The Nationals WA have vowed to hold the new Minister for Sport and Recreation to account after he committed to retain all ten regionally-based Department of Sport and Recreation offices this week.
Spokesperson for sport and recreation Peter Rundle MLA welcomed the news that the offices would be spared from the State Government’s planned government agency rationalisation and savage cuts to public sector jobs, but queried the future of associated Royalties for Regions-funded projects.
“During Question Time, the Minister assured the West Australian public that all regionally-based Department of Sport and Recreation offices will remain open and resourced,” Mr Rundle said.
“Given their important role in the provision of sport and recreation opportunities in regional WA this is a great outcome and marks the State Government’s first and only commitment to any regional expenditure in the two months since taking office.
“In light of the numerous broken promises already made by this Labor Government since the March election, The Nationals intend to hold the Minister true to his word.”
Mr Rundle also called for clarity about whether the State Government would continue to fund the various programs administered by the Department of Sport and Recreation such as KidSport and the Athlete Travel Subsidy Scheme.
“It is one thing to maintain regionally-based Department of Sport and Recreation offices, it is another to continue to fund the projects they administer,” Mr Rundle said.
“Sport enriches the social fabric of regional communities and plays an important role in curbing mental health and social issues – and regional communities deserve certainty about current and future projects.
“Given the Labor Government’s plans to slash Royalties for Regions, I urge the Minister to outline exactly which sport and recreations programs will be cut.”