CITY OF PERTH —
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTION
611. Mr P.A. KATSAMBANIS to the Premier:
I have a supplementary question.
Given that increasing police numbers and combating violent crime in the CBD are part of election platforms of all mayoral
candidates for the City of Perth council election, does the Premier accept
that that is a resounding vote of no confidence in his government's
ability to deliver a safe and vibrant environment for our capital city?
Mr M. McGOWAN
replied:
There
are two points I want to make. The first is that I said that the Liberal Party
held a fundraiser; it was the 500 Club. The 500 Club raises money that
it passes on to the Liberal and National Parties. That is exactly what happens.
If members opposite want to talk about politicising —
Mr Z.R.F. Kirkup interjected.
The SPEAKER: Member for
Dawesville, we will start talking about you getting called to order for the
first time.
Mr M. McGOWAN: When I talk
about politicising local government, for the 500 Club to hold a fundraiser for
City of Perth council candidates is politicising local government. It is an
inappropriate politicisation of local government. Considering what has gone on
in the City of Perth over the course of the last 10 years, I would have thought
that the Liberal Party and the 500 Club should not have done that.
Several members interjected.
The SPEAKER: Members!
Mrs L.M. Harvey interjected.
Mr M. McGOWAN: Were you
there?
Mrs L.M. Harvey: No.
Mr M. McGOWAN: You were not?
Okay. That is interesting as well.
Several members interjected.
Mr M. McGOWAN: I just said
that it was interesting.
I am aware of election platforms.
Prior to the state election, two major parties were running for office in Western
Australia. Both had a platform. One put to the people of Western Australia a platform
of additional police officers and one did not. Only Labor put forward a policy
of additional police officers for Western Australia. The Liberal Party did not.
Although the Liberal Party currently has no policies —
Mrs L.M. Harvey interjected.
The SPEAKER: Leader of the Opposition!
Mr M. McGOWAN: Go and check
the website. There are no policies. Before the state election, the Liberal
Party did release some policies. Of those policies, none involved additional
police officers.
Mrs L.M. Harvey interjected.
The SPEAKER: Leader of the
Opposition, it is not a chat-fest.