The McGowan Government will legislate to establish safe access zones around premises that provide abortion services in Western Australia.

The legislation is now being drafted with the purpose to protect and respect the safety, dignity, wellbeing and privacy of individuals seeking access to these legal medical services.

The introduction of safe access zones in WA would bring the State into line with all other Australian jurisdictions, apart from South Australia. There is currently a Bill before the South Australian parliament to introduce safe access zones.

Significant community consultation on the issue was undertaken by the Department of Health between April and May 2019.

A report entitled Safe Access Zones – a proposal for reform in Western Australia released today presents the consultation findings and the recommendations of the Department of Health to the Minister for Health.

The consultation received an extraordinary level of community and industry engagement including more than 4,000 submissions from the general public and from more than 40 public and private organisations.

Seventy per cent of respondents supported the introduction of safe access zones around abortion services in WA.

It is proposed the zones will operate 24 hours-a-day and seven days-a-week.

It is not the purpose of the proposed legislation to review or debate the arguments for or against abortion in WA.

The legislation is expected to be introduced into Parliament later this year and will set out behaviours prohibited in a safe access zone, such as harassment, intimidation and obstruction, as well as penalties for non-compliance.

More information about the Report and the proposed legislation can be found here.

“Demonstrations outside abortion services act as a barrier to accessing legal health services, cause distress and anxiety to patients and staff, and are unable to be adequately managed by existing laws,” said Health Minister Roger Cook.

“The behaviour of demonstrators affects vulnerable patients and those accompanying patients to the clinics, as well as medical, nursing, allied health and administrative staff.

“Consultation has shown there is strong community support for the introduction of safe access zones around clinics and the McGowan Government will now move to introduce this legislation into State Parliament.”

Women’s Interests Minister Simone McGurk said, “Western Australia and South Australia are the only remaining states without safe access zones. It is time to bring WA into line with the rest of the country.

“Western Australian women have a right to access legal medical services without fear of intimidation or harassment.

“It is important to move demonstrators away from the immediate vicinity of premises that provide abortion services so that patients can access legal health services in a safe and confidential way.’

“Safe access zones are vital to help to ensure that women, who have a legal right to access these procedures, can maintain their privacy and safety.”

The Department of Communities has implemented changes to its Working with Children Check (WWCC) screening processes to enhance the protection of children across Western Australia.

In response to the findings of a recent Auditor-General’s report, the Department has strengthened its criteria for determining whether a WWCC applicant is issued with an interim negative notice until their application is finalised.

The changes have resulted in interim negative notices – a tool that restricts a WWCC applicant from working with children until they have been fully assessed – being used more often, further minimising risk to children during the assessment period. The revised criteria have resulted in more than 60 interim negative notices being issued since November 2019, compared to the 78 issued over the entire 2018-19 financial year.

Additional staff have been allocated to the WWCC screening unit to fast-track current applications awaiting assessment.

Since the release of the Auditor-General’s Report, the Department of Communities has also:

• expanded its proactive compliance program to identify areas of non-compliance, and ensure those who undertake work with children and their employers, comply with the Act;
• worked with key stakeholders including the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, and SportWest – to remind community groups and employers of their obligations;
• forged new partnerships with other areas of government, including Consumer Protection, the Small Business Development Corporation and WA Seniors Cards, to better promote awareness of Working with Children requirements across the community;
• created additional community training opportunities to inform stakeholders about the provision of support, guidance and resources to meet their WWCC obligations; and
• taken action to ensure all Department of Communities employees who work with children are compliant with WWCC and reviewed its practices to further assist family and foster carers with meeting WWCC requirements.

The McGowan Government’s continued commitment to child safety is demonstrated in its approach to addressing recommendations made by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

In the 2019 Budget, the McGowan Government provided $5.7m of funding to support implementation of the 409 recommendations made by the Royal Commission.

This has led to specific measures aimed at improving WWCCs, including:

• $114,000 to strengthen cross-jurisdictional checks by enabling WA to become the first State to join the National Working with Children Check National Reference System; and
• $741,000 to replace and enhance recording equipment used by the WA Police Force to interview children, and to improve WWCC processes by digitising historical criminal records (with 4,300 completed so far).

In addition, Cabinet has approved the drafting of amendments to the Working with Children (Criminal Record Checking) Act 2004 – to further strengthen the State’s child-safe systems.

The proposed changes include implementing relevant recommendations of the Royal Commission.

“The Auditor-General identified an unacceptable level of risk where certain people who have applied for a Working with Children Check card can work with children while their application is being processed,” said Child Protection Minister Simone McGurk.

“In October I asked the Department of Communities to speed up the processing of applications that may result in negative notices, and to review the criteria that determine when an interim negative notice is issued.

“The Department of Communities has now implemented changes to address the issues identified in the Auditor-General’s report and I am pleased that they will further reduce the level of risk to children across WA.

“While these changes will improve one of our vital child-safe systems, it is important to acknowledge that protecting children is everyone’s responsibility. It cannot be left to one organisation, one person, or one particular safeguard to ensure the protection of children across the community.

“The Working with Children Check is like a swimming pool fence – a great safety measure, but no substitute for supervision or teaching a child to swim.

“Keeping children safe requires more than just criminal history screening. Other areas such as a safe environment, supervision and training are equally important.

“While we know the majority of people do the right thing, it is crucial that all the systems we have in place to catch the few that don’t, are as rigorous as possible.”

Construction has begun on the $118 million High Street and Stirling Highway intersection upgrade in Fremantle with the first sod turned today.

The joint Australian and WA government project will bust congestion and dramatically improve safety along a 1.5km section of High Street between Carrington Street and Stirling Highway, with construction and design works being undertaken by outstanding WA builder Georgiou.

WA Premier Mark McGowan said the upgrade was only one example of a suite of projects to be delivered this year.

“2020 is shaping up to be a huge year for public infrastructure construction across Western Australia,” Mr McGowan said.

“The High Street upgrade will deliver a more efficient route for locals and visitors travelling to and from Fremantle.

“We welcome the input of the City of Fremantle and the local community, who have helped shape the concept design and ensured that the project will move forward with strong support.”

Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said the upgrade would be a boost for the local economy with hundreds of new jobs created during construction.

“We also know that this intersection has become notorious for truck rollovers and the upgrade will mean a safer journey for locals and truck drivers,” Mr Tudge said.

The upgrade is part of the Morrison Government’s strategy to bust congestion in Western Australia which includes $13.6 billion committed since coming to office in 2013.

WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said the upgrade would reduce travel times.

“This upgrade will reduce travel times along High Street by improving traffic flow through the busy High Street and Stirling Highway intersection,” Ms Saffioti said.

“Thanks to positive community consultation, we have also expanded the project scope to include two new pedestrian underpasses and improved parking and safety at the Fremantle Netball Centre.

“We will continue to alleviate pressure on roads by boosting freight on rail from 15 per cent to over 20 per cent, developing intermodals, and planning for the new Fremantle traffic and rail corridor solution to replace the current Fremantle Traffic Bridge.”

State Member for Fremantle Simone McGurk MLA said, “after years of inaction by the previous Liberal Government, followed by the Perth Freight Link debacle, we’re getting on with delivering the High Street Upgrade.

“It will create local jobs during construction, reduce congestion and improve road safety.

“We’ve worked hard to get the design right and deliver maximum community amenity including two pedestrian and cyclist underpasses, a local access road and improved parking for Gibson Park, and retention of over 70% of mature trees.”

About 700 jobs will be created during construction, which will include:

• A new roundabout at the intersection of High Street and Stirling Highway
  Widened median on High Street to separate traffic lanes and maximise mature tree preservation;
• Single-lane one-way service road for residents on the northern side of High Street;
• New underpass at the junction of Forrest Street and Stirling Highway; and
• New underpass at the junction of Montreal Street and High Street.

In the five years to 2018, there were 282 crashes along this section of High Street, including some truck rollovers at the High Street and Stirling Highway intersection.

The new roundabout has been designed to include bypass lanes that will separate local traffic from traffic going to and from Fremantle Port, or locations north of the river.

These intersection changes will improve efficiency and address safety concerns with the current intersection, including reducing the risk of truck rollovers.

Residents living in properties on the northern side of High Street will now have a dedicated single-lane service road, affording them safer access and separation from the main road.

Meanwhile, the two new underpasses will improve pedestrian and cyclist connectivity across the intersection. The project will also provide new formal parking bays adjacent to the Fremantle Netball Association to improve safety on game days.

Through carefully considered design features, the project will retain more than 70 per cent of the established trees in the area. These design features include a wide, tree-lined median on High Street, which will separate the eastbound and westbound traffic lanes, providing an attractive gateway into Fremantle.

Main Roads is also finalising an extensive landscaping and revegetation strategy for the project, which covers revegetation and landscaping of the road reserve to improve local amenity on High Street and Stirling Highway.

Additionally, following feedback from the local community, the strategy has been expanded to include a significant Tuart tree planting initiative across local sites.

The High Street upgrade is just one of the projects being delivered by the Australian and WA governments aimed at ‘boosting jobs and busting congestion’.

The Australian Government is providing $73.6 million and the WA Government $44.4 million for the upgrade.

In this area, the Australian and WA governments have also committed $230 million to build a replacement corridor solution to the Fremantle Traffic Bridge.

The McGowan Government will contribute $200,000 towards a temporary rock wall to protect the infrastructure at Port Beach in North Fremantle.

Port Beach was identified as an at-risk location in the Coastal Erosion Hotspots in Western Australia report released last year.

Today’s $200,000 contribution follows a State Government grant of $50,000 provided to the City of Fremantle in August last year to undertake further analysis on the issue of coastal erosion at Port Beach.

The funding will be matched by the City of Fremantle to build the $400,000 rock wall, which will serve as an interim measure to protect local infrastructure.

The project will involve constructing a rock wall to adjoin the existing wall in front of the beach change rooms and replenishing sand on the dune in front of Coast Café.

The City of Fremantle is aiming to have the wall built prior to winter, when the area is more prone to damaging weather and severe erosion.

A technical advisory group for the North Fremantle development precinct has been formed to investigate options for the long-term solution to erosion in the area.

“Construction of this rock wall is intended to secure Port Beach’s current functions and provide time to refine and implement a long-term approach,” said Transport Minister Rita Saffioti.

“Port Beach is hugely popular with locals and visitors, and we are working with local government and the community to devise longer-term safeguards.

“The McGowan Government has also called on a greater role from the Federal Government in addressing the national issue of coastal erosion.”

Bicton MLA Lisa O’Malley says she’s had a lot of discussions with local business owners, beachgoers and residents about the plan to manage erosion at Port Beach.

“It’s clear a longer-term plan is required, however, the temporary rock wall will give us the time to find ways to address the increasing challenges faced due to changing environmental conditions.

“Coastal monitoring and data collection is currently in progress with the aim to develop a longer-term coastal adaptation strategy for Port Beach.

“There has been a groundswell of local support for taking action on Port Beach and I thank everyone who has provided feedback.”

State Member for Fremantle Simone McGurk said, “Port Beach is a much loved icon among Freo residents.

“I’m proud to be part of a Government that is partnering with the City of Fremantle to protect Port.”

The McGowan Government’s push to increase cruise tourism in Western Australia is paying off, with Ports Minister Alannah MacTiernan today welcoming premium cruise liner Vasco da Gama to Fremantle for the first time.

The newest addition to the Cruise and Maritime Voyages (CMV Australia) fleet, the premium Vasco da Gama will be home-ported in Fremantle for the first time this summer, until February 12.

Described as small to mid-sized, the 220 metre Vasco da Gama’s 1,220 guest capacity more than doubles that of CMV’s Astor, which had been based in Fremantle from 2013 to last year.

The Vasco da Gama brought 935 passengers from Busselton this morning, with a further 856 passengers embarking for its maiden Western Australian voyage to Broome and then Bali. An additional 110 passengers remained on-board.

Cruise shipping in 2018-19 contributed $229 million to the WA economy and supported about 848 jobs, and the McGowan Government has driven efforts to increase cruise tourism in WA.

The McGowan Government’s $15.3 million dredging at the Port of Broome, completed in September 2019, was a deciding factor in Vasco da Gama choosing to homeport at Fremantle for the 2020 cruise season.

The dredging at Broome enabled better access for cruise ships at all tides, eliminating some of the challenges cruise lines faced when deciding on destinations.

The McGowan Government also refurbished the Fremantle Passenger Terminal in a $3.25 million makeover, completed in early 2019.

In June 2019 the State Government announced a co-operative marketing agreement between Tourism WA and CMV Australia supporting a new range of WA-focused fly, cruise, rail and stay packages.

Port calls to popular regional WA destinations including Broome, Geraldton, Kuri Bay, Albany and Esperance feature in Vasco da Gama’s itinerary while home-ported in Fremantle. Itineraries include extended stopovers at WA ports, allowing for longer shore excursions in Perth metropolitan and regional areas.

CMV Australia has also committed Vasco da Gama to Fremantle for the 2020-21 season.

“The McGowan Government has taken real steps to market WA as a cruise destination, and that work is paying off with ships like the Vasco da Gama home-porting at Fremantle for the first time,” said  Ports Minister Alannah MacTiernan.

“Cruise and Maritime Voyages is running with a new WA itinerary that includes stopovers at WA ports, extending visitor nights in the State.

“This has a strong impact on our local and regional economy, supporting WA tourism businesses and jobs while giving visitors the opportunity to explore Perth and regional WA.”

State Member for Fremantle Simone McGurk said, “I’m thrilled to welcome the Vasco da Gama to Fremantle and look forward to its visits this summer and next.

“Our Government has brought the cruise tourism industry back to Fremantle and WA after years of neglect under the previous Liberal Government led to operators pulling anchor.

“More cruise ships in port at fremantle means more local jobs, a more vibrant town centre, and more opportunities to showcase all that our port city has to offer.”

Planning Minister Rita Saffioti has approved an amendment to the Town of East Fremantle’s local planning scheme, bringing more certainty and clarity for the community.

The amendment focuses on heritage, design and local amenity considerations to guide redevelopment on the State Heritage-listed Royal George Hotel site.

Future redevelopment will need to prioritise high-calibre architecture and design that enhances the heritage value of this local landmark, and responds to nearby streetscapes.

Development controls, including a height limit and objectives for zoning, have been put in place to ensure that development on the Royal George Hotel site will be high quality and in keeping with the local character.

A maximum height of 28 metres above the lowest point – or around one metre higher than the hotel’s spire – has been agreed, consistent with the Town of East Fremantle’s recommendation and community expectations.

Development applications for the site will be subject to planning approvals, including review by the State Design Review Panel and assessment by the Heritage Council of Western Australia.

“I welcome this amendment to the local planning scheme for East Fremantle which represents the culmination of extensive community consultation, discussion and collaboration between all parties,” said Planning Minister Rita Saffioti.

“The modified scheme takes into consideration the views of the Town and community and the landmark significance of this State Heritage listed place.”

Bicton MLA Lisa O’Malley said, “This amendment will ensure any future development of the Royal George Hotel is of a scale consistent with its heritage significance and community expectations.

“With a balance struck, the work to rejuvenate and return this cherished site back to life can now begin.”

State Member for Fremantle Simone McGurk said it’s been a long road and a lot of work to reach this point.

“The scheme protects the unique heritage of the neighbourhood, while allowing sensible development which will see the long awaited restoration of the Royal George.”

Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Simone McGurk today joined WACA CEO Christina Matthews and Perth Scorchers stars Jason Behrendorff and Piepa Cleary to call for an end to family and domestic violence, as part of the State Government’s 16 Days in WA campaign.

The campaign, now in its third year, aims to raise awareness about family and domestic violence and inform Western Australians about what they can do or say to help save lives.

Minister McGurk commended the WACA’s role as an industry leader in championing opportunities for women in sport, and thanked Ms Matthews for her support of this year’s 16 Days in WA campaign.

Earlier this year, Ms Matthews was named a finalist for Western Australian of the Year in recognition of her outstanding career achievements as a celebrated cricketer and sports administrator, and a personal champion of gender equality and inclusivity in sport.

Ms Matthews remains Australia’s most capped female Test cricketer and is one of only two women in the world to hold the position of CEO of a first-class cricket association. During her seven-year tenure as WACA CEO, female cricket participation numbers have increased by over 550 per cent across Western Australia.

The Perth Scorchers and their famous orange playing kit have become much-loved emblems of WA summers in recent years. Their home fixtures played at ‘The Furnace’ attract huge crowds at Optus Stadium as the venue transforms into a sea of orange, which is also the official campaign colour of 16 Days in WA.

A big part of the Scorchers’ success over recent Big Bash League (BBL) seasons has been the consistent performances of star paceman Jason Behrendorff.

The 29-year-old has been a key player for the Scorchers since 2012 and earlier this year was selected as a member of the Australian team for the Cricket World Cup that was hosted in England.

Piepa Cleary has been a mainstay of the Scorchers’ setup in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) since the inaugural season in 2015-16.

A leg injury sustained in early November brought a premature end to the 23 year-old’s 2019 WBBL season, but the Scorchers women have rallied in her absence and will take part in the finals series this weekend at the Alan Border Field in Brisbane.

Further information on 16 Days in WA to Stop Violence Against Women can be found here.

“16 Days in WA gives all Western Australians the opportunity to speak out for change,” said Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Simone McGurk.

“This is a real issue. On average, our police services are responding to 180 family and domestic violence-related tasks each day across WA. It needs to stop.

“Christina Matthews is an extraordinary leader and I applaud the work of her and the WACA board in driving greater opportunities for women in sport.

“There are few greater sights in WA sport than witnessing The Furnace ablaze in orange as the Scorchers play in front of their passionate home fans.

“I hope the Scorchers’ support for 16 Days in WA will prompt their fans and sports-mad Western Australians to start a conversation with their friends and family about what they can do to help stop violence against women.

“I would like to also acknowledge Piepa Cleary and Jason Behrendorff for their willingness to support this year’s 16 Days in WA campaign.

“As a role model for so many young aspiring cricketers, their decision to speak out will help influence and change the conversation that allows violence against women to go unchallenged.”

 WACA CEO Christina Matthews said, “the WACA stands with Minister McGurk and the WA State Government in supporting the 16 Days in WA campaign to stop violence against women.

“I was honoured to deliver the guest speech at this year’s 16 Days in WA campaign launch at Optus Stadium. The statistics on gender-based violence in this State continue to be shocking.

“We are all united in our support for change. Together we can make a difference.”