❓ The question from Ms. Brewer seeks detailed information on the outcomes of the McGowan Government's decision to bring road maintenance jobs in-house, including job creation, cost savings, economic impact, worker conditions, and infrastructure development. The answer provides a high-level overview, highlighting job creation, estimated savings, and improved worker conditions, while also criticizing previous government policy.
AnsweredQoN 2150Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to Question on Notice 1937 and the media statement of 1 April 2022 titled "McGowan Government returning road maintenance jobs in-house", and I ask:(a) To date, how many jobs have been created in:(i) regional Western Australia; and(ii) the Perth metropolitan region;(b) How much expenditure has the in-house model of delivery saved;(c) How much has gross regional product in regional Western Australia increased as a result;(d) How are pay and conditions improved for road workers directly employed by Main Roads;(e) Are similar pay and conditions imposed on Main Roads contractors;(f) What is the status of new offices and depots in:(i) Manjimup;(ii) Esperance;(iii) Karratha; and(iv) Broome; and(g) Which existing offices and depots have been expanded?
I refer to Question on Notice 1937 and the media statement of 1 April 2022 titled "McGowan Government returning road maintenance jobs in-house", and I ask:
(a) To date, how many jobs have been created in:
(i) regional Western Australia; and
(ii) the Perth metropolitan region;
(b) How much expenditure has the in-house model of delivery saved;
(c) How much has gross regional product in regional Western Australia increased as a result;
(d) How are pay and conditions improved for road workers directly employed by Main Roads;
(e) Are similar pay and conditions imposed on Main Roads contractors;
(f) What is the status of new offices and depots in:
(i) Manjimup;
(ii) Esperance;
(iii) Karratha; and
(iv) Broome; and
(g) Which existing offices and depots have been expanded?
I refer to Question on Notice 1937 and the media statement of 1 April 2022 titled "McGowan Government returning road maintenance jobs in-house", and I ask:
(a) To date, how many jobs have been created in:
(i) regional Western Australia; and
(ii) the Perth metropolitan region;
(b) How much expenditure has the in-house model of delivery saved;
(c) How much has gross regional product in regional Western Australia increased as a result;
(d) How are pay and conditions improved for road workers directly employed by Main Roads;
(e) Are similar pay and conditions imposed on Main Roads contractors;
(f) What is the status of new offices and depots in:
(i) Manjimup;
(ii) Esperance;
(iii) Karratha; and
(iv) Broome; and
(g) Which existing offices and depots have been expanded?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
9 June 2026
Responded by
Minister for Transport
Response time
9 days
(a-g) In 2022, the WA Labor Government took decisive action to bring Main Roads’ road maintenance back in-house, cleaning up the mess of the Liberals and Nationals’ proclivity privatisation.
As a result, WA Labor has created 618 new jobs across Western Australia – the majority of which are in regional WA.
Bringing road maintenance back in-house has led to:
• better pay and conditions for workers;
• increased job opportunities and economic growth in the regions;
• enhanced Aboriginal employment and engagement outcomes;
• improved education uptake; and
• increased capacity and capability of Main Roads.
Even with all of these improvements, the Government estimates to save of more than $25 million a year, and to increase gross regional product by up to $335 million over the next 10 years.
As a result, WA Labor has created 618 new jobs across Western Australia – the majority of which are in regional WA.
Bringing road maintenance back in-house has led to:
• better pay and conditions for workers;
• increased job opportunities and economic growth in the regions;
• enhanced Aboriginal employment and engagement outcomes;
• improved education uptake; and
• increased capacity and capability of Main Roads.
Even with all of these improvements, the Government estimates to save of more than $25 million a year, and to increase gross regional product by up to $335 million over the next 10 years.
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