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Kimberley WA Labor

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25.01.2022 Josies story is one of the most remarkable in the history of the WA Parliament. A proud Gidja woman, Josie was a member of the Stolen Generations in the 1950s.... She rose to become a fierce advocate for Aboriginal people in the Kimberley. Born in Halls Creek and after spending her whole life in the Kimberley, Josie Farrer was elected to the Western Australian Parliament in March 2013. She has fought for Aboriginal people during her time in Parliament, while delivering significant improvements to health, mental health and education services to the Kimberley as a whole. In her inaugural speech in Parliament, Josie was the first to address the Legislative Assembly in her own Gidja language. During her campaign to secure the historic constitutional recognition for WAs Aboriginal people, Josie urged the WA Parliament to not be afraid, do not be timid, just be magnificent. Josie has never been afraid, nor timid. She has simply been magnificent. Id like to acknowledge Josies service to the Kimberley, to Aboriginal people and to Western Australia, and wish her and her family well for the next chapter of her life. Her decision not to re-contest her seat at the next State Election is a loss to my team and the Western Australian community. On behalf of all Western Australians. Thank you, Josie.

24.01.2022 The McGowan Government is spending $96.5 million to upgrade and refurbish police stations across the State as part of its commitment to deliver better police se...rvices for the community of Western Australia. Including Upgrades for safer, modern facilities for our hardworking police in Kununurra. Works are expected to get underway shortly and will create an immediate boost to workers such as electricians, painters, plumbers, builders and carpenters. This upgrade is part of the McGowan Governments $96.5 million package to upgrade and refurbish police stations across the State as part of WAs Recovery Plan. This maintenance project is part of a pipeline of local jobs that are being created through the McGowan Governments $5.5 billion WA Recovery Plan. For further information and a full list of projects, please visit www.inthistogether.wa.gov.au

24.01.2022 Weve done well so far. Lets keep going.

24.01.2022 Geoff Gallop said West Australians like him are very proud of whats happening in WA.

23.01.2022 MASSIVE NEWS FOR WA FAMILIES AND WORKERS: Were boosting our States economic recovery with a huge new package of works that will upgrade 63 schools across WA. ...The massive $492.2 million package includes major additions and rebuilds to primary and secondary schools, new sports halls, classrooms, specialist facilities, refurbishments and more. The upgrades will create an injection of local jobs for WA workers and deliver exceptional learning facilities for WA kids and teenagers. Major projects include: Carine Senior High School - $32 million major upgrade to provide classrooms and facilities for up to 600 students; Albany Senior High School - $6.3 million for a new performing arts centre; Kalamunda Senior High School - $18.3 million rebuild of education support facilities and new classrooms; Lynwood Senior High School - $18.3 million for a new performing arts centre, sports hall and classroom building; Melville Senior High School - $925,000 for refurbishment of technical classrooms; Ocean Reef Senior High School - $5 million for a sports hall; Margaret River Senior High School - $6.27 million for a new full-sized sports oval; Bunbury Senior High School - $3.1 million for a major refurbishment of the sports hall and specialist areas; Karratha Senior High School - $22 million upgrade to provide new facilities to accommodate increasing enrolments; Joseph Banks Secondary College - $16 million new classroom building; Lesmurdie Primary School - $15.2 million to complete school rebuild; Australind Senior High School - $15 million upgrade to provide new double-storey classroom building, science and design and technology facilities; Eastern Hills Senior High School - $2 million for a major refurbishment to the cafeteria and specialist classrooms; Wanneroo Secondary College - $5 million for a new performing arts centre and cafeteria; Willetton Senior High School - $12.5 million for a Stage 3 - classroom block; Wickham Primary School - $3.5 million for a new early childhood education centre; Dianella Secondary College - $5.3 million for a new performing arts centre; Pinjarra Senior High School - $10.4 million for a new performing arts centre and sports hall; and Westminster Primary School - $10 million for school rebuild. And more! For the full list of schools, and to see more about our WA Recovery Plan, visit http://inthistogether.wa.gov.au

21.01.2022 Work to seal the last 90km section of Cape Leveque Road is on track to be completed by late-2020. I visited the road today and drove the first 32km of new surf...ace. It is an amazing transformation and the Kimberley roads crew has done an outstanding job in some tough conditions. Additionally, the road project has been an industry leader in terms of Aboriginal employment and training. More than half the workers on the project are Aboriginal people who are local to the area. Once completed, this road will provide safer links to employment, education and other opportunities.

21.01.2022 I wanted to make sure you had the latest on the Clive Palmer matter. My conscience is clear, I know we are doing the right thing. We are doing the right thing b...y the State. When I was elected Premier, I wasnt elected to be soft. I wasnt elected to give in. I wasnt elected to cave in to these sorts of personal interests. I was elected to do the right thing by the people of the State And that is exactly what we are doing in this matter. I think the idea that a single individual can take this State for $30 billion because he was rejected on a flawed proposal is absolutely obscene. Theres two sides here - the people of Western Australia, 2.6 million of us - versus one individual who wants to take us for $30 billion. We have to act in the interests of the 2.6 million people, not in the interests of the one person from Queensland. And you have to pick a side. We are on the side of the people, and were up against someone who is trying to bankrupt our State. Mr Palmer has said publically he takes a million dollars in royalties from his WA Sino Iron project per day. On top of that, he still has the Balmoral South Deposit that is sitting in the ground. None of that is being taken away from him. What were taking away from one person is the capacity to bankrupt Western Australia. To force us to close hospitals and schools and police stations. To sack child protection workers, council rangers, police officers, nurses. That would be the consequence if Mr Palmer was successful. And we cannot risk that. So what we are doing, whilst controversial, and whilst, to a degree, extraordinary, is necessary in these circumstances.

21.01.2022 Western Australias recovery is well underway. The hard work that each and every Western Australian put in to help get our State into a strong position in the ...fight against COVID-19 has been paying dividends - with 19,200 Western Australians returning to employment within the first two weeks of Phase 4 commencing in July. In addition, half of those jobs are full-time jobs, which makes the numbers even more encouraging. We still have a long way to go, and we know that many West Aussie workers and businesses are still doing it tough. But this much is clear: the Western Australian economy is recovering more quickly than the rest of the country, and the confidence that we can enjoy from our success and from our hard border is meaning that more Western Australians are able to get back on their feet. With 41,000 jobs in total now recovered since the start of the pandemic, WA is well and truly on the road to recovery. But we know its just the start, and were working hard to get more Western Australians back on the job with our WA Recovery Plan - creating work for locals now, and a sustainable pipeline of WA jobs for the future. Im so glad that our strong measures to keep WA safe are paying off. And thats why we must remain vigilant through this crisis.

20.01.2022 Good news for WA. Thank you to the McGowan Labor Government for keeping our state safe, strong and fair during the pandemic. Those arguing for open borders to support jobs just lost the argument I would think!

20.01.2022 Managed to catch up with Emily Carter at the Marninwarntikura Women's Resource Centre today which was very fitting due to it being White Ribbon Australia Day to...day. We spoke of the importance of self determination AND got to sneak a peak at the 1000 Dresses that they have been collecting for the fabulous grandmothers of Fitzroy See more

20.01.2022 Great to be back at Broome Markets this morning having a sticky beak

19.01.2022 Giving some love to Kununurra and encouraging every Western Australian to do the same. Nowhere else like it on Earth. #wanderoutyonder @kingfishertours @aviairwa @australiasnorthwest @visitkununurra @ Bungle Bungles (Purnululu)

19.01.2022 Since we entered Phase 4 of the roadmap, most Western Australians have been enjoying a way of life that is mostly back to normal. While we enjoy a COVID-safe li...fe, I do have an update regarding the next phase of eased restrictions, as well as the Perth Royal Show. Unfortunately, based on the latest health advice, weve had to make the decision to extend Phase 4 for a further two months. And in line with that decision, weve had to cancel this years Perth Royal Show as we cannot be certain that it can be staged without risk. Throughout this crisis, I am so proud of the way our State has responded. Obviously the situation in Victoria is one we watch very closely and it is pleasing to see a recent improvement in their daily new case numbers. We also are closely monitoring cases in other States as well so we can better prepare ourselves for when we do have an outbreak here. While we have had no community transmission in Western Australia for 129 days now, we simply cant afford to get complacent, because the virus could sneak back into WA and spread like wildfire. The updated roadmap for WA, announced in June, included details about Phase 5 and Phase 6. Back then, we announced a tentative date for Phase 5 though we were clear that it would only be introduced pending the latest health advice from our Chief Health Officer. Phase 5 will result in the removal of the 2 square metre rule and the removal of the 50 per cent capacity limit for major venues, like Optus Stadium. Since the initial announcement of those phases, weve delayed Phase 5 by two weeks on three separate occasions. I understand that these short extensions have created uncertainty. Its difficult for many people across our community and across a wide section of industries to properly plan. Today, our Chief Health Officer has recommended a further extension of Phase 4 by two months. He has advised that it could take two months or longer for the outbreaks in Victoria to be fully under control. On his advice, the new tentative start date of Phase 5 will now be Saturday, October 24. We will likely provide clarity in October about whether or not we can proceed with this timeline, or if the date could be brought forward. I know this will cause frustration and challenges for some sections of the community. I know many people were hoping and planning for Phase 5 to be introduced sooner - and this decision will throw those plans out. But proceeding to Phase 5 too soon is just not appropriate right now. By remaining in Phase 4 for longer, it assists us in reducing the numbers of people who could be potentially exposed and requiring health responses, should an outbreak occur in our State. Western Australia is leading the nation when it comes to COVID-19. We cant afford to take any unnecessary risks now. In that respect, I also have some news regarding the Perth Royal Show. In July, we announced that the Perth Royal Show would go ahead, and we provided funding to support that event. At the time, that announcement was based on the anticipated move to Phase 5 being on July 18. Yesterday, the Chief Health Officer provided updated advice to the State Government about the Show. From a public health perspective, the Royal Show provides a number of significant challenges during this pandemic. Not only does the large number of visitors and indoor venues at the show present challenges, but the show has a number of high frequency contact surfaces that would pose too big a risk. Holding the Royal Show is just not possible this year. If, somehow COVID-19 was present at the Show, it would lead to a significant outbreak. It would result in the spread of COVID-19 in our community, like we have never seen before in WA. Put simply, this is a serious risk, and its one that I think Western Australia cannot afford to take. Obviously this news will be disappointing for many families, for many businesses and of course our regional farming communities. I wish the Show could go ahead, but we have to listen to the health advice after all its worked well for us throughout the pandemic so far. As Premier, I have to put the health and safety of the whole community first. We will work closely with the Royal Agricultural Society to make sure they can deliver a vibrant Perth Royal Show in future years. The Show will be back. If we all keep doing the right thing, and our hard border remains in place we give ourselves the best chance at avoiding this virus from causing havoc through our community. Its the hard work of all Western Australians and our hard border policy that has allowed us to open up our economy more than any other State. Were in the best possible position right now. Lets try to keep it that way.

18.01.2022 Come to Halls Creek Visitors Centre today we’re here for a yarn and to enrol people to vote!

18.01.2022 Were establishing a new COVID-19 Industry Support Fund that will provide further targeted assistance for industries that need it. As WAs economic recovery has... been faster and stronger than initially expected, take up of some of our initial support measures has been lower than we budgeted for. Some measures have also been in higher demand like our Building Bonus program. We rolled out $2.7 billion of immediate COVID-19 stimulus and relief measures earlier this year. Those measures provided an important safety net for countless WA workers and businesses. But thankfully, fewer Western Australians needed to make use of them than originally anticipated. Thanks to the efforts of all Western Australians, along with our hard border, weve been able to open up our economy more than any other State and we are now seeing strong signs that WA is recovering faster than expected. But while many of us have been fortunate, we know that some industries have been hit harder than others, and face longer term challenges as the pandemic continues around the world. For those funds which have not had the uptake originally anticipated and which are no longer required, we will repurpose the money through a new fund to provide further stimulus and relief where it is needed most. By monitoring sectors of our economy over the coming weeks and months we will be able to provide further targeted relief and stimulus that will create and support local jobs and continue our economic recovery. One stimulus measure which has seen strong take up has been the Building Bonus program - which offers grants of $20,000 to any homebuyer who wishes to build a new house or purchase a new property in a single-tier development (such as a townhouse) prior to completion of construction. Following the introduction of the grants, land sales increased significantly, peaking at around 500 sales per week in late June. This is up from the historical average of around 60 per week. The $30 million of additional funding for the Building Bonus announced today takes the total investment in the program to $147 million - a massive boost for our local construction industry. Western Australians have done so well to work through this challenging year together so far - and this new fund will help to ensure everyone local workers and industries arent left behind as our economy recovers.

18.01.2022 Today at National Cabinet, we discussed border controls at length. It was a productive discussion, but I made it clear that Western Australia will not be agreei...ng to a hotspot model or a hotspot definition which replaces our successful border controls. WA has always avoided setting an arbitrary deadline on borders. A date WILL be set, when our health advice recommends it, but that might be some time away. We went through this before, and then Victorias outbreak happened. Opening and closing just causes more confusion and isnt a good outcome for our local economy. The Prime Minister and other States respect and understand that decision given the unique factors for WA and the positive direction our economy is heading. Unlike the rest of the country, WA is not currently in a recession. We are the engine room of the national economy. So we wont prematurely re-open borders. If we went too soon, it could be deadly and there would be economic devastation. That would result in the reintroduction of restrictions, and possibly mean reintroducing the hard border. WA does not have border communities so we dont face the associated social disruption seen on the east coast. In WA we have positive economic activity, business confidence is buzzing and retail trade is increasing and businesses are hiring. Our retail growth figures out today are outstanding. By almost any measure, Western Australia is in an enviable position in the new COVID-world. Weve worked so hard to achieve this - and we must do everything we can to maintain it. WAs border restrictions are working. And for that reason, at this stage, the hard border will stand until the health advice says otherwise. Unfortunately, the success of the hard border also comes with some consequences - particularly for families who havent seen each other for a long period. I feel for those people, I also cannot see my mum and dad in NSW. But I want to thank so many people, for their understanding and commitment to doing the right thing, as we monitor the situation over east. Australias National Cabinet has worked very well. Its world-leading and has meant that as a country we have done better than nearly anywhere else in the world. But that doesnt mean we all have to agree on everything. Geographic and economic differences can be reflected in decision making - and that is what has happened today.

17.01.2022 This morning Western Australia made an application to the Federal Court to have the Commonwealth Governments evidence struck out and for a fresh trial to be co...nvened. The Court has now adjourned and reserved its judgement. The Commonwealth has withdrawn from the case but unfortunately did not support Western Australias application to have the case struck out. We would have preferred they actively supported our case to have the trial restarted. I have welcomed the public support from the Prime Minister and their withdrawal of support for Clive Palmers case, but it would have been even better if they had supported a fresh trial. The Commonwealths position is now to leave it up to the court to decide. We believe a fresh trial is the only way forward. And I hope we are successful in court. Whatever the outcome of the Federal Court, I want every Western Australian to understand this: With or without the support of the Commonwealth Government, Western Australia will keep fighting for what is our right, to protect the citizens of this State. We will continue our battle, in fact, our war with Clive Palmer to protect our State. This is a pandemic. We wont be rushed into anything that is against our health advice. Our position has been clear and consistent. And it wont be changing, for as long as our health advice recommends the hard border stay in place.

17.01.2022 Only 200 days until the State Election! Will you join our team and make sure we get Mark McGowan re-elected? Sign up to get involved in our campaign ... www.walabor.org.au/volunteer

16.01.2022 At this mornings press conference I was asked what I thought of Clive Palmers decision to persist with his challenge of our hard borders. In short: Im disapp...ointed. But Im not surprised. The Federal Court yesterday ruled that our hard border is an effective and appropriate measure which has protected the health of Western Australians. By continuing with his case, Mr Palmer is putting that at risk. We have no choice but to fight back.

16.01.2022 West Aussies love to travel its in our blood. But with the effects of COVID-19 reaching every corner of our State, our tourism industry took a real hit. WA ...has been able to remove restrictions and open up regional travel faster than other states, and Western Australians are making the most of it. As part of our WA Recovery Plan, were investing $150 million in a job-creating package for the tourism sector, as it responds to the impacts of COVID-19. Many of our States natural icons are set to undergo major improvements, which will create a pipeline of jobs, support local businesses, and encourage more West Aussies to get out experience our best natural attractions for years to come. Key attractions across the State will be enhanced, including Kings Park, Margaret River, Karijini National Park, Monkey Mia, the Pinnacles, Rottnest Island and Ningaloo. These upgrades will make our beautiful sites even better, and I encourage every West Aussie to get out there and explore somewhere new.

16.01.2022 For many, this year has been extremely hard. In living memory, there hasnt been one like it. And in hard times, its important that we all make an effort to r...each out to one another and check in. From the early days of the pandemic weve been separated from friends and family. Many worried where the next pay check was coming from. There was uncertainty for business owners concerned not just about their own livelihood but also the livelihoods of the people they employ. More recently, weve thought about the safety of our family and friends over east. We have had to deal with the anxiety of what will happen if we have an outbreak in WA, and what that will mean for our loved ones here at home, who are at high risk from the virus. And while COVID-19 has been on our mind life didnt stop. It all takes a toll. It can be a lot. Thats why its so important - more important than ever - to check in on your mates. If you think they might be struggling, be sure to check in and ask if they are ok. Let them know youre here for them. Let them know you care. Let them know it will not always be like this. Let them know theres hope. This isnt just a message for one day, or one week. Its something we can do every day. Look after yourself, take care of your friends, and remember, were in this together.

14.01.2022 Get behind our candidate for 2021, Davina DAnna! Please visit her page & like & if you can help with the campaign, reach out to us!

13.01.2022 Come and support the first of many fundraising events on the road to support the Kimberley Campaign! https://www.trybooking.com/book/event?eid=658359

13.01.2022 Great news for local schools in the Kimberley. The McGowan Governments $5 million Solar School program will see five schools across the Kimberley will be tran...sformed into a solar school. Our kids will benefit from the opportunity to further their Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics education by learning about renewable energy technologies. These rooftop solar panels will help us make WA more sustainable and importantly for our local schools, it will save 27 per cent on electricity costs - thats money better spent on our students.

13.01.2022 WAs hard border is our most effective weapon to keep WA safe from COVID-19. That is what the Federal Court has ruled today. This is a comprehensive win for Wes...tern Australia. Before the case proceeds to the High Court, the Federal Court assessed all the evidence from WA, Clive Palmer and the Federal Government. All submissions by Clive Palmer and the Liberal Party were rejected. The Federal Court looked at all other options to protect the WA community and determined that they were less effective at preventing COVID-19 in WA. The Judge agreed with WA that a pre-cautionary approach should be taken, as the health consequences could be potentially catastrophic for our community. Even though WA was up against Clive Palmer and Liberal Party, our approach has been endorsed by the Federal Court. Its now time for Clive Palmer to end this madness once and for all. Clive Palmer should withdraw his High Court challenge now. Thank you to every Western Australian who has supported our case and our measures to protect the community. This is a significant win for our State.

13.01.2022 I just wanted to make a few comments on the latest development regarding our WA hard border. The State Government welcomes the Federal Governments decision to... withdraw their support for Clive Palmers action. I thank the Prime Minister for listening to Western Australians and taking on my advice, I just hope its not too late in the legal process. Unfortunately, this doesnt stop the high court challenge. But we will not waver on our position. We will continue to fight for our right to protect Western Australians from this pandemic. Our hard border is in place, and it will stay in place, to protect the health and safety of all Western Australians. Its based on the best health advice for WA and wont be coming down unless its safe to do so. I urge Mr Palmer to do the right thing and withdraw his high court challenge now. As always, WA will continue to work cooperatively with the Federal Government and other States and Territories through the National Cabinet process. Thank you to every Western Australian for your support and understanding.

12.01.2022 It doesn’t matter who the WA Liberal Leader is.

12.01.2022 Using your phone while driving is incredibly dangerous. Anyone doing it is putting themselves and others a risk - every time. We simply must change the behaviou...r of those drivers. Thats why weve introduced a new penalty of $1,000 and four demerit points as a deterrent to make those who break the law think twice before reaching for their phone. This on the spot fine will apply to drivers caught texting or emailing, using social media, watching videos or accessing the internet. And its effective from today. Any driver who touches their mobile phone while stopped at traffic lights, or talks on the phone while holding the handset will incur a penalty of $500 and three demerit points. These increased penalties send a strong message to drivers who engage in deliberate risk taking behaviour. And to those Western Australians who do the right thing on our roads: Thank you and drive safe.

12.01.2022 Im sure this wont come as much of a surprise, but weve delayed the tentative start date for Phase 5 by at least a further two weeks. While our State has an o...utstanding record on containing cases of COVID-19 to travellers in hotel quarantine, and a strong testing regime, we simply must remain cautious with these decisions as we have all through this process. As a nation, we are on high-alert. There is no need to take unnecessary risks. We will continue to monitor the situation in other States, and we will make the decision to proceed to Phase 5 when it is safe to do so. In the meantime, lets all remain vigilant - maintaining good personal hygiene, keeping a distance from others where possible, staying home when sick and getting tested if you have symptoms.

12.01.2022 Major news for classic car owners in WA! Starting early next year, West Aussies with a classic vehicle will receive a 75% discount on their annual licensing fee...s. Our Concessions for Classics scheme will slash red tape for car and motorcycle enthusiasts with a street rod or a vehicle manufactured before 1990 and who are a member of a Department of Transport approved club. The scheme will ensure even more vintage car lovers can hit the road with their street rod for 90 days of the year. The Concessions for Classics scheme is the result of months of consultation with the motoring community, and our Government will continue to work alongside them to implement to scheme.

11.01.2022 Apply now for the Value Add Investment Grants Last month Premier Mark McGowan, Minister MacTiernan and Minister Tinley announced a $40 million package to grow W...As food industries as part of the WA Recovery Plan. Applications close 5.00pm (AWST) Friday, 9 October 2020 https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/VAIGrants Read full media statement here: https://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au//Food-industry-plan-

09.01.2022 Josie Farrer - Member for Kimberley is a trailblazer. She has delivered real and lasting change for Aboriginal people. She championed constitutional recognition... which was passed in the WA Parliament in 2015, advocated for better mental health services to tackle youth suicide in the Kimberley and has invested in schools and community services right across the region. Well miss you, Josie!

09.01.2022 What deal did the WA Liberals make with Clive Palmer?

09.01.2022 Lets all keep it up WA!

08.01.2022 Today we are celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Elders of tomorrow.

07.01.2022 Today is Primary Principals Day, celebrating the important work of all the fantastic primary school principals. This year we have seen, perhaps more clearly tha...n ever, the true capacity and calibre of our principals as they stepped up to the challenge of leadership through COVID-19; and the real strength of the contribution they bring every day to their respective schools, staff members, students, families and the wider community. It is fitting that so many have commented on a fresh understanding and perception of the profession. We are indebted to them in so many ways. To all our primary school principals all across the Mining and Pastoral Region - from Broome to Kalgoorlie and all the towns in between - we say a BIG THANK YOU for all that you do. #PrincipalsDay2020

07.01.2022 Its been a big day in Broome. This morning we announced our $110.9 million recovery plan for the Kimberley. This will see $21 million in Kimberley infrastructu...re projects focused on renewable energy technologies. $16 million for major TAFE infrastructure in Broome and Kununurra. It includes the construction of a new $3 million jetty built at picturesque Town Beach in Broome. And we are setting aside millions to invest in our health, community services and other important projects. This plan is an important part of driving economic and social recovery in the region. Itll create and support local jobs by providing a pipeline of work, and ensure we recover stronger than ever. There maybe be difficult days ahead on our road to recovery. But its clear. The future is looking bright for the Kimberley.

06.01.2022 Weve been through this a few times now during this pandemic. Some people want our hard border arrangements to be changed prematurely, against health advice. I ...just cant do that. My position has not changed, and Ill be clear again: the hard border will stay in place for as long as the health advice recommends it. The past two weeks have given us timely reminders about just how effective our hard border has been. Last week, the Federal Court ruled unambiguously that the hard border is the most effective measure to protect the health of Western Australians. And this week, economic statistics released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed clearly that those States which put up hard borders to fight the pandemic also protected their economies from the worst of the damage. Amid extremely difficult circumstances, never seen before in our history, our economy is holding up well. Consumer confidence. Business confidence. Retail spending. Hospitality. Construction. By almost any measure, Western Australia is in an enviable position in the new COVID-world. Western Australians can go about their lives with a level of safety and confidence that is rare anywhere in the world. The strength of our economy is remarkable, and is supporting the rest of the country. Weve worked so hard to achieve this - and we must do everything we can to maintain it. A hotspot model of travel restrictions is simply not as effective as the hard border. It relies on factors outside of our control, and it significantly increases the risk of an outbreak. And for that reason, at this stage, the hard border must stand. But let me also make this clear: the hard border will not last forever. If it was safe to do so, wed remove it today. We all wish we could be reunited with our fellow Australians. Id love to see my mum and dad at Christmas, but Im not prepared to bring down the borders so that we can meet a deadline that could well be catastrophic. Until the health advice is clear, it would be reckless to place a timeframe on when that will occur. When the time is right, we will outline our plan to reopen WA with the rest of the country.

05.01.2022 Copper theft is a growing and frustrating issue. You might have seen cords being cut off appliances, but people are also stealing copper wiring and pipes from h...omes and construction sites and hot water systems. Theyre even stealing memorial plaques, sculptures and from Western Powers electricity network - creating serious safety issues. Its disgraceful, its dangerous, its frustrating and its causing expensive issues for our community. A big factor for why its happening is because its too easy for people to convert their theft into cash without risking being caught. Unlike gold and silver, there is currently no requirement to record transactional information about the sale of copper, making it an attractive metal for criminals to steal and quickly make a profit from. Were going to put a stop to it. Under our proposed amendments, sellers of copper will be required to produce identification and licenced dealers in copper will be required to record all transactions and report details to police. This will give the police an important tool to track down the vandals and thieves responsible. Its a decisive and sensible change - and it will put copper thieves on notice. We will catch you.

01.01.2022 WA Police will be out in force again this summer: we're funding Operation Heat Shield for a second summer in a row, to help keep us all safe and strong. Summer ...is a great time to get out and about - but historically we also see rises in anti-social behaviour, as well as increased burglaries, retail theft and family violence. Under the $5 million Operation Heat Shield, over 55,000 hours of additional policing has been funded, to put more cops on patrol in hotspots like the CBD, but also across our suburbs and throughout regional WA. I hope they're not needed, but in the event that someone needs help, this boost will mean that WA Police aren't far away. Last year, it was a significant success - resulting in 2,499 arrests and 5,882 charges.

01.01.2022 WEST AUSSIES: OUR REGIONS NEED YOU. We all know that our restrictions on incoming travel to our State have helped keep us safe and our economy strong, with trav...el within WA booming. But for some industries it is also leading to unusual challenges which we need to work together to overcome. For many regional businesses, seasonal workers are crucial to their operations through peak periods. Those seasonal workers often largely consist of workers from outside WA, such as backpackers who are currently unable to come into our State. That means that there is a huge need for additional workers in a number of industries right across our State. Today my Government is launching a significant campaign to help recruit more workers for those regional businesses. Workers are needed on vinyards, farms, breweries, resorts and more, in picturesque locations right across our State. We know there are many West Aussies who are looking for work, so we want to do our bit to match up those workers with these important roles. If youre looking for work, or you know someone who is, this is a fantastic opportunity to get out of the city, get to work and wander our great State. Id strongly encourage you to answer the call.

01.01.2022 Today marks five months since the last time Western Australia recorded a case of community transmission of COVID-19. The last time we detected community spread ...of the virus was on 11 April. Since then, while WA has recorded cases of the virus, all have either involved known close contacts of other cases or returned travellers from overseas. Avoiding community spread of COVID-19 is the most important measure of our success in fighting the virus, so this milestone is very significant. This accomplishment shows that our vigilance has paid off - but it should also be a reminder that we need to keep up our efforts. So lets keep up our personal hygiene, keep getting tested and staying home when sick, and keep working together to keep our State safe and strong.