Opposition Leader McGowan questions Premier Barnett about perceived inconsistencies in the Metropolitan Local Government Reform, alleging unequal treatment of citizens regarding voting rights and application of the reform process. Barnett defends the government's approach, citing special circumstances for the City of Perth.

AnsweredQoN 836Legislative Assembly
Asked
22 October 2014
Portfolio
Premier

QuestionView source ↗

LOCAL GOVERNMENT ADVISORY BOARD REPORT — METROPOLITAN
LOCAL GOVERNMENT REFORM
836. Mr M. McGOWAN to the
Premier:
I ask a supplementary question. Why has the Premier created
three classes of citizens—those who get a vote, those who do not get a
vote and those in his electorate who are not subject to this process?

AnswerView source ↗

I assure members that people in my electorate know that the
policy of the Liberal government is the amalgamation of the five western suburb
councils. The only reason for rejecting the boundaries for the western suburbs
is because we intend to take the Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre and the
University of Western Australia from the western suburbs and place them in the
City of Perth. Therefore, we cannot accept a boundary that we will not keep.
Mr M. McGowan : Why
aren't you legislating like you are for Perth?
Mr C.J. BARNETT :
It is because we are creating something very special for the City of Perth.
Several members interjected.
Mr C.J. BARNETT :
It is evident that the Labor Party has no idea what to do.
Several members interjected.
The SPEAKER :
Member for Victoria Park, we are now five minutes into question time and I am
about to call you for the third time.

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