Roger Cook | Politician

Roger Cook

Phone: 9439 6444

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25.01.2022 Under the speckled shade of a boab tree, we talked about the impact of a new $660k Healthway grant for the Australian Health Promotion Scholarship program. This long-running program has done so much to further the careers of Aboriginal graduates. So it was great today to discuss it with Kimberley MLA Josie Farrer and Raeylene McKenna, senior manager of the impressive Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services Registered Training Organisation.... They are both doing really great work. You can read the media release here: https://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au//Health-promotion-sc

24.01.2022 The Inspire Radio Online team do a great job of promoting positive physical and mental health and wellbeing in the local community. I loved joining them for a chat about all things health and Kwinana related in our post Covid-19 recovery!

23.01.2022 This is our WA COVID-19 update for Friday, 11 September 2020. ---- - Current cases -...Continue reading

22.01.2022 This is our WA COVID-19 update for Friday, 13 November 2020. - Current cases - The Department of Health has reported no new cases of COVID-19 in Western Australia overnight....Continue reading

22.01.2022 Western Australia continues to drive the nations economic recovery from COVID-19. Thanks to all your efforts, your understanding and the success of our hard bo...rder, West Aussies are returning to work in their droves. Todays official statistics for the first two weeks of August show WA had the strongest increase in jobs of any Australian State. All up 32,200 WA jobs were created during this period. WA has now recovered more than 71 per cent of jobs lost at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Employment data continues to evolve, but here in WA we know the signs are very positive. Our world-leading response to the pandemic has meant we were able to reopen our economy quicker and get more Western Australians back to work in a COVID safe way. But we also cant afford to get complacent and we must continue to follow the health advice. Thats why we have rolled out a $5.5 billion Recovery Plan. This plan is driving WAs economic and social recovery across different industries throughout the whole State, to ensure we can recover, stronger than ever.

21.01.2022 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.

21.01.2022 Right now, thousands of workers are working hard to bring METRONET to growing communities across our city. They're building new lines and stations, removing lev...el crossings, improving our roads and bringing railcar manufacturing back to WA. Before we know it, our rail network is going to look completely different - and make a huge difference for hundreds of thousands of West Aussies.

20.01.2022 This is our WA COVID-19 update for Wednesday, 9 September 2020. ---- - Current cases -...Continue reading

19.01.2022 Today is IGA Purple Bra Day 2020. All across Western Australia, volunteers will be raising essential, lifesaving funds for Breast Cancer Care WA. I encourage an...yone who can to support this worthy cause. Look out for the Purple Bra street appeal fundraisers or go to purplebraday.com.au to donate today.

18.01.2022 Theres only two weeks to go before the launch of Containers for Change, WAs new Container Deposit Scheme starting 1 October 2020! The scheme is a great way for individuals and families to earn some extra money, and an opportunity for local sporting clubs and community groups to fundraise. Sign-up for your free scheme ID today, a unique code to use to receive or donate your refund - https://consumer.containersforchange.com.au/create-account ... #4ChangeWA #ContainersForChange #ContainerDepositScheme See more

18.01.2022 With the weather beginning to warm up, its a fantastic time to dig out your bike for Bike Month! With running Bike Month from 1 to 31 October, the McGowan Government is delivering a record $50,000 in grants to support organisations holding events throughout the month, including City of Cockburn. These grants will support our local, small businesses as WA continues its road to recovery out of COVID-19. To find out more about the events taking place in Kwinana, visit www.transport.wa.gov.au/activetransport/wa-bike-month.asp

18.01.2022 A message to our friends and family in Victoria: We can only imagine the challenges and sacrifices you have had to make. With every morning weve held our brea...ths with you to await good news. And now, with encouraging results in recent days, we hope that the situation will continue to improve. The hard border may be keeping us physically divided, but our hearts remain with you. Your efforts arent just for Victoria - they have helped the nation as a whole. The sooner the situation is under control in Victoria, the better for all Australians. The number of lives youve saved wont be known, but your efforts will never be forgotten. I think I speak for all Western Australians when I say that were thinking of you, and we will not forget the sacrifices you have made. Thank you.

18.01.2022 Today is International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) awareness day. Around the world, 9:09am on the 9th day of the 9th month recognises the importance... of alcohol-free pregnancies. Alcohol can disturb the development of an embryo or fetus, which can result in a range of lifelong physical, behavioural and intellectual disabilities known as FASD. There is no known safe amount of alcohol which can be consumed during pregnancy, and this is why health experts recommend for women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, not drinking alcohol is the safest option. Everyone has a role to play in supporting alcohol-free pregnancies. For more information about International FASD Awareness Day and FASD, visit Alcohol.Think Again here: https://alcoholthinkagain.com.au//alcohol-during-pregnancy/ HealthyWA Womens Health & Family Services WA Network of Alcohol & other Drug Agencies

18.01.2022 This is our WA COVID-19 weekend update for Sunday, 13 September 2020. The Department of Health has reported no new cases of COVID-19 overnight. ----... - Current statistics - New active cases: 0 Total WA cases: 659 Total WA recoveries: 646 Active cases: 4 ----- - Testing - Anyone in WA will now be assessed for a COVID-19 test if they present with ANY of the following: - a fever of 37.5C or above - a documented history of a fever in the last few days OR - an acute respiratory infection (e.g. shortness of breath, cough, sore throat) - acute loss of taste or smell If you have these symptoms, please get tested, and help us identify every case of COVID-19 in WA as early as possible. To find a testing location, please visit: https://healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/COVID-clinics ---- Official information regarding COVID-19 in Western Australia - www.wa.gov.au/covid19 WA Department of Health information www.healthywa.wa.gov.au National Coronavirus Helpline 1800 020 080 WA COVID-19 health and information and advice - 13 COVID (13 26843)

17.01.2022 I just have a quick update to give you about the WA nurses who are currently in self-isolation in Victoria. Firstly, can I thank our WA nurses who took the cour...ageous step to go over to Victoria and help our fellow Australians. They are WA heroes and we can all be proud of them. As you may be aware, one of the nurses who travelled to Victoria to assist in their health response has tested positive to COVID-19. The nurse who tested positive, as well as another six WA nurses who were considered close contacts, have all entered self-isolation where they have now been for a few days. All things going well, following the completion of that self-isolation period they will return home around September 20 or 21. As was reported yesterday, under normal circumstances they would then be required to complete a further two weeks of hotel quarantine upon returning to Western Australia. That would be a significant burden on seven Western Australians who made a heroic decision to travel across the country to assist people in need. Theyve already made a huge personal sacrifice, and we owe it to them to deliver a fair and compassionate outcome for them. Today the Health Department spoke directly with the nurses and agreed on a plan to get them back home safely and as quickly as possible. When they complete their self-isolation period, a clean plane from WA will be sent to collect them and bring them home, safely. They will then be able to return home to be reunited with their families, rather than spending more time in hotel quarantine. This is a very difficult situation, but this solution provides the best outcome for both the wellbeing of these West Aussie heroes and the health and safety of the WA community. And once again, Id just like to say to every Western Australian who has taken up the fight against COVID-19 - thank you.

16.01.2022 Today is McHappy Day, the largest national fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), a fantastic independent charity supporting seriously ill and injured children and their families. For more information or to make a direct donation visit https://www.rmhc.org.au/mchappyday

15.01.2022 Grant applications are now open for Harmony Week 2021! Harmony Week runs from the 15th - 21st of March every year and is a fantastic opportunity for West Aussies to come together and celebrate our multicultural community. I encourage all community groups and not-for-profit organisations holding an event with a focus on culture, arts, sport or recreation in the Kwinana area to apply.... Applications close 4pm Monday, October 19, 2020. For more information, visit www.omi.wa.gov.au

14.01.2022 This is our WA COVID-19 update for Thursday, 17 September 2020. ---- - Current cases -...Continue reading

14.01.2022 Today is an important day. World Suicide Prevention Day and R U OK? Day are both recognised. Its been an extraordinary year and one that has impacted many people in Western Australia in unprecedented ways - so today of all days it is pertinent that we take a moment to check in on each other. ... The McGowan Government funds a range of suicide prevention initiatives. Help is available. If you need help or someone to talk to. There are a number of support services available including: Lifeline - 13 11 14, Kids Helpline - 1800 551 800 and beyondblue - 1300 224 636 ThinkMentalHealthWA.com.au R U OK Day

14.01.2022 This morning the McGowan Government launches WAs first Recovery College. Delivering another election commitment, the college aims to support individuals mental health recovery via an online platform. Providing a safe, welcoming place and the delivery of courses and education from people who have been through a recovery journey before. ... So people accessing the College will learn from their lived experience and the understanding of peers. This College will complement the work of the more than 100 non-Government organisations in the mental health, alcohol and other drug sector that the McGowan Government finds each year to support Western Australians.

14.01.2022 Following todays National Cabinet, I can provide you with an update on the issue of Western Australians returning from overseas. Im sure youve been following... the discussion over the last few days. Today, we secured a new way forward. Its a unique agreement for Western Australia, and one that is more sensible and more workable for our State. From Monday, September 28, Western Australia will begin to receive an additional 200 international arrivals per week. We will also work cooperatively with the Commonwealth to ensure we have more ADF personnel available to assist in managing hotel quarantine. At that point, with those additional resources in place, from Monday, the 12th of October, we will then receive a further 300 international arrivals per week. This will take our total weekly cap on arriving Australians from overseas to 1,025 per week from 12 October. Like I have said previously, Western Australia has been willing to work cooperatively to safely and sensibly lift the international arrival cap to get more Australians home. Its important to note Western Australia already takes the second-highest number of overseas arrivals of any State. Since the original air arrivals cap was introduced on July 12, WA has received 4,031 international passengers. As of last night we had 1,962 people in WAs hotel quarantine system across eight hotels in Perth. Our hotel quarantine system here in Perth has so far been delivered to the highest standard. Recklessly doubling the number of arrivals into WA overnight is not the way we should be approaching this issue. Especially when we are dealing with this deadly virus and we do not have the hotel quarantine capability available. Hotel quarantine is not simply about available beds, it is about the capacity of qualified people to provide medical, support, security and police services. The more health specialists we pull from our hospital system to assist with hotel quarantine, the more complications we have in managing demand across our hospitals. I have made it clear, I do not want to reduce the standard of our hotel quarantine system. We have seen the problems that occurred in Victoria. Compromising the integrity of our WAs hotel quarantine system is simply not acceptable. Thats why we have been asking for Federal Government support, given quarantining is a Federal Government responsibility under the Constitution. However, the Federal Government is of the view that States need to continue to manage quarantine. But the decision by the Federal Government to unilaterally double WAs international arrivals by the 28th of September, in our view, carried too much risk for WA. The agreement weve reached today is a sensible approach to helping more Western Australians come home from overseas which will achieve that goal without compromising the integrity of our hotel quarantine system. I want to be clear, this new approach is far more appropriate and reasonable. However, it does still present some risk for WA. WA Health and WA Police will work through this over coming days and weeks, so we are prepared. We will need to stand up an additional hotel in the near future, but at this point in time Rottnest Island wont be required. It may be necessary that some elective surgery needs to be delayed, if we require further clinical staff to be redeployed from hospitals to hotel quarantine management. I dont want to reduce elective surgery capacity, but it might be necessary to ensure we keep our hotel quarantine to the high standard we currently have in place. It would be particularly disappointing considering we are currently undertaking 120 per cent of our usual elective surgery capacity. Im relieved we have come to a more workable and sensible outcome today, and Im glad the Federal Government agreed to provide more ADF support and adjust the earlier decision they made. This is why National Cabinet is important. So we can come to decisions by working together. We will do what we can to help bring stranded Australians home safely, and at the same time, we will keep doing everything possible to protect all Western Australians. Yesterday, we saw incredibly encouraging job figures for our State. One third of all jobs created across the country in August, 32,000, came from WA. We want to continue on this trajectory. Thats why its so important we maintain our border controls and keep our economy open, and thats why we have to take the sensible, safe approach, like we have today.

13.01.2022 Not only do our staff talk the talk but they also walk the walk As part of International Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, the Fiona Stanley Hospital Urology t...eam and their families headed to Rottnest Island, Western Australia to ride, run, walk and even swim for the ANZUP #YourWay Challenge to increase awareness of Below the Belt cancers and raise funds for urological cancer research. #SMHSValuesCare #SMHSValuesTeamwork #belowthebelt

13.01.2022 This is our WA COVID-19 update for Tuesday, 8 September 2020. ---- - Current cases -...Continue reading

13.01.2022 WANDER OUT YONDER - $100 VOUCHERS TO SPEND ON TOURISM EXPERIENCES IN WA! As a part of the State Recovery Plan, the McGowan Government is launching a $1million campaign to support our states small local business operators and the WA Tourism Industry. This is a great initiative that I would encourage everyone in the Kwinana region to apply for, especially with the school holidays fast approaching. ... All the details are below and registrations open 10am Monday September 21.

13.01.2022 Since COVID-19, running a major event now poses new challenges for organisers. Its crucial that the community and attendees of those events can have confidence... that the events are being run in a way that will ensure their safety and not pose a risk to the community. But while there may be new requirements, we want to see as many WA events continue to go ahead. So, today, weve released new COVID Event Guidelines and Plans to help get those events off the ground. From next Friday, events with more than 500 people that require local government approvals will need an approved COVID Event Plan as part of that process. The COVID Event Plan does not apply to major bars, clubs and their events, it is for large events that do not form part of the usual business. Approval of the plans will assure the community and patrons of the event that sensible public health measures will be adhered to. This is an important step and will allow things such as music festivals and the summer events we all know and love to go ahead in a responsible, safe, and enjoyable way. More information can be found at www.wa.gov.au/covideventplan

13.01.2022 The Frank Konecny Community Centre is a fantastic Kwinana organisation that has been a pillar of the local community. I was happy to help out with their Thank An Angel ceremony this weekend, recognising the excellent service of some of our amazing Kwinana people during the Covid-19 pandemic.

12.01.2022 Congratulations to all the award recipients and those nominated for doing great work in Mental Health.

12.01.2022 Tik Tok Video Warning Content warning: Suicide CoMHWA would like to notify members of a graphic video that is currently circulating on Tik Tok. The social media... platform is trying to stop the spread of this graphic video as individuals are being exposed to the clip without warning. If you are exposed to this video, Tik Tok has requested that individuals report the clip and the user account. If you have inadvertently seen this clip and need to reach out to someone, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

11.01.2022 This is our WA COVID-19 update for Thursday, 26 November 2020. - Current cases The Department of Health has reported seven new cases of COVID-19 in Western Australia overnight, all related to overseas travel. They remain in quarantine. ...Continue reading

11.01.2022 Id just like to give you an update on where things are at regarding returning overseas travellers. As I have said previously, Im willing to work cooperatively... to safely lift the international arrival cap for more Australians to return home. Western Australia already takes the second-highest number of overseas arrivals of any State. Despite quarantine being a Commonwealth responsibility, State Governments have taken on the job of running hotel quarantine during the pandemic. I dont want a situation here in WA where we compromise the integrity of WAs hotel quarantine regime. We have seen what happened in Victorias hotels, and we cant afford to make the same mistakes here. The proposal by the Federal Government to double WAs international arrivals by the 28th of September is one that carries a lot of risk, especially without proper support from the Commonwealth. It would limit our ability to manage hotel quarantine to the high standard we need to protect all Western Australians in our community. Hotel quarantine is not simply about available beds, it is about the capacity of qualified people to provide medical, support, security and police services. The Federal Government need to offer more resources, they cannot expect quarantining to be managed solely by State Government. It is crucial that our quarantine programs are run by professionals with the authority to ensure the system is effective. As I have said, there are suitable Australian Government facilities across the country that that could be used for the purposes of quarantine. We saw Christmas Island used in February to quarantine returning Australians, and it worked effectively. If using facilities like this help get more Australians home sooner and it keeps everyone safe, then it makes sense. We want to work with the Commonwealth to come to a safe and sensible solution, one that is practicable and realistic. We are not asking the Commonwealth to do anything that is not already their responsibility. But if they refuse to help, then WA will have to continue to carry the burden at a significantly increased risk.

09.01.2022 Were introducing a new program of asymptomatic COVID-19 testing which will be available for workers involved on the frontlines of our hard border. WA has had a...n amazing record of avoiding community transmission, and that has paid off for our State with the economic and social benefits weve been able to enjoy. But to maintain that, we simply cannot afford to let our vigilance slip. We must keep up our good habits, and most importantly we must continue to test widely. From today through to the end of November, workers at Western Australias borders and in quarantine hotels who display no symptoms of COVID-19 will be able to take up weekly COVID-19 testing. Those patrolling our borders and enforcing restrictions and are at a greater risk of infection from returning travellers, will have the option to undertake this asymptomatic testing as an extra precaution. Through weekly testing of frontline workers in our border defence, any cases of COVID-19 will be swiftly detected, and any subsequent outbreak prevented or stopped in its tracks as quickly as possible. The program includes workers involved with our quarantine hotels, Perth Airport, our sea ports and the Eucla and Kununurra border crossings. That includes transport, police and security staff involved in those processes. But while this new program is important, its also absolutely crucial that every Western Australian continues to get tested when they are unwell. So if you have or have recently had a fever, have an acute respiratory condition or have an acute loss of taste or smell, PLEASE get tested. Its the least we can do to keep our State safe and strong.

09.01.2022 As of this morning, after 222 days, Western Australia’s hard border arrangements are no longer in place. We have now cautiously and safely transitioned to our c...ontrolled interstate border regime, which are still strict and unprecedented controls that will continue to protect us all. While the hard border has played a crucial role in keeping our State safe and stopping the spread of COVID-19, I know that it has been very difficult for many WA families. I understand how hard it has been to be separated from your loved ones - I wish I could have seen my elderly parents who live in New South Wales. But to anyone who has been in this situation, I’d just like to say this: I couldn’t be more proud of how WA has responded to this incredibly difficult year. When we look back at this unprecedented time in our lives, you can all reflect on the role you played to protect our State, our friends, our neighbours and our livelihoods. Everyone has had to make sacrifices, and some have had to sacrifice more than others. Ultimately though, those sacrifices made Western Australia the envy of the world and put our State in an incredible position for the future. In the coming weeks, thousands of WA families will finally be reunited. I also know that some of you may not be able to travel across at this stage, particularly if you are unable to quarantine for the required time for travellers from NSW or Victoria. Like all of you, I’m hopeful that the rapidly improving situations in those States may well mean that we’re able to provide more good news for those families in the near future. But I will also say this: Whatever decisions we make from here, as with all decisions we’ve made to this point, will only be made in line with the expert health advice. If that means reimposing hard border restrictions, I will not hesitate to take that step. We won’t let our guard down we just can’t afford to become complacent.

09.01.2022 This is our WA COVID-19 weekend update for Saturday, 12 September 2020. The Department of Health has reported no new cases of COVID-19 overnight. ----... - Current statistics - New active cases: 0 Total WA cases: 659 Total WA recoveries: 646 Active cases: 4 ----- - Testing - Anyone in WA will now be assessed for a COVID-19 test if they present with ANY of the following: - a fever of 37.5C or above - a documented history of a fever in the last few days OR - an acute respiratory infection (e.g. shortness of breath, cough, sore throat) - acute loss of taste or smell If you have these symptoms, please get tested, and help us identify every case of COVID-19 in WA as early as possible. To find a testing location, please visit: https://healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/COVID-clinics ---- Official information regarding COVID-19 in Western Australia - www.wa.gov.au/covid19 WA Department of Health information www.healthywa.wa.gov.au National Coronavirus Helpline 1800 020 080 WA COVID-19 health and information and advice - 13 COVID (13 26843)

09.01.2022 JUST IN: I can now provide official confirmation that WA's hard border arrangements WILL transition to a controlled interstate border at 12:01am tonight. We alw...ays said we would wait until the very end before confirming the transition, based on infection rates over east. It is fantastic to see the rest of Australia do so well in defeating this virus - Victoria now has gone 14 days without community transmission, and New South Wales has gone six days. It’s particularly worth acknowledging the efforts and success in Victoria - what they have achieved, given where they were only recently, has been remarkable They have succeeded not just for themselves, but for the whole nation. As a result of this national success, Western Australia is ready to take the next step forward. Our controlled interstate border is a cautious and safe step - it’s a balanced, sensible approach. The time is right. But to be very clear, our border controls are NOT going away - every traveller will need to meet certain conditions to gain entry. That includes 14 days quarantine for travellers from NSW or Victoria as well as declarations, health checks and testing. Failure to follow these directions will be enforceable by law, with penalties ranging from a $1,000 infringement, up to a $50,000 fine for individuals. We know these ongoing controls won't be convenient. There will be delays at the airport. The process may be frustrating for many people. But if you are coming to WA, we ask for your patience and understanding. These controls are in place to protect everyone, including your friends and family here in WA - and they are all in place based on our expert health advice. Now, I understand many Western Australians might be nervous about these changes that’s understandable. But I want to reassure everyone that I wouldn’t be taking this step if we didn't have the health advice to back it up. The reality is that Australia has done a sensational job to be in the position we are in now. We have waited a long time to get to this point in fact our hard border has been in place for 222 days now. And over that time, I couldn’t be prouder of WA’s response as a whole. We have had no community transmission for more than seven months. And as we begin to operate in a new COVID normal, under our controlled border, we will be watching the situation over east very, very closely. If the health advice is there for us to reinstate the hard border, then I will not hesitate to do so. We have always been guided by the Chief Health Officer, and it has served us well as we have embarked on our own unique recovery, best suited to Western Australia. Today, National Cabinet endorsed our approach to contact tracing and outbreak control in Western Australia - which can give us confidence in knowing we are well prepared for an outbreak, if that was to occur. The stark reality is that the biggest threat facing WA is international arrivals - whether it be returning travellers by air or our maritime arrivals at our ports. Our systems to control these arrivals have been extremely successful, and our quarantine systems have worked effectively. But we won’t let our guard down. As we look around the world, we know that COVID-19 is circling Australia, and therefore, we cannot get complacent. Our hard international border must stay in place. Given where we are at in Australia, and our success in defeating the virus, we just cannot afford to take that risk.

09.01.2022 This is our WA COVID-19 update for Thursday, 10 September 2020. ---- - Current cases -...Continue reading

07.01.2022 This is our WA COVID-19 update for Tuesday, 15 September 2020. ---- - Current cases -...Continue reading

06.01.2022 First Graphene is a local business in Henderson which manufactures high-performing graphene at industrial scale right here in WA. Graphene is a versatile produc...t which has a significant number of applications - with unique properties that can be utilised to make stronger and lighter products. It’s another example of West Aussie innovation - and it shows WA manufacturing has a bright, exciting future.

05.01.2022 Its not every day our speciality teams at KEMH deliver quads! A huge shout out to our Maternal Fetal Medicine Gold Team who cared for Natalie throughout her... pregnancy and safely delivered her and husband Khans four beautiful babies right here at King Eddies! Our Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM) team are a very special group of health care providers who are trained to manage the most complex of pregnancy complications. Our MFM Team are obstetricians and midwives with advanced training in high-risk pregnancies who work in collaboration with other medical specialists including haematologists, anaesthetists, psychologists, neonatal paediatricians, cardiologists and surgeons. MFM is an exciting and inspirational service for women with a complex medical history who would otherwise expect to experience a difficult pregnancy. #KEMHcares #KEMHExcellence #NMHSstaffexcellence KiKi and The Quads #nmhsteamwork

05.01.2022 This is our WA COVID-19 update for Monday, 14 September 2020. ---- - Current cases -...Continue reading

04.01.2022 This is our WA COVID-19 update for Monday, 7 September 2020. ---- - Current cases -...Continue reading

02.01.2022 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.

02.01.2022 Thanks to the efforts of every Western Australian and our hard border, WA is leading the nation. As a result of our world-leading response to the COVID-19 pand...emic, our economy is open, West Aussies are back at work and we are the engine room of the national economy. You may have heard some eastern states commentators recently try and suggest that WA is behind other States. Let me be clear: this suggestion is wrong. WA went to Phase 4 of easing restrictions in June - allowing a great deal of freedom for people and businesses across our State. Only a handful of restrictions remain in place, particularly the reduced 2 square metre rule - a change WA pioneered - and limits on capacities at major venues. Phase 4 has now been in place for nearly three months. And even after all that time, Western Australia remains significantly ahead of other States in terms of eased restrictions. The chart below compares the current restrictions on hospitality venues in each State. As you can see, Western Australian businesses face far fewer restrictions than other States - and that is clearly good for business and our daily lives. The 2 square metre rule means that businesses here can fit at least double the number of patrons as they could if they were somewhere like New South Wales. WA remains the only State where standing service of alcohol is permitted, and where dancing is permitted at bars and nightclubs. As has been plain to see since our State entered Phase 4, this freedom has a real, profound benefit for our local businesses and the many Western Australians who work in the hospitality sector. But were only able to provide this level of freedom to WA businesses because of the strong results our State has achieved, and the ongoing confidence we can have in our hard border. The fact is that WAs vigilance paid off by allowing us to remove restrictions sooner, and that has paid off for our local workers, businesses and customers.

02.01.2022 The United Nations has officially recognised 2020 as the International Year of the Nurse and Midwife. It was fabulous to be with staff at King Eddies this morning to recognise and celebrate the fantastic work of all our nurses and midwives. I was lucky to meet many inspiring midwives today, including Karen, a midwife who has spent 35 years working at King Eddies. ... #yearofthenurseandmidwife #IYNM2020

02.01.2022 This is our WA COVID-19 update for Wednesday, 16 September 2020. ---- - Current cases -...Continue reading

02.01.2022 This is our WA COVID-19 update for Friday, 18 September 2020. ---- - Current cases -...Continue reading

02.01.2022 Focused asymptomatic testing is a necessary part of the States ongoing monitoring program for COVID-19. Thats why workers at Western Australias borders and i...n quarantine hotels who display no symptoms of COVID-19 can now take up weekly COVID-19 testing. I thank each and every worker for their efforts, day in and day out, in securing the border, managing quarantine arrangements and undertaking and processing COVID-19 testing. What they do is critical in maintaining life as we know it. WA has an enviable track record of no community transmission and we are doing everything possible to maintain this so Western Australians can continue to enjoy the social and economic benefits it has afforded us.

01.01.2022 Today’s COVID-19 update for Western Australia