Member for Moore Shane Love MLA has vowed to bring the issues and problems facing regional West Australians to the forefront, following the passing of Labor’s electoral reform law.
Mr Love said the legislation will see regional representation reduced at the next State Election but he will always keep regional WA front and centre.
“The Premier and his regional Labor Members promised regional West Australians before the election that they would enhance regional representation in Parliament,” Mr Love said.
“Today, the Labor party proved they never intended to keep that promise – the laws that have passed will see regional representation ripped from the decision-making table.
“We will not let regional West Australians forget what Labor has done, and that the Premier chose to silence their voices.”
Mr Love said the Labor Members for the Agricultural Region had remained silent during debate, despite having a duty of care to their constituents to explain why the Labor Government was determined to diminish regional advocacy.
“The Labor Government introduced this legislation as a first port of call, which clearly proves it’s members view regional WA as out-of-sight and out-of-mind,” Mr Love said.
Labor members, Hon Darren West MLC, Hon Shelley Payne MLC and Hon Sandra Carr MLC must explain their position to the people they represent, rather than toeing the party line.
“Regional WA deserves to have their concerns heard but Labor’s electoral reform will reduce these opportunities, as the number of people representing regional WA will diminish.
“Families, businesses and communities across this State deserve better than a Labor Government that turns a blind eye to regional WA.”
Opposition Leader and Shadow Minister for Electoral Affairs Mia Davies said Labor did not give West Australians the chance to have their say on this before or after the election.
“There was no consultation with regional West Australians or stakeholders – instead the law was rammed through Parliament, as a priority by Labor who put a gag-order on debate,” Ms Davies said.
“Worse still, the Premier made this his focus instead of addressing greater issues, like our collapsing health system, state-wide housing crisis, and worsening skilled worker shortage.
“This is a dark day for regional WA – their voices have been silenced, they have been refused a seat at the decision-making table, and their representation has been killed off.”
