A parliamentary question addresses the absence of the Wheatbelt Development Commission CEO from a key forum and concerns about public awareness of the Commission's role. The Minister's response explains the absence and highlights positive feedback and the CEO's recent contributions.

AnsweredQoN 371Legislative Council
Asked
7 May 2024
Portfolio
Regional Development

QuestionView source ↗

WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT
COMMISSION
371. Hon MARTIN ALDRIDGE to the parliamentary secretary
representing the Minister for Regional Development:
I refer to the Wheatbelt Futures
Forum held in Northam on 1 May.
(1) For what
reason was the CEO of the Wheatbelt Development Commission unable to attend the
forum, despite being advertised as a key speaker at the event?
(2) Has the
minister received feedback from the forum that many participants are not aware
who holds the office of CEO of the Wheatbelt Development Commission?
(3) Has the
minister received feedback from the forum that many participants do not know
what role or purpose the Wheatbelt Development Commission plays in the future
of the wheatbelt?
(4) Will the
minister address these concerns; and, if so, how?

AnswerView source ↗

I thank the honourable member for
some notice of the question. The following answer has been provided by the
Minister for Regional Development.
(1)–(4) The
CEO of the Wheatbelt Development Commission had a personal appointment at that
time and was unable to attend the event. The event organisers were notified in
advance and the principal regional development
officer at the commission represented the CEO both as a speaker and on the
panel discussion.
The Minister for Regional Development
regularly visits the wheatbelt region and receives positive feedback about the
role of the Wheatbelt Development Commission in helping to strengthen and
diversify the economy of the region.
The CEO of the Wheatbelt Development
Commission has recently recommenced in his role following a 12-month secondment
to the Department of Fire and Emergency Services to lead the Kimberley flood
recovery, the largest natural disaster recovery undertaken in Western Australia.
Since his return, the CEO has been appointed as chair of the ministerial Dry
Season Taskforce, established by the Minister for Agriculture and Food to
ensure a coordinated approach across government and industry to support farm
businesses and rural communities in response to the record high temperatures
and low rainfall across large parts of the southern half of Western Australia.

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