2017-12-21
Hon Tim Clifford
I have been working closely with the games industry to try and secure a share of the $16.7 million New Industries Fund that Labor promised in their pre-election commitments. I have been asking questions in Parliament and made a members statement to highlight the value of this industry and the potential in this State.
This is an important issue, the Australian games industry is worth over $1 billion, yet WA is missing out. The potential for local jobs creation and economic growth in WA is significant and the lack of certainty created by the lack of funding is extremely concerning.
WA is already losing talent to states like Victoria and New South Wales where their governments have introduced initiatives to support the industry. The South Australian government has just announced a $2 million funding package, so it is likely that the brain drain will continue.
Staying connected locally is important to me. I recently joined community leaders at the City of Swans Annual Meeting of Electors to call for greater transparency, financial accountability and proper consultation with community in regards to the Midland Oval redevelopment which will see the City replace a precious block of green space with tarmac and buildings.
I have also been working on a broader level in the transport portfolio with a newly formed community group, 'Keep Bibra Drive Local, which has sprung up in response to concerns in relation to the Murdoch Drive Connection. The group claims that the proposed Murdoch Drive link will in fact increase ambulance travel times and traffic. I received a petition on the steps of parliament calling for the Government to redesign the road to meet the needs of residents and ensure decisions and planning for future transport options for Perth which include public transport options.
I have been building up knowledge in my portfolios and have tapped into some great planning expertise within Greens WA. Watch this space for more on planning policy announcements in the coming months.
Our office finished the year feeling proud of our work to date and excited about the year ahead. I would like to take the chance to thank my staff and the ever growing team of interns and volunteers at our office. These are the people who enable me to better represent the membership and I am grateful for their support.
Header photo: Tim at Playup Perth. Grace Turco