Emergency Services
Emergency Service personnel – both paid and voluntary – are large contributors to the safety of people and property in regional WA. Our first responders need to be well resourced to enable them to respond to incidents in a timely and efficient manner.
Volunteers are responsible for a large proportion of emergency response and in recent years volunteer numbers have been going backwards.
Those belonging to brigades, groups and units who put their own safety on the line to protect others must receive adequate State Government support.
The Nationals WA continue to recognise the contribution of the emergency services sector and will provide resourcing necessary to ensure they can continue keeping individuals and communities safe.
2020 State Conference Motion – The Nationals WA call on the State Government to provide an ample water supply to fight fires in the region
Police and road safety
We want more police officers on the beat in regional WA to ensure communities are safe and criminal activity is addressed. We will better resource the force by recruiting more officers and providing proper housing for regional and remote postings.
Road safety is a priority for The Nationals WA with the regional road toll significantly higher than the metropolitan toll. We will work to improve road safety in four key areas – safe road use, safe roads and roadsides, safe speeds and safe vehicles. Strategies and programs that address driver behaviour all form part of the plan in keeping road users safe.
Justice
Our justice system must ensure all people are treated equitably and have access to a fair hearing. This means people from various backgrounds have support to navigate the justice system regardless of ethnicity, language, or economic status.
The Nationals WA support the co-contribution to Community Legal Aid centres across the State to ensure people are given accurate information and advocacy services.
Our prison system needs reviewing to ensure incarceration is only used when absolutely necessary (not for the non-payment of fines), and the public can feel confident and safe when criminals are behind bars.
Road safety
Road safety is a priority for the Nationals WA with the regional road toll significantly higher than the metropolitan toll.
Western Australia has a long history of issues with road safety. We will work to improve road safety in four key areas – safe road use, safe roads and roadsides, safe speeds and safe vehicles.
Well maintained rural roads, adequate overtaking lanes and public education programs all help minimise the number of deaths and severe injuries occurring on our road systems.
Strategies and programs that address driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, recognising fatigue and complacency, and ensuring drivers adhere to the road rules all form part of the plan in keeping road users safe.
Domestic and family violence
All Western Australians should have the right to feel safe, particularly in their own home. We know this is not the case for all families, with women and children most often affected. People living in regional areas have reduced access to services, often resulting in a family moving from their home and community.
The Nationals WA are committed to a range of programs that protect and counsel victims, keep families in their own home, and ensure perpetrators are dealt with appropriately. Early intervention programs, support networks and community awareness training form part of the longer term strategies.
Inclusion
The Nationals WA recognise and value the economic and social contributions of traditional owners, migrants, refugees and culturally and linguistically diverse people to regional Western Australia. In accordance with the principles enshrined in our Constitution, we reject racism and religious prejudice, supporting equality of opportunity for all Western Australians.
