2025-11-05
Urging for a WA State of the Environment report, an array of initiatives in Parliament, in the media and in the community, and a new office in Kinjarling Albany
By Hon Jess Beckerling MLC
So here we are, five months in, feet on the ground and focused!
We have established a great working rhythm among the four WA MLCs and our fabulous staff, while getting our own agenda underway, responding to government, opposition and crossbench business and doing a huge amount of work in our communities.
On 22 October, I brought on a motion calling on the Government to reaffirm its 2023 platform commitment to develop and publish an updated State of Environment Report, and to fully resource and instruct the EPA to commence the process, with a requirement to publish the report by the first quarter of 2028.
State of Environment Reports are critical in ensuring a comprehensive scientific understanding of the condition of our natural environment so that strategies, plans and resources can follow. Every other jurisdiction (except for the NT) produces a report every 2–5 years. In WA, we haven’t had one since 2007.
We secured support across the chamber with The Liberals, Nationals, One Nation, Australian Christians, Animal Justice Party and Legalise Cannabis all voting with us.
Labor stood alone voting against the motion and shooting down any suggestion that it would necessarily follow through with anything in its platform. While we anticipated Labor not supporting the motion, I was surprised by the vehement opposition that the Government put up.
The following day, I joined the newly formed Parliamentary Friends of Landcare and was voted in as the Deputy Convenor. The number one priority on the agenda provided to us for consideration by the WA Landcare Network is the need for an updated State of Environment Report.
I will keep working with the community organisations and other Parties to persuade the Government to do this critical work.
Other key focus areas in Parliament over the past two months have been:
● Surrogacy Bill – standing up for the LGBTQIA+ communities and pushing back on homophobic and transphobic rhetoric while using our balance of power to ensure the Bill passes as soon as possible.
● Northern Jarrah Forests – the recent horrendous news that the State and Federal Governments’ support for Alcoa’s new gallium project is indefensible. I have had it confirmed that the plan is to use both existing mine waste and newly mined bauxite. This is outrageous given that Alcoa’s expansion remains under EPA assessment for its significant environmental and community impacts.
● State Development Bill – undertaking briefings, legal consultations, and community engagement to raise awareness of its implications.
● Establishing an inquiry into greyhound racing – submissions due 17 November
● Prescribed burning – pursuing parliamentary questions and on-ground visits to observe impacts firsthand.
● The Bicentennial Motion – opposing the Liberal Party’s motion to “celebrate” 200 years without any mention of First Nations people.
● Dion Barber Case – questioning the Government’s cross examination approach during the trial, their decision to appeal, and what it means both for Mr Barber and other victim survivors who are considering bringing their cases to court.
● FDV and SV – recommending an inquiry to the OAG; raising questions on resourcing and staffing; building relationships across the chamber; health department briefing.
● No vote anniversary – remembering the no vote and reflecting on the need for truth-telling, treaty and self-determination in policy and practice.
Key media activity has centered on:
● Alcoa’s planned gallium development
● Julimar Forest prescribed burn
● DWER water management revelations
● Albany rally for Palestine and calls for the ceasefire in Gaza
Social media coverage has also focused on:
● Climate activists at Parliament
● My recent visit to Broome, including our supporter event and Kimberley Aboriginal Women’s Council (KAWC) roundtable
● Gaza Ceasefire and rally for Palestine
● Australian Bird of the Year, where WA’s own Baudin’s Black Cockatoo came 2nd place!
● Woodside’s failure to replant Gnangara
In early October, I had a fantastic visit to Yawuru / Broome for the KAWC roundtable, alongside my colleague Georgia Beardman. More than a hundred Aboriginal women from across the region came together with extraordinary strength, clarity, and vision. Listening to their experiences and priorities, their message was clear: Aboriginal women are already leading in their communities, and their leadership must be at the centre of design, delivery, and decision-making. I left more determined than ever to bring that strength-based, self-determination message into my parliamentary and community work.
I’ve also attended and supported a wide range of community events and field trips, including:
● WA Landcare Network Conference
● EDO’s 30-year celebration
● Tim Winton’s Ningaloo book launch
● Actions and rallies for Scott Reef, Northern Jarrah Forests, and Gaza
● Tours of Tingle Forest burn sites and Greater Yakamia Forest
● Meetings with Bibbul Ngarma Aboriginal Corporation, ECU’s research centre, and multiple environmental and women’s organisations
And a very exciting office update
The rumours are true – we have an electorate office in Kinjarling Albany!
Our official opening party will be held on 26 November from 6pm, and all Greens members and supporters are warmly invited.
Right now we’re proudly DIY – using our own chairs and tables and enjoying pot-plant gifts from delightful locals. Very soon, we’ll have all the government-issued furniture, phones and internet set up, and we’ll be ready to open our doors to the community.
Be sure to RSVP here – we hope to see you at the opening!
Header photo: Jess visiting the Tingle Forests