LOTTERYWEST COVID-19
RELIEF FUND
927. Hon PETER COLLIER to the Leader of the House
representing the Premier:
I refer to the Premier's
ministerial statement yesterday about extending the Lotteries Commission
Amendment (COVID-19 Response) Act to 15 March 2021. Given that this extension
allows Lotterywest to provide grants that provide the greatest benefit to the
WA community, I ask the following questions.
(1) What measures has the government put in place to
ensure that grants are provided solely to support WA-based businesses
that are suffering hardship as a result of the pandemic?
(2) Is
Lotterywest providing grant funding for the City of Perth Skyworks; and, if so,
can the Premier confirm that a NSW-based fireworks company has been contracted
to provide the display?
(3) Will the
government direct Lotterywest to not provide grants if that funding is used to
purchase services or goods from outside Western Australia?
(4) Can the Premier confirm that WA-based company
Cardile Fireworks wrote to the Premier on 11 September and will he
undertake to determine whether its fireworks can be used in the Skyworks if a Lotterywest
grant is to be provided?
Hon SUE
ELLERY replied:
I thank the honourable member for
some notice of the question.
(1) The
Lotterywest board has approved criteria for three grants programs: supporting
the most vulnerable, building community, and strengthening and adapting
organisations. Under the provisions of the Lotteries Commission Act and
Lotteries Commission Amendment (COVID-19 Response) Act 2020, for-profit
organisations are not eligible.
(2) Lotterywest has funded a grant to the City of
Perth for community activities occurring on 26 January 2021. This includes the children's zone, elders
marquee, Birak concert and community safety measures. Lotterywest is not
a party to contracting arrangements for the fireworks display.
(3) Under the
Lotteries Commission Act, the government cannot direct Lotterywest on the
distribution of its grants—that is, section 7(2).
(4) Not applicable.