2017-12-21
Hon Diane Evers MLC
Hello everyone!
This last two months has been a time of great wins for our Greens community and I am finishing the year on a high note.
Australia voting “Yes” on Marriage Equality and then the subsequent legislation passing through Federal Parliament were moments in our nations history that evoked strong feelings of unity and pride for me. It was a great experience to participate as an ally of the LGBTQI community in the South-West, Peel and Great Southern and it was just so much fun celebrating with the team of motivated hard working people who had driven this change movement at Perths Pride Parade.
Sharks
I recently sent a call out for feedback on the governments rebate for personal shark deterrents and received a great response from the public and the ocean sports community. The responses we received and publicity we created on this issue helped put pressure on the McGowan Government which has now doubled the rebate scheme. One issue is that the rebate is currently only available for a device suited for diving and kayaking. We hope the device rebate can soon be extended to deterrents suited for use in surfing. Watch video
A Greens-initiated federal Senate inquiry into shark hazards has made some great, realistic recommendations about how to make people safer in the ocean including support for personal deterrents for surfers, divers and kayakers and whole-of-beach protection (e.g. shark-proof enclosures) plus drones, apps and alerts. Congratulations to all the Western Australians who spoke at the Perth hearings, and Greens Federal Marine Spokesperson Senator Peter Whish-Wilson for initiating the inquiry. Read more
GM-free farming
One of my first acts as a Parliamentarian back in June was tabling a petition organised by FOODwatch seeking new laws to compensate farmers for economic loss caused by GM contamination. It seems to have paid off! With the backing of the Agriculture Minister, the WA Standing Committee on Environment and Public Affairs has agreed to conduct an inquiry into compensation mechanisms. Thanks to FOODwatch; former Greens MLC Lynn MacLaren; Janet Grogan and many others who worked to get to this point and to Steve Marsh whose arduous, high-profile court case exposed the gap in our current legislation to protect non-GM farmers. Make a submission to the Inquiry here
Greens National Conference:
Also in this period I attended the Greens National Conference in Hobart Tasmania. The workshop sessions were fascinating and inspiring and it was a strong learning opportunity to meet with and take advice from Green legends like Jeremy Buckingham and Janet Rice.
Fracking and gas-field free South West
Upon my return from Hobart I was waylaid by a small motorbike accident that kept me off my feet for a few days. But I was back into it as soon as possible and collaborating with my colleague Robin Chapple MLC to ask the hard questions of the McGowan Governments woefully under-resourced Fracking Inquiry. Watch the video here
We are calling on the Independent Scientific Panel Inquiry to recommend a permanent, legislated ban on fracking and unconventional gas activities across WA, and to recommend the development of renewable energy resources to meet the states energy needs. Send a submission to the Inquiry here
On the subject of gas; I was pleased to join my voice with peaceful protesters in Bunbury recently to protest the McGowan Governments approval of a large conventional gas exploration permit across the Bunbury, Dardanup, Donnybrook and Capel areas. The Government is stating that they are sticking to their election commitment not to 'frack in the South-West but I am pushing to enshrine this commitment into legislation. I hear the message from farmers, families and our communities who want to protect land, water, health and agriculture into the future. As MLC for the South-West I support a gasfield-free South-West. Ill also be working with my colleague Tim Clifford MLC to advocate for better strategy and investment into renewable energy for our State into the future.
Community Resource Centres
Community Resource Centres (CRCs) are a vital part of our regional communities. I have received over 20 letters from concerned citizens in the South-West regarding the McGowan Governments planned 40 per cent cut to funding from 2019.
CRCs provide communities with access to much needed services, support and assistance. The Governments cutbacks may result in a significant reduction in service delivery and the potential closure of some centres. The Government has said it will be conducting a review of services but seems to have pre-empted the outcome by already reducing funding across the forward estimates.
I have asked the Government to provide details of its proposed review and to what extent communities and service providers will be consulted. The answer provided was unclear. I strongly urge everyone to get in touch with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development who will be managing the review or Minister Alannah MacTiernans office to have your say on how important our CRCs are, and what the true cost to our communities will be if services are cut or closed.
I am working towards ensuring that people in the South-West continue to remain connected to vital services and are supported in their community.
Looking ahead
While Parliament is on summer break Ill be spending most of my time in and around the electorate, so if youve got a group of people whod like to get together with their local Greens MLC please let my team know at southwest.evers@mp.wa.gov.au so we can make the arrangements.
Its been an incredible journey so far and I cant wait to see you and continue to work for you in the new year!
Header photo: Celebrating marriage equality. Tom Boyle