c) Encourage mining companies and State and Program to ensure any sub-contractors Commonwealth Governments to cooperate tendering for contracts which involve in international negotiations; trade work on State Government projects, have at least 5% of their total workforce d) Support efforts to provide a positive including all other related entities engaged as framework for the exchange of information apprentices (or through group apprenticeship and a forum for discussion on the industry, arrangements). involving all industry players; e) Introduce changes to the Mining Act directed at harmonising its process with those of
76 | 2017 WA Labor Platform 2017 the Native Title Act with a view to ensuring manner that maximises benefits to Western mining titles are processed in the shortest Australia; practical time; and k) Ensure that the levels of royalties in minerals f) Investigate ways to increase ‘green fields’ are at levels that ensure project economic exploration undertaken in the State. viability while maximising returns to the community; BALANCING DEVELOPMENT l) Work to ensure that mining companies 270 To ensure a proper balance between active in Western Australia do not use their economic, social and environmental place in the global market to drop the price concerns in all developments WA Labor will: of commodities in order to drive out other Economic local mining companies, thus reducing a) Encourage exploration and development of employment, community and taxation mineral and energy deposits; returns; b) Promote Western Australia as an international m) Insist that all existing and new mineral and centre for the mining industry and create a energy developments enforce the highest long term plan for the development of the possible standard of safe working practices; industry; n) Ensure the mining and extractive industries c) Promote the development of products adequately fund education and training for and technologies which reduce pollution its workforce through an Industry Training and greenhouse emissions and add to Council involving key representatives from all environmental sustainability; levels of industry; d) Promote research to improve the efficiency, Social safety and environmental performance of the o) Ensure that all minerals and energy sector minerals and energy sector; development proposals and plans are e) Promote the sourcing and purchase of locally accessible to the public and subject to social manufactured and fabricated products and and environmental impact assessments; local services where possible, for use in every p) Such assessments will include public review stage of a project; and community consultation; f) Promote downstream processing projects in q) Ensure the protection of Aboriginal sacred Western Australia, including by ensuring there sites and cultural heritage and that all is adequate infrastructure and suitable sites reasonable demands by the local Aboriginal for projects; community for compensation, and g) Ensure that new developments optimise the participation in the benefits of developments, use of existing infrastructure; are met with a view to facilitating Aboriginal participation in the broader economy; h) Ensure that infrastructure agreements serve the financial interests of the State and that r) Ensure that companies accept their financial major projects entailing State Government or and social responsibility towards: statutory authority infrastructure expenditure i ) People moving into an area of are subject to social impact, energy audits, development; economic and environmental cost/benefit ii ) Development of independent analysis and public scrutiny; communities; and i) Ensure the industry contributes adequately to iii ) Local governments, including ensuring the cost of infrastructure requirements; costs incurred by local government as j) Recognise that Western Australia’s mineral a consequence of development are resources are an important non-renewable met through appropriate mechanisms. asset which should only be exploited in a
Authorised by P Gorman, 54 Cheriton St, Perth WA 6000 | 77 Environmental in respect of commercial and domestic construction, urban planning and transport; s) Ensure that mining has minimal adverse impact on water resources and that the e) Promote Western Australia as an international public are informed and consulted about any centre for research and development in changes that affect the quality of water; energy technologies in both conventional and renewable sectors; t) Ensure that emissions from refining and processing of mineral products are subject to f) Labor is committed to the long term future rigorous environmental and epidemiological of the Collie coalfields as a source for base reviews. load electricity, until viable alternative base load energy sources become available. In this u) Ensure that occupational health and safety framework, Labor will ensure that the future standards (where workplace radiation levels of coal is developed within a framework using occur above background levels) are pegged clean coal technology; and to those of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP); and g) Maintain the Domestic Gas Reservation policy so that there is an oversupply of gas v) Continue to monitor the performance of all into the Western Australian domestic market. areas of the industry where any possible An oversupply of gas will lead to lower gas radiation risk to the public, or workers, exists, prices in the domestic market, and innovative and ensure that industry complies with the uses of the gas, as has occurred in the stricter of the Australian Codes of Practice, United States in response to their domestic or international standards for the separation, gas reservation policy. storage, transport and processing of these minerals and disposal of any waste products. ENERGY UTILITIES ENERGY 273 WA Labor is committed to the public ownership of energy utilities, but will ensure 271 WA Labor recognises the importance that energy generation, transmission and of the provision of energy for economic distribution industries, whether publicly or development and householders. The privately owned, are independently regulated provision of energy needs to balance a range to provide a competitive market. WA Labor of interests such as sustainability, affordability, recognises the importance of reducing available resources and latest technology. WA energy costs for business and householders Labor will develop and implement a plan to as well as the need to retain natural generate 20% of Western Australia’s energy monopolies as a publicly owned utility. production from renewable energy resources by 2020. URANIUM MINING & NUCLEAR ENERGY 272 To achieve this goal, WA Labor will: 274 Recognising the problems, hazards and dangers of nuclear power, especially relating a) Maintain a renewable energy buy-back to: scheme to require electricity suppliers to purchase from individuals; a) The safety of the nuclear fuel cycle; b) Promote fuel switching, energy efficiency and b) The unsolved problems pertaining to the green power purchases among domestic and reprocessing and storage of radioactive commercial users; wastes and spent plant; c) Continue community service obligations by c) The growing concern about the biomedical the utilities; effects of even low radiation; d) Ensure that government policy incorporates d) The coupling of nuclear energy and nuclear the principles of energy efficiency particularly weapon development; e) The added danger of a future plutonium economy and the threats to civil liberties
78 | 2017 WA Labor Platform 2017 involved in a nuclear economy; and 279 WA Labor recognises the following regions in WA: f) The fact that Labor policy contained herein on fossil fuels, energy conservation and a) Mid West renewable resources will ensure Western b) Wheatbelt; Australian energy self sufficiency. c) Great Southern; 275 WA Labor will: d) South West; a) Reject nuclear power as an option for electricity generation in Western Australia; e) Kimberley; b) Oppose the establishment of a nuclear f) Pilbara; enrichment facility in the State; g) Gascoyne; c) Reject the establishment of nuclear h) Goldfields-Esperance; and processing plants or the storage of nuclear i) Peel. wastes in the State; 280 WA Labor believes that the economic and d) Allow no uranium mining or development in social future of Western Australia and its Western Australia; and regions can be further enhanced by fostering e) Place thorium under the restrictions and strong and sustainable regional communities conditions applicable to the mining, that support a broad range of industries processing, sale and transportation of and lifestyles. WA Labor will implement the uranium currently mined in Australia as State Sustainability Strategy and will work outlined in the Resources and Energy section through the recommendations of the Strategy of the National Platform, so far as they relate as they relate to rural, remote and regional to nuclear non-proliferation. communities. 276 The platform recognises WA Labor’s long and ATTRACTING PEOPLE TO OUR REGIONS continuous opposition to Uranium Mining. 281 Labor recognises the importance of strong The commencement and continuation of and vibrant regional communities to the any uranium project is inconsistent with sustainable development of our State and WA Labor Policy. WA Labor will accept no is committed to ensuring that our regional obligation to complete approval processes communities are attractive communities for or honour contractual arrangements entered Western Australians to live and work in. into by a previous government where such approvals or contracts are directed towards 282 WA Labor recognises that affordable access an outcome inconsistent with WA Labor’s to quality housing, including rental properties, platform. is a significant factor in attracting people to RURAL AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT our regions and will act to ensure affordability of housing in regional communities Regional Western Australia: Sustainable Regions for throughout the economic cycle. WA Labor a Sustainable Future will: a) Ensure that adequate quantities of INTRODUCTION residentially zoned land are available to 277 WA Labor recognises the significant absorb increased demand during times of contribution that Western Australia’s regions economic prosperity; have made, and continue to make, to both b) Encourage the adoption of affordable locally the social and economic development of Western Australia. 278 WA Labor recognises the unique needs of people living in rural and regional Western Australia.
Authorised by P Gorman, 54 Cheriton St, Perth WA 6000 | 79 produced building materials for regional areas where it is consistent with their housing construction; and agency’s strategic mission and client base, and where the costs of such a move are c) Assist and encourage government employees reasonable. who wish to settle in regional areas through appropriate housing assistance schemes. 286 In recognising that FIFO and other long- distance commuting arrangements have 283 WA Labor recognises the importance of a a place in the employment landscape, the high standard of service delivery in attracting State WA Labor Government will implement people to our regions and will implement a and legislate all of the recommendations ‘whole of government’ approach to improve published by the Education Standing and maintain a high standard of service Committee of the Legislative Assembly of the delivery in regional communities. This whole Parliament of Western Australia, the Impact of government approach will enshrine of FIFO work practices on Mental Health, appropriate and affordable access to: dated (Report 5 of June 2015). a) Health care, including access to specialist FLY IN FLY OUT AND REGIONAL services; COMMUNITIES b) Quality education and training opportunities; 287 WA Labor recognises the important role that c) Police and community safety services; fly in fly out work operations have played in d) Environmental services, including service the continued development of the State’s provision for land and water usage; natural resources. WA Labor believes, however, that fly in fly out work practices can e) Employment and economic opportunity; also be detrimental to regional communities f) Community and social services; through the reduction of economic and social opportunities for development. g) Transport and infrastructure; 288 WA Labor will seek to limit fly in fly out work h) Essential services, such as energy and water; practices through policy and practice to: i) Appropriate telecommunications facilities, a) Identify suitable regional economic centres especially in remote areas; and assist those centres to develop their j) Financial services; capacity to support industry; k) Arts and cultural activities, including b) Actively develop partnerships between local performing arts production tours; and businesses and resource developers; l) Quality sporting facilities and major sporting c) Investigate the infrastructure and other events. requirements necessary to establish 284 WA Labor recognises the contribution that Kalgoorlie-Boulder and other regional strong and vibrant families and community centres as hubs for surrounding fly-in fly-out organisations make to regional communities. operations; and WA Labor acknowledges that longer hours d) Support identified community services and inflexible shift structures in our regions under threat from the loss of volunteers as a have limited the capacity of working men and requirement of work away arrangements. women to actively participate in family life and 289 WA Labor acknowledges that the number community activities and will actively work to of ‘fly in fly out’ (FIFO) workers in Western discourage these practices. Australia has increased significantly in the last 285 WA Labor will investigate the feasibility of ten years and that this work cycle often leads relocating government functions, business to stress in family relationships, isolation, units and agencies from Perth to regional loneliness, depression and suicide. WA
80 | 2017 WA Labor Platform 2017 Labor recognises the need for industry and • Recognises the difference between the government co-operation for FIFO workers. construction phase and the operations/ production phase of a project and In recognising that FIFO and other long- introduce enforceable limits on high distance commuting arrangements have a compression rosters (generally used in place in the employment landscape, Labor the construction phase of a project). This will mandate to improve this work practice for may be in the form of uniform minimum the benefit of all workers, their families and standards on roster length to optimise local communities. In government, WA Labor FIFO work arrangements for the benefit will establish a regulatory framework that: of workers, their families and the broader community. These standards will also • Ensures FIFO work arrangements are ensure that travel time is properly taken limited to genuinely remote and temporary into account as a part of working hours operations and that workers are provided and this is to be taken from the usual place with genuine choice over where they live; of residence of the FIFO worker and not • Introduces uniform accommodation the point of hire standards that exclude motelling, hot- LOCAL DECISIONS BY LOCAL LEADERS bedding and double-bunking and take into consideration the unique challenges 290 WA Labor recognises that the people who associated with FIFO work arrangements. reside in rural and regional Western Australia These standards will address camp are best placed to identify, develop and operational procedures to ensure workers apply management policies and strategies to have rights and freedoms when in ensure sustainable economic, environmental accommodation camps; and social development of their own • Ensures that all camp operators adhere to regions. WA Labor will continue to develop a uniform set of standards around camp partnerships with regional communities, infrastructure. This includes ensuring their Local Government Authorities, workers in accommodation villages have Regional Development Commissions, uninterrupted access to modern digital Indigenous groups, Regional Councils and technology including the internet, Skype other stakeholders. Labor is committed to and mobile phone reception; consultation and the deployment of local knowledge and resources where it can be • Addresses the mental health impacts of most effective. FIFO work arrangements and introduces a uniform set of standards to mandate 291 WA Labor believes that sustainable regions the provision of independent on-site require the ongoing fostering of new leaders mental health professionals on all resource within regional communities. WA Labor projects; will prioritise rural and regional leadership • Ensures key stakeholders, including programs within broader leadership fostering Local Government, are engaged where strategies. the project will be located to address REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND social and community infrastructure INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIANS requirements; 292 WA Labor appreciates that Indigenous • Ensures that project approval regulations Australians, as a separate and large group stipulate a requirement for all companies to of communities, have a long and ongoing submit a local employment policy plan, to relationship with the land, under both maximise local job opportunities; traditional laws and now under the Australian legal system. In the development and implementation of rural and regional policy, WA Labor will recognise these relationships and work to produce outcomes that are
Authorised by P Gorman, 54 Cheriton St, Perth WA 6000 | 81 beneficial for all Western Australians. provision of both public and economic infrastructure to rural and regional industries; 293 WA Labor will work with industry and Indigenous Australians to expedite just e) Ensure the delivery of essential utility services, and positive Native Title outcomes through such as electricity and water, to rural, regional consultation and negotiation, rather than and remote communities, at reasonable litigation, where possible. prices; 294 WA Labor will work with industry and f) Increase efforts to attract and retain Indigenous communities to provide a professional and skilled people in regional diverse range of employment and enterprise areas. Labor will continue to ask the development opportunities for Indigenous Australian government to reform the zonal tax Australians throughout our regions. rebate scheme; 295 WA Labor will cooperate with Federal g) Bolster efforts to identify, assist and facilitate Government and agencies to, as a matter local economic development, particularly of urgency, ensure that comprehensive associated with major resource and industrial consultation with Aboriginal communities developments; defines their prioritised needs and wants h) Utilise the increased purchasing power following the abolition of ATSIC. obtained through the Government’s 296 WA Labor recognises the largely unrealised centralised procurement arrangements to benefits of Aboriginal plant knowledge and enhance economic, employment and training tourism and will implement further programs benefits to regional communities from the to facilitate these endeavours at the Government’s Buy Local and Local Content community level. policies; and 297 WA Labor recognises that the long and i) Continue to promote Western Australia and ongoing relationship of Aboriginal people its regions as a destination for Western with land is an essential element in restoring Australian, national and international tourists. the environment and will increase the role SUSTAINABLE RESOURCE AND INDUSTRIAL of local Aboriginals in the planning for and DEVELOPMENT IN OUR REGIONS implementation of land management. 300 WA Labor recognises both the existing and A SOUND ECONOMIC BASE FOR potential contribution of the resources sector OUR REGIONS to the development of our regions and will 298 WA Labor believes that government must work to attract new investment in major apply policies appropriate to our regions resource and industrial development projects. to create a sound economic base that 301 WA Labor recognises that periods of rapid encourages investment in a broad range of industrial expansion place strain on regional industries. communities and is committed to minimising 299 To ensure the creation and maintenance of the negative impacts of such periods, for the a sound economic base in our regions, WA benefit of local communities and all Western Labor will: Australians. a) Foster the development of regional 302 WA Labor will undertake strategic planning for economies by maintaining the principle of major resource and industrial development uniform charges for services; sites on a regional basis. Such planning should be undertaken within a sustainability b) Continue the Buy Local Policy to facilitate the framework that assesses potential sites development of regional economies; according to: c) Maintain and extend the Regional Investment 303 Economic factors, including the direct and Fund; indirect economic and employment benefits d) Investigate opportunities to improve the to both the State and Regional economies
82 | 2017 WA Labor Platform 2017 and the cost of economic infrastructure within our regions. required: 307 WA Labor will make all available data a) Social factors, including the capacity of on environmental values (ranging from government agencies to deliver services, the endangered species’ habitats to the potential of regional communities to meet management plans for maintaining the employment and skill demand, the availability ambient quality of air, land and water) of residential housing, community attitudes to from formal strategic environmental plans, development and Aboriginal heritage issues; regional surveys and regional environmental management plans publicly available, b) Environmental factors, using strategic so that project proponents can develop level EPA assessments that identify all their proposals consistent with achieving environmental issues and the appropriate government sustainability objectives. industrial capacity of locations; and 308 WA Labor will investigate the establishment c) Labor will encourage major resource and of a fund to assist regional communities industrial development projects to locate to participate in the environmental impact where there is the optimum balance of assessment of major projects. economic, social and environmental factors, as identified in the strategic planning process. 309 As part of a major project proponent’s development application, WA Labor 304 WA Labor will examine local government, will require the proponent to develop a environment, planning, regional development sustainability statement that addresses and other relevant legislation to assess the economic, social and environmental the extent to which these permit forward impacts of the project during the construction strategic environmental assessment and and operations phases and following site planning for major resource and industrial rehabilitation, in a manner that enables the development projects within our regions. government to assess the overall cost- Where possible, WA Labor will amend benefit to both the region and the State from legislation to facilitate strategic plans, thereby a sustainability perspective. This statement facilitating efficient assessment processes for should be released in parallel with any formal major resource and industrial development document released for public review under proposals that comply with these plans. the Environmental Protection Act. 305 WA Labor will establish or commit to SUSTAINABLE ENERGY FOR OUR economic infrastructure required in REGIONS designated development locations and industrial sites as early as is consistent with 310 WA Labor recognises the world’s likely sound financial management. transition to a hydrogen economy and that natural gas will remain the most efficient 306 WA Labor recognises that existing feedstock for production of hydrogen in Commonwealth / State financial relations the short to medium term. Given Western result in a disproportionate amount of direct Australia’s vast natural gas resources and financial benefits from resources projects growing oil and gas skill set, Labor further accruing to the Commonwealth Government recognises the potential of Western Australia and the limitation this places on the State to contribute to the hydrogen economy in a in providing the economic infrastructure meaningful way. required to attract investment to our regions. WA Labor will campaign for a new deal on 311 WA Labor will promote the testing and use Commonwealth / State financial relations to of innovative renewable energy solutions enable greater investment by the State in to provide permanent, reliable and economic infrastructure and the attraction of increased levels of investment in major resource and industrial development projects
Authorised by P Gorman, 54 Cheriton St, Perth WA 6000 | 83 environmentally friendly sources of energy to Western Australia’s regional freedom from regional communities and businesses. pests and diseases, on the basis of scientific assessment. 312 WA Labor will promote greater accessibility and availability of LPG and CNG for motorists 320 WA Labor will work with the Australian and the transport industry in Regional Government to protect Western Australia’s Western Australia. scientifically based quarantine standards. 313 WA Labor supports expanding the biofuels 321 Agricultural education makes an important industry in WA as a way of reducing contribution to the long-term competitiveness greenhouse gas emissions and developing of the industry and increasing the general new industries in regional areas. understanding of the importance of agriculture to the Western Australian AGRICULTURE economy. WA Labor will: 314 WA Labor acknowledges the efficiency of a) Improve agricultural education opportunities the Agricultural sector yet recognises that in regional and rural centres; Government has a part to play in improving its competitiveness further; WA Labor will: b) Develop an integrated and well structured system of agricultural education from primary a) Facilitate the diversification of production for to tertiary level; and identified niche markets; c) Give increased emphasis to the development b) Work towards a significant improvement in of improved financial management training for the number of opportunities for adding value the rural sector, including farmers and related to agricultural products; businesses. c) Focus on the further development and GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOOD CROPS expansion of Horticulture, Tropical Agriculture and Mari/Aquaculture; and 322 WA Labor recognises the importance of maintaining the confidence of buyers and d) Continue to work on the integration of tree end consumers of our agricultural products farming into profitable farming systems. in the international and the domestic market 315 WA Labor will reinforce the role of the place. WA Labor will ensure that consumer Department of Agriculture to maximise preferences and market requirements, and support for existing agricultural industries and the need for robust segregation and identity the development of new initiatives. preservation systems, and an adequate legal 316 WA Labor recognises the importance framework are in place before considering of agriculture to the Western Australian proposals for the commercial release of economy and is committed to ensuring our genetically modified food crops. WA Labor primary industries are economically and will establish a Community Consultative environmentally sustainable. Committee to advise the Government on these issues. 317 WA Labor believes that Government should work in concert with the agricultural sector to 323 WA Labor will continue to ensure traditional realise opportunities for market development, and organic agricultural activities throughout export expansion and diversification for Western Australia are protected and therefore Western Australia’s primary produce. not disadvantaged in any way by the release or escape of genetically modified organisms 318 WA Labor will continue to work with all from scientific trials of genetically modified stakeholders in the development of the organisms. Agricultural Research WA in order to extend the research and development base for WA LAND, CONSERVATION, WATER agriculture. AND SALINITY 319 WA Labor will continue to develop biosecurity 324 Land management, water quality and salinity legislation and policies which protect are issues that are collectively putting 84 | 2017 WA Labor Platform 2017 rural and regional communities at risk. WA have significant degradation and related Labor’s preferred approach to water and productivity issues which should be actively land management is based on the following addressed. To promote these objectives, a principles: WA Labor Government will seek to: a) An integrated catchment management be a) Work with leaseholders and other adopted in the planning and implementation stakeholders to explore new forms of tenure of land and water conservation measures; which: b) A participatory, “ground-up” approach must i ) permit leases to be accepted by be used to empower local communities mainstream lenders as security for to take responsibility for their catchments, loans; with substantial support from Government ii ) allow part or full diversification into Departments and Agencies; other non-pastoral economic activities c) Land managers must be involved in the effort. such as tourism; iii ) recognise and work within the natural 325 To assure proper resourcing of the threat carrying capacity of the land; faced by rural and regional communities, WA Labor will: iv ) promote enterprises which assist in remediation of degraded lands. a) Investigate incentives to landowners who are b) Promote efficient pastoral production denied the use of their land for the benefit of without degradation of the rangeland and the environment and the public; deterioration of the waterways; b) Legislate to ensure that clearing of remnant c) Investigate the costs and benefits of a native vegetation and implementation of voluntary stewardship program which actively major drainage projects will only take place if supports and encourages leaseholders to the projects have appropriate environmental remediate degraded areas and protect areas approvals and are consistent with recognised of conservation or production value catchment management plans; d) Monitor the condition of pastoral leases to c) Continue to investigate and develop improve management and to ensure that all alternative approaches to addressing future land-use options are retained; salinity with a focus on working through the integrated catchment management process; e) Consider the excision of discrete areas of and pastoral leases and the release of that land as freehold titles to allow for the development d) Create real disincentives to land users who of horticultural and other intensive agricultural cause environmental harm on a catchment pursuits; basis. f) Support the development of horticultural and 326 WA Labor will continue to support the other intensive agricultural pursuits in pastoral established six Regional Natural Resource areas and explore the best mechanisms for Management groups as a means of achieving this; and, empowering local communities and devolving natural resource management to local g) Consider a more representative governance processes where possible. framework for pastoral land tenure which serves all sectors and industries involved PASTORAL LAND TENURE in owning leases, including pastoralism, 327 WA Labor recognises that the pastoral land tourism, conservation, mining and Indigenous tenure system must enhance sustainable land interests. management practices, protect the existing INDUSTRY AND MARKET land base and provide for the economic DEVELOPMENT viability of leaseholders. We also recognise that the majority of the State’s pastoral leases
Authorised by P Gorman, 54 Cheriton St, Perth WA 6000 | 85 328 WA Labor supports the statutory marketing management and regulatory decisions are of agricultural produce when it is in the made; public interest and believes it needs to be e) In the need to continually improve links considered on a case-by-case basis, in between Government and relevant consultation with the affected producers and stakeholders to ensure that a representative other relevant stakeholders. and consultative approach to management 329 WA Labor recognises that arrangements for and conservation decisions takes place; Statutory Marketing Authorities need to be f) That the aquatic resources of the state are consistent with the National Competition subject to a number of competing demands Policy Agreement but Labor will not dismantle and that it is the responsibility of a Labor Statutory Marketing Authorities where it can Government to effectively balance these be demonstrated that: pressures with the imperative to manage a) Any costs to the community arising from the our fisheries in accordance with principles of regulation are outweighed by the benefits; Ecologically Sustainable Development; and and g) In the continued sustainable development of b) That regulation is the only way these benefits other fish related industries. can be achieved. 333 WA Labor in Government has: 330 WA Labor will consider reform to Statutory a) Reviewed and refined management Marketing Authorities where a particular arrangements for a number of fisheries agricultural industry covered by a Statutory including the State’s wetline fishery, to ensure Marketing Authority decides to change their sustainable future; direction of its own accord. b) Created the biggest shark reserve in the 331 WA Labor supports the Grains Licensing world, which stretches from Steep Point, Authority in the orderly marketing of barley, Shark Bay to Broome; lupins and canola for Western Australians, consistent with the above principles. c) Moved to remove the last remaining commercial fishing licences that were FISHERIES operating in the Swan River; FISH FOR THE FUTURE d) Protected and strengthened snapper 332 WA Labor believes: breeding stocks in Cockburn Sound by refining recreational and commercial fishing a) Western Australia’s fisheries are a common management arrangements; property resource, which is of significant value to all West Australians; e) Reaffirmed its commitment to Integrated Fisheries Management (IFM), which includes b) That the sustainable management of our the balancing of the demands for allocation fish stocks is paramount to maintaining the between the recreational, commercial and quality and diversity of this state’s aquatic customary sectors; environment; f) Supported the development of the c) That Government must ensure management aquaculture industry by recognising arrangements are developed in full and funding a number of aquaculture consultation with stakeholders and the development and management initiatives, wider community and based upon the best including the peak sector body; available information and research; g) Maintained the Fisheries Adjustment Scheme d) Stakeholders have the right to expect a to continue the equitable reduction of transparent and accountable process when commercial fishing effort through the buy- back of fishing licenses in fisheries where this is necessary or appropriate;
86 | 2017 WA Labor Platform 2017 h) Continued to promote education and environmentally sustainable. compliance in the recreational fishing 336 In recognition of the economic and community with a view to the ongoing employment contribution which forest sustainable use of our aquatic resources and industries make in regional areas, and of the environment; the need to utilise import replacement i) Commissioned 19 FTE Compliance officers— opportunities, WA Labor will, in consultation the single largest injection of compliance with all stakeholders, frame a Timber Industry funding on record; and Development Plan to ensure support for the best value outcomes from the production of j) Expanded the research and development our unique native hardwoods. programs that monitor the state of fish resources, including over $5 million dollars 337 WA Labor recognises the opportunities for for the ongoing monitoring of important the softwood industry to meet demand for recreational fishing species. construction timber and other manufactured timber products. WA Labor will work to 334 WA Labor will: encourage the further development and a) Seek to more clearly define the property expansion of the plantation estate to support rights of commercial fishing license and the growth of the soft wood timber industry in authority holders; Western Australia. b) Develop an Estuarine Management policy; 338 WA Labor recognises that the social, c) Continue to monitor the status and ensure environmental and economic potential the future of stocks of all fish species off the of Western Australian native forests are WA coast of importance for commercial, equally important and that these native recreational and subsistence use; forests have been substantially degraded by human intervention when measured by d) Expand the research and development size and overall forest health. WA Labor programs that facilitate the growth and recognises that introduced plants and management of fisheries in Western Australia animals in Western Australian native forest e) Establish appropriate business development ecosystems is a significant factor in this and and support mechanisms in order to foster will investigate methods of cost effectively the development of Western Australia’s reducing them so that these methods can aquaculture and mariculture industries; and start to be implemented during the period of the present Forest Management Plan. f) Identify and promote areas for wilderness fishing experiences, and foster and promote 339 WA Labor will implement a craft wood the State’s charter fishing and marine based licensing system to enable artisans and crafts ecotourism industries. people access to craft wood in native forests. TIMBER AND THE TIMBER INDUSTRY SMALL BUSINESS 335 WA Labor recognises forests have DEVELOPING SMALL BUSINESS tremendous value in terms of providing INTRODUCTION economic, employment and recreational opportunities as well as being central to the 340 WA Labor recognises that small business environmental heritage of Western Australia. plays a central role in the Australian economy. Accordingly, future development of forest- Through individual effort, small business based industries must be economically and owners provide employment for themselves and many thousands of employees. This dynamism should be encouraged and nurtured by government seeking to create an environment in which small business can
Authorised by P Gorman, 54 Cheriton St, Perth WA 6000 | 87 thrive and prosper. should be taken to protect small and micro businesses being forced to comply with 341 Small business contributes greatly to demands that do not relate to the quality of economic growth and employment as well as the service or product being provided; and ensuring the economy maintains its flexibility and diversity. Small business provides the b) Amend the Fair Trading Act and related foundation for innovation and its quick legislation to prohibit unconscionable reaction to change enables new technology conduct. and practices to be adopted and the 349 WA Labor acknowledges some small retail competitive edge to be maintained which is tenants have been disadvantaged by the lack critical to the State’s on-going development. of protection afforded by lease contracts. 342 WA Labor is committed to implementing WA Labor will introduce legislative changes policies that will strengthen the capacity designed to provide a fair balance between of small business to make a substantial the respective rights of retail landlords and contribution to the state’s economy. tenants. DEVELOPING SMALL BUSINESS 350 WA Labor is committed to ensuring small retailers are not forced to meet excessive 343 WA Labor will continue to seek the advice accommodation costs, part of which should of the small business community on ways be the responsibility of others. to improve the legislative and administrative arrangements of the state to facilitate the 351 WA Labor will: growth and vitality of the sector. a) Examine methods of simplifying the legal 344 Small business needs access to capital to system in order to ensure that small investors grow and prosper. WA Labor recognises the and creditors have access to speedy and importance of mature relationships being inexpensive legal redress against breaches of established between the small business fiduciary duty; and community and the finance sector and will, b) Assist with the development of a legal within appropriate prudent guidelines, seek insurance policy or other mechanisms that to provide information that assists small enable small business to have access to legal business operators identify the financing advice and representation. options best suited to the nature of their business. MINIMISING COMPLIANCE COSTS FAIR TRADING 352 WA Labor is acutely aware that compliance costs associated with running a business 345 Market economies are not perfect or proportionately diminish the capacity of absolutely fair to all participants. This is owners and managers to focus on operating particularly the case in areas of franchising, and growing the business. Small business is retail tenancies and other arrangements not as well equipped as larger business to where there can be a misuse of market cope with this burden. power. 353 WA Labor will: 346 WA Labor will utilise mechanisms available to it, including legislation, to create the best a) Continue to require regulatory Statements possible fair trading environment. which assess the cost/benefit of new legislation to ensure change does not unduly 347 WA Labor is also concerned about small and impact or have unintended consequences for micro businesses being compelled by larger small business; entities to operate their businesses in certain ways in order to obtain work or supplies. b) Systematically eliminate irrelevant and time- consuming paperwork and in consultation 348 WA Labor will: with the small business sector Labor will a) Continue to examine the measures that
88 | 2017 WA Labor Platform 2017 remove impediments to growth; sector. c) Ensure that business regulations be drafted in 358 In contrast, WA Labor will actively promote “plain english”; the “Buy Local” policy and prevail upon the Federal Government to reintroduce d) Develop mechanisms for identifying a campaign to promote Australian made unnecessary and costly compliance goods. arrangements, with the view to minimising and eliminating such costs; and SMALL BUSINESS PROMOTION AND DEVELOPMENT e) Continue to streamline regulatory functions to reduce compliance costs. 359 The Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) will be charged with the SMALL BUSINESS PARTICIPATION IN responsibility of promoting small business INDUSTRY POLICY and providing quality advisory services and 354 WA Labor is committed to introducing programs that meet the needs of small an industry policy that promotes the business in the regions and the metropolitan development of new industry and the growth area. of existing businesses. 360 WA Labor will legislate to ensure the cost of 355 It is recognised that small business has not electricity of small business end users is the always had adequate access to government same as the amount charged by Western programs aimed at enhancing the productive Power. In the case of shopping centre and performance of firms. commercial facilities that receive bulk power 356 WA Labor’s strategic industry policy will rates, these must be passed on to the end include specific small business programs users, thereby eliminating the “energy profit” that: and assisting the small business sector. a) Offer small business programs targeted GOVERNMENT PURCHASING at improving the quality of products and 361 WA Labor notes that under the previous services; Coalition Government, small business b) Enable small business to implement supplies to government were disadvantaged strategies designed to improve customer by being kept waiting for an inordinate service response times, product development amount of time for their accounts to be paid. and marketing; 362 WA Labor will continue to provide a payment c) Encourage small business to export; regime under which small business suppliers to the government are paid for services and d) Provide user friendly application procedures products provided within thirty days of a to ensure that small business is not proper account being rendered. dissuaded from taking industry improvement initiatives; and PLANNING AND SMALL BUSINESS e) Support mutual recognition legislation 363 Fluctuations in the supply of retail trading and the ongoing development uniform space in the metropolitan area has compatible legislation and regulation between unnecessarily caused undue financial Commonwealth and State Governments in the area of fair trading. WESTERN AUSTRALIAN AND AUSTRALIAN MADE PRODUCTS 357 WA Labor is concerned that successive Liberal Governments have effectively destroyed the “Australia Made” campaign to the great disadvantage of the small business
Authorised by P Gorman, 54 Cheriton St, Perth WA 6000 | 89 difficulty for small business retailers. opportunities in research and development and manufacturing. 364 WA Labor will protect the interests of small
business retailers by: In government WA Labor through economic a) Requiring impact statements on new centres inducements will: that may have an impact on existing retailers; • Plan for the transition from fossil fuels to b) Giving retailers the opportunity to comment renewable technologies. on the impact statement; and • Encourage investment in research, c) Requiring the regulatory authorities development and manufacturing in considering development proposals to take partnership between WA’s tertiary into account their likely impact on existing institutions, industry and government small business. economic agencies. ANTI-TRUST LAWS • Encourage new housing and industrial developments to have 50% + renewable 365 The small business sector has been aspirational targets. increasingly concerned about market • Develop greenfield manufacturing centres domination and concentration that is having strategically placed to retrain and redeploy a negative impact on consumer choices and jobs lost in ageing and redundant energy the vibrancy of the sector. producing technology. 366 WA Labor will continue to advocate for • Develop and retain WA rare earth national legislative arrangements that seek resources and processing that is to prevent the further domination of the critical in the manufacture of renewable market by large entities remote from the local technologies. community. TRADITIONAL OWNERS RURAL AND REGIONAL CENTRES WA Labor recognises that the long and 367 WA Labor will continue to monitor, through ongoing relationship of Aboriginal people the improved Small Business Centre with land is an essential element in restoring Network, the needs of small business in rural the environment and will increase the role and regional Western Australia. of local Aboriginals in the planning for and PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE implementation of land management this includes recognition of Traditional Owners 368 WA Labor will continually explore ways of to have included in any project development reducing insurance costs for small business. agreement the recognition that “no means 369 WA Labor acknowledges the cost of public no”. liability insurance is having a detrimental PROCUREMENT impact on small business. WA Labor affirms its commitment to local
content and local jobs. This conference WA Labor recognises that renewable energy calls upon WA Labor, when in government, technology is developing at a exponential to ensure that there is a local content rate and as such offers significant economic component in all government procurement contracts. WA Labor commits to working with key stakeholders to develop a government audit strategy to regulate construction works on state government funded projects. WA Labor is committed to ensuring that contractors
90 | 2017 WA Labor Platform 2017 on these projects do not unfairly preference Services Tax over 17 years ago. subsidised products from overseas (which are often sub-standard) where there is an WA Labor notes the objectives outlined in Australian industry that can manufacture and the 2008 Henry Review which sought create supply the product. a tax structure that will position Australia to WA Labor will engage with key stakeholders deal with the demographic, social, economic to develop a government audit strategy that and environmental challenges of the 21st will ensure contractors engaged on state century and enhance Australia’s economic government projects uphold the highest and social outcomes. occupational and health and employment standards. This audit strategy will ultimately WA Labor supports reforms to the Nation’s prevent contractors or sub-contractors tax and transfer system that align with that have consistently breached AS4801, progressive Labor values for fairness, equity, statutory employment obligations and compassion and the creation of economic industrial instruments from tendering for and opportunities for all Australians. becoming engaged on state government 372 This State Conference notes with serious projects. concern the most recent developments in WA Labor believes that all state government federal industrial legislation being pursued by funded projects should set an industry the Turnbull Coalition Government. standard for the subcontractors and contractors engaged on these projects. In particular, Conference notes the terms WA Labor will commit to establishing an of the Fair Work Amendment (Corrupting independent body or mechanism to ensure Benefits) Bill 2017 and the Fair Work principal contractors do not impose unfair (Registered Organisations) Amendment conditions on sub-contractors as well as (Ensuring Integrity) Bill 2017. guarantee security of payment for all works done on Government projects. This seriously flawed legislation represents the latest concerted attack by the Turnbull RESOLUTIONS Government on organised labour and the most fundamental labour rights such as 370 WA Labor will seek to phase out battery freedom of association. hen farming in WA and enhance labelling of commercially farmed eggs. Moreover, the Government’s stated 371 Conference resolves to support Federal intention with these Bills of improving union Labor’s commitment to undertake a governance and protecting the public interest comprehensive review of Australia’s tax is completely disingenuous. In truth, these system. laws are designed to provide a thin cover for their attacks on outspoken trade union WA Labor is encouraged by current policies critics, the longstanding connection between concerning federal tax concessions for the ALP and the Australian trade union negative gearing, superannuation and movement and to help generate criticism of capital gains and recognises that growing parliamentary colleagues who have a trade community outrage towards growing wealth union background. and income inequality is symptomatic of a need for a more radical overhaul of the tax and welfare system.
WA Labor notes that no major and lasting tax reforms have been achieved federally since the implementation of the Goods and
Authorised by P Gorman, 54 Cheriton St, Perth WA 6000 | 91 1 . Reduce harmful impacts of work; This State Conference supports laws which 2 . Promote positive aspects of work; provide appropriate criminal sanctions for 3 . Improve mental health and suicide those found to have engaged in the payment prevention literacy; or receipt of corrupting benefits designed 4 . Facilitate early intervention and treatment; to improperly influence people who hold important positions in the community. 5 . Provide return to work and ongoing This includes holders of public office such support; as politicians as well as trade union and 6 . Peer based and industry wide programs corporate office holders. The proper place for such as MATES in Construction; and those laws is in the criminal law, not through 7 . Sites near high risk / iconic locations for ad hoc additions to industrial law, which is suicide, such as mental health facilities, not a criminal jurisdiction. In this respect, should include specific provisions for Conference notes that Western Australian limiting access to the means of suicide by criminal law already provides for a penalty of the public. seven years imprisonment for these kinds of 374 The WA Labor State Conference calls upon offences. the Federal Turnbull Government to stop
unskilled temporary visa holders working in This State Conference also supports the right high risk industries such as construction. of workers to determine for themselves the Stopping unskilled and unqualified overseas internal structures of the trade unions that labour will reduce and limit the risk of injuries they belong to without undue interference and fatalities on construction sites in Western from the Federal Government. Australia. Trade unions are voluntary, democratic associations and as such it is the members 375 The WA State Conference condemns Martin of those unions who should be able to Ferguson for his persistent attacks against determine whether or not they want to the Victorian State Secretary of the CFMEU merge with other organisations. These are John Setka, the proud history of the union fundamental components of the right to movement, penalty rates for working people, freedom of association which are guaranteed the sovereign right of Australian workers by international instruments such as in the offshore oil and gas sector and the International Covenant on Economic, Social Australian Labor Party more generally. and Cultural Rights and the ILO’s Convention 87 Freedom of Association and Protection of The WA State Conference calls on Vic the Right to Organise (1948). The proposed Labor to “cut ties” with Martin Ferguson and ‘public interest’ test in the ‘Ensuring Integrity’ immediately expel Martin Ferguson from the Bill is not a genuine ‘public interest’ test. It Australian Labor Party. deprives workers of this most basic right. It is The Australian Labor Party was founded by made worse by the retrospective operation of the trade union movement on the principle the record of compliance aspect of this test. that collective action is the best way to improve circumstances of working people in Conference condemns this legislation in the the community. The WA State Conference strongest possible terms. recognises the tireless effort made by 373 The WA Labor State Government will trade unions to secure first class working include provisions in its procurement policies conditions for the Australian working public. to ensure that tender documents and 376 This State Conference calls upon the WA government contracts require the successful State Labor Government to develop and bidder on government projects to develop a implement amendments to the Construction workplace mental health plan which covers Industry Portable Paid Long Service Leave the following key areas: Act 1985 to include the following:
92 | 2017 WA Labor Platform 2017 1 . Long Service Leave payments to workers provision of training from 12 months to 3 be based on their ordinary time earnings months. including any allowances or loadings paid 379 This Conference congratulates the WA State to workers during ordinary hours of work; Labor Government for its decision to reform 2 . Long Service Leave contributions by the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 employers to be based on the ordinary (“the Act”). This decision is recognition that time earnings of their employees including the Act is totally insufficient in its current any allowances or loadings paid to form. Prior to this reform process , the WA workers during ordinary hours of work; State Government will ensure the following is 3 . Construction work performed on ships, legislated within the current Act: on Offshore Vessels, Off-shore Platforms, 1 . A tenfold increase in current penalties Rigs, Barges, FPSOs to be included in under the existing Act; the scope of the Construction Industry 2 . A further provision within S.24(1) of the Portable Paid Long Service Leave Act Act by adding the words “employees’ 1985; representative” and removing the words 4 . The period in which accrued Long Service “whatever is specified in the relevant Leave will be forfeited be extended from 2 procedure”; years to 5 years; and 3 . Enable an employee to refuse to work 5 . The time for which employees can access on the basis of a reasonable belief of their Long Service Leave be reduced from exposure to injury or harm to his or her 15 years to 10 years. health, as opposed to a risk of imminent 377 The WA State Labor Government will develop and serious injury and harm to his or and implement a system of responsibility her health as found in Section 26 of the based on the “hierarchical chain of command existing Act; of an employer organisation within the 4 . Insert provisions that enable unions the Occupational Health and Safety legislative right to prosecute employers who breach framework. the Act and the Occupational Health and This will establish a system of accountability Safety Regulation 1996 or any relevant to ensure the liability for workplace safety and standards and codes of practice on health breaches are not “shifted” from one behalf of their members; party to another and that the responsibility 5 . Require principal contractors to have a for safety compliance is lead from the highest valid Workers Compensation Certificate level of the organisations management. of Currency for all sub-contractors and 378 WA Labor recognises that the time labour hire firms engaged on any and all requirement for Health and Safety projects; and Representatives to acquire training under the 6 . To prohibit sub-contractors who do not Occupational Safety and Health Regulations have a current Workers Compensation 1996 (“the Regulations”) is too long. Certificate of Currency from undertaking Currently, under the Regulations, training work on any and all projects. for Health and Safety Representatives are WA Labor recognises that the standard of required to take place within a 12 month proof associated with prosecutions pursuant period. In the construction industry (in to the Occupational Safety and Health Act many instances), the construction project is 1984 (“the Act”) is impossibly high. Currently, completed well within the 12 month period. to successfully prosecute under the Act, the In this regard, this State Conference moves offender’s actions are required to constitute that the WA State Labor Government will “gross negligence”. develop and implement amendments to WA Labor recognises that although this Part 2 Division 1 2.2(3) of the Regulations standard sets a high bar from a legislative/ by reducing the time requirement for the legal perspective, it sets the bar too low from
Authorised by P Gorman, 54 Cheriton St, Perth WA 6000 | 93 a safety and health perspective by making it construction sites. virtually impossible to successfully prosecute. 381 This state conference calls upon the WA In this regard, this State Conference moves State Labor Government to develop and that the WA State Labor Government will, implement a licensing and registration through its reform of the Act, develop and requirement for all tradespersons working in implement amendments to the Occupational the commercial construction sector engaged Safety and Health Act 1984 (“the Act”) by on projects over $5 million in the following replacing the words “gross negligence” with fields (with consideration to the classification “non-compliance” throughout the Act, any in the current Building and Construction and all associated regulations and any and all General on-site Award 2010): associated codes of practice. a) Brickwork; 380 The WA State Labor Government will b) Carpentry (including formwork); consider developing a licensing and registration requirement for all sub- c) Window Fixing and Glazing; contracting companies engaged on d) Wall and Ceiling Fixing; commercial construction projects over $5 million. e) Tilers; Sub-contracting companies which work on f) Painting; and projects over $5 million should be required g) Plastering. to only engage trade qualified workers (or The licensing and registration requirement will those deemed trade qualified by WA TAFE) prohibit workers who are not “trade qualified” and to comply with all statutory requirements or have not obtained a Recognition of Prior including employment laws. Sub-contracting Learning Assessment (“RPL”) and Verification companies which are found to be in breach of Competency (VOC”) as determined by WA of such requirements will have their licence TAFE, to work on commercial construction suspended or revoked. sites. WA Labor supports the implementation of 382 The WA Labor State Government will a licensing and registration requirement for within its first term of Government, rescind all sub-contracting companies working the the Western Australian Building and commercial construction sector engaged on Construction Industry Code of Conduct projects over $5 million in the following fields 2016 and introduce a procurement policy with consideration to the classification in the which considers a new building code current Building and Construction General prohibiting principal contractors and or On-site Award 2010): sub-contractors who breach employment a) Brickwork; law, fail to comply with occupational health b) Carpentry (including formwork); and safety standards or breach other statutory obligations from tendering for State c) Window Fixing and Glazing; Government projects. d) Wall and Ceiling Fixing; This will include principal contractors who e) Tiling; engage sub-contractors (whether or not on f) Painting; and State Government funded projects) who breach employment laws, occupational health g) Plastering. and safety standards or don’t comply with The licensing and registration requirement will their statutory obligations from tendering for prohibit workers who are not “trade qualified” State Government projects. or have not obtained a Recognition of Prior In addition, the WA Labor State Government Learning Assessment (“RPL”) and Verification will establish a new inspectorate with the of Competency (“VOC”) as determined by resources and capacity to audit principal WA TAFE to work on large scale, commercial contractors and or sub-contractors 94 | 2017 WA Labor Platform 2017 and who will act on complaints by third unacceptable risk of corruption. WA Labor parties, including complaints by industrial will develop guidelines which will increase organisations. openness and minimise risk. WA Labor affirms its commitment to local 383 The WA Labor State Government will amend content and local jobs. the Workers’ Compensation and Injury The WA State Labor Government will ensure Management Regulations 1982 to include a that there is a local content component in all definition of Certificate of Currency in line with government procurement contracts. the equivalent NSW legislation, not currently found in the Western Australian legislation. Working with key stakeholders (including This definition will prohibit the systemic unions), the WA State Labor Government practice of employers “underinsuring” their will conduct a government audit on existing workforce to save on insurance premium construction works on State government costs. funded projects prior to handover as well as develop a strategy on future projects. The effect of this amendment will require The WA State Labor Government will ensure employers hold a certificate of currency in an that contractors on these projects do not approved form, which states: unfairly preference subsidised products from a) The nature of the business; overseas (which are often sub-standard) b) The number of workers of the employer; and where there is an Australian industry that can manufacture and supply the product. c) The amount of wages estimated to be payable by the employer. The WA State Labor Government will engage with key stakeholders (including unions) to 384 The WA State Labor Government will amend develop a government audit strategy that Section 49(I)(1) of the Industrial Relations Act will ensure contractors engaged on State 1979 to enable an authorised representative Government projects uphold the highest of an organisation to enter the premises to occupational and health and employment investigate any suspected breach of the standards. Construction Industry Portable Paid Long This audit strategy will ultimately prevent Service Leave Act 1985 and the Workers’ contractors or sub-contractors that have Compensation and Injury Management Act consistently breached AS4801, statutory 1981. employment obligations and industrial 385 The WA State Labor Government will amend instruments from tendering for and becoming S.49(I)(2)(c) of the Industrial Relations engaged on state government projects. Act 1979 to explicitly permit authorised WA Labor believes that all state government representatives to enter the premises and funded projects should set an industry to undertake searches and inspections (and standard for the subcontractors and take photographs and make audio and contractors engaged on these projects. video recordings) to investigate and record WA Labor will establish an independent body suspected breaches of occupational health or mechanism to ensure principal contractors and safety laws. do not impose unfair conditions on sub- 386 WA Consumers have the right to know that contractors as well as guarantee security of imported products meet Australian Standards payment for all works done on Government for safety and quality. projects. The WA State Labor Government will support WA Labor considers there is a lack of an intelligence led risk based approach to transparency in current procurement standards compliance on imported products practices and as a consequence there is an with a particular focus on cladding, glass,
Authorised by P Gorman, 54 Cheriton St, Perth WA 6000 | 95 insulation and plumbing. This approach will consistency with the limitation associated include: with personal injury claims (a period of 1 . New and invigorated processes for three (3) years) found within s. 14 of the sampling; Limitation Act 2005); 2 . Testing; 2 . Remove the 15% whole person impairment (WPI) and 25% WPI 3 . Labelling; restrictions for common law claims and 4 . Penalties for false and misleading conduct implement a basic standard of 5% WPI regarding claims for failure to adhere to which is consistent with other personal regulation and standards; injury claims; 5 . Appropriate governance and regulatory 3 . Ensure there is no reduction in mechanisms will be formed through compensation for an injured worker when consultation with governments, unions, electing to proceed to a common law industry and other stakeholders. claim; WA Labor also reaffirms its zero tolerance 4 . Remove the requirement of ‘total and for the importation of products containing permanent disability or incapacity’ in asbestos and non-compliant products. relation to applying for an extension 387 WA Labor notes with concern the high of the prescribed amount for weekly number of companies operating in the compensation; construction industry that use phoenix 5 . Include the ability for an injured worker to contract arrangements, sham contracting fast track liability for disputed claims or and other non-compliant contractual claims where medical treatment is needed arrangements to avoid their lawful industrial urgently; employment obligations. 6 . Toughen the penalties for employers who These unscrupulous operators not only dismiss a worker who reports an injury; undermine the integrity of the construction 7 . Make it an offence to try to influence an industry by undercutting contractors and injured worker not to make a claim; and sub-contractors that do the right thing. They 8 . Increase deceased workers dependants exploit workers by not paying entitlements benefits to bring them into line with the such as superannuation, annual leave, national standard; and redundancy and short change the public by not paying taxation at the appropriate levels. 9 . Resolve the ‘defacto’ anomaly for deceased workers compensation. In addition, the practices they engage in lead to insolvencies and company collapses that 389 This State Conference condemns the Barnett have a devastating effect on workers and Liberal Government for their appalling record sub-contractors and encourage practices on occupational health and safety, with that see companies palm off risk down the more fatalities 2014-2017 than at any other contracting chain. time over the past seven years. This state conference is extremely concerned about 388 This state conference calls for the WA State the high number of avoidable workplace Labor Government to develop and implement accidents that take place in Australia, the following amendments to the Workers’ especially in WA, every year. The WA State Compensation and Injury Management Act Labor Government will implement reforms 1981 (“the Act”) so that in broad terms, to Worksafe to ensure greater compliance workers injured by negligence of their by Western Australian companies with employer are not worse off than other West occupational health and safety standards. Australians: WA Labor will review the effectiveness and 1 . Remove the termination day for an efficacy of state based legislation, regulation election to retain the right to seek and enforcement in WA. WA Labor will ensure damages in respect of an injury to ensure that WorkSafe or an alternate independent 96 | 2017 WA Labor Platform 2017 inspectorate is well resourced and properly are operating under significant pressure positioned to actively enforce health and and are required to respond and react to safety laws, including: consistently changing and often hazardous 1 . WorkSafe Inspectors working in the work environments. construction industry must have sufficient This state conference unequivocally supports experience in high risk disciplines within the right of every worker to go home safely the construction industry; and calls on the WA State Labor Government 2 . Worksafe is funded sufficiently to ensure to immediately reinstate funding to Worksafe it prosecutes all employers who fail and/or implement a self-funding model to the to comply with occupational health same level. and safety laws and regulations in WA Labor condemns the previous Liberal circumstances where there is potential for Government’s cuts to WorkSafe which workers to be exposed to injury or harm has reduced the funding to the WorkSafe to their health; library. This has had the direct effect of 3 . Worksafe is funded sufficiently to ensure reducing the support given to safety and employers who continue to fail to comply health representatives to achieve high safety with occupational health and safety laws standards in the construction industry in and regulations are prosecuted; and Western Australia. 4 . Worksafe Inspectors to issue on-the- The WA State Labor Government will spot fines to employers who breach the reinstate funding to WorkSafe to ensure occupational safety and health laws and the librarian position within WorkSafe is regulations with such fines to assist in the maintained to enable safety and health funding of Worksafe. representatives to properly research breaches. WA Labor recognises the need for a proactive safety regulator to restore high 391 WA Labor supports the WA State Labor safety standards, as well as confidence in the Government’s inquiry into the effectiveness system. and efficacy of state based occupational health and safety legislation, regulation and 390 WA Labor condemns the previous Liberal enforcement in Western Australia. Government’s cuts to WorkSafe. WA Labor recognises that these cuts have had the Through this inquiry, the WA State Labor effect of: Government will institute amendments to the legislative regime to: 1 . abolishing WorkSafe inspector positions 1 . Ensure WorkSafe inspectors regularly 2 . reducing support positions for WorkSafe undertake random, unannounced and inspectors, causing WorkSafe inspectors targeted inspections of workplaces; to spend more time at their desk instead of at workplaces; and 2 . Assess the competency of WorkSafe inspectors to ensure the highest quality 3 . reducing WorkSafe’s ability to perform its inspectors are employed within WorkSafe; functions in regional and remote areas of WA. 3 . Assess the remuneration of WorkSafe inspectors to ensure WorkSafe inspectors In addition, these cuts have had a direct receive wages commensurate to the impact on health and safety in Western industry they are working in; Australian workplaces, particularly in high risk industries such as construction, the maritime 4 . Establish the right for unions to prosecute industry, electrical industry, transport and employers for breaches that affect the manufacturing. In these industries workers workers that they represent; 5 . Incorporate a system of “on the spot fines” to motivate the creation of a more effective safety framework by principal
Authorised by P Gorman, 54 Cheriton St, Perth WA 6000 | 97 contractors and employers; 6 . the increased use of temporary visa 6 . Promote a “self-funding” model for the workers; WorkSafe system, including the review 7 . underemployment of workers; and and implementation of ‘on the spot’ fines; 8 . non-payment of subcontractors. 7 . Increase and broaden the scope WA Labor recognises that the ABCC is of penalties under the legislation to undemocratic and unnecessary, given there encompass the hierarchical chain of are existing industrial laws that encompass command of employer organisations; and all industries and working people across 8 . Ensure that penalties for employers are Australia. Construction workers should not be reflective of the seriousness of the harmful isolated and subject to oppressive laws. act. WA Labor congratulates the Federal WA Labor recognises the need for a Parliamentary Labor Party on its commitment proactive safety regulator to restore high to abolish the ABCC upon gaining safety standards as well as confidence in the government. system. 393 WA Labor condemns the Turnbull 392 WA Labor condemns the Turnbull Government for its war on workers through Government for its targeted attacks on its harsh and unfair industrial relations construction workers through the resurrection policies. In particular, this WA Labor of the Australian Building and Construction Conference condemns the anti-worker Commission (ABCC). Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) for prosecuting WA Labor notes that the ABCC’s approximately 530 construction workers in overwhelming purpose is to “police” workers Western Australia for supporting their industry and their representatives in the construction to ensure better pay, improved safety and the industry and to constrain construction creation of local employment opportunities. workers’ access to representation, pay equality, better safety and local employment WA Labor unequivocally supports the right opportunities. of workers to participate in peaceful protests WA Labor recognises the ABCC does not without the fear of prosecution and fines. address any substantial issues within the 394 WA Labor notes that major structural flaws construction industry. In fact, the existence of exist in the current superannuation systems the ABCC has only inflammed tensions and which put women and minority groups at exacerbated problems within the construction a disadvantage. On average women will industry. accumulate 46.6% less in superannuation Further, the ABCC and associated Building than men; and one in three women retire with Code has done nothing to address the no superannuation at all. reduction in workplace conditions and WA Labor knows that increasing financial outcomes for workers in the construction literacy is essential to ensuring financial industry, including: security in retirement for women and minority 1 . low apprenticeship opportunities and groups. completions; WA Labor also knows that addressing the 2 . poor/insufficient safety; gender pay gap and improving workplace 3 . a high number of insolvencies causing flexibility to enable greater female participation financial difficulties for construction in the economy will increase financial security workers and their families; for women and will benefit the Australian economy. 4 . further workplace deaths (particularly as a result of reduced union presence and WA Labor will make financial literacy representation on site); mandatory in secondary education and investigate how to improve financial security 5 . sham contracting;
98 | 2017 WA Labor Platform 2017 for all women and minority groups. on. WA Labor will work to address the gender WA Labor knows that worker exploitation is pay gap and investigate strategies to increase widespread across the Australian workforce. workplace participation. Such conduct includes unpaid wages and 395 WA Labor notes with concern the emergence entitlements, excessive overtime, threats of what is known as ‘the black economy’: and intimidation, abuse of vulnerability and a people and businesses that operate outside failure to comply with proper safety standards the tax system or who do not correctly report for workers. their tax obligations. WA Labor acknowledges that the lack WA Labor notes that the black economy in of regulations regarding subcontracting Australia is complex and expanding. The and labour hire arrangements contributes growth of new business models, such as the to worker exploitation, particularly in the sharing economy, is contributing to increasing cleaning and security industries. complexities. WA Labor knows that, in cases of worker WA Labor is concerned that the larger the exploitation, the principal employer is often black economy grows, the more revenue that a major retailer, government agency or could fund public services will be lost. commercial building owner, with virtually no scrutiny or accountability for labour abuses WA Labor should act swiftly to curb growth of that occur within their supply chain. the black economy. WA Labor will protect West Australian WA Labor notes the limitations of traditional workers from unscrupulous employers by: tax enforcement approaches in tackling the black economy. WA Labor must look 1 . Setting up a WA licensing scheme and to innovation by other OECD countries and developing a code of conduct to regulate emerging technologies for best practice, labour hire operators that includes: effective policy options. Policy harmonisation • A fit and proper person test on owners/ between all levels of government and directors of labour hire companies and coordination with the business community is authorised representatives of such vital in order to curb black economy growth. companies; WA Labor reaffirms that governments must • A threshold capital requirement based on only engage in procurement practices with held assets and revenue and cash flow; private organisations which have a good tax • Annual reporting requirements; record. • A compliance unit within Government; WA Labor condemns the low wage growth • A fee and bond structure which at least condoned under the Federal Liberal partially funds such a compliance unit Government which increases incentives for 2 . Advocating for a national licensing individuals to turn to the black economy. scheme that: WA Labor is concerned that employees in • Holds principal contractors responsible for the black economy are highly vulnerable to the employment standards of their sub- exploitation such as wage theft, losing out on contractors; superannuation contributions and potentially forgoing protections such as worker • Requires increased transparency and compensation. accountability measures in supply chains of vulnerable industries, such as cleaning and WA Labor believes that these facets of the security; black economy are rampant with current employer penalties for such behaviour too • Extends mandatory transparency and soft, noting cases like the 7-11 pay scandal. due diligence reporting measures to public bodies so that public procurement 396 This Conference believes every worker should contracts are only awarded to companies have a decent and secure job they can count that provide evidence of compliance
Authorised by P Gorman, 54 Cheriton St, Perth WA 6000 | 99 with employment standards throughout Western Australia’s future energy network. supply chains both domestically and WA Labor will keep Synergy in public internationally; ownership and: • Imposes significant penalties for the use of • Re-focus Synergy’s corporate strategy on unlicensed or unregistered labour hire firms maintaining its position as a public utility by ‘host’ or ‘primary’ employers. that delivers economic and social value to • Establishes a public, centralised repository the community. of supply chains transparency and human • Re-focus Synergy on leading the rights due diligence reports. transformation of the electricity sector by • Promotes responsible supply chains providing a renewed focus on meeting practices to companies including multi- the rapidly changing needs of customers stakeholder initiatives that include worker and managing the changes in generation voice; and regularly engage with relevant technologies to a low emission future government, business and worker with increasing distributed and renewable representative bodies on a genuinely generation. tripartite basis. • Establish a Ministerial Energy Consultation • Increases OHS requirements and Forum and increase community and regulation of accommodation standards. stakeholder consultation. 397 WA Labor recognises that the Australian • Continue on the path towards removing Dream of home ownership is becoming the cost burden of energy on the State harder and harder for many Australians to Budget (to encourage innovation, provide achieve, particularly those on low incomes. for more efficient and sustainable use West Australians are spending longer renting patterns, provide greater customer due to increased costs of living and a lack of engagement and to reduce taxpayer affordable housing. subsidies that do not target vulnerable customers). WA Labor believes that, as well as tackling the issue of home ownership affordability, WA Labor will implement a Just Transition action must be taken to assist those renting Plan that will: their homes. • Initiate a Working Group made up of local West Australians in rental properties deserve Members of Parliament, industry workers, the opportunity to have a place where they local councils and relevant energy unions. can enjoy their lives, raise a family, have a pet This group would begin convening before 1 and call their home. December 2017, with a projected end date of December 2018. WA Labor will commence a review of the rights and responsibilities of those renting • Recognise that coal-powered generation properties and the Residential Tenancy Act, and related industries are facing increasing in consultation with all stakeholders within the challenges due to rapid changes in energy residential rental market. demand and technologies. 398 WA Labor affirms its commitment to a • Identify and build renewable energy publicly controlled energy system that: projects in existing energy producing communities such as Collie and Bunbury. • Ensures reliability • Provide new jobs. • Protects the disadvantaged • Re-train workers for the transition to new • Supports jobs and industry development energy technologies. • Is not a financial drain on the State Budget • Build community capacity to help with • Is environmentally sustainable. economic transition and maintain vibrant WA Labor will keep Western Power in public communities. hands and enable it to be the platform for 399 This Conference recognises:
100 | 2017 WA Labor Platform 2017 a) our leasehold lands have been the traditional title interest holders by developing and lands of Aboriginal Australians over millennia resourcing a framework and process for and that this deep connection to Country fair and equitable negotiation of Indigenous carries with it real needs, cultural obligations Land Use Agreements; and an ethos of custodianship which requires E) Provide for regulatory facilitators and ongoing involvement and attention; lease business plan development so that b) the dynamics of the pastoral estate are leaseholders can readily and affordably rapidly changing and diversification into other transition to more sustainable enterprises industries will provide better environmental and activities; and economic outcomes for leaseholders F) Develop and encourage frameworks for and the state as a whole; Aboriginal Australians with native title interests to more readily access traditional c) he state’s leasehold tenure system should lands on leasehold land without negatively provide for the economic sustainability of impacting on production and profitability; leaseholders while protecting the natural landscapes upon which they depend; and G) Implement a voluntary stewardship program funded from carbon sequestration d) the majority of pastoral leases have significant royalties which actively supports and degradation and related productivity issues encourages leaseholders to remediate which should be actively addressed. degraded areas and protect areas of To promote these objectives, a WA Labor conservation or production value; Government will: H) Develop clear investment pathways for A) Work with leaseholders, Traditional diversification options on leasehold land Owners and stakeholders to make such as carbon sequestration projects, available a new form of tenure known as a native medicinal crops, and other Rangelands Lease which allows for sustainable enterprises; i ) diversification into economically and I) Monitor and make publicly available ecologically sustainable activities such the condition of pastoral leases to help as cultural tourism and carbon farming, improve management, protect important and cultural sites, and to ensure that all future ii ) greater involvement by native title land-use options are retained. interest holders over the future of 400 This Conference acknowledges that the Bank leasehold lands. Importantly, such of Western Australia Act 1995 was enacted leases could only be secured through to allow the former R&I state bank to be the signing of an Indigenous Land Use privatised. This Act was amended in 2012 Agreement and would not extinguish to satisfy requirements due to the sale of the native title interests in the land; bank to the Commonwealth Bank of Australia B) Drive the development and up-take of (CBA). This Act had a 5 year duration and enterprises and activities while working lapses in September 2017. within the natural capacity of the land and The amendment Act imposed several to assist in the restoration of degraded conditions on CBA as the purchaser which lands; included guarantees that maintained the C) Ensure a more representative and broad- number of branches in metropolitan and based governance framework for leasehold regional Western Australia and ensured back land which serves all sectors and industries office support roles reporting to the Chief involved in owning leases; D) Support leaseholders who transition to a Rangelands Lease and local native
Authorised by P Gorman, 54 Cheriton St, Perth WA 6000 | 101 Information Officer, Chief Financial Officer, undertake a significant local leadership role Chief Risk Officer and Head of Human by developing Strategic Community Plans Resources remain in Perth, Western Australia. that represent the needs and desires of their WA Labor understands the importance communities. of services to citizens in metropolitan, In developing these plans, local governments regional and remote areas and this Labor engage directly with their residents and Government: communities. • give active consideration to enacting WA Labor believes that these locally legislation in the future if BankWest does developed plans should be a prime not met its ongoing obligations to the consideration of state government agencies State; as they develop or implement policies that • calls on CBA to meet with the Government affect the regions and local communities. and stakeholders, including the Finance 403 WA Labor will ensure that Section Sector Union, to discuss the protection 26(2A),(2B),(2C),(2D),(2E) will be central to of BankWest jobs in WA and to Keep the consideration of a review of the Industrial BankWest Local & Strong. Relations Act 1979. 401 The WA State Labor Government to develop 404 Conference calls on the WA Labor and implement a licensing and registration Government to implement changes to requirement for all sub-contracting provide greater job security to Government- companies engaged on commercial contracted workers through ensuring construction projects over $5 million. portability of all entitlements, especially LSL Sub-contracting companies which work on and redundancy when these Government projects over $5 million shall be required to contracts are awarded to another contractor. only engage trade qualified workers (or those The following resolutions are vital to deemed trade qualified by WA TAFE) and ensure the portability of all entitlements for to comply with all statutory requirements Government-contracted workers who are including employment laws. Sub-contracting employed for State Government work: companies which are found to be in breach • Insertion of LSL portability provisions into of such requirements will have their licence the Long Service Leave Act 1958 (WA) or suspended or revoked. the enactment of a new act specifically WA Labor supports the implementation of applying to LSL entitlements of workers in a licensing and registration requirement for the Government contracted industry; all sub-contracting companies working the • Implement changes to provide greater commercial construction sector engaged on job security to Government contracted projects over $5 million in the following fields workers ensuring that transmission of with consideration to the classification in the business for State Government contracts current Building and Construction On Site state that all employees continue their Award): a) Brickwork;b) Carpentry (including employment under new contractors and formwork);c) Window Fixing and Glazing;d) Wall and Ceiling Fixing;e) Painting; andf) • Review of current legislation for Plastering. transmission of business for State Government contracts to ensure that The licensing and registration requirement will all these employees’ years of service is prohibit workers who are not “trade qualified” recognised. or have not obtained a Recognition of Prior Learning Assessment (“RPL”) and Verification 405 State Conference condemns the Federal of Competency (VOC”) as determined by WA Government for its ideological attack on their TAFE to work on large scale, commercial own workforce which now spans more than construction sites. three years. 402 WA Labor recognises that local governments The Federal Government, through its bargaining framework, has sought to cut 102 | 2017 WA Labor Platform 2017 employees’ rights and conditions, while also and the knowledge sector. forcing employees to accept below inflation This Conference calls on Federal Labor to pay-rises. develop a strategy to support the funding The Federal Government’s attack on its own of jobs and research, as well as scientists’ employees fails to recognise the important salaries, attraction and retention of jobs in work these employees undertake serving the WA. Australian community. It also demonstrates 407 This Conference: the disdain with which the Abbott/Turnbull • Acknowledges the Federal Labor Party’s Governments hold working people. commitment at the last Federal Election State Conference recognises that to lift service standards for the Australian government employees play a critical role in community by converting casual jobs at serving the Australian community and, like DHS into permanent jobs. other employees, should be treated fairly • Calls on Federal Labor to continue working and with respect by their employer and able with the CPSU to improve vital service to maintain their employment rights and delivery and public service provision to our conditions. community. State Conference recognises that • Condemns the Turnbull Government for its inadequacies within the Fair Work Act allow ongoing attacks on its own workforce and intractable employers with an ideological on the vital public services that we all rely agenda to frustrate genuine bargaining on. and threaten the rights and conditions of employees. • Calls on the Federal Government to maintain and increase public sector State Conference acknowledges that it is employment in WA metropolitan and important that the Fair Work Act provide regional areas. workers with a level playing field when dealing with employers in bargaining. • Calls on the Federal Government to end the use of labour hire arrangements to Accordingly, State Conference calls on displace permanent APS employment. Federal Labor to work with unions to improve the Fair Work Act by: • Calls on the Federal Labor Party to work with the CPSU to restore the APS jobs • Amending the bargaining provisions of that have been cut by successive Federal the Fair Work Act to establish a better Governments. legislative system for workers in bargaining, that provides for genuine bargaining 408 WA Labor reaffirms its view that the gender processes and allows for effective action pay gap in all its forms constitutes a serious to be taken against recalcitrant employers; barrier to women’s equality. and WA Labor recognises that the pay gap in • Amending the industrial action provisions Australia takes three forms: of the Fair Work Act to ensure workers’ • ‘glass ceilings’ (the domination of high rights to take protected industrial action status jobs by men), are protected and not subject to excessive • ‘glass walls’ (majorities of men and women restrictions that currently apply. in separate industries where female 406 WA Labor condemns the Federal Liberal majority industries are less well paid) and Government’s approach to public sector • employment status (the high levels of science which is having broad ranging women doing part-time and casual work). deleterious effects on science and research Glass walls exist because individuals’ choices in WA. are influenced by structural factors and WA Labor condemns the Federal Liberal social norms. Caring responsibilities and Government in its inaction to call out climate sceptics and those who denigrate science
Authorised by P Gorman, 54 Cheriton St, Perth WA 6000 | 103 the availability of flexible and part-time work in Australia and around the world is at an all- restrict the range of roles that are available to time high. women. Not all industries and workplaces are WA Labor notes that this rise in inequality has flexible. coincided with an attack on the rights and WA Labor is concerned that mechanisms ability of Unions to organise and campaign currently in place to address the for a fairer workplaces, communities and undervaluation of feminised industries and societies. support the most vulnerable in the workforce WA Labor notes that those in the service, such as precarious, unskilled, low paid or un- care and contracting industries are unionised workers when requesting flexible particularly affected by this broken system workplace arrangements are not adequate. through insecure, casualised and low paid WA Labor recognises that access to work. affordable child care is important in helping While corporate profits have risen, wages people manage caring responsibilities and have stagnated, safety standards have been work. wound back and the human right of workers WA Labor will continue to endeavour to act to withdraw their labour has been severely as a leader in supporting attitudinal shifts compromised. about pay equity at a whole-of-society level WA Labor is committed to fixing our industrial which will flow through institutions, legislation relations system to ensure everyone has a fair and enterprises. go. 409 WA Labor believes that all Australians have 411 WA Labor supports Australian Labor’s plans a responsibility to pay a fair share of tax to to protect the penalty rates of working ensure quality government services and Australians in Hospitality, Retail and Fast infrastructure. Food industries. Low paid workers relying WA Labor expresses its concern at the on penalty rates give up valuable family behaviour of some multinational corporations time to work on weekends, evenings, and who employ aggressive tax avoidance public holidays and should be compensated methods to avoid contributing their fair share. accordingly. WA Labor believes the responsibility for WA Labor condemns the recent decision budget repair and deficit reduction should by the Fair Work Commission to cut penalty not only fall on those hard working everyday rates for workers and the failure of the Australians and business who pay their taxes Turnbull Liberal Government to intervene or on those who rely on the services that and protect the wages of hard working West Governments cut to make budget savings. Australians. The failure to act by Malcolm WA Labor is committed to ensuring that Turnbull and the WA Liberals demonstrates those who avoid their responsibilities pay their that they do not care about everyday working fair share. West Australians. WA Labor calls on the Turnbull Liberal WA Labor knows that these cuts to penalty Government to stop supporting cuts to rates will be the difference between putting penalty rates and vital Government services, food on the table, paying the bills and making and instead pursues those companies and end meets for many West Australians. At individuals who do not pay their fair share. a time when West Australians are suffering growing inequality, low wage growth and 410 WA Labor believes that Federal Industrial increasing costs of living, our lowest paid Rules in Australia are currently broken. workers should not have to suffer cuts to their Everyday working people have seen their income. rights eroded and attacked by the current Federal Government. WA Labor recognises that these cuts will disproportionately affect women and young This Conference recognises that inequality people, widening the gender pay gap and
104 | 2017 WA Labor Platform 2017 putting the Australian dream further out of that has standing to bring prosecutions for reach. breaches of the OSH Act and associated WA Labor also recognises this is the thin regulations. edge of the wedge and will continue to WA Labor recognises that this can lead to oppose efforts to attack the penalty rates of unfair outcomes when WorkSafe is under- police, nurses, aged care workers, disability resourced and not in a position to prosecute support workers and many others in our all viable cases. community who work outside traditional WA Labor notes clause 216 of the chapter, business hours. which reads: 216. A WA Labor Government 412 WA Labor notes that, under the current will implement legislation to allow for trade system, breaches of the OSH Act are unions and other third parties to bring about heard in the Magistrate’s Court: the least prosecutions against breaches of the Work senior court in the Western Australian court Health and Safety Act and Regulations . hierarchy. Accordingly, WA Labor in government Decisions are not publicly recorded in the commits itself to conducting a comprehensive Magistrate’s Court so there is no way of review and rewrite of occupational health and tracking serial offenders or determining a safety legislation and regulation in WA and, as Magistrate’s reasons for sentencing. a part of that, enacting an amendment to the WA Labor believes that occupational health OSH Act to give effect to clause 216 so that, and safety is everyone’s concern and that we, where a prosecution is brought by WorkSafe, as West Australians, have a right to a safe third parties may join the proceedings as workplace. an interested party and third parties have the standing to bring prosecutions where WA Labor believes that the Magistrate’s Court WorkSafe either chooses not to or in matters is not the right jurisdiction for OSH breaches that are not referred to WorkSafe. as it sends the wrong message about the priority of OSH in our state. 414 WA Labor notes the Construction Industry Portable Paid Long Service Leave Act 1985 WA Labor in government commits to (“the Construction LSL Act”) was enacted to amending legislation so that: provide a portable long service leave system • Alleged OSH breaches can be heard as for construction workers in recognition of indictable offences; the transitory nature of the industry and the • Alleged OSH breaches can be heard as resulting disadvantage construction workers indictable offences; suffer in terms of their entitlements. • Alleged OSH breaches can be heard as WA Labor recognises the hundreds of indictable offences; Western Australian construction workers who WA Labor also recognises that the have worked in construction roles on offshore Magistrate’s Court has a specialist safety vessels and who accrued long service leave and health magistrate and commits to either under the Construction LSL Act up until appointing an analogous specialist judge 2016. in the District Court or providing specialist WA Labor further notes the decision of WA training to sitting judges. Industrial Relations Commission in Thompson 413 WA Labor condemns the apathy of the v The Construction Industry Long Service Barnett Government towards occupational Leave Payments Board 2016 WAIRC health and safety in Western Australia, which 00054, which found that construction work saw the Occupational Safety and Health Act performed on ships is excluded from the 1984 (“the OSH Act”) go without substantive jurisdiction of the Construction LSL Act. As a change or update for eight years. Under result of this decision, hundreds of thousands current legislation, WorkSafe is the only body of banked hours were taken away from the hundreds of workers who had accrued them
Authorised by P Gorman, 54 Cheriton St, Perth WA 6000 | 105 over the past seven years. in occupational health and safety in FIFO WA Labor condemns the previous Barnett industries; and Government for failing to act on this • There is a need for a Code of Practice on issue despite the clear need to bring the FIFO work arrangements. Construction LSL Act into the modern era: WA Labor condemns the lack of substantive where construction work on offshore ships action from the Barnett Government on is a common and frequent feature of the this issue and for failing to implement the construction industry. recommendations from the Committee. WA Labor commits to amending the WA Labor agrees with the findings of the Construction LSL Act so that it covers Committee on the need for real action to construction work on offshore ships and address mental health in FIFO practices and vessels, and similarly commits to working accordingly commits to: with the MyLeave Board, relevant unions • Adopting and implementing the and stakeholders to re-credit the accrued Committee’s recommendations; and long service leave that was taken away from • Continuing work into addressing ways of construction workers in the wake of the State improving mental health support for FIFO Commission’s decision. workers in construction and mining. 415 WA Labor notes the valuable work of the
Education and Health Standing Committee CHAPTER 5: TRANSPORT, ROADS, and its report The Impact of FIFO Work INFRASTRUCTURE AND PLANNING Practices on Mental Health in 2015. The Committee’s inquiry was initiated after a spate of FIFO suicides in the construction and 1 Land use and transport planning is a process mining industries, and increasing concern by which WA Labor can ensure a fair about the impact FIFO was having on the distribution of resources and opportunities mental health of workers, their families, and for community participation and economic the flow-on effects onto the community. development. The Committee identified that: 2 Integrated land use planning, environmental • Nearly 10% of WA’s population is directly protection, transport, infrastructure and impacted by FIFO; industry policies will deliver better social, • Clear data and records were not being economic and environmental outcomes. kept by anyone regarding FIFO workers 3 Economic, Environmental and Social and their experiences; Sustainability principles are to be considered • Recent studies suggest that the prevalence in all Transport, Planning and Infrastructure of mental health problems amongst the decisions. FIFO workforce is approximately 30%, 4 WA Labor will maximise public infrastructure which is notably above the national efficiency and equity across all urban average of 20%; and regional areas of Western Australia. • The demographic features of the FIFO WA Labor will identify priority projects for workforce reflects an increased risk government spending on health, education of suicide compared to the general and employment while integrating transport population; infrastructure. • That even-time rosters are the most 5 WA Labor will ensure that we make the favourable FIFO rosters for mental most efficient use of available land and wellbeing; infrastructure. • Further specific research is needed into the 6 Strategic and well researched public mental health of FIFO workers; education, rebate and incentive programs • There is a clear need for legislative change are vital to achieving environmental and
106 | 2017 WA Labor Platform 2017 social sustainability objectives. WA Labor continued provision of cycle ways and cycle recognises the importance of continuing friendly roads that are fully integrated with the current state government initiatives such as public transport network; Travel Smart and Living Smart programs. In f) Increase capacity for bicycles to be taken addition to Government programs WA Labor to Public Transport Hubs and safely stored will support community based initiatives. during peak and off peak times; and 7 WA Labor believes in the importance of the g) Provide incentives to businesses that provision of public sector common user promote and encourage flexible work hours berths across ports in Western Australia. and travel to and from work outside of peak Regionally based Port Authorities play an hours and the ability to work from home. important role in providing a stable economic base in our regions. 12 Support research and trials into alternative transport fuels, methods and technologies TRANSPORT with the goal of reducing reliance on fossil WA Labor will: fuels and improving greenhouse gas emission 8 Plan transport infrastructure to: levels and local air quality. a) Be affordable and efficient; 13 Develop policies and initiatives to continue to improve community and transport safety, b) Optimize the amenity of urban areas; including: c) Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other a) Constant reviews of the effectiveness of road environmental impacts; safety campaigns; d) Incorporate best practice standards of health b) Encouraging new community awareness and safety; initiatives and underpinning legislation; e) Support people with disabilities; c) Provision of appropriate security on all public f) Encourage innovation and flexibility; and transport systems and their associated infrastructure; g) provide facilities and support for long distance truck drivers servicing the needs of the North d) The integration of safety principles in all land West. and transport planning and developments; 9 Continue to review, plan, upgrade and e) Support for local government in road safety extend access to all forms of public transport and accident prevention on local government supported by the allocation of appropriate roads; and levels of government funding. f) Initiate and fund pro-active road safety 10 Examine the mechanism by which the Public research and trials on the effectiveness of Transport Authority fare structures are a power to weight ratio restriction for all decided upon, to ensure cost equity across probationary drivers, and to investigate the network, while maintaining an efficient low the benefits and delivery of Advanced or cost system for all Western Australians. Defensive Driving Courses to new drivers. 11 Focus on promoting alternatives, such as: 14 Recognise that Western Australia’s unique geographic location makes a vibrant and a) Public transport priority lanes; viable aviation industry a necessity and use b) Light and rapid transit systems; its regulatory power to create competition c) Support for local government to improve whilst balancing the coverage and stability of existing pedestrian environments; intrastate networks. WA Labor will: d) Safe pedestrian friendly precincts in central, a) Encourage and develop the expansion of suburban and regional areas; State, interstate and international services; and e) Encourage greater use of cycling through the b) Co-operate with the Commonwealth and Authorised by P Gorman, 54 Cheriton St, Perth WA 6000 | 107 local governments, to ensure that regional the State; airport facilities and both Perth and Jandakot c) Support the continued integration of local Airports meet the current and future needs of and regional planning strategies into an the community. overarching State Planning Strategy. Perth’s 15 Develop appropriate water transport policies urban development will be focused within to protect our sensitive marine environments the boundaries of the Metropolitan Regional and waterways. Scheme; 16 Research, develop and fund bulk freight d) Continue its commitment to development transport networks, road, rail and sea, as around activity centres and transit hubs; appropriate, to encourage the reduction of e) Develop activity centres throughout the greenhouse gas emissions and respond to metropolitan area and in regional areas to issues of community safety and peace of provide employment, amenity, access to mind. public transport and good education and 17 Continue to recognise the fundamental role of health services; Trade Unions in representing transport sector f) Ensure adequate and sustainable availability employees in our State. of suitably zoned land in regional WA to meet 18 Support Australian crewed shipping services affordable housing needs; from Western Australian ports through the g) Ensure retention of open space for recreation, application of State subsidies. In particular, food gardening and climate control so this is WA Labor will support Australian crewed a priority in future planning decisions; shipping services to regional Western Australia and work with shippers to ensure h) Strengthen the role of local parks, reserves access arrangements for regular berthing and conservation areas to preserve schedules. natural amenity and protect these valuable community resources for the future; 19 Improve coordination between State and Federal transportation safety authorities to i) Strategically improve residential development, enhance the safety of freight transport. focusing on sustainable housing developments around transport hubs. This 20 WA Labor will: will ensure population densities provide the a) Ensure port authorities are locally based, able critical mass for a more efficient and user to meet community needs, and have board friendly public transport network; members comprised of industry, workforce, j) Ensure all housing subdivisions are designed trade union and community representatives; so the maximum number of lots have full b) Oppose the privatisation of existing and solar access, which will allow for optimum future ports and the outsourcing of port energy efficiency; infrastructure, maintenance and operations. k) Facilitate increased housing diversity, density, PLANNING AND URBAN SERVICES affordability and choice; 21 WA Labor will: l) Ensure all planning approvals will stringently apply energy, water and transport efficiency a) Ensure that planning decisions are based criteria to meet best practice standards; on extensive community engagement and consultation, with all relevant stakeholders m) Develop and fund a range of initiatives given appeal rights, to determine if a local and incentives to improve the energy and area is suitable, not suitable or should be water efficiency of public and private rental made off-limits for future development; properties; b) Through the planning process, improve protection and management of bushland, wetlands and marine environments across
108 | 2017 WA Labor Platform 2017 n) Ensure all public and community housing, has coastal trading run is now done by Flag of insulation installed; Convenience vessels with exploited overseas labour being paid as little as $1.25 per hour. o) Support policies that encourage the
sustainability of existing housing through Exploiting the intent of the coastal trading act appropriate retrofits, renovations and the 2012, Alcoa applied for temporary licences efficient use of resources; when there were Australian ships available p) Ensure land developers and builders and the Federal Liberal government allowed it showcase affordable and environmentally to happen. The volume of temporary licences sustainable housing options with a focus on issued since the loss of the MV Portland a smaller physical footprint, with a special shows there is sufficient trade to sustain an emphasis on efficient water and energy use; Australian ship. q) Assist developers and builders to showcase housing options that allow for flexibility in Alcoa enjoy huge tax payer subsidies from use over the life of the building, including the Victorian government yet refuse to occupancy levels and disability access; and employ Australian seafarers in a permanent transport leg of their operations despite r) Ensure that local Authorities and land this transport requirement being completely developers approve the inclusions of domestic coastal trade. appropriate Sustainable Technologies for
current and future new housing. This would WA Labor Government will meet the Victorian include Clotheslines, Water Tanks, Grey Government and Alcoa regarding the Water Systems and Solar Panels for Power use of foreign flagged vessels on a purely and Water Heating. coastal trade to demand that tax payers s) Review the operation of Building Regulations subsidies are used to support Australian creating categories of bushfire zones to jobs, not eradicate them. Further WA Labor ensure their effectiveness without creating Government will demand that an Australian unintended and unfair outcomes crewed ship is to recommence on this RESOLUTION Australian trade. 23 This State Conference meeting recognises 22 Australian workers have been involved in the that Western Australia’s publicly-owned ports exploration and mining of bauxite, refining deliver an annual dividend to the consolidated of bauxite into alumina, shipping of alumina revenue of the State Government. Many of around the coast and the smelting of alumina the Regional towns were built around those for over a half a century. Local employees Ports and they are an important part of the have loyally and skilfully maintained the regional communities creating stable jobs for profitability of the company and Australian the local community. seafarers on Australian ships have always
carried this cargo for Alcoa. As such this State Conference proposes
that the Government amend Section 60 Australian crewed ships carried Alumina of the Port Authorities Act 1999 Matters from Kwinana Western Australia to Portland to be included in statement of corporate Victoria for over 25 years. The MV Portland intent to exclude the requirement set out was introduced with radically lower crewing in sub-section (k)(a) for Port Authorities to scales that ensured the commercial viability provide a detailed report on the “proposed on that basis over the last 27 years. arrangements to facilitate the participation
of potential suppliers in the provision of port On January 13th 2015, the crew of the MV services or, if no arrangements are proposed, Portland were removed from their ship in the the reason and justification for their absence”. middle of the night by 30 security guards. As this requirement is inconsistent with The ship then sailed to Singapore and the
Authorised by P Gorman, 54 Cheriton St, Perth WA 6000 | 109 Labor’s Platform in regard to keeping WA ports in public hands and supporting local Consistent with the current platform, the jobs and local communities. McGowan State Labor Government will commit to ensure Utah Point is not be 24 WA Labor will continue to support Fremantle privatised. Port’s current services at the Australian Maritime Complex (AMC). Further, WA Labor 27 WA ports are a critical public asset and will insource the management of all land and belong to all Western Australians. They are leases as well as the security functions at the the cornerstone of many local communities AMC. These services are being duplicated at and deliver enormous economic benefit to a cost to the State and WA would be better Western Australia. served if it all came under the Fremantle Port jurisdiction. This Conference congratulates the McGowan Labor Government’s commitment to maintain 25 Regional Port Authorities are critical to their Fremantle Port as an operational port in local economies because apart from their public ownership and its commitment to function of encouraging and facilitating the properly assess the validity of the Outer development of trade for the economic Harbour and timing of such a significant benefit of their region and the broader state, public investment. If the Barnett Liberal they also create direct employment and Government took the same course of action, support local communities. our State wouldn’t be in such an economic
mess. Conference congratulates the McGowan
State Labor Government for initiating a Currently, we are seeing an increased Review – chaired by Laurie Graham MLC lobbying effort to prematurely build the Outer – into the previous Barnett government’s Harbour by those who would profit from the merger of Albany, Bunbury and Esperance estimated $5-6 billion price tag. Port Authorities which will:
1 . consult with the local communities of Fremantle Port has abundant capacity those towns; that will see Western Australia through the 2 . examine, among other things, the extent medium to long term without the need for the to which under the amalgamated port costly Outer Harbour duplication. Fremantle authority there has been: Port must be allowed to grow to its natural • loss of local connection to the capacity before building the Outer Harbour community;increased uncertainty for local and long term stevedoring leases should community members; and be offered to give certainty for workers and enable further investment from the port • associated outsourcing of port authority operators. functions; and
3 . report by the end of 2017 with The WA Labor Government will ensure the recommendations for the future MUA, TWU and RTBU will be included in management of the Ports. the planning and feasibility taskforce and be 26 This State Conference recognises that invited to attend all meetings and forums the Barnett State Government’s proposal relating to the Fremantle Port and the Outer to sell Port Hedland’s Utah Point bulk Harbour Proposal. The MUA, TWU and handling facility (Utah Point) was yet another RTBU, as major stakeholders, must have a shortsighted grab for cash to cover up the seat at the table so that workers are properly economic mess left after their time in office. represented, the facts are tabled and the Privatising any WA port will slash jobs, lead to sales pitch from commercial developers are price hikes as we have seen in other states, countered. damage our public services and rip money from the WA economy. 110 | 2017 WA Labor Platform 2017 This Conference also rejects the push by win contracts even if at a financial loss lobbyists and commercial developers to need to be implemented; and place an artificial cap on Fremantle Port. 3 . Provisions to include protections from This proposed cap is designed to make the repercussions for those who raise expensive Outer Harbour appear competitive. complaints relating to possible breaches In fact, this proposal is anti-competitive, of the Act, accompanied by education constitutes a plan for redundancies with and training, should be enacted. respect to those employed in and around the 30 State Conference calls on the State Labor Fremantle Port and will ultimately come at a Government to: great economic cost to the State and to the broader community. 1 . Ensure that all monies collected from traffic infringements are protected and This Conference calls on the trade union guaranteed to be used by the Road movement and WA Labor to stand up to the Safety Commission or its replacement for commercial developers and lobbyists and the sole purpose of road safety. make the right decision in the interests of the 2 . Ensure that the sole purpose for which State once the facts are made clear for all to the RSC was set up continues. see. 28 State Conference calls on the State Labor CHAPTER 6: EDUCATION AND TRAINING Government to: PREAMBLE 1 . funding to provide for additional security 1 WA Labor believes that: measures inside busses such as clear a) Access to high quality education is the protective screens; keystone to building and maintaining a 2 . Impose greater response targets on just and cohesive society, enabling the Government-contracting security development of respect for and appreciation companies, as well as more security of cultural diversity providing opportunity for officers and mobile security being meaningful and rich lives to be experienced, assigned to trouble hot spots; and establishing high standards of health and 3 . Implement tougher penalties for wellbeing, cultivating economic prosperity for individuals who abuse or assault public individuals and the broader community, as sector transport workers, damage busses well as supporting an active engagement of or are unruly whilst using public transport; citizens in the democratic life of the state. and b) Schools cultivated as a central aspect of 4 . Provide added policing powers for the community enhance opportunities for security guards. deeper whole of community commitment, 29 Conference calls on the WA Labor engagement and investment in education Government to do all that it can to stop the and the implementation of more holistic crisis in the transport industry by amending strategies with improved outcomes for the Owner Driver (Contract and Disputes) Act students. 2007. c) Education is an essential investment by
government in, and for the community, and The following amendments are vital to ensure should be accessible to all residents as a transport workers are adequately protected. fundamental right. 1 . Enforcement provisions are to be included d) A key responsibility for the WA Government for 14-day minimum payments and is the direct provision for and promotion of penalties for non-payment; quality, free, educational opportunity through 2 . Enforceable minimum rates that are safe public schools. and sustainable and discourage the ‘race to the bottom’ by those who cut rates to e) Central to the principles of educational Authorised by P Gorman, 54 Cheriton St, Perth WA 6000 | 111 access and equity is well-resourced and supporting such participation in the government support for the provision of educational journey of our children. quality public education in the schools, VET m) There is a need to establish safe and and university sectors. The principles of welcoming learning environments for equity and access in meeting the educational students, staff and parents/carers. needs of all students must be appropriately Occupational Health and Safety practices will addressed via resourcing and evidenced be adhered to. strategies. n) Quality of educational facilities impacts on f) There is distinctive educational disadvantage the educational environment of students experienced by many Aboriginal and and staff in a single structure system for all Torres Strait Islander peoples, which can government schools. only be addressed if effective strategies including early intervention are identified and o) All children have the right to an education free commitments to longer term funding cycles from discrimination, bullying, harassment and are made to enable the embedding of such abuse, and all children benefit from being strategies. taught the values of inclusion, compassion, empathy and diversity. g) School students must have access to a broad curriculum including a strong focus on 2 All children have the right to an education free literacy and numeracy. from discrimination, bullying, harassment and abuse. All children benefit from being taught h) The use of Information and Communications the values of inclusion, compassion, empathy technologies as teaching and learning tools and diversity. is now an integrated part of WA Primary and
Secondary Education. Ongoing funding for WA Labor in government supports LGBTI the implementation, upgrade, maintenance students and commits to funding LGBTI anti- and broadband requirements of these bullying programs in Western Australia until technologies is required. such time that Commonwealth funding is i) The roles of all education staff (school re-established. leaders, teachers, education assistants, EARLY CHILDHOOD Aboriginal and Islander Education Officers, support staff, lecturers) are important 3 Labor recognises that access to high quality in enabling the effective engagement of early childhood education and care is students and ensuring students achieve their central to giving every child the best start full potential. in life. Labor understands that high quality, affordable Early Childhood Education & Care j) The opportunity for job security brings must be available for all families, no matter both individual and institutional benefits where they live or what their circumstances including, loyalty, commitment and improved may be. productivity. Labor is committed to improving career path and job security for all education 4 In Government WA Labor commits to: staff, and will not support individual contracts • Improve the links and pathways to promote in the public sector. better integration of children’s services k) Respect for the voices of peak bodies with education and other early childhood representative of parents, educational unions services. and professional bodies is needed and • Ensure parents have access to appropriate should be consulted in the development of services for advice and assistance with educational policy and proposed strategies. early detection, early diagnosis and early intervention and support for children with l) Parental/carer engagement in the educational special need success of students is crucial and every consideration should be given to encouraging PRIMARY SCHOOL
112 | 2017 WA Labor Platform 2017 5 Primary Schools are the first compulsory public education system; learning stage in student’s lives, and as d) The operation and existence of public such set the foundation for later learning schools should be motivated by the pursuit and life opportunities. All primary schools of education and learning, and not profit in the government system will provide a maximisation; comprehensive curriculum and right of access to local students – no matter where in e) Public private partnerships (PPPs) reduce Western Australia people live. transparency and accountability by allowing the State Government to hide behind 6 WA Labor will ensure that every government commercial arrangements with third parties; primary school is a well-maintained, well- and funded, efficient, effective and inclusive learning community. Every government f) The private provision of any services within primary school will provide for the proper our public schools will lead to: physical, emotional and intellectual care and i ) The weakening of school communities development of young West Australians, and the public education system; celebrate their educational endeavours and ii ) Profit margins being put before quality learning excellence and value the democratic standards; participation of parents, teachers and iii ) The propensity to be over reliant on students. PPPs; and 7 WA Labor commits to properly resourcing iv ) A significant reduction in the quality of primary schools to ensure that they provide our Public Schools West Australian children a strong foundation 10 WA Labor recognises that the Independent in numeracy, literacy and social skills. Public School (IPS) system has created MIDDLE SCHOOLING inequities in staffing placement, public 8 Middle years education should be properly perception, resourcing and the availability of resourced, designed and delivered to support for school principals. meet the developmental, personal, social 11 WA Labor is opposed to further privatisation, and intellectual requirements of young including PPPs, with regards to front line adolescents. services in public schools (specifically SECONDARY AND UPPER SECONDARY teaching, education assistants, cleaning, SCHOOLING gardening and administrative support staff) 9 Secondary schools should be properly does not occur. resourced to provide a range of courses 12 WA Labor acknowledges the findings of the that best enables students to achieve the Parliament’s Educations and Health Standing qualifications they seek, in order to grow in Committees Inquiry which reviewed current knowledge and skills, and participate in the practices involving IPS schools and their community and the workforce. implication for the system as a whole, staff a) All employees in our public schools make placement procedures, the emergence of a a valuable contribution to the school two-tier system, the availability of support communities and the state of WA for school principals and the perception and reality of the level of autonomy principals b) That the provision of a quality public have. education in local communities is a NO PRIVATISATION IN OUR PUBLIC fundamental responsibility of the State SCHOOLS Government; 13 WA Labor believes: c) Direct employment by the State Government is crucial to maintain strong communities in a) All employees in our public schools make a our public schools, and the high quality of our valuable contribution to school communities and the state of WA; Authorised by P Gorman, 54 Cheriton St, Perth WA 6000 | 113 b) That the provision of a quality public and equitable access and affordability must education in local communities is a be the key determinants for the structure and fundamental responsibility of the state resourcing of the training system. government; 17 The previous Barnett Government has c) Direct employment by the state government inflicted huge cuts to TAFE through its ill- is crucial to maintain strong communities in conceived and ideological policy changes, our public schools, and the high quality of our culminating in the Future Skills policy. The public education system; Barnett government attacks have impacted so severely on colleges and students that d) The operation and existence of public the effective operation of the entire training schools should be motivated by the pursuit system has been compromised. of education and learning, and not profit maximisation; and 18 Under the previous Barnett Government the training sector: e) The private provision of any services within our public schools will lead to: • Saw TAFE fees increased by up to 510 per cent.; i ) The weakening of school communities and the public education system; • Training data from 2013 to 2016 showed a 24.5 per cent drop in people going to ii ) Profit margins being put before quality TAFE; standards; • $120 million cut from the training budget iii ) The propensity to be over reliant on between 2014 and 2016; public/private partnerships; and • Saw apprenticeship and traineeship iv ) A significant reduction in the quality of decline by 6860 enrolments between 2014 our public schools. and 2016; 14 In Government WA Labor will: • A revolving door of disinterested or a) Avoid further roll out of public private schools incompetent ministers; where possible and will have zero tolerance • Skilled Trade apprenticeship training to any breaches of existing contractual cancelled and outsourced to Colleges in arrangements. the Eastern States; b) Where possible, maintain direct employment • Approximately 480 jobs cut as a result by the State Government for all school of TAFE college amalgamations and the support staff not already employed under voluntary redundancy scheme; existing public private partnership contracts • The eradication of 87 TAFE training as a result of the former Barnett Government courses in one year; policy. 19 The Barnett Government’s policy changes VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND have culminated in a massive reduction in TRAINING the number of students enrolling in quality 15 Labor recognises that Vocational Education vocational training and this will have a major and Training plays a vital role in addressing impact on the ability of Western Australia to the economic needs of the state and our weather the current economic slowdown. key state institution to train and deliver our 20 In government, Labor will restore the primacy current and future training needs is TAFE. of TAFE as the leading provider of the state’s High quality vocational training is one of the skilled needs and ensure that our training best mechanisms to address social and colleges become a fundamental part of economic disadvantage and provide all the economic transformation of Western West Australians, regardless of their socio Australia. economic background, with a rewarding career pathway. 21 A WA Labor government will: 16 Labor believes that educational quality, fair a) Use the TAFE system as a vehicle for 114 | 2017 WA Labor Platform 2017 transforming Western Australia’s industrial student should be excluded from attaining capacity and employment opportunities; vocational skills due to not being able to afford ever increasing fees; b) Determine our complete support for TAFE as the preeminent provider of vocational training j) Dismantle and replace the disgraced “Future in the State and to reinstate its brand under Skills” with a fairer and more effective training one clear central structure; model that is in line with Labor’s economic and strategic skill development policies. c) Transform TAFE Colleges into also becoming Industry Skill centres; one-stop shops k) Support Vocational Education and Training that will liaise directly with emerging and in schools through fostering links to TAFE established local industries, co-locate and removing organisational barriers to training and assessment facilities and provide engagement. employers, unions, apprentices and trainees l) Ensure that there is a high standard of quality with a single point of contact around their in vocational education in order to maintain training needs; the integrity of the industry d) Fund the delivery of Foundation Skills UNIVERSITIES Courses by the not-for-profit sector and where possible TAFE, targeted to those areas 22 Universities are essential community with the greatest need; resources that provide: e) Revamp the State Training Board and a) The best quality professional education for Industry Councils. The structure and input of the next generation; the Board and Councils will be changed to b) Access to continuing professional education ensure direct linkage between industry needs for qualified practitioners; and and government economic direction; c) Research—both contracted and curiosity f) Establish and promote programs to driven—that generates technological encourage both the employment of a greater innovation and new human insights. number of apprentices and ensure a higher 23 Access to places in public universities should rate of completion; Create training outcomes be based on merit and equity. that allow apprentices from craft industries with small numbers to still study within TAFE 24 Universities should be encouraged to and Western Australia; Develop Training form partnerships with public schools to programs across the vocational study accelerate gifted students and provide spectrum specifically for Regional WA; support for students at educational risk. g) Ensure that Priority Start, the policy for the 25 Strategic relationships within the university employment of apprentices on government- sector and with industry, communities and funded projects is enforced and the correct professional bodies are essential. number associated with the value of the 26 Recurrent Higher Education funding, directed project are actually employed. To reinforce towards the financial support of university WA Labor’s commitment to Priority Start the places, should principally be the responsibility policy will be changed into Legislation. of the Federal Government. h) Investigate amending the Building 27 Universities require a diverse funding base; Construction and Training Fund Act to expand the training levy to the mining, oil and 28 University governance should be gas sectors within WA; representative of the university academic staff, general staff and students and the i) Ensure training is made more affordable to all wider community. West Australians, including apprenticeships, traineeships and students who undertake 29 University Guilds and student societies are studies in courses that offer valuable social an important and integral part of tertiary good with lower earnings potential. No education. Authorised by P Gorman, 54 Cheriton St, Perth WA 6000 | 115 WA LABOR’S ACHIEVEMENTS IN and the School Curriculum and Standards GOVERNMENT Authority; WA Labor has a proud record in education in c) Provide funding to convert existing Western Australia. classrooms to science laboratories in up to 30 30. In our last period of Government, we: 200 public primary schools; a) Opened more than 60 new or replacement d) Provide funding to deliver professional schools, of which 16 were in regional areas; development for teachers to support the integration of coding into their teaching; b) Raised the school leaving age to seventeen; e) Provide a site for a childcare centre in the c) Employed over 1400 extra teachers so that planning for every new public primary school; student staff ratios fell in WA schools from 15.75 in 2000 to 13.9 in 2008; f) Appoint an Independent Learning Coordinator (ILC) in 10 regional schools to supervise and d) Employed thousands of extra education help students undertaking courses through assistants and made them permanent Schools of Isolated and Distance Education employees; (SIDE); e) Doubled the number of people undertaking g) Establish a Regional Learning Specialist (RSL) apprenticeships and training from 18,743 to team in the curriculum areas of science, 37,421; social science, mathematics and English f) Invested $540 million in School maintenance; to visit regional schools and run classes for students and support the work of the ILC’s; g) Invested over $300 million in upgrades of 42 schools; h) Review the planning methodology for new schools; h) Reduced early years class sizes to 24; i) Introduce a direct-to-market (D2M) i) installed a comprehensive and high-capacity maintenance and minor capital works broadband network in our schools; model that gives schools the authorisation j) Invested nearly $50 million in rolling out extra and funding pool to directly engage their information and communications technology own contractors for works up to a value of to more than 180 schools $20,000; k) Introduced a concessional 50c bus fare for j) Transform the system to make local school students; government schools the schools of choice for l) Introduced the “It Pays to Learn” allowance students, parents and teachers; for senior school students; and k) Take positive steps to encourage and support m) Brought school cleaning services back in a culture of trust and open communication house. between schools, parents and the community; RETURNED TO GOVERNMENT l) Protect the wages and conditions of teachers 31 WA Labor will: and support staff and bargain in a fair, a) Establish a Partnership on School Leadership reasonable and timely manner; with key education stakeholders to deliver m) Ensure proper government funding so that high quality professional development and to there is an equitable approach to compulsory look at ways to attract and retain teachers or non-compulsory fees for core teaching and leaders at rural and remote schools and activities in Government preschools and metropolitan schools of need; government schools; b) Establish a cross sectorial partnership forum n) Manage behaviour problems in schools by with representatives from the government giving principals the authority and resources and non-government education sectors, to provide pastoral support and impose
116 | 2017 WA Labor Platform 2017 consequences for negative behaviour; older suburbs; o) Supports LGBTI students and will seek aa) Continue to support canteens in all to provide funding for secondary schools government schools; which choose to run LGBTI anti-bullying ab) Where possible, seek to retain in-house programs that meet their school needs, if cleaners in all public schools which are not Commonwealth funding is withdrawn; already under a public private partnership p) Use the power of governments, including arrangement implemented by the previous strengthened parenting control orders, to Barnett Government and ensure they are reintegrate into formal education those properly trained and equipped; students otherwise excluded through ac) Employ an additional 300 education disruptive behaviour; assistants, 50 Aboriginal and Islander q) Challenge students, families and schools, Education Officers and 120 teachers in WA with the resources of police, child protection, Government schools; health and criminal justice workers, to ad) Where possible, seek to prohibit further improve attendance rates, particularly in privatisation of or contracting out of public secondary schools; school functions including, but not limited to, r) Restore community volunteering programs to cleaning, gardening, education assistants, schools; teaching, curriculum support, professional development, security, administration, library s) Use reporting and grading formats that allow services, information technology, psychology parents to see clearly how well their child is support services and dental services. doing at school; ae) Support the existence of tertiary student t) Require primary schools to concentrate on amenities and services fees; teaching literacy and numeracy, so every child can read, write and deal consistently af) Advocate incentives to universities to provide with numbers at transition to middle or facilities to increase the participation of secondary education; regional, rural and remote students; u) Develop strategies for the active recruitment ag) Encourage universities to address the under- of males into teaching; representation of Indigenous Australians and students from low socio- economic v) Ensure equitable and meaningful support for backgrounds; students with diagnosed disabilities; ah) Develop strategies to encourage local w) Seek to ensure that students from non- research and innovation; English speaking backgrounds (NESB), especially those from families in Western ai) Support professional development Australia on Section 457 visas, receive of principals to help them with their effective language support and orientation management roles; to the Australian community, and ongoing aj) Will seek to address the equity issues support throughout their schooling - not just outlined by the 2016 Parliamentary Education while they are at Intensive Language Centres; and Health Standing Committee’s Inquiry into x) Consult with relevant professionals in order to the Independent Public Schools program; develop and implement programs promoting and will: resilience within our students; i ) Work with stakeholders to address y) Create and properly resource structures and these inequities; processes that provide genuine professional development and support for teachers; z) Invest in new schools in developing suburbs, systematically upgrade and rebuild schools in
Authorised by P Gorman, 54 Cheriton St, Perth WA 6000 | 117 ii ) Seek to ensure that schools preferring budget reform provides autonomy without to remain as non-independent public accountability for both IPS schools and non- schools will not be disadvantaged by IPS schools and lacks essential transparency doing so. of funding within the public education system.
RESOLUTIONS 37 This State Conference congratulates the Labor State Government commitment to 32 This Conference support the establishment freeze TAFE fees for four years but knows and/or expansion of tertiary institutions in that TAFE remains unaffordable for many Perth’s eastern suburbs along the model Western Australians: particularly those in low of the Commonwealth Institute of Higher socioeconomic situations. Education promised for Midland by Federal
Labor at the 2016 election and requests the WA Labor recognises that the vocational WA Minister for Education to pursue active educational and training sector is a vital strategies to increase the numbers of tertiary public service that is essential to upskilling places available in Perth’s eastern region. Western Australian workers and educating 33 WA Labor is opposed to changes made the next generation as the economy changes to Federal schools funding by the Federal and diversifies. Liberal Government which will see WA public schools receiving $224 million less over the WA Labor will investigate ways to improve next three years. the affordability of TAFE system to ensure TAFE is accessible for all Western Australians, We condemn the former Barnett Liberal regardless of their circumstances. Government for budgeting on WA receiving 38 This State Conference congratulates the a greater amount of Commonwealth funding Labor State Government for proceeding with over the next four years, which has created a its election commitment to put an additional new black hole in education funding. 300 full time education assistants and 50 34 WA Labor knows that permanency is full time Aboriginal and Islander Education the preferred form of engagement for Officers (AIEOs) back into Western Australian the education sector and provides good classrooms. outcomes for students and good outcomes for workers. WA Labor knows this will help reverse the WA Labor will develop criteria to convert damaging cuts made by the previous Liberal existing employees, including contract and Government that have meant casual employees, with more than two • fewer education assistants, teachers and years’ employment in a same or similar job support staff to permanent employment and establish a • a loss of funding for specialist programs process for this to continue in the future. • increased class sizes, 35 WA Labor supports the Independent Public • a reduction in resources and Schools system, but acknowledges the need to address inequities between IPS and non- • less individual attention for our children. IPS schools. These cuts made it increasingly difficult for This State Conference urges WA Labor public schools to deliver the high quality of to act on recommendations made by the education that every child deserves. Parliamentary Inquiry into the Independent Public Schools Initiative to ensure greater WA Labor knows that education support equity between IPS and non-IPS schools. staff provide essential services that are vital for the sustainability of a quality public 36 WA Labor acknowledges that the one-line education. Quality education that delivers 118 | 2017 WA Labor Platform 2017 positive outcomes for students requires a system by creating Medihotels that will free stable workforce of dedicated people who up expensive hospital beds so more patients have adequate time and resources to do their can be treated and wait list shortened. work. 8 The Medihotel is a common sense approach
to the challenge of ensuring every precious Maintaining a workforce of education support health dollar results in the maximum benefit staff who feel valued in their employment for the community. and have secure, meaningful jobs is a major concern of a WA Labor government. INNOVATION & MEDICAL RESEARCH 9 WA Labor is committed to transforming CHAPTER 7: HEALTH Western Australia into a medical research HEALTH WA and innovation powerhouse by establishing the Future Health Research and Innovation WA LABOR: PUTTING PATIENTS FIRST Fund. 1 WA Labor is committed to building a world 10 WA Labor’s Future Health Research and class sustainable health system centred Innovation Fund will drive medical research around the patient. and medical innovation and provide a secure 2 WA Labor is committed to Putting Patients source of funding to develop Western First’ – because it is now time to look beyond Australia’s research capability. bricks and mortar, and focus on the actual 11 WA Labor will develop a cancer research plan delivery of health care to the people. that improves cancer research and treatment 3 We will drive innovation, integration and for the next decade. culture change. 12 WA Labor will create an innovation hub 4 WA Labor will get on with the job of fixing the at Royal Perth Hospital and provide mess left by the Barnett Liberal Government. collaborative accommodation and services to start up and establish medical innovation PRINCIPLES AND VALUES research companies, linked to other state 5 WA Labor values and strives for: and regional medical technology a) A universal public health care system where 13 The digital disruption of Health will be equity of access to and quality of care is significant and research will enable our determined by need; health system to be ready to change and b) Equity of health outcomes for the population; meet these challenges and seize upon the opportunity to reinvent the way health c) Evidence based policies; services are delivered. d) Policies that are centred around the patient 14 WA Labor will embrace the opportunities and their needs to improve patient services by harnessing e) A sustainable, world class health system the power of the genomic, biological and technological revolutions to provide a better, INNOVATION safer, and more sustainable health care for Through innovation WA Labor will drive all. different ways of delivering health care, such INTEGRATION as Medihotels and Innovation Hubs MEDIHOTELS Integration will see the breaking down of silos between primary, secondary and tertiary care 6 WA Labor is committed to innovating our with Urgent Care Clinics health system and delivering healthcare URGENT CARE CLINICS differently by putting patients at the centre of everything we do. 15 WA Labor is committed to delivering Urgent Care Clinics that will take pressure off busy 7 WA Labor will take pressure off our health Authorised by P Gorman, 54 Cheriton St, Perth WA 6000 | 119 emergency departments. 26 Patient Opinion empowers patients and puts their opinion at the centre of how the 16 Urgent Care Clinics will provide an alternate Government and hospitals develop policies. model of care and divert patients out of long This enables us to ensure those policies are waits in an emergency department. more tailored to the patients’ needs and what 17 Through Urgent Care Clinics we will innovate they require and want from their health care our health system and drive different ways of system. delivering health care that puts patients first. 27 WA Labor is concerned that there is a 18 Urgent Care Clinics will mean better shortage of low cost parking at Fiona Stanley integrated care and the breaking down of Hospital which will disadvantage women and silos between primary, secondary and tertiary children. WA Labor opposes the privatisation care. of health services. A ROLE FOR PHARMACISTS SUSTAINABLE HEALTH REVIEW 19 WA Labor believes that pharmacies are an 28 WA Labor condemns the former Barnett important part of an integrated health care Liberal Government for mismanaging system and that they have a role delivering our State Budget and overseeing Health essential healthcare services such as expenditure growth of an unsustainable 30% vaccinations, with the appropriate regulations of the entire State spend. and controls. 29 WA Labor acknowledges the mess left to us 20 WA Labor will support pharmacists to by the Barnett Liberal Government that saw continue to play their role in the community the Health Budget almost triple to $9 billion, and will fight efforts to corporatise the sector. accounting for more than half of every dollar CULTURE CHANGE spent by the WA State Government between 2013 – 14 and 2016 –17. Culture Change. Patient opinion will drive a responsive and transparent health system. 30 WA Labor will conduct a Sustainable Health Review to guide future investment in the PATIENT OPINION WA health system so that we can deliver 21 WA Labor will ensure all public hospitals affordable, integrated services which leverage introduce a patient feedback system to new technology, new patient pathways and empower patient’s choices. current investment in healthcare. 22 WA Labor believes the ability to give feedback 31 WA Labor will use the review to inform to health service providers will empower future decisions about the way that health patients by giving them direct access to is managed and delivered to ensure that public hospital management and removing Western Australians are receiving quality the usual layers of bureaucracy and red tape healthcare than can be sustained for our involved in making a complaint or suggestion. future generations. 23 Patient Opinion is about listening to people 32 WA Labor is committed to fixing the mess and driving cultural change putting the of the Barnett Liberal Government and patient – and their opinion first. reversing the legacy of unsustainable health 24 The WA Labor Health system will be the expenditure. first state wide health system to fully adopt PREVENTATIVE HEALTH Patient Opinion and drive improvement in its PREVENTATIVE HEALTH SERVICES AND health system through innovation and putting HEALTH PROMOTION patients at the centre of everything we do. 33 WA Labor recognises that in order to give 25 WA Labor believes that in the future Western Australians the greatest opportunity successful hospitals will be those that listen to lead happy and fulfilling lives, promoting and respond to their patients. optimal wellbeing and preventing illness is as
120 | 2017 WA Labor Platform 2017 important as treating disease. 42 WA Labor is committed to ensuring that Western Australia returns to its status as 34 It recognises the importance of health a world leader in tobacco legislation and promotion and illness prevention as strategies programs. to improve quality of life and, reduce the number of people accessing the health care 43 The protection of children from access to system. tobacco products remains a priority of WA Labor. WA Labor is committed to looking at 35 WA Labor is acutely aware that Western ways we can reduce the serious impact of Australia has a growing obesity epidemic tobacco use in Western Australia. leading to increased rates of diabetes, coronary heart disease, and stroke. Diabetes MENTAL HEALTH in particular is the world’s fastest growing 44 WA Labor recognises that the provision of chronic condition and there is no cure. mental health services is a priority and will 36 WA Labor will implement the “Let’s Prevent focus on preventive and early intervention Program” which will involve a pilot that will programs, appropriately qualified professional use evidence-based approaches to educate support, community support services and and encourage participants to make the access to suitable housing. changes they need to, in order to avoid the 45 WA Labor will embed recovery oriented impact on their lives of diabetes. mental health principles in Government 37 WA Labor believes that prevention is better mental health policies, including: than cure in managing chronic diseases. a) Implementing a recovery college in Western 38 WA Labor is committed in creating a cultural Australia; change in our health system that sees b) recognising that recovery is not necessarily prevention of disease given a focus in our about cure but is about having opportunities health care system. for choices and living a meaningful, satisfying ALCOHOL, TOBACCO AND OTHER and purposeful life, and being a valued DRUG USE member of the community 39 WA Labor recognises that: c) recovery outcomes are personal and unique a) Problematic alcohol, and other drug use, for each individual and go beyond an represents a significant and growing health exclusive health focus to include an emphasis issue in our society. Labor will target the on social inclusion and quality of life; reduction of alcohol consumption as a key d) empowering individuals so they recognise component of its long term health strategies; that they are at the centre of the care they and receive and; b) Addiction and dependence on alcohol, e) supporting individuals to build on their tobacco and other drugs are related and due strengths and take as much responsibility for to a combination of psychological, social, their lives as they can at any given time. economic and physical factors. f) providing the extra support required for 40 WA Labor acknowledges the benefit of LGBTI services in Aboriginal and Torres Strait health promotion, primary prevention, early Islander and regional communities to have a intervention and rehabilitation that targets positive impact on mental & physical health alcohol, tobacco and other drug use, to the outcomes. overall health system. HEALTHCARE FOR ALL 41 WA Labor is committed to introducing ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT Tobacco Law Reform to strengthen laws ISLAND PEOPLE’S HEALTH and policing relating to sale, supply and marketing of tobacco products and exposure 46 WA Labor believes that the most effective to second-hand smoke. delivery of community health programmes, Authorised by P Gorman, 54 Cheriton St, Perth WA 6000 | 121 particularly in marginalised and diverse the Commonwealth to reduce the overuse community groups is through properly of acute care beds by ensuring there are resourced, integrated community controlled enough quality appropriate aged care health organisations. places to ensure real choice for all Western Australian seniors seeking affordable, quality, 47 WA Labor will continue to work with the conveniently located residential aged care. federal government and Aboriginal and Torres Strait communities in its initiatives to close 55 Currently many elderly patients are occupying the gap in health outcomes. expensive hospital beds, because they are no longer well enough to continue living at 48 WA Labor recognises that current health home and because an aged acre bed isn’t indicators demonstrate that the burden available. of inequity falls most heavily on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island peoples, and that 56 WA Labor is committed to fast tracking the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people establishment of aged care facilities to free have a lower health status and shorter lives. up beds by; 49 WA Labor is committed to a health policy a) Identifying State owned land suitable for aged that recognises the diverse circumstances care facilities; in which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island b) Working with local councils and planning people live. authorities to removing planning impediments 50 WA Labor sees the support, education, for aged care facilities training and employment of Aboriginal and c) Assessing existing Government buildings and Torres Strait Island health professionals as assets to determine whether they are suitable crucial to meeting the challenges of effective to be converted into aged care facilities. health services. 57 WA Labor will work towards ensuring our 51 WA Labor believes that where appropriate, elderly can receive and aged care bed where health services are most effective when and when they need it. delivered to people in the community in which they live. Additional culturally appropriate WOMEN’S HEALTH accommodation, care and support for rural 58 WA Labor acknowledges that women’s health and remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island is determined by social, political and the patients and their families should be made economic context of their lives, as well as by available when these patients must be cared biology, and that gender is a valid indicator of for in the metropolitan area. disadvantage in accessing health services. 52 Preventative health care and health education 59 Labor supports a woman’s right to make programs will be delivered to reduce choices about reproductive and maternal avoidable illnesses and poor health status. health. SENIORS’ HEALTH AND AGED CARE 60 Accordingly, WA Labor recognises the need 53 WA Labor recognises the need for a wide for a focus on the health needs of women, range of health services that are accessible, especially those in rural and remote areas, culturally appropriate and protective of the and those who are economically or otherwise rights of the aged, especially those which socially disadvantaged and isolated. relate to the independence, empowerment, 61 WA Labor will address female health issues and self-efficacy of our senior citizens. with a range of targeted programs which 54 WA Labor acknowledges the pressure that highlight prevention, early intervention and a lack of aged care beds has on the public treatment health system. MEN’S HEALTH
62 WA Labor will develop a Men’s Health and WA Labor will work collaboratively with Wellbeing Policy for Western Australia. 122 | 2017 WA Labor Platform 2017 63 WA Labor’s Men’s Health Policy will support Technology (ICT) based solutions including the National Male Health Policy and HealthDirect, e-health, telemonitoring, and complement the existing West Australian telepsychiatry. Women’s Health Strategy and the Aboriginal LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, Health and Wellbeing Strategy. TRANSGENDER AND INTERSEX PEOPLE CHILD HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT 71 WA Labor recognises the need to provide for 64 WA Labor will make early childhood the health needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, health programs a cornerstone of its transgender and intersex people (LGBTI) preventative and developmental health people, especially those in rural and remote strategies recognising that they are a crucial areas, those with HIV/AIDS, and those determinant of their future health, welfare and affected by poverty and homelessness, pathway in life. including but not limited to sexual and reproductive health. 65 WA Labor is committed to funding, implementing and evaluating initiatives for 72 WA Labor will support the crucial role of early intervention, and the reduction of infant organisations that produce and distribute mortality rates. targeted information about health and welfare issues, especially sexual health and the 66 WA Labor strongly supports childhood reduction of Sexual Transmitted Infections vaccination for preventable but potentially (STIs) to LGBTI people. life threating illnesses and acknowledges the importance of equity to access to vaccination 73 WA Labor recognises the right of any services. transgender to receive medical treatmentwith funding from the State as for any other 67 WA Labor notes with concern anti- medical condition of a critical nature. vaccination campaigns, and will work to Accordingly, WA Labor will ensure access to provide evidence based information to the gender affirmation surgery and treatments, community to ensure the continues high level including for hormones and other essential of vaccination coverage. procedures. RURAL AND REGIONAL HEALTH 74 WA Labor recognises the higher rates of 68 WA Labor recognises that Western suicide in the LGBTI community relating to Australians living in rural, regional and remote chronic and prolonged anxiety and specific areas need accessible services for physical mental health impacts. This includes health and peace of mind, which together the mental health impact of bullying, promote overall health and wellbeing within homophobia, harassment, discrimination and their community. inequality on LGBTI individuals, particularly on 69 WA Labor will continue to develop integrated LGBTI youth. district health services in collaboration 75 WA Labor believes that people with with local service providers and the federal gender dysphoria should not be denied Government to provide more comprehensive, the associated health care they would accessible and sustainable health services to be otherwise entitled to if they were not rural communities. incarcerated or in remand. 70 Equity of direct access to services and 76 WA Labor calls on the WA Minister for Health specialists is limited by distance. WA Labor to advocate that Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis will ensure equity of outcomes and equity (PrEP) is made available to at risk Western of access by means of travel and satellite Australians via the Pharmaceutical Benefit accommodation support. WA Labor will Scheme (PBS) schedule. PrEP needs to support initiatives such as consolidation and be added to the PBS if Western Australia standardisation of services and increased plans to meet its target of ending new HIV use of Information and Communications transmissions by 2020.
Authorised by P Gorman, 54 Cheriton St, Perth WA 6000 | 123 81 WA Labor will develop a criteria to convert WA Labor calls on the WA Minister for Health existing employees including contract and to ensure greater investment in sexual health casual employees with more than two years’ clinics, in particular those that focus on those employment in a same of similar job to at risk. Unless investment in these services is permanent and establish a process for this to addressed, individuals at risk will struggle to continue in the future. access PrEP. This investment would provide 82 WA Labor will review the use of contract for training, infrastructure and human resources service arrangements and support the direct to deliver PrEP services within both sexual employment of staff where it is appropriate to health clinics and for GPs. do so.
A Labor calls on the WA Minister for Health 83 WA Labor will work with the union to do an to advocate for easier access for GPs to audit of temporary employment, set a target prescribe the PrEP medication outside of the to bring to permanency and set timelines current PBS Section 100 restrictions. This will to ensure we meet our commitment to include access to PrEP management training WA families who deserve certainty in their and should be strongly promoted to GPs workplace. within the community. HEALTH CARE IN PUBLIC HANDS A FAIRER DEAL 84 WA Labor condemns the former Barnett COMMONWEALTH AND Liberal Government for actively seeking to STATE RELATIONS outsource important health and hospital services since its first term in Government. 77 WA Labor recognises the important role that the Commonwealth Governments have 85 WA Labor is committed to maintaining always played in the provision of health integrity, transparency and accountability in services, and WA Labor will continue to work the public health sector and ensuring that with the Commonwealth to increase the important services for the Western Australian range of services funded under the Medicare community continue to be delivered by the system. public health system. 78 WA Labor believes that the way healthcare is 86 WA Labor opposes the privatisation of public funded by the Commonwealth disadvantaged hospitals, public health services and all health our State, and that we face unique care units and ancillary services that facilitate challenges posed by remoteness, the vast the operation of the public health system. geography of our State and our diversity. We 87 WA Labor will cease the further privatisation will advocate for funding mechanisms which of public health and hospital services and account for these unique challenges. where possible bring services back into the VALUING OUR WORKFORCE public sector. PATHWAYS TO PERMANENCE OUR WORKFORCE 79 WA Labor condemns the Barnett Liberal 88 WA Labor recognises the important Government for failing our public sector for contribution made by the whole health eight and half years and presiding over a workforce, and will implement strategies period of increased employment insecurity. to assist health workers balance work Within our Health system the use of casual and family responsibilities in a secure job employees has ballooned from 1,806.4 full environment, and maintain workplace morale time equivalents in 10/11 to 2,574.8 in 15/16. and effective system changes. 80 WA Labor will work towards creating a 89 WA Labor supports the employment of more pathway to permanency within the Health Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island health staff Public Sector. in all capacities.
124 | 2017 WA Labor Platform 2017 90 WA Labor recognises the importance of RESOLUTIONS a permanent workforce in all areas of the 93 WA Labor knows that paramedics, health system and will work to reduce the communications and ambulance transport use of casual and relief positions. WA Labor officers all play a critical role in protecting the will make casual staff part of the permanent health and welfare of the Western Australian workforce after an agreed period, thus community. forming a flexible pool of permanent staff.
A permanent health care workforce creates WA Labor knows that as first responders, a more stable, productive and responsive these workers are inherently exposed to health system. traumatic incidents throughout their careers, 91 Labor will ensure that services are provided over and above routine workplace stressors. by appropriately qualified and skilled This continual exposure to trauma frequently practitioners and will continue to implement results in negative trauma response, such training programmes. Labor will continue to as burnout, anxiety and depression, which support attraction and retention strategies to can develop into conditions such as post- ensure that the new, upgraded, and existing traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In some hospitals and medical facilities are adequately instances these trauma responses have led staffed. to cases of intentional self-harm and suicide.
92 WA Labor supports: WA Labor knows that ambulance services a) An increase in the number of medical student operators have a responsibility to minimise internships and increased specialist training the foreseeable risk to the health and positions in areas of workforce shortage; wellbeing of its workforce by ensuring b) Nurse practitioner models and expanded appropriate strategies are in place to prepare scope allied health roles, increasing in the and protect all staff from the negative effects number of registered and enrolled, and of post event trauma. specialist nurse practitioners; WA Labor will: c) Plan for the demand and supply of workforce aligned to the Clinical Services Framework 1 . Ensure that the Health Department 2015-2024; hold the ambulance services contractor accountable for the health and wellbeing d) Promotion of leadership programs which of its workforce by enforcing contractual build capacity and capability at every level of obligations that mitigate the risk of the organisation; negative health and wellbeing outcomes. e) Improved governance and management 2 . Investigate presumptive workers processes and practices; compensation laws that benefit f) Annual WA Health Conferences and paramedics who develop psychological Awards showcasing staff achievement and injury as a result of performing their innovation; duties. 3 . Investigate options to increase the g) The continued provision of Professional Indemnity Insurance to Public Health workers independent oversight of the ambulance by the Health Department and the promotion services contractor, including the of this to new and existing employees; and establishment of a permanent panel of suitably qualified and independent experts h) The exploration of innovative workforce to oversee the health and wellbeing models such as allied health generalists, strategies and to hold them accountable allied health assistants and physician to established best practice. assistants. 94 WA Labor will review the current emergency services communications model and
Authorised by P Gorman, 54 Cheriton St, Perth WA 6000 | 125 investigate the benefits of bringing is necessary to ensuring this dignity and high ambulance communications under the standard of care. control of the State Government. As Australian’s population continues to age, WA Labor will explore the benefits of a state- Governments must invest in Aged Care and wide emergency communications centre that the Aged Care workforce. enhances the capacity and coordination of all emergency services. This Conference condemns the Turnbull Liberal Government for their $1.2 billion in 95 St John Ambulance is contracted to provide funding cuts to Aged Care in the 2016-17 ambulance services to metropolitan and Budget. These funding cuts have significantly regional Western Australia. There are affected the ability to provide meaningful care approximately 3,700 volunteers in regional and support to vulnerable older Australians, Western Australia engaged to provide especially those with acute and complex emergency medical care. needs.
WA Labor acknowledges the commitment of WA Labor calls on the Turnbull Liberal these volunteers to the community. Government to reverse these cuts
immediately and ensure that aged care is WA Labor will review the country model to adequately funded and supported to ensure ensure it best supports paramedics and workers are able to continue to provide high volunteers in order to achieve appropriate quality care. patient outcomes for all people in regional
Western Australia. WA Labor also calls on Australian Labor to 96 WA Labor recognises that State and Territory make addressing funding and workforce governments provide ambulance services issues within aged care a key issue on which in most Australian jurisdictions. In Western the next Federal Election is fought. Australia and the Northern Territory, St 98 WA Labor knows that essential public John Ambulance is under contract to the services, such as hospitals, should not be respective governments as the primary operated by for-profit, private companies, but provider of ambulance services. from the public sector which aims to provide
the best possible service to the Western WA Labor knows that maintaining an Australian community. outsourced ambulance service represents
a significant public expenditure for the West WA Labor knows that the contract at Peel Australian Government. Therefore, like Health Campus has failed to achieve a safe any large government expenditure, West and effective health service and that both Australians are entitled to transparency and the standard of service delivery and working accountability in how public funding for conditions are not those expected for a ambulance services is being spent. public hospital.
WA Labor will ensure that oversight of This State Conference calls on WA Labor ambulance service funding in Western to ensure the Peel Health Campus delivers Australia is best practice and will require the best service for all West Australians: increased transparency in financial reporting. with public provision the preferred model for 97 WA Labor believes all older Australians delivery. deserve dignity and the highest standard of
care in the final years.
WA Labor recognises that a well-paid,
trained and supported aged care workforce 126 | 2017 WA Labor Platform 2017 CHAPTER 8: LAW, PUBLIC e) equality and equity before the law; ADMINISTRATION AND COMMUNITY f) the legal right to fight discrimination based SAFETY on race, ethnicity, religion, sex, industrial Civil & Political Rights history, gender identity and history, intersex FOUNDATIONS status, being a victim of domestic and family violence, sexual orientation, age, or against 1 WA Labor believes that democracy, the rule any other arbitrary discrimination; of law and the protection of community and individual rights are fundamental to ensuring g) freedom of thought and conscience; a free, fair and civil society for us all. h) freedom of speech; 2 The concept of the separation of powers, i) freedom of association; including the supremacy of the Parliament j) freedom of religion; and the independence of the judiciary, is integral to a properly functioning democracy, k) rights of peaceful assembly, including the upholding of the rule of law, and the peaceful protests; protection of rights. l) the rights of children against exploitation, 3 Democracy is strengthened and protected while respecting the proper role of parents by: and other persons responsible for their welfare; a) universal compulsory voting for all citizens over the age of 18 in both State and local m) marriage equality; and government elections; n) the right to live free of violence from a partner b) open and accountable electoral processes; or family member. and 9 Adults should be entitled to read, hear and c) public participation in decision-making see what they wish in private, subject to through consultative processes. adequate protection against persons being exposed to unsolicited material that is 4 All Western Australians should be treated offensive to them and the prevention of the equally before and under the law. exploitation, or the violation of the rights, 5 The law should be clearly expressed, in clear, of others, particularly children and other unambiguous and plain language that all vulnerable persons. people can access and understand. LAW REFORM 6 Governments should always protect and 10 Law reform should be based on sound maintain fundamental civil and political rights. research, evidence and community 7 Governments should not compulsorily consultation, which can be facilitated acquire or abolish an individual’s property through bodies such as the WA Law Reform rights without proper reason. Commission. RIGHTS PROTECTION 11 Social and technological changes often occur 8 WA Labor believes in the advancement, faster than changes in the law and Labor maintenance and protection of: is committed to ensuring that law reform keeps pace with such developments to a) fundamental human rights; ensure the effective operation of the law and b) democratic rights and rights to vote; proper protection of the rights of Western Australians. c) the operation of our justice system consistent with internationally recognised human rights 12 WA Labor will modernise the Constitution of principles; Western Australia to: d) respect and recognition of Aboriginal a) consolidate the Constitution into one Act of customary law; Parliament; Authorised by P Gorman, 54 Cheriton St, Perth WA 6000 | 127 b) define the roles of the Governor, the Premier a) all legislation must have regard to the rights and the Cabinet; and liberties of individuals; c) provide a double-dissolution mechanism to b) where legislation makes rights and liberties resolve deadlocks between the two houses or obligations subject the exercise of of Parliament; administrative power, such power must be sufficiently defined and subject to appropriate d) remove the power of the Legislative Council review; to block ordinary annual appropriation and revenue bills (supply), allowing delay only; c) legislation must be consistent with principles of natural justice; e) entrench the principle of one vote, one value in both houses of Parliament; d) restrict delegation of administrative powers to appropriate cases and appropriate personnel; f) safeguard the separation of powers of the three arms of government and in particular, e) the onus of proof in criminal matters only be the safeguarding of the independence of the reversed where absolutely necessary and judiciary; appropriate; g) maintain the proper place of Western f) bodies and officers should not have the Australia within the federal Commonwealth of power to enter premises, to search, seize Australia; or require the production of documents, or other property without a warrant or h) promote awareness of the Western Australian other authorisation from a judge or other legal and constitutional system; and independent officer; i) implement a republican mode of government g) the freedom from self-incrimination is in Western Australia. protected; 13 WA Labor will work towards enacting human h) rights and liberties are not unnecessarily rights legislation in Western Australia to: infringed and obligations not arbitrarily and a) protect human rights from abuse by unnecessarily imposed; government; i) immunity from proceedings or prosecution is b) confirm the sovereignty of the democratically not conferred without justification; elected Parliament; j) an individual’s property can only be c) require courts to interpret legislation compulsorily acquired for a proper purpose; consistently with human rights wherever k) regard be had for Aboriginal tradition and possible; custom; d) allow Courts to declare legislation invalid l) legislation, regulations, rules, policies and if it is not compliant with enshrined rights, forms be clear and unambiguous; unless the Parliament has expressly provided otherwise; m) a person is entitled to reasons for administrative decisions affecting a person; e) require Ministers to report to Parliament on the potential human rights impact of n) administrative decisions subject to review are proposed legislation; clearly identified; and f) foster a public sector that is mindful and o) criminal offences and penalties cannot be respectful of human rights; and created or amended through delegated legislation or executive action. g) foster a civil culture that is respectful of human rights. 15 WA Labor will establish a comprehensive and accessible register of legislative instruments. 14 WA Labor will ensure that fundamental principles of legislative integrity are complied 16 WA Labor will remove the right of with, including that: corporations to vote in local government
128 | 2017 WA Labor Platform 2017 elections. medical professionals and consent from a parent or guardian. 17 WA Labor supports the establishment, with the judiciary, of an independent judicial 2 . The Family Court may intervene in commission, to provide education to judicial cases where parental consent has been officers and to create a clear and appropriate withheld or has been contested. process for handling complaints against 3 . The Family Court has appropriate judicial officers. guidelines for making such determinations. 18 WA Labor will review and seek to implement appropriate recommendations from the b) WA Labor will review relevant laws and Women Lawyers Western Australia 20th processes to ensure that intersex children do Anniversary Review of the 1994 Chief not undergo potentially unnecessary medical Justice’s Gender Bias Taskforce Report. procedures before they are able to give genuine informed consent. 19 WA Labor in government will implement a process for people to have historical COMMONWEALTH-STATE RELATIONS sex convictions relating to consensual 24 WA Labor will take every opportunity to homosexual acts expunged, for anything that ensure: is not an offense under current legislation. a) more equitable allocation of revenues to This process should include the ability of a Western Australia; family member or spouse to apply in the case that the person is deceased. b) the elimination of unnecessary duplication of services and regulation between the 20 WA Labor will progress the implementation State and the Commonwealth, with the of the changes to the retirement age of WA identification of the appropriate tier of Magistrates to 70 years, in line with other government for the delivery of such services judicial officers, as a matter of priority. or such regulation; 21 WA Labor notes a legislative review of the c) access to Commonwealth and State services Western Australian Justices of the Peace and resources by all Western Australians to Act 2004 to introduce five-year renewable at least the same extent as Australians in appointments for justices of the peace other States; and the reassessment of the in Western Australia was completed in division of key responsibilities between the November 2014. WA Labor will progress the State and the Commonwealth. implementation of the changes as a matter of priority in 2017. 25 WA Labor will work to enhance strategic partnerships between Federal, State and 22 WA Labor commits to reviewing all legislation local government, and the community so that to remove all discriminatory language to service delivery occurs at the level and places ensure equal opportunity and protection for with most need. all, in line with the 2017 election commitment. STATE-LOCAL GOVERNMENT 23 WA Labor recognises that current legislation RELATIONS and practices under WA’s Family Court and Health systems pertaining to intersex and 26 WA Labor believes in the fundamental transgender young people are outdated, importance of local government as a provider restrictive and unnecessarily cumbersome. of services to local communities, and as a key facilitator of community engagement, a) WA Labor will review relevant laws and community building and community processes to ensure that: leadership. Labor respects the autonomy of 1 . Transgender people under the age of local government and the importance of local 18 should be able to access medical decision making, to reflect the needs of local treatment with respect to gender identity, communities. based on informed assessments from
Authorised by P Gorman, 54 Cheriton St, Perth WA 6000 | 129 Labor is committed to ensuring that good a) an accessible system for the independent and sound local decision making can review of administrative decisions; be facilitated for the benefit of the local b) effective mechanisms to ensure that reasons communities. Labor will ensure that newly can be obtained for administrative decisions; elected member of local governments are given opportunities to enhance their c) a properly functioning and suitably broad right understanding of the local government act, to obtain information from government, such financial decision making and corporate as through freedom of information systems; governance. and 27 WA Labor will establish a partnership d) appropriate whistleblower protections for agreement between the State Government public servants. and the Local Government sector that 35 The integrity of government is enhanced by ensures appropriate consultation with the the continuing existence of an independent, sector over new initiatives and proposals that specialised and adequately resourced body, have implications for local governments. to investigate official corruption. 28 WA Labor affirms its commitment to 36 Integrity and anti-corruption bodies require work together with local governments in suitable oversight from the three pillars of our partnership for the benefit of all Western democratic system: Parliament, the executive Australians. and the Courts, to ensure their accountability ACCOUNTABLE GOVERNMENT to all Western Australians. 29 Government is critical to the achievement of 37 Government integrity bodies cannot be social and economic justice and in ensuring involved in working with and scrutinising the sustainable development of Western Police or other law enforcement bodies. Australia for everyone’s benefit, across 38 WA Labor will set up an Independent Police generations Complaints Commission (IPCC) to review 30 Government must ensure that Western Police integrity, which is fully independent of Australia’s valuable and scarce natural active and former police, to assure the public and economic resources are managed that complaints against the police will be sustainably, and in a manner that will ensure dealt with transparently. they benefit future generations of Western 39 The public sector in general, and government Australians. boards and committees, should be 31 Good and just government requires: representative of the community at large. a) accountability, responsibility and 40 WA Labor will work to ensure that there is transparency; adequate representation of women, young people, Aboriginal people, people living b) service delivery; with disabilities, and those from linguistically c) community consultation; and diverse backgrounds at all levels of seniority within Government. d) a strong, effective and efficient public sector. 41 The operation of public services and services INTEGRITY IN GOVERNMENT to government, whether provided by the 32 Western Australians are entitled to the highest public sector or the private sector, should standards of probity, integrity and service be the subject to the highest level of public from their government and its officials. scrutiny, openness and accountability, 33 Government should adhere to the highest including applicable policies, customer standards of integrity, transparency and service charters, complaint handling accountability. mechanisms, and compliance with all relevant legislation, regulations and policies. 34 Effective government accountability requires:
130 | 2017 WA Labor Platform 2017 42 To enhance the integrity of government and and public private partnerships (PPPs) can public services, WA Labor will: result in the driving down of wages and conditions of employment, as well as the a) require that the performance of public and cutting of costs and standards in the delivery private sector providers of public services be of public services. subject to independent and external financial and performance audit, with expanded 50 WA Labor believes that Governments have an powers for the Auditor-General to examine obligation to provide essential public services, private sector providers of public services; as they involve intrinsic benefits, which cannot be obtained if provided by private b) remove conflicts within the public sector providers. These services should never be where agencies are both service providers privatised and Labor will work to bring such and regulators for such services; and privatised services back into public hands. c) require agencies to properly monitor and 51 WA Labor will ensure that public services report on contracts awarded by them to the such as: private sector. a) public education; PUBLIC SERVICES b) public health and hospitals; 43 The public sector plays an essential and valuable role in the promotion of our c) Police; economic, environmental and social policy d) roads; objectives, and is invaluable to the provision and delivery of services for Western e) public transport; Australians. f) water and sewerage; 44 The public service performs best for our g) electricity distribution; community when it operates in a co- h) prisons, juvenile detention centres, prisoner ordinated way across government in a non- transport and community justice; partisan, merit based and non-discriminatory way; giving frank and fearless advice to i) court and parliamentary security; and government. j) child protection, 45 Government programmes and services k) are not further privatised, and where they must benefit all of the Western Australian have been, they will be brought back into community, with consideration to: cost- government control and operation in a effectiveness, as well as equity, sustainability, responsible manner. social cohesion and the provision of opportunity to all. 52 WA Labor believes that the public sector should play the central role in the provision of 46 Government services should be simple to utilities and infrastructure such as, electricity, access, easily understood, responsive and water and sewerage particularly where these available throughout Western Australia, using services are provided by natural monopolies. appropriate technology. 53 WA Labor will prohibit the privatisation 47 Where government is responsible for the of such services, government business provision of services, it must guarantee the enterprises and State infrastructure without standards of the delivery of such services. approval by the Parliament and only where 48 WA Labor believes that the public sector such privatisation will result in: should play the central role in the provision a) superior service at reduced cost to industry of utilities and infrastructure, particularly and consumers, particularly to isolated and where such services are provided by natural disadvantaged consumers; monopolies. b) no decrease in the total level of employment 49 WA Labor acknowledges that privatisation or workers entitlements;
Authorised by P Gorman, 54 Cheriton St, Perth WA 6000 | 131 c) positive long term budgets outcomes; and and co-ordination between agencies; d) the maintenance or improvement in the c) expanding career opportunities without natural and built environment. diminishing staff rights; and 54 WA Labor will protect the integrity of the d) ensuring that workers in regional areas are public service by ensuring: not disadvantaged vis-à- vis their private sector and metropolitan based counterparts. a) secure, comprehensive, service-wide standards and classifications; 56 WA Labor will: b) secure employment and superannuation a) ensure full stakeholder and staff engagement arrangements; and consultation before outsourcing public services; c) sufficient training and career development provision; b) allow for the pubic sector to bid for contracts proposed to be put out to tender with the d) enabling the appropriate balancing of work private sector; and family responsibilities; c) ensure transparency to the public of bid e) the provision of appropriate employment and details from all potential outsourcing partners; promotion appeal and review rights; d) ensure that previous performance of public f) fair access to the industrial relations system; sector outsourced work, including industrial g) that contracting out is not used as a vehicle and safety record, are taken into account to cut wages and working conditions and when assessing tenders for outsourced work; prevent casualisation of the public sector; e) establish consistent and detailed mechanisms h) that staffing levels are commensurate with to monitor the operation of contracts workloads, not arbitrary financial targets; awarded by State Government agencies to i) that the public sector is sufficiently resourced the private sector, including general public to meet the objectives and expectations of user feedback; the government and the community; f) expand the powers of the Auditor General to j) effective performance management and audit and publicly report on the efficiency and leadership; and efficacy of taxpayer funded services provided by the private sector, including k) attraction and retention strategies are the full costs of the privatised/outsourced established that include attractive and approach for each service; competitive pay and conditions, improved superannuation contributions, provision of g) require that the private service provider is adequate regional housing (or subsidies), subject to no lesser standards of scrutiny and closing the gap between pay and conditions responsibility than would apply to a of the public and private sector, and public sector provider of those services, guaranteeing no reduction in pay and including applicable policies, customer working conditions in real terms. service charters and complaint handling mechanisms, and complies with all relevant 55 WA Labor will also modernise the public legislation including equal opportunity, sector to ensure that it is responsive to the occupational health and safety and industrial needs of the government and the community relations legislation; by: h) ensure transparency and appropriate access a) accommodating new service delivery models under Freedom of Information laws to and reducing red tape; contracts with the private sector for privatised b) facilitating mobility of employment between or outsourced services; and agencies, including enabling cross-agency i) ensure all privatised or outsourced employment to improve levels of co-operation agreements allow for renegotiation or
132 | 2017 WA Labor Platform 2017 cancellation without penalty to the State the needs of our communities; where the private provider has seriously h) ensuring all firefighters have access to breached their contract. treatment and compensation for cancer and 57 WA Labor will ensure that all government other illnesses contracted as a consequence employees and emergency service volunteers of their service; and have a right to compensation for late onset i) assisting local communities to work in illnesses contracted in the performance of partnership with fire and emergency services their duties. and to be responsible for their own safety. COMMUNITY SAFETY 62 WA Labor also recognises that: 58 All Western Australians are entitled to live free a) a fully trained and equipped professional of violence; in safety and security. fire and rescue service plays a key role in 59 It is a fundamental role of Government protecting our community; to assist in times of natural disaster, b) there will always be a need for a substantial emergencies and other security and safety contribution by volunteers, for example threats. through volunteer fire fighting and the State 60 WA Labor also acknowledges that climate Emergency Service; and change may intensify the range and nature of c) All Fire and Emergency Service personnel natural disaster threats. are a valued and integral part of emergency 61 Government must ensure the safety of our management response and capability in communities by: Western Australia. a) properly understanding strategic risks; 63 WA Labor will improve emergency management services by: b) placing a strong focus on emergency service response, prevention and preparedness a) regularly assessing the appropriateness of within the Western Australian community at expanding career firefighting into regions large; of high growth, including the Pilbara and Kimberley, Great Southern and the Darling c) building capacity and resilience in the Range; community; b) auditing local governments to determine gaps d) providing required infrastructure to respond in capacity and preparedness to facilitate and to prevent and mitigate against injury and best practice co-ordination of response; damage to property (including our cultural heritage); and to avoid adverse impact on the c) ensure that all Fire and Emergency Service community; personnel are well supported and provided with appropriate equipment, protective e) co-ordinating the collection and dissemination apparel and assistance; of up-to-date, comprehensive and accurate emergency information, so that d) supporting all Fire and Emergency Service appropriate preparation can be made and personnel through provision of regular specific vulnerabilities in the community training; identified and resolved in a timely way; e) exploring mechanisms to compensate f) ensuring there is a proper emergency employers where their volunteer employees communications capability operating at are called out during their normal work hours; optimal levels across the entirety of Western f) ensuring volunteers have a legal right to Australia; compensation for personal injury or death g) ensuring that Police, fire and emergency arising out of their volunteer services; services personnel are provided with the g) ensuring indemnity from civil liability for highest level of health and safety protection anything volunteers do in good faith in and appropriate resources in order to meet Authorised by P Gorman, 54 Cheriton St, Perth WA 6000 | 133 performing fire and emergency service individuals’ likelihood to carry out a violent functions; act. h) recognising the contribution that all fire CRIMINAL JUSTICE fighter and emergency services make to the 66 Labor believes that a proper functioning community; and criminal justice system is a vital part of a i) providing greater transparency in how the civil society that values the rule of law and is emergency service levy (ESL) funds are essential to ensuring a peaceful and orderly distributed and spent, as well as ensuring functioning society. This requires the State that such funds prioritise the delivery of to have sufficient powers to perform the frontline services. necessary functions of the criminal justice system balanced against necessary restraints 64 WA Labor will ensure adequate regulation of on such power to protect the community the security industry and the tattoo industry, and individuals for having their liberties and in consultation with industry and unions. freedoms inappropriately constrained. 65 WA Labor acknowledges the growing threat 67 The criminal justice system needs to meet of homegrown terrorism and is committed to many objectives: keeping Western Australians safe. a) the proper punishment of those involved in WA Labor committed to tackling terrorism in committing crimes; all its forms – including violent jihadism and b) protection of the personal safety and property violent right-wing terrorism. of all Western Australians;
WA Labor will consult with front-line c) supporting victims of crime; communities, Local Governments, NGOs and d) rehabilitation of offenders; WA Police to ensure appropriate community e) reducing recidivism; and services are available and accessible to counter violent extremism. f) operating with integrity and the maintenance of public confidence in the system. WA Labor will investigate re-introducing 68 In meeting these objectives, the criminal Multicultural Liaison Officers in WA Police. justice system must: These civilian staff will work with culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities a) properly investigate and prosecute criminal to advise WA Police on matters concerning activity; CALD communities; support police when b) maintain the separation of investigation, they come in contact with people that prosecution, defence and judicial processes; may need extra assistance and services to c) treat those accused of committing crimes support their cultural, religious and language firmly but fairly; needs; and ultimately build trust and confidence between WA Police and CALD d) use appropriate penalties, including a communities. variety of programmes and other initiatives tailored to most effectively suit the crime WA Labor will investigate establishing a and rehabilitate the individual to become a comprehensive training program for law contributing member of society; enforcement and allied professionals e) ensure that fines do not cause (including, but not limited to, psychologists, disproportionate harm to offenders simply by health workers, teachers, youth and social reason of their financial situation; workers and parole officers) to embed countering violent extremism in their f) appropriately support, counsel and practice and pedagogy, in order to develop compensate victims; and their expertise in effectively assessing an g) address the causes of crime as well as
134 | 2017 WA Labor Platform 2017 criminal conduct. crime at its source. 69 All aspects of crime prevention and the 77 As part of a Smart on Crime approach, WA criminal justice system need to be adequately Labor will: resourced with appropriate accountability to a) ensure all relevant agencies work successfully achieve these objectives. collaboratively to develop and implement 70 WA Labor unequivocally opposes: evidence based crime prevention strategies; a) the death penalty; b) work with local government, service providers and local communities to develop crime b) corporal punishment; prevention and reduction strategies, including c) the use of torture; resourcingprogrammes and initiatives d) indeterminate periods in custody; that focus on early intervention and crime prevention, for example Neighbourhood e) mandatory sentencing; Watch, Eyes on the Street and DrugARM f) extending provisions to stop and search WA; without consent or reasonable suspicion; c) work with young people at risk of offending g) broad anti-association and anti-protect laws; and their families to identify their needs and and to encourage their full participation in society; h) prohibited behaviour orders. d) promote the principles of restorative justice and therapeutic justice to build a sense i) Imprisonment for fine default alone. of community spirit and responsibility of 71 WA Labor will provide alternative options for offenders, with aims to restore victims and fine defaulters to reduce imprisonment for the community to their pre-offence state of unpaid fines. security; ADDRESSING CAUSES OF CRIME AND e) promote crime prevention strategies that are JUSTICE REINVESTMENT cognisant of and appropriate to Western 72 WA Labor believes that the building of a Australia’s complex multicultural society; prosperous, socially cohesive and tolerant f) deliver a targeted approach to the various democratic society will reduce the level and causes of crime; impact of crime in Western Australia. g) continue to investigate and seek to implement 73 The causes of crime are diverse but social innovative and alternative initiatives to better disadvantage, mental health and drug use deal with patterns of offending and classes are significant factors in criminality. of victims, including improved criminal 74 WA Labor believes that investment in services justice diversion and intervention strategies and programmes, across government, in for Aboriginal people, those with decision- a co-ordinated approach, that address the making disabilities, sufferers of post-traumatic underlying causes of crime are more effective stress disorder (PTSD), sufferers of foetal than punishment and rehabilitation on their alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), and the own. intergenerational transmission of the legacy of trauma, including through the continuation 75 Investment in crime prevention and of the Drug and Mental Health Courts; and addressing the underlying causes of crime is a key mechanism of reducing crime in h) encourage an informed debate in our our community and ensuring less people community about the causes, level and become victims of crime, as well as delivering impact of crime and how to best respond, improved social and economic outcomes for including a major focus on early intervention the community as a whole. strategies. 76 WA Labor will be smart on crime, adopting a strategy of justice reinvestment - tackling
Authorised by P Gorman, 54 Cheriton St, Perth WA 6000 | 135 POLICE exercised in an appropriate way; and 78 How police perform their role is central to j) telephone calls to police are answered the level of public confidence, effective promptly and always followed up. emergency management, safety and security INVESTIGATION AND PROSECUTION in the community. 81 Preventing and dealing with crime (including 79 Labor believes that police ‘lock-ups’, ‘watch organised crime and terrorism) is a balancing houses’ and transportation of those in Police act, so that the rights and liberties of Western custody should: Australians are not lightly forfeited in the a) operate under established international best name of combating crime and terror, as well practice; as ensuring the safety and security of us all. b) be sufficiently resourced and staffed to ensure 82 WA Labor recognises, supports and will the safety of police, staff, those in custody protect: and the wider community; and a) an unqualified right to silence; c) be operated at the same standard, regardless b) the right against self-incrimination; of location or the predominate race of their inmates. c) the presumption of innocence; 80 WA Labor will maintain and enhance the d) the right to adequate legal representation for integrity of our police by ensuring that: serious criminal matters; a) police powers are not devolved to private e) the general inadmissibility of evidence security personnel or privatised in any way; obtained illegally or by improper means; and b) strategic partnerships with other relevant f) the right to an interpreter. agencies and organisations are enhanced 83 WA Labor believes there is no justification to so that service delivery occurs at the level authorise unreasonable personal searches by needed in a co-ordinated and seamless way; police. c) appropriate law enforcement and crime 84 WA Labor will ensure that accused persons, prevention initiatives are undertaken in when interviewed or detained, have the right regional and country areas, in consultation to: with local communities; a) seek legal advice prior to interview; d) police resources and training are targeted to b) have interviews video-recorded; ensure professional police operations that are able to meet the challenges of modern law c) if a child or other vulnerable person, be enforcement and crime prevention; accompanied by a friend or have another adult present; e) more police time is used in crime prevention with a greater and more effective response to d) have access to appropriate medical incidents; treatment; and f) the Police are adaptive to constant shifts in e) protections from inappropriate invasive bodily criminal activities; searches and the taking of bodily samples. g) selection and promotion of officers is on CORRECTIVE SERVICES merit, while also reflecting the composition 85 WA Labor will ensure the consistent, just and and diversity of the Western Australian humane treatment of offenders and supports community, including gender and cultural the appropriate use of both custodial and background; non-custodial sentencing options, with h) cultural sensitivities are appropriately imprisonment as a punishment of last resort, respected by police; which is not suitable or appropriate for fine defaulters. i) Police powers are not abused and are
136 | 2017 WA Labor Platform 2017 86 A society can be judged by the way that it crime, leads to harsh and unfair sentences, treats its prisoners – the people working in unnecessarily increases the overcrowding corrective services are essential to ensuring of prisons and disproportionately affects the effectiveness of our criminal justice Aboriginal people and other marginalised system. groups. 87 WA Labor believes that the most just and 92 WA Labor will improve services to prisoners appropriate sentencing outcomes in all with mental health issues. WA Labor will circumstances require full judicial discretion ensure that when prisoners are classifified with all available sentencing options. For this prisoners mental health issues are reason, WA Labor is principally opposed identified and recommendations made for to mandatory sentencing, which produces case management. WA Labor will make perverse and unjust sentencing outcomes. improvments in the identification of mental issues in all custodial settings. 88 WA Labor recognises that it is important that sentences have regard for community 93 WA Labor believes that prisons, juvenile expectations. detention centres and prisoner transportation and other corrective services should: 89 Within 12 months of coming to government, WA Labor will establish a Sentencing a) operate under established international best Advisory Council. The Sentencing Advisory practice; Council will, with the input of the judiciary b) be sufficiently resourced and staffed to and the community, publish recommended ensure the safety of staff, prisoners and the guideline sentencing ranges for categories wider community; and of crimes and offending types for our Courts in order to improve community confidence c) be operated at the same standard and with in sentencing outcomes, while maintaining the provision of required services, regardless judicial discretion and alleviating the of location or the predominate race perceived need for mandatory sentences. of their inmates. All corrective services, including prisons, must in all circumstances 90 WA Labor believes that the treatment of be the full responsibility of Government. people with mental health problems within our prisons is an issue that concerns 94 WA Labor believes that people detained or both community safety and the rights and imprisoned by a decision of the Courts of wellbeing of individuals. Western Australia must at all times be under supervision and control by officers and 91 The WA Labor Government will reaffirm its employees of the Government of Western commitment to reducing prisoner numbers Australia. WA Labor opposes the outsourcing by not introducing any further mandatory and privatisation of corrective services. sentencing regimes in Western Australia, and will conduct a review of all current 95 The increasing costs associated with regimes. Mandatory sentencing unjustifiably overcrowded prisons takes away much requires the same minimum term to be needed resources from crime prevention imposed regardless of how trivial or serious strategies. Overcrowded prisons are more the offence; fails to consider an offender’s dangerous for staff and reduce access to circumstances; shifts judicial discretion not programs and services for prisoners, which to impose a custodial term in exceptional leads to increased recidivism. circumstances from the Courts to Police and 96 The capacity of the prison system should prosecutors; breaches various international be expanded to: meet demand; prevent treaties which prohibit arbitrary detention, overcrowding; allow equal and adequate including Article 9 of Universal Declaration access to appropriate treatment, training and of Human Rights 1948; and ignores rehabilitation services and programmes; and overwhelming evidence from Australia and ensure prisoners are housed humanely in overseas demonstrating that it fails to reduce facilities appropriate for their purpose. Authorised by P Gorman, 54 Cheriton St, Perth WA 6000 | 137 97 By adopting a Justice Reinvestment strategy 106 WA Labor will work in partnership with the and by being smarter on crime, Labor will Australian Government to ensure that: reduce the escalation of the costs incurred a) Legal Aid WA; in the exponential growth in the prison population. b) the Aboriginal Legal Service WA; 98 WA Labor will ensure adequate post release c) community legal centres; services for people who are returning to their d) native title representative bodies; families and communities. e) public interest and pro bono clearing houses; 99 WA Labor will establish a Conviction Review and Commission to review historical convictions f) translation services, where new evidence is uncovered or where inappropriate investigative or prosecutorial 107 are adequately resourced to enable the conduct has recently been discovered. equitable provision of quality legal services, Such Conviction Review Commission would which are accessible, used in a cost effective independently review such cases for referral manner and available to those in need with to the Court of Appeal for determination. meritorious cases. 100 WA Labor believes individuals incarcerated 108 WA Labor will encourage and support the should be accommodated consistent with expansion of pro-bono clearing house their own gender identity and offered the services in and for Western Australia. necessary protections to keep them safe. 109 A WA Labor Government will secure an REHABILITATION ongoing source of funding for community legal centres to ensure their viability and 101 Offender treatment, training and rehabilitation sustainability into the future. services and programmes should incorporate international best practice, with regular ABORIGINAL AUSTRALIANS AND THE review, monitoring and accreditation. JUSTICE SYSTEM 102 WA Labor will ensure that prisoners are 110 WA Labor acknowledges the unique provided with appropriate programs in a position of Aboriginal Australians as the first timely manner in accessible locations to inhabitants of Western Australia. maximise rehabilitation outcomes, reduce 111 WA Labor believes that there is strength in recidivism and ensure that prisoners re-join the diversity of the culture and traditional society in a productive way upon release. systems of law found in the various Aboriginal 103 WA Labor will ensure all perpetrators of societies within Western Australia. domestic violence are required to attend 112 Aboriginal customary law should be programmes for rehabilitation to break the respected and appropriately recognised. cycle of family and domestic violence. 113 WA Labor acknowledges the historical ACCESS TO JUSTICE and current disadvantage of Aboriginal 104 WA Labor believes that for all people to be Australians on nearly all socio-economic equal before the law, and courts should be measures, including low rates of employment equally open and accessible to all. Access to participation, low life expectancy, poor the legal system for all litigants, regardless of health and education outcomes and their economic, social or cultural background disproportionally high rates of imprisonment. is essential for a legal system to provide 114 WA Labor recognises the positive impact of justice. Aboriginal Sentencing Courts in contributing 105 The opportunity to engage diligent and to a sense of Indigenous ownership of the competent legal representation is essential to sentencing process; making sentencing a ensuring access to justice. more relevant experience for Indigenous offenders; improving the relationship between
138 | 2017 WA Labor Platform 2017 Indigenous people and the court system; and appropriate legal assistance. strengthening Indigenous communities. 121 WA Labor will respect the various forms 115 WA Labor will continue to support the of governance adopted by Aboriginal Aboriginal Sentencing Courts currently communities, which reflect their cultural and operating in WA. juridical domains, and as far as possible, consistently with international law, uphold WA Labor will consider establishing more their traditional systems of law. initiatives of this kind around WA and will 122 WA Labor will encourage more Aboriginal consider ways to improve the operation of Australians to participate more fully in the current Aboriginal Sentencing Courts. legal system by encouraging them to apply 116 WA Labor will consider establishing a for appointment as Justices of the Peace, to Neighbourhood Justice Centre similar to the join the Police, participate in the Aboriginal City of Yarra Neighbourhood Justice Centre Visiting Scheme, to study law, and in other in Melbourne, Victoria. appropriate areas. 117 Aboriginal over-representation in all parts of PERSONS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS AND the criminal justice system, and in particular THE JUSTICE SYSTEM amongst those in custody, and a seeming 123 WA Labor believes that equality before the under-representation in criminal diversion law is a fundamental concept of our legal programs, victim support services and system. This requires understanding of alternative penalty programs represent and sensitivity to the special requirements a major social issue to be confronted by and disabilities of particular sections of the Western Australia and one that must be community. The principle of ‘substantive tackled as part of full reconciliation with equality’ directs attention to equality of Aboriginal Australians. outcome or to the reduction or elimination of 118 WA Labor will work with Aboriginal barriers specific to certain groups within our people and their communities to community. It begins from the premise that in develop laws, policies and practices to order to treat some persons equally, we can’t alleviate disadvantage and address the treat them all the same. disproportionate numbers of Aboriginal 124 WA Labor recognises that children have people caught up in the criminal justice diminished capacities and that, as a system. WA Labor will be guided by consequence, children need to be protected principles of inclusion, equality, fairness, from the full force of the criminal law. equity and justice. Additionally, uniform legislation on the age 119 WA Labor will review present criminal of criminal responsibility across the States, procedural and sentencing laws against Territories and Commonwealth is desirable. the recommendations of the 1991 Royal In government, WA Labor will work within Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in COAG to encourage all states to increase the Custody recommendations with a view to age of criminal responsibility from 10 years to continuing to ensure such laws meet the 12 years. community’s needs while not causing undue 125 Labor recognises some offenders and young harm to Aboriginal people. people in detention suffer from foetal alcohol 120 Noting the success of the New South Wales syndrome disorder (FASD). Labor supports Custodial Notifications Service (CNS) in the work of researchers in investigating dramatically reducing Aboriginal deaths in FASD. Labor also recognises a high portion custody in that state, in government WA of offenders and young people in detention Labor will fund and implement a CNS to may have a brain acquired injury. This often ensure Aboriginal people who are taken leads to cognitive, language and speech into custody have immediate access to impairments.
Authorised by P Gorman, 54 Cheriton St, Perth WA 6000 | 139 FAMILY & DOMESTIC VIOLENCE and Domestic Violence courts. WA Labor will ensure that appropriate resources are 126 Women, children, young people, people living available to enable applications for Family & with disabilities and those from culturally and Domestic Violence Restraining Orders to be linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds are dealt with immediately. amongst the most vulnerable in our society. 131 WA Labor will review and remedy the current 127 All Western Australians are entitled to live situation where formally separated de facto safe from family violence, including physical couples’ superannuation is considered a and emotional abuse. Family and domestic financial resource as opposed to an asset. violence is criminal conduct and should be guarded against with the full force of the law. DRUGS AND ALCOHOL WA Labor will develop a Family and Domestic 132 WA Labor recognises that: Violence Prevention Strategy to protect victims of family and domestic violence by: a) the abuse of illicit drugs exacts a high human, social and economic cost to individuals and a) increasing access to legal representation and the community and that drug use and abuse assistance, community services and refuges; is primarily a health issue, not a criminal one; b) providing appropriate training to professionals b) the ‘war on drugs’ approach to reducing the such as judicial officers, Police, court staff use and community damage from illicit drug and others dealing with family violence; use has been a failure and may actually be c) ensuring relevant government agencies work doing more harm than good; collaboratively to prevent family and domestic c) drug and alcohol policy is a very complex violence and effectively support its victims; issue that demands proper community d) incorporating specific content into school discussion of a range of alternatives to education programmes; prohibition; and e) increasing community awareness and d) drug and alcohol policy should be based education campaigns; and on evidence of what works and what does not and the international evidence base on f) undertaking a review of the impact of family these issues is now both substantial and and domestic violence on people living with persuasive. disabilities. 133 WA Labor will introduce comprehensive and 128 Within the first year of the next WA Labor innovative strategies aimed at reducing the Government, WA Labor will conduct a review impact of illicit drug use and abuse on the of the convictions and sentences of any community, in consultation with appropriate person (irrespective of gender or relationship experts and the community generally. to the deceased) who is currently in prison in WA for committing homicide in the context 134 WA Labor will ensure police and courts make of serious domestic and family violence to greater use of diversionary programs for determine whether pardons, parole and people accused of possession of illicit drugs reduced sentences are appropriate in the for personal use. light of the previous WA Labor Government’s 135 WA Labor will implement its Meth Action reform of laws on domestic violence Plan by transforming Melaluca Remand homicide. and Reintegration facility and Wandoo 129 A Labor will work to enact and give effect to Reintegration facility to dedicated drug and the outstanding recommendations of the WA alcohol rehabilitation prisons. It will create Law Reform Commission’s Enhancing Family a prisoner triage unit to direct appropriate & Domestic Violence Laws (Project No. 104) prisoners directly to these prisons. Final Report in particular relating to RTA. 136 WA Labor will decriminalise the possession 130 WA Labor will reintroduce metropolitan Family of small amounts marijuana for personal
140 | 2017 WA Labor Platform 2017 use and return to a system of infringement 141 WA Labor will legislate to exempt victims of notice penalties and diversion to counselling child sex offences from time limits on legal services. action for damages. 137 WA Labor will legislate against the third party 142 WA Labor acknowledges that the non- supply of alcohol to minors. consensual sharing of intimate images (known as ‘revenge porn’) goes against a MENTAL HEALTH person’s right to privacy, and can have far- 138 A disproportionate number of people caught reaching negative consequences on their up in the criminal justice system have mental personal and professional lives. WA Labor health problems. accordingly will legislate so that it is a crime 139 WA Labor will review the laws, processes and to distribute, or threaten to distribute real or facilities for the detention of mentally impaired altered intimate images of another person offenders, and in particular ensure that without their consent. mentally impaired offenders are not detained ASBESTOS unfairly or for longer than the sentences the 143 WA Labor acknowledges that Western offender would have otherwise received if Australia tragically boasts one of the highest they pleaded guilty as a mentally competent per capita rates of asbestos related disease offender. “including mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung SEXUAL ABUSE cancer” found anywhere in the world. 140 WA Labor will develop a sexual assault 144 WA Labor recognises that Western Australia victims support strategy that: is home to one of Australia’s largest industrial a) acknowledges and addresses the reasons for disasters, the mining of blue asbestos in the low reporting rates: infamous town of Wittenoom from 1940 to 1966. Not only was blue asbestos mined, b) includes early intervention programmes, and but toxic asbestos tailings were spread more effective and targeted health services around the town to build roads, driveways, that recognise co-morbidity and connections footpaths, backyards, school playgrounds between health and abuse; and the local racecourse. c) includes the trialling of alternative ways to 145 WA Labor recognises that people exposed deal with offending that recognises and to asbestos while working on do-it-yourself appropriately treats offenders who have projects are emerging as the “third wave” of themselves suffered from sexual assault; asbestos-related cancer victims. d) seeks to reduce further disadvantage to 146 WA Labor believes that asbestos disease victims flowing from the removal of financial sufferers deserve access to just and fair support from an offender; compensation. In that regard, WA Labor will: e) examines ways to make the criminal justice a) Support the introduction of provisional system more ‘user friendly’ and accessible damages to allow, following a judgment, if an for victims; asbestos victim develops a disease which is f) draws upon the recently acknowledged different from or more serious than the initial and examined abuse at State run and other disease suffered at the time of judgment, institutional accommodation facilities, such a court to award further damages to that as the Katanning hostel, to ensure that such victim; and activities do not reoccur; and b) Support law reform to allow asbestos victims g) seeks to provide justice to the victims of the to recover damages for loss of capacity to abuse, to recognise their ongoing suffering perform domestic services for another person and seeks to prevent all forms of abuse, such as for a young child, elderly parent particularly future institutionalised abuse. or partner with a disability (also known as Sullivan v Gordon damages) Authorised by P Gorman, 54 Cheriton St, Perth WA 6000 | 141 147 The WA Labor Government will, within its RESOLUTION first term of Government and in line with the 149 WA Labor recognises the human rights party’s commitment to local jobs and local concerns associated with the Federal Liberal content, ensure WA Government advertising Government’s amendments to section 501 projects employ Western Australian talent; of the Migration Act 1958 (“The Act”). Under including performers, advertising agencies, section 501 of the Act, the relevant Minister voice-over artists and technical production has discretion to implement a “character test” staff, needed to crew what are WA projects. to strip individuals of their visas as a result of ACHIEVEMENTS criminal behaviour.
148 WA Labor is proud of its achievements in law, governance and community safety over This discretion extends to enable the many, many years, including: Minister to suspend an individual’s visa in circumstances where the Minister • introducing ‘one vote, one value’; “reasonably suspects” or has “reasonable • removing the requirement to own property suspicion” that the individual has been a to vote; member of a group or organisation, or has • establishing the Court of Appeal; had or has an association with a group that is involved in criminal behaviour. The • overhauling the Magistrates Court; practical effect of this is that individuals have • creating the State Administrative Tribunal; their visas suspended and are subsequently • establishing the Equal Opportunity incarcerated for extended periods of time in Commission; detention without charge or sentence and • completing State gay and lesbian law without having their suspected criminality reform; tested before the courts. • establishing the Commissioner for Children & Young People; WA Labor calls upon the Federal Parliamentary Labor Party, when in • establishing legal recognition of de facto relationships; Government, to review section 501 of the Act with the view of limiting the Minister’s • establishing the Ombudsman discretion to suspend visas only in (Parliamentary Commissioner); circumstances where individuals have been • introducing Freedom of Information tried before the courts and subsequently Legislation; convicted of criminal behaviour. • maintaining essential services in public 150 The WA State Labor Government will ownership; introduce a civil penalty regime associated • creating the lobbyists register; to acts or omissions of the officers of • establishing the independent Office of the the persons or corporations conducting Director of Public Prosecutions; a business or undertaking which cause • overhauling and modernising criminal court a person’s death when those actions or procedure and appeals; omissions amount to a serious breach of a • introducing anti-terrorism legislation; relevant duty of care owed by the persons conducting a business or undertaking to • creation of the sex offenders register; the deceased. The purpose to be served by • regulation of those working with children; the imposition of civil penalties regime is as and follows: • revision of domestic violence legislation 1 . Financial punishment that are and the treatment of domestic violence by proportionate to the offence and in Police. accordance with prevailing community expectations;
142 | 2017 WA Labor Platform 2017 2 . Imposing liability on persons or under which the individual will perform the corporations conducting a business same, or substantially the same work; or undertaking to genuinely reflect the 4 . An application may be made by a person serious nature of the conduct; to a body such as the Western Australian 3 . Deterrence, both personal (which causes Industrial Relations Commission the offender to assess the risk of re- (“WAIRC”) for a remedy in respect to any offending) and general (a deterrent to arrangement or agreement in the nature others who might be likely to offend); of a partnership; 4 . Ensuring liability and financial penalty 5 . It shall be at the discretion of the WAIRC for omissions as well as positive actions that upon the making of an application to on behalf of the persons conducting a determine the validity of the partnership in business or undertaking; accordance with Act; 5 . Ensuring the offence allows for the 6 . The WAIC shall be given authority to aggregation of responsibility rather than make orders including the absolution of relying on the actions of one individual to liability of the applicant with respect to the determine liability. partnership or an award of compensation 151 Misuse of Partnerships for the applicant. The State Labor Government will prohibit 152 In today’s globally connected world, cyber the misuse of partnership agreements in security must be part of the core business of circumstances where they do not meet the government. Cyber-attack has the potential requirements of a genuine partnership. to shut down government agencies, costing the State money and impacting on service More specifically, the WA State Labor delivery. The previous Liberal-National Government will legislate to implement a Government failed to take appropriate action system of offences within the legislative to protect the West Australian public service framework of the Partnerships Act 1895 (WA) from cyber-attack. WA Labor has already (“the Act”) to ensure the following: taken action by revising and improving the WA Government Digital Security Policy. WA 1 . A person must not establish any Labor will take further action to reduce the partnership, enter into any partnership risk of cyber-attack and will develop a whole- with another person or organise any of-government cyber security strategy. person to enter into a partnership for the purpose of avoiding any obligation or 153 WA Labor acknowledges that the previous obligations that would otherwise incur State and current Federal Governments under any law or instrument governing have made dramatic cuts to the funding of the terms and conditions under which community legal services. These cuts come work is performed by employees; in the context of findings from the Federal 2 . A person must not dismiss, or threaten Government’s own Productivity Commission to dismiss and individual who is an that legal aid services are already dramatically employee and performs particular work underfunded. for the employer, in order to facilitate the entry into a partnership by the individual WA Labor recognises the significant to perform the same, or substantially the achievement of the McGowan Labor same work under a partnership; Government in providing community legal centres with almost $1.2 million to 3 . A person that employs, or has at any compensate for the loss of funding from the time employed an individual to perform Legal Contribution Trust. particular work must not make a
statement that the employer knows is WA Labor recognises that cuts to legal aid false in order to persuade or influence and community legal services are a false the individual to enter into a partnership economy, as significant costs are incurred as Authorised by P Gorman, 54 Cheriton St, Perth WA 6000 | 143 a result of restricting access to justice. inadequate sentences handed down for domestic violence homicides, as in the tragic WA Labor will urgently reassess the funding case of Saori Jones in 2012. needs of legal aid WA, the Aboriginal Legal Service, community legal centres and WA Labor commits to a full review of the financial advice centres. Assault Causing Death charge.
158 WA Labor will amend the laws, processes Additionally, WA Labor will demand that the and facilities for the detention of mentally Commonwealth Government reverse its impaired offenders and, in particular, ensure unfair and short-sighted cuts to legal services that mentally impaired offenders are not in WA. detained unfairly or for longer than the 154 WA Labor is committed to ensuring that sentences the offender would have otherwise vital public services are not privatised. In received if they pleaded guilty as a mentally government, WA Labor will undertake to competent offender. review outsourcing contracts relating to 159 With the experiences of the shameful death prisons, juvenile detention centres, prisoner in custody of Ms Dhu, WA Labor reaffirms transport and court security arrangements. our commitment to establishing as a matter 155 WA Labor notes with alarm that the rate of priority a Western Australian Custodial at which Indigenous West Australians are Notifications Service and implementing incarcerated increased dramatically under the the recommendations of the 1991 Royal Barnett Government. Western Australia has Commission into Deaths in Custody. the highest rate of Indigenous incarceration 160 WA Labor will amend the Criminal Code of any State or Territory in Australia. Act 1913 to include a criminal offence for
wage theft where a director of a business, WA Labor is committed to reducing the rate an employer and/or owner of a business of Indigenous incarceration in this State to knowingly, recklessly or repeatedly underpays below the national average as a matter of the workers they engage. urgency. It will engage in law reform and implement specific, targeted programs in 161 WA Labor will decriminalise the cultivation, consultation and partnership with Indigenous possession and use of small quantities of communities to achieve this goal. cannabis by adults, in line with the provisions of the Gallop Government’s Cannabis Control 156 WA Labor notes the report to the Queensland Act 2003. Government by the ‘Special Taskforce on Domestic and Family Violence in Queensland’ 162 The local government legislative and chaired by The Honourable Quentin Bryce regulatory framework, the Local Government AD CVO and the Victorian Royal Commission Act 1995, currently treats local government into Family Violence. as if all local governments are the same.
Those reports contain important WA Labor recognises that local governments recommendations, relevant to Western are vastly different in size and scale, and in Australia. the needs of their communities.
WA Labor will implement appropriate WA Labor understands that each local recommendations in WA as a matter of government faces different challenges, just as urgency. each local community has different needs.
157 The introduction of the offence of ‘Assault To reflect these differing needs and enable Causing Death’ has re-introduced better outcomes for local communities, the provocation as a defence to certain legislative framework for local government homicides. It has also seen appalling and needs to change.
144 | 2017 WA Labor Platform 2017 people and workers of the world in upholding WA Labor supports amending the Local and furthering their enfranchisement into their Government Act 1995 to differentiate respective political orders. It is in this vain that between local governments and to apply we seek fair democratic systems to uphold regulation, compliance and administration and further human rights and particularly that are reflective of the capacity of local continue the march of strengthening the governments. rights of workers. It is appropriate in this fractious and polarised period of time that we 163 That, consistent with Labor’s traditional assert our strong support for the rights and commitment to One Vote, One Value and interests of women and the freedom of the its achievement of this for elections for the press, particularly but not to the exclusion of Western Australian Legislative Assembly, as other groups and rights, and remain vigilant in noted in the WA Labor Platform, Chapter 9, reminding leaders of all countries to respect para 127, Conference requests the Minister and uphold them. for Electoral Affairs to begin consultations
immediately in order to devise and implement It is also important to note that in these more One Vote, One Value for the WA Legislative interdependent times of ever-diminishing Council by the issuing of writs for the 2021 time and space that we do not shy away election. from engaging with the world but seek trade 164 WA Labor notes the Party’s Platform position and investment for our mutual prosperity. (in Chapter 8) in relation to the private However, continuing to not acknowledge provision of Prisons: signs that our international system and the way Australia and other countries interact WA Labor notes that Labor in opposition with each other is only benefiting the few over undertook to return privatised prison facilities the many are already not being tolerated by a to the public sector where the contracts for vast movement of people across the world. It the services have come to an end. is why WA Labor expresses its support for, as WA Labor notes that the contract with Serco we do domestically, to fight internationally for for the private provision of prison services reform of and investment in the international at Wandoo Prison will come to an end in system in order to address international October this year. inequality and many other challenges.
WA Labor resolves, in line with the clear At a state level WA Labor will lead a commitments in the Platform and those fundamental shift in Western Australia’s made by the Party’s leadership, that Wandoo approach to engaging with our near Asian be brought back into the public sector. neighbours and beyond throughout one of the most diverse continents of the world. Building on Labor’s broader commitment CHAPTER 9: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS to understanding and engaging with the PREAMBLE “Asian Century” a WA Labor government The Australian Labor Party is the leading will implement a whole of government Asian internationalist party of Australia and has Engagement strategy. This will interact with been at the forefront of historic shifts in other commitments in this chapter to deliver Australian engagement and inclusion within stronger cultural and economic ties in the the region and the world. Internationalism region to mark out Western Australia from is a strength that has contributed to our other states. economic success and our diverse society.
WA Labor expresses its solidarity with the greatest traditions of Labor standing with the
Authorised by P Gorman, 54 Cheriton St, Perth WA 6000 | 145 ASIAN ENGAGEMENT: A WHOLE OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA AND THE GOVERNMENT APPROACH INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION & TRAINING SECTOR 1 WA Labor will appoint a Minister for Asian Engagement, charged with overseeing the 3 WA Labor recognises the importance of implementation of an Asian Engagement the international education sector to our Strategy economy and the cultural links it provides to Western Australia. WA Labor acknowledges 2 Develop a whole of government Asian WA’s national share of international students Engagement Strategy to guide economic has declined from 9.9% in 2002 to 7.8% in diversification and create jobs. The strategy 2015. Over the same period, WA’s nation- will address the following issues and wide share of higher education enrolments initiatives: has declined from 11.2% to 6.8%. If WA a) Support WA small and medium-sized achieved its population share of international businesses engage Asia to attract capital student enrolments by 2020, an additional investment and exploit export opportunities; $1.2 billion dollars and 8,000 more jobs b) Subsidise Asian language training to public would be added to the WA economy. In that servants and consider a small allowance to regard, a WA Labor government will: those who achieve a recognised standard; a) Establish what has caused the decline in c) Help to establish a dedicated centre for Asian WA’s national share of international student Engagement by competitive tender at a WA numbers and adopt policies that will university; attempt to address these causes and drive growth in international student numbers at d) Commit to sending WA government WA universities, VET providers and other delegations to at least one Asian country education and training providers; every year aligned with the Asian Engagement Strategy priorities and ensure b) In pursuing a growth strategy a WA Labor gender equity of these delegations; government will ensure that regulation of the education and VET sector will protect against e) Require every government department to unfair advantage being taken of international develop a “Supporting Asian Engagement students and build trust between provider Plan” and manage its implementation; and consumer. A WA Labor government will f) Host an annual ASEAN Dialogue, consider how regulation can ensure: concurrently with a trade and investment i ) The maintenance of the highest show, and Asian Arts Festival. In similar vein a possible educational standards WA Labor government will conduct an annual ii ) Fairness of fees high-level dialogue with the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) as well as pursue iii ) Providers are transparent and other numerous opportunities to hold regional accountable to the regulator and their trade, political, cultural and social forums in students Perth and encourage other similar forums to iv ) Providers consider the welfare of the take place across Western Australia; student g) Establish an Asian exchange program that c) Ensure that violation of standards will be will assist with members of the government, thoroughly investigated, refunds offered not-for-profit, and private sector to engage to international students who have been with our Asian neighbours; and affected, and appropriate action is taken against infringing providers and individuals. h) Fund leading arts companies to tour Asian cities; and support Asian arts companies in 4 WA Labor recognises the cultural and touring Western Australia; economic importance of international students travelling to WA but also stresses
the importance of WA students travelling
146 | 2017 WA Labor Platform 2017 internationally on exchange or conducting a) Support retaining international State Trade their entire education overseas. WA Labor Offices and aligning them with the priorities of recognises that our relationship with foreign the Asian Engagement strategy; countries, regions and states are deepened b) Seek to collaborate with Austrade and other if we allow our citizens to form enduring state, territorial or federal institutions towards relationships and networks in these countries the advancement of Western Australian through their educational experience. This trade; provides for sustained engagement in these countries and long-term economic c) Seek to utilise State Trade Offices to further opportunities. Western Australia’s relationship with nations hosting trade offices and explore potential for WA Labor also recognises the prohibitive cost expanding Sister-State relationships; involved and how this presents barriers for d) Expand on the current role of State Trade low socio-economic background students. Offices through informing Western Australian Given the opportunities involved it would businesses, growers, producers and also be seen as restricting our social mobility manufacturers of the role and services offered by not assisting these students. In this vein through international State Trade Offices a WA Labor government will work with the e) Encourage State Trade Offices to promote education and VET sectors to support low cross-cultural dialogue in support of trade; socio-economic WA students in whatever way possible to increase the numbers of f) Foster collaboration between Western low socio-economic WA students travelling Australian Government institutions, overseas for education. Special note is made organisations, companies and their of the importance to align this wherever international counterparts through its State possible with the overarching priorities of the Trade Offices; Asian Engagement strategy. g) Encourage investment into Western Australia 5 Ensure that secondary schools in WA are from international organisations, businesses supported to continue accepting international and individuals for long-term economic students as this provides higher likelihood of benefit; these students returning to WA universities h) Promote Western Australia’s importance in for tertiary studies. the international market; 6 WA Labor recognises that enacting these i) Ensure the location, mandate and resourcing policies benefits all Western Australians of Western Australian international agencies, through multiplier effects in domestic offices and officers is strategically sound in economic activity, additional employment light of the growth of Indo-Pacific economies; for teachers and allied professionals and and assisting in fee reduction for local students. j) Ensure that whilst the reporting lines of
international offices to the Western Australian STATE TRADE OFFICES Government are importantly centralised to 7 Labor supports Western Australia’s one Minister and one Department, there is International State Trade Offices located effective institutional cooperation between globally with specific interest in regional all Departments and international offices as representation in key Asian markets. part of a whole-of-government approach to 8 WA Labor recognises the important role international and Asian engagement. played by State Trade Offices in supporting Western Australia’s economic growth through trade, and increasing Western Australia’s international status. In that regard, WA Labor will:
Authorised by P Gorman, 54 Cheriton St, Perth WA 6000 | 147 SISTER STATE RELATIONSHIPS COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIAN 9 WA Labor supports Western Australia’s GOVERNMENTS (COAG) AND COUNCIL Sister-State relationships with international FOR THE AUSTRALIAN FEDERATION regions and in particular with regional trading (CAF) partners. 11 WA Labor supports the role that Western 10 Western Australia’s relationships will be Australia has in the Council of Australian enhanced by the continued development of Governments (COAG) as the prime Memoranda of Understanding between other intergovernmental forum, which comprises governments and organisations that outline the Prime Minister, State Premiers, Territory areas of cooperation between parties, our Chief Ministers and the President of the shared values, and commitment towards Australian Local Government Association human rights. WA Labor will: (ALGA). a) Continue to identify and foster potential 12 WA Labor recognises that the role of Sister-States; COAG is to initiate, develop and monitor b) Pursue the promotion of Western Australia’s the implementation of policy reforms that trade and cultural opportunities; are of national significance and which c) Identify and facilitate opportunities for require co-operative action by Australian cross-cultural dialogue through Sister-State governments. Relevant issues will generally relationships; arise from: Ministerial Council deliberations; international treaties which affect the d) Participate in forums which foster high-level States and Territories; or major initiatives of interaction and collaborations on scientific one government (particularly the Western research and environmental management; Australian Government) which impact on e) Explore more possibilities for complementary other governments or require the cooperation agricultural enterprises; of other governments. WA Labor will: f) Encourage restraint from environmentally a) Establish close economic and trade links destructive practices such as logging and between provinces, states and territories in land clearing; other nations through the CAF; g) Identify the possibilities of Sister-State b) Explore bilateral exchanges between relationships with other States, particularly provincial, state and territory officials to our Asian neighbours; facilitate policy and program information exchange between other nations and where h) Continue to facilitate cultural exchange and practical, to freely share best practices, cultural events in Western Australia and in our policies and programmes with Western Sister-States; Australia; i) Raise awareness of Western Australia’s c) Explore the establishment of joint provincial- cultural, business and science and territorial-state offices in other countries technology exchanges, which occur between where governments share common interests ourselves and our sister states; with Western Australia; j) Foster the development of relationships d) Maintain a commitment to cooperative between ourselves and the people of our federalism; Sister-States, with a view to enhancing our capacity to engage in informed, sensitive and e) Voice international concerns at COAG effective dialogue regarding democratisation meetings and seek intergovernmental and human rights; and agreements or memoranda of understanding towards addressing such concerns; k) WA Labor supports the current sister state relationships. f) Continue to support COAG intergovernmental agreements, which make clear that 148 | 2017 WA Labor Platform 2017 outcomes have head of government support ethical procurement of goods and services in and contain detailed policy and operational upholding domestic and foreign nation’s laws manners. and regulations, and maintaining international labour standards and human rights. In this HUMAN RIGHTS AND vain a WA Labor government will: INTERNATIONAL LAW a) A WA Labor Government will introduce 13 WA Labor acknowledges and respects the regulations and/or legislation that will commit accretion over many years of human rights it and WA government departments to that attach themselves to WA residents due enforce a certification process on foreign to their status as Australian citizens and businesses that are tendering for WA human beings. government contracts or that it holds commercial contracts with for goods 14 A WA Labor government will not legislate or and services. This certification process seek to legislate any such law that abridges, will establish whether foreign businesses infringes or breaches the human rights of tendering for WA government contracts or individuals. that the WA government holds contracts 15 A WA Labor government will have particular with meet WA government standards and regard in its engagement internationally international labour standards and human for human rights being upheld and will rights. particularly be vocal on issues of slavery and b) A WA Labor government will not award any worker exploitation. We hold these views as tender to or cancel the contract held by the the broader labour movement that seeks to WA government with a foreign business protect and enhance worker rights not only where the business cannot establish beyond domestically but internationally. reasonable doubt that it meets or has not 16 WA Labor recognises the foundational role breached the regulations and/or legislation refugees have played in shaping Australian implemented by the WA government and its identity and values, and contributing to the departments. vibrant multicultural community in WA and 18 WA Labor notes the many examples in recent across our nation. history of the failure of foreign businesses, under contract by the WA government and WA Labor notes the continued reports others who import goods to Australia, to and calls by the United Nations, non- deliver imported goods and WA Government governmental organisations and other projects to and using materials of Australian relevant institutions that have highlighted the standard. This poses a threat to public continued violations of refugee rights that are safety and an uneven playing field for local occurring in Australia’s name. businesses competing in a now global market. A WA Labor government will level WA Labor calls on all levels of government the playing field for WA businesses and within Australia to commit to work together protect the public and workers from defective and for a Federal Labor Government to seek materials used on WA Government projects regional and international arrangements by: that will assist in honouring our international obligations as a signatory of the 1951 a) Ensuring that all materials used on WA Refugee Convention so as to expedite Government projects meet Australian processing, community resettlement and standards. integration. b) Ensuring that any project to be completed under contract to the WA Government by FAIR TRADE a foreign business in a foreign nation is to Australian standard and uses materials that 17 WA Labor recognises the importance of meet Australian standards.
Authorised by P Gorman, 54 Cheriton St, Perth WA 6000 | 149 c) Ensuring that imported machinery to be RESOLUTIONS used on state government projects meets 20 The WA Labor Conference notes: Australian standards. 1 . Previous resolutions carried at the 2015 19 WA Labor recognises the potential benefits ALP National Conference; and trade brings both to our state and Australia. However, WA Labor also recognises the 2 . Supports the recognition and right of inherent balance that must be struck in our lsrael and Palestine to exist within secure trade relationships and agreements in order and recognised borders; and to maintain industries vital to our diverse set 3 . Urges the next Labor Government to of communities and the workers employed recognise Palestine. in them. It is in this vain that WA Labor calls 21 WA Labor recognises the importance of for the following provisions to be considered Australia’s economic relationship with by any Federal Labor Government when other countries. WA Labor believes it undertaking bilateral and multilateral is fundamental that these important international negotiations on trade: relationships with other countries continues into the future. These relationships are too a) To not accept provisions that disadvantage and restrict Australian workers’ opportunities important to be underpinned by inferior trade by allowing jobs to be offered to overseas agreements that sell Australian workers, workers without stringent labour market businesses and the Australian community testing to ascertain whether there are short. opportunities for local workers to be employed first. Free Trade Agreements represent a unique opportunity for Australia but that opportunity b) To not accept provisions that will allow for has been squandered by successive Federal any foreign workers in Australia to exploited, Governments. remunerated less, or otherwise create a double standard in Australian industrial laws. WA Labor condemns, in the strongest c) To not allow provisions that will remove skills possible terms and provisions of any Free assessments for key trades being imported Trade Agreement which into Australia. • Disadvantages and restricts Australian d) Overall equitable arrangements on tariffs workers’ opportunities by allowing jobs to be offered to overseas workers without e) To not accept provisions that threaten the offering them to locals first; ability of Australian federal, state and local governments to legislate in the public interest • Leaves overseas workers vulnerable to exploitation and remunerated less than a f) To recommit to negotiating within the World local worker; Trade Organisation (WTO) so that trade • Allows overseas workers access to jobs reform applies equally to all countries of the that have not genuinely been offered to world. locals first, this is particularly concerning g) To push for provisions that will require when over 100,000 West Australians are imported goods to be to Australian standard out of work; h) To push for provisions that will require • Removes Skills Assessments for key of all parties to negotiations and private trades coming into Australia including corporations trading internationally to electricians and carpenters and joiners that meet ethical standards, international trade will invariably threaten workers’ safety; standards and behaviour, uphold human • Removes Australian tariffs but leaves other rights and comply with other relevant countries tariff structure place; international laws and agreements. • Exposes future Australian Governments to costly, wide-ranging litigation;
150 | 2017 WA Labor Platform 2017 • Places unprecedented power in the the people of West Papua along with all hands of corporations at the expense of internationally recognised human rights. Australian national sovereignty; and WA Labor affirms the request from the United • Impedes the ability of current and future Liberation Movement for West Papua for federal, state and local governments to an internationally supervised vote to take legislate in the interests of the country. place to obtain the democratic will of the Indigenous people of West Papua in their Australia needs to ensure that in all Free desire for self-determination. Trade Agreements Australian workers are not disadvantaged, overseas workers are not WOMEN ON BOARDS exploited and all workers have the necessary WA Labor congratulates the work the skills to do their job safely and effectively. McGowan Government is doing to honour its election commitment to increase the number WA Labor also calls on the Federal Turnbull of women on government boards and Government to refrain from ratifying or committees to 50%. implementing any future Agreement that WA Labor calls on the Government to unfairly removes employment opportunities continue to provide leadership on this for Australian workers. issue so that the private as well as the
community sectors are encouraged to NON-PLATFORM ITEMS increase the number of women on boards of NATIVE TITLE management, thereby increasing productivity as well as diversity. WA Labor calls on the ALP to repeal the effects of the Ten-Point Plan and return REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA Native Title to the domain of the High Court Conference notes the outstanding and common law. contribution the Macedonian community THE SITUATION IN WEST PAPUA has made to West Australian and Australian society. Their contribution has enriched our WA Labor acknowledges the ongoing reports community and added to the diversity that of human rights abuses committed by Labor values absolutely. They are an example security forces in the Indonesian provinces of the more general contribution all migrants of Papua and West Papua (hereafter referred and refugees have made to Western Australia to as “West Papua”) including reports of and Australia. extra-judicial killings, torture, assaults, mass political arrests and limitations regarding Conference notes Australia is one of the few media freedom. countries in the world that still uses the term Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia in WA Labor will support processes to enable its relations with Macedonia and not with the United Nations Human Rights Council to the other republics of what was once called conduct full investigations of human rights Yugoslavia. conditions in West Papua. Conference notes that the Macedonian WA Labor supports the Indonesian National community takes offence at this and that, as Commission on Human Rights (Komisi a matter of priority, the Federal Government Nasional Hak Asasi Manusia – KOMNAS and any future Federal Labor Government HAM) to conduct ongoing independent should drop the prefix “former Yugoslav” and monitoring and investigation of police and retain the words “Republic of Macedonia”. military behaviour in West Papua for public report. Conference also calls for a Federal Labor Government to consider the opening of an WA Labor supports the right to freedom of Australian Embassy in the nation’s capital to assembly and freedom of expression and serve Australia’s interests in the wider region. requests to these freedoms be granted to
Authorised by P Gorman, 54 Cheriton St, Perth WA 6000 | 151 AUSTRALIAN FOREIGN AID government’s progress towards our target of 0.7% of GNI and how the foreign aid budget Conference notes that the Australian is being spent. Government and Federal Labor are already committed to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a critical framework to INEQUALITY BUDGET IMPACT reducing extreme poverty. STATEMENT Conference condemns the Federal Coalition Conference notes the high level of inequality for their savage cuts to Australian aid, taking that currently obtains in WA; and the our national contribution to historic lows as injustice this represents; and the brake on a proportion of Australia’s Gross National our state realising sustained and inclusive Income (GNI). These cuts have come at the macroeconomic growth. same time as unprecedented numbers of Conference reaffirms and reminds the State people have been forced to flee from their Parliamentary Labor Party and the now Labor homes globally and as the UN has called the State Government that addressing inequality current global situation the worst the world should be the highest priority of any state has ever faced. budget. Conference notes that the SDGs call on In this vein, Conference directs the Labor governments to spend 0.7% of GNI on official State Government Treasurer to give direction development assistance (ODA), or aid. While to WA Treasury to construct a distributional Labor increased aid significantly when last impact analysis of the State Budget. This in government, the Liberals have cut billions analysis will seek to: meaning that our aid spend has decreased 1 . Tax and Transfer: Model the distribution as a proportion of our national income. of government expenditure on services Conference believes that it is important for and benefits by household income decile; Australia to keep its commitments to the and model the distribution of state taxes, international community and to play its part in tariffs, fees and charges by household reducing global poverty, tackling rising global income decile as they currently stand. inequality and protecting human rights. 2 . Policy Change: Model the effects Conference calls on WA Conference to on household income by decile of endorse the policy that:Federal Labor in government changes to expenditure on government commits to not reducing the services and benefits; and changes to funding for Official Development Assistance state taxes, fees, tariffs and charges. as a proportion of GNI until the targets we Conference also directs the Labor State have committed to under the SDGs have Government Treasurer to utilise this data to been met. create a lasting income distribution database. Federal Labor commits to increasing aid Conference also directs the Labor State as a proportion of Australia’s GNI when in Government Treasurer to undertake Government. investigation into the feasibility of constructing Federal Labor in Government will focus an income inequality index for WA. This Australian aid on the key priorities of tackling index should represent income inequality by poverty, reducing inequality and protecting electorates and regions but not exclude other human rights. representations of income inequality deemed Federal Labor in Government will legislate important or relevant. a target of 0.7% of Gross National Income. Conference directs the Labor State Once 0.7% is reached, Australia’s foreign aid Government Treasurer to encapsulate the budget will be protected by such legislation Labor State Government’s approach to from ever decreasing below this level. addressing income inequality and outcomes Federal Labor in Government will provide a from the State Budget in an Inequality Budget parliamentary statement that reports on the Impact Statement.
152 | 2017 WA Labor Platform 2017
US AUSTRALIAN RELATIONS WA Labor calls upon the Federal Government to publicly stress our shared values and traditions with the people of the United States of America and to publicly remind the Trump Administration of its transgressions against those values and traditions, and to do so whenever such violations occur
OPPOSITION TO PRIVATISATION WA Labor needs to give the Government clear and consistent guidance of Labor’s opposition to privatisation by preparing, for consideration at the State Executive in November 2017, a consolidated version of various Platform items.
Authorised by P Gorman, 54 Cheriton St, Perth WA 6000 | 153 #WeAreWALabor