Mining and Pastoral MLC Neil Thomson has accused the McGowan Labor Government of being too focussed on cementing its power by stripping regional representation in Parliament and letting essential services in the regions to be done away with.
Broome’s only Sober-Up Centre has closed due to issues with the building it operates from. Yet calls for assistance to the McGowan Labor Government have gone unanswered for over 12 months.
“The closure of this centre leaves a big gap in services for people who are found to be seriously intoxicated and at risk of harming themselves and others.” said Neil Thomson MLC.
This comes along with the litany of other problems besetting the regions including a crisis in affordable accommodation, the increased reliance on FIFO government services including the Kimberley’s police dog now relocated to Perth.
“This is another example of the McGowan Labor Government being too focussed on consolidating its own power in the Parliament to ensure that essential and highly practical services are properly maintained.”
He continued “Problems with this facility were raised with the Mental Health Commission over a year ago and nothing has been done. With an average occupancy of 14 people per night, the closure of this service will place considerably more pressure on stretched health and policing resources in Broome.”
“Alternative arrangements need to be put in place as soon as possible and commitment to re-open this service should be made by the government immediately.” said Neil Thomson MLC.
These reforms to the upper house voting system come despite the McGowan Labor Government’s original promise ensuring the Western Australian regional community this wasn’t on the agenda.