The Labor Government’s regional MPs have failed to convince their Perth colleagues to reverse a suite of nasty cuts to education services in Moore.
Moore MP Shane Love MLA said some regional Labor MPs had attempted to persuade the Education Minister to change her mind – on the closure of the Moora Residential College, closing the Geraldton Camp School and slapping a 20 percent tax on the Morawa Agricultural College’s farm income – before the Country Women’s Association of WA’s rally at Parliament House on Tuesday. However, Agricultural Region MP Laurie Graham has publicly called for the closure of the Moora Residential College.
“The country Labor MPs failed miserably as the Premier told hundreds of protestors gathered on the steps of Parliament that the cuts would go ahead,” Mr Love said.
“This reinforces, once again, that the Labor Government is ruled by city MPs – with little regard given for the challenges of living and working in the bush.
“The country Labor MPs got a pat on the head and were told to return to the corner of the party room and be quiet. “These MPs have no power or sway in the Labor Government, which has proven yet again that it’s a government for Perth only.”
The Nationals WA – headed by Leader Mia Davies – were out in force at the CWA rally, joining hundreds of concerned regional residents who travelled from far and wide to attend the protest. Ms Davies said despite just 11 months in office the sense of resentment in Moore toward Labor’s Perth-first mode of governing was palpable.
“The CWA is a regional institution in this country and did not make the decision to protest today lightly,” Ms Davies said. “Despite seeing out the Great Depression, a World War and 19 WA Premiers, the CWA has never in 94 years felt the need to protest against a Government decision – until this week.
“In less than a year we have seen Royalties for Regions dismantled beyond recognition with the withdrawal of $21 million funding for health programs between Guilderton and Dongara, the cancellation of aged care funding that was to deliver Independent Living Units in Moora, Dalwallinu, Toodyay and Victoria Plains and the scrapping of the upgrades to the Moora Residential College, and now its closure.
“We’ve also seen the Community Resource Centre network marginalised and regional teaching positions, including Aboriginal liaison officers, axed.”
