Member for Geraldton Kirrilee Warr MLA says crucial needs in Geraldton were overlooked in the State Budget, with the Cook Labor Government seemingly reducing its promise regarding expansion to the women’s refuge.
The State Budget unveiled on Thursday saw only $1.32m to increase refuge capacity in Geraldton, despite promising $15.4m ahead of the 2025 State Election.
Ms Warr called for clarity on the situation.
“Labor made an election commitment which appears to have been reduced in this State Budget,” she said.
“Domestic violence is a significant concern in our community, with victims feeling unsafe in their own homes due to these types of instances.
“The Minister needs to clarify why there is a $14m difference in what was promised and what is being delivered for the Geraldton community.”
Ms Warr said it was disappointing the State Government refused to step up when it came to the emergency response in Geraldton.
“Let’s be clear, the mid-year budget review included part of this funding, so this is nothing more than a reannouncement typical of this Labor Government,” she said.
“I called for the full amount to be funded, to ensure our more isolated communities could access urgent support in a time of crisis.
“The Royal Flying Doctor Service is a key organisation assisting regional WA, and the data shows a base in Geraldton is needed but this Government refuses to commit the full amount to it.”
The Nationals WA had been vocal in the lead up to the budget, calling for cost-of living relief through increases to the Regional Pensioner Travel Card and the Patient Assisted Travel Scheme subsidy.
Ms Warr said the calls of the regional community were ignored by the State Government.
“The Cook Labor Government failed to recognise the needs of the community and the ability to help regional residents with fuel costs through investment in these subsidies,” she said.
“$100 to ease fuel pressures will do little to support regional residents throughout their day-to-day lives, and is just cheap vote buying.
The budget included some investment in water, power, and some cost-of-living relief, but Ms Warr said the details were important in terms of delivering for Geraldton.
“Investment in infrastructure, water, and power is something our region has been calling for, but it remains unclear as to what will be delivered for Geraldton,” she said.
“This budget fails to hit the mark when it comes to delivering the needs for the Geraldton community, with reannouncements being front and centre.
“The 37 homes flagged for Geraldton is a drop on the ocean in terms of what we need.
“In the coming days I will be going through the budget with a fine-tooth comb in preparation for the budget estimates to hold this Government to account.”
Ms Warr, who is also Shadow Minister for Fisheries, had previously called for increased funding for the Fisheries Department.
However, there was a lack of detail when it came to resourcing for fisheries.
“I called for greater resourcing to ensure the Department can deliver its responsibilities, but the investment announcements lack in detail,” Ms Warr said.
“Our calls for a standalone Department haven’t come to light, and it appears there’s no increase in full time employment for the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.”
Kalbarri also missed out, receiving $100,000 for its evacuation centre.
“To hear no further funding is available for this critical infrastructure is disappointing, particularly in the wake of Cyclone Narelle,” Ms Warr said.
“Although the region was spared, too often we are reactive, acting only after issues have occurred, instead of proactive in having the infrastructure in place for when natural disasters happen.”