❓ Question seeks details of Premier's social agenda outlined at WACOSS conference. Answer details increased resources for key sectors, implementation of inquiry recommendations, launch of industry plan for non-government community services, ageing strategy, children first strategy, and support for a national poverty plan.
AnsweredQoN 350Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
What are the key elements of the social agenda that the Premier outlined at the opening of the Western Australian Council of Social Service state conference today? Mr M.J. Birney: This should be good! Dr G.I. GALLOP
AnswerView source ↗
That was an interesting interjection from the member for Kalgoorlie. It was typical of the member for Kalgoorlie to yesterday make an unsubstantiated claim about the Police Service of Western Australia. We know about the standards of the member for Kalgoorlie; he should not worry about that. Mr M.J. Birney: Mr Accountability! Mr Transparency! Dr G.I. GALLOP: The member for Kalgoorlie will say anything to try to embarrass the public service. He will do anything to pursue his political objectives. Mr M.J. Birney: You do that pretty well by yourself. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The member for Kalgoorlie will find that people are awake to people like him. I was very pleased to attend my fourth consecutive WACOSS conference; I have attended two as Leader of the Opposition and two as Premier. I can say to the House and through it to the people of Western Australia that we have developed an excellent relationship with WACOSS as an organisation as well as with the non-government sector since being in government. We have recognised the priorities of the social sector. What is more, for the first time in decades in Western Australia we have a Government that takes social policy seriously. Firstly, I was able to point out to the conference the significant boost in resources that has been made to health, education and training, community development, disability and community safety services. In each of those areas of government the increase in expenditure is greater than the rate of inflation. Secondly, I was able to point out that the recommendations of the highly successful Gordon inquiry are now being implemented throughout the State. Thirdly, I was able to report on the implementation of the homelessness task force recommendations. We are not just implementing those recommendations but also evaluating their implementation to make sure that we get the outcomes that we want. Those issues were embraced by the non-government sector in Western Australia. Today I was able to launch the industry plan for non-government community services in Western Australia. This is a blueprint that addresses the needs of community organisations in Western Australia. We are ahead of the game in Western Australia. Our indexation policy will mean that the non-government sector is funded according to indexation criteria that actually mean something for those organisations and the costs that they must bear. We are leading the nation in that respect, and we are proud of that achievement. We have developed an alternative purchasing policy to the policy of competitive tendering madness that occurred under the previous Government. We have partnerships with the non-government sector to deliver real services to people. I was also able to outline to the conference our ageing strategy and the recommendations we are carrying through from the task force on ageing, and indicated that I would soon be announcing our children first strategy for Western Australia. The other issue that is on the agenda of the Western Australian Council of Social Service is poverty. I am very pleased that the leader of the Labor Party at the national level, Mark Latham, has written to all States and Territories saying that should he win the election, he wants a national plan to tackle poverty. We have written to him indicating that we would be willing to not only participate in that plan but also embrace it enthusiastically. Mr M.W. Trenorden: No more poverty! No child will live in poverty! Dr G.I. GALLOP: The Opposition is expressing cynicism about one of the most important issues facing segments of our community. We are very proud of our record. Mr M.W. Trenorden: No child will live in poverty by 1990! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are also proud to say that we have carried through on our commitment to keep household charges down, particularly for fixed and low income families in Western Australia. As a result of good financial management, in this year’s budget there was a complete freeze on key household charges. This really matters to many Western Australian families who find the going tough on a day-by-day and week-by-week basis. This Government has a clear social agenda that is incorporated in its processes. We have a cabinet standing committee on social policy. That agenda is incorporated in the budget priorities that we set. It has been incorporated into some of the issues that we have taken up in the community, particularly child abuse and family violence in Aboriginal communities, and through the homelessness strategy. It is also an agenda that is backed up by our commitment to ensure that poker machines are not allowed in Western Australia. I was proud to go to the WACOSS meeting today. It was the fourth consecutive conference I have attended. I was able to point out the achievements of our Government and the strength of the relationship it has developed with the non-government sector, and to indicate that in Western Australia in 2004 social policy issues are taken seriously. This Government is capable of dealing with economic, social and environmental issues. That is something that cannot be said of the Opposition.
Mr M.J. Birney: This should be good! Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: That was an interesting interjection from the member for Kalgoorlie. It was typical of the member for Kalgoorlie to yesterday make an unsubstantiated claim about the Police Service of Western Australia. We know about the standards of the member for Kalgoorlie; he should not worry about that. Mr M.J. Birney: Mr Accountability! Mr Transparency! Dr G.I. GALLOP: The member for Kalgoorlie will say anything to try to embarrass the public service. He will do anything to pursue his political objectives. Mr M.J. Birney: You do that pretty well by yourself. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The member for Kalgoorlie will find that people are awake to people like him. I was very pleased to attend my fourth consecutive WACOSS conference; I have attended two as Leader of the Opposition and two as Premier. I can say to the House and through it to the people of Western Australia that we have developed an excellent relationship with WACOSS as an organisation as well as with the non-government sector since being in government. We have recognised the priorities of the social sector. What is more, for the first time in decades in Western Australia we have a Government that takes social policy seriously. Firstly, I was able to point out to the conference the significant boost in resources that has been made to health, education and training, community development, disability and community safety services. In each of those areas of government the increase in expenditure is greater than the rate of inflation. Secondly, I was able to point out that the recommendations of the highly successful Gordon inquiry are now being implemented throughout the State. Thirdly, I was able to report on the implementation of the homelessness task force recommendations. We are not just implementing those recommendations but also evaluating their implementation to make sure that we get the outcomes that we want. Those issues were embraced by the non-government sector in Western Australia. Today I was able to launch the industry plan for non-government community services in Western Australia. This is a blueprint that addresses the needs of community organisations in Western Australia. We are ahead of the game in Western Australia. Our indexation policy will mean that the non-government sector is funded according to indexation criteria that actually mean something for those organisations and the costs that they must bear. We are leading the nation in that respect, and we are proud of that achievement. We have developed an alternative purchasing policy to the policy of competitive tendering madness that occurred under the previous Government. We have partnerships with the non-government sector to deliver real services to people. I was also able to outline to the conference our ageing strategy and the recommendations we are carrying through from the task force on ageing, and indicated that I would soon be announcing our children first strategy for Western Australia. The other issue that is on the agenda of the Western Australian Council of Social Service is poverty. I am very pleased that the leader of the Labor Party at the national level, Mark Latham, has written to all States and Territories saying that should he win the election, he wants a national plan to tackle poverty. We have written to him indicating that we would be willing to not only participate in that plan but also embrace it enthusiastically. Mr M.W. Trenorden: No more poverty! No child will live in poverty! Dr G.I. GALLOP: The Opposition is expressing cynicism about one of the most important issues facing segments of our community. We are very proud of our record. Mr M.W. Trenorden: No child will live in poverty by 1990! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are also proud to say that we have carried through on our commitment to keep household charges down, particularly for fixed and low income families in Western Australia. As a result of good financial management, in this year’s budget there was a complete freeze on key household charges. This really matters to many Western Australian families who find the going tough on a day-by-day and week-by-week basis. This Government has a clear social agenda that is incorporated in its processes. We have a cabinet standing committee on social policy. That agenda is incorporated in the budget priorities that we set. It has been incorporated into some of the issues that we have taken up in the community, particularly child abuse and family violence in Aboriginal communities, and through the homelessness strategy. It is also an agenda that is backed up by our commitment to ensure that poker machines are not allowed in Western Australia. I was proud to go to the WACOSS meeting today. It was the fourth consecutive conference I have attended. I was able to point out the achievements of our Government and the strength of the relationship it has developed with the non-government sector, and to indicate that in Western Australia in 2004 social policy issues are taken seriously. This Government is capable of dealing with economic, social and environmental issues. That is something that cannot be said of the Opposition.
Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: That was an interesting interjection from the member for Kalgoorlie. It was typical of the member for Kalgoorlie to yesterday make an unsubstantiated claim about the Police Service of Western Australia. We know about the standards of the member for Kalgoorlie; he should not worry about that. Mr M.J. Birney: Mr Accountability! Mr Transparency! Dr G.I. GALLOP: The member for Kalgoorlie will say anything to try to embarrass the public service. He will do anything to pursue his political objectives. Mr M.J. Birney: You do that pretty well by yourself. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The member for Kalgoorlie will find that people are awake to people like him. I was very pleased to attend my fourth consecutive WACOSS conference; I have attended two as Leader of the Opposition and two as Premier. I can say to the House and through it to the people of Western Australia that we have developed an excellent relationship with WACOSS as an organisation as well as with the non-government sector since being in government. We have recognised the priorities of the social sector. What is more, for the first time in decades in Western Australia we have a Government that takes social policy seriously. Firstly, I was able to point out to the conference the significant boost in resources that has been made to health, education and training, community development, disability and community safety services. In each of those areas of government the increase in expenditure is greater than the rate of inflation. Secondly, I was able to point out that the recommendations of the highly successful Gordon inquiry are now being implemented throughout the State. Thirdly, I was able to report on the implementation of the homelessness task force recommendations. We are not just implementing those recommendations but also evaluating their implementation to make sure that we get the outcomes that we want. Those issues were embraced by the non-government sector in Western Australia. Today I was able to launch the industry plan for non-government community services in Western Australia. This is a blueprint that addresses the needs of community organisations in Western Australia. We are ahead of the game in Western Australia. Our indexation policy will mean that the non-government sector is funded according to indexation criteria that actually mean something for those organisations and the costs that they must bear. We are leading the nation in that respect, and we are proud of that achievement. We have developed an alternative purchasing policy to the policy of competitive tendering madness that occurred under the previous Government. We have partnerships with the non-government sector to deliver real services to people. I was also able to outline to the conference our ageing strategy and the recommendations we are carrying through from the task force on ageing, and indicated that I would soon be announcing our children first strategy for Western Australia. The other issue that is on the agenda of the Western Australian Council of Social Service is poverty. I am very pleased that the leader of the Labor Party at the national level, Mark Latham, has written to all States and Territories saying that should he win the election, he wants a national plan to tackle poverty. We have written to him indicating that we would be willing to not only participate in that plan but also embrace it enthusiastically. Mr M.W. Trenorden: No more poverty! No child will live in poverty! Dr G.I. GALLOP: The Opposition is expressing cynicism about one of the most important issues facing segments of our community. We are very proud of our record. Mr M.W. Trenorden: No child will live in poverty by 1990! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are also proud to say that we have carried through on our commitment to keep household charges down, particularly for fixed and low income families in Western Australia. As a result of good financial management, in this year’s budget there was a complete freeze on key household charges. This really matters to many Western Australian families who find the going tough on a day-by-day and week-by-week basis. This Government has a clear social agenda that is incorporated in its processes. We have a cabinet standing committee on social policy. That agenda is incorporated in the budget priorities that we set. It has been incorporated into some of the issues that we have taken up in the community, particularly child abuse and family violence in Aboriginal communities, and through the homelessness strategy. It is also an agenda that is backed up by our commitment to ensure that poker machines are not allowed in Western Australia. I was proud to go to the WACOSS meeting today. It was the fourth consecutive conference I have attended. I was able to point out the achievements of our Government and the strength of the relationship it has developed with the non-government sector, and to indicate that in Western Australia in 2004 social policy issues are taken seriously. This Government is capable of dealing with economic, social and environmental issues. That is something that cannot be said of the Opposition.
That was an interesting interjection from the member for Kalgoorlie. It was typical of the member for Kalgoorlie to yesterday make an unsubstantiated claim about the Police Service of Western Australia. We know about the standards of the member for Kalgoorlie; he should not worry about that. Mr M.J. Birney: Mr Accountability! Mr Transparency! Dr G.I. GALLOP: The member for Kalgoorlie will say anything to try to embarrass the public service. He will do anything to pursue his political objectives. Mr M.J. Birney: You do that pretty well by yourself. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The member for Kalgoorlie will find that people are awake to people like him. I was very pleased to attend my fourth consecutive WACOSS conference; I have attended two as Leader of the Opposition and two as Premier. I can say to the House and through it to the people of Western Australia that we have developed an excellent relationship with WACOSS as an organisation as well as with the non-government sector since being in government. We have recognised the priorities of the social sector. What is more, for the first time in decades in Western Australia we have a Government that takes social policy seriously. Firstly, I was able to point out to the conference the significant boost in resources that has been made to health, education and training, community development, disability and community safety services. In each of those areas of government the increase in expenditure is greater than the rate of inflation. Secondly, I was able to point out that the recommendations of the highly successful Gordon inquiry are now being implemented throughout the State. Thirdly, I was able to report on the implementation of the homelessness task force recommendations. We are not just implementing those recommendations but also evaluating their implementation to make sure that we get the outcomes that we want. Those issues were embraced by the non-government sector in Western Australia. Today I was able to launch the industry plan for non-government community services in Western Australia. This is a blueprint that addresses the needs of community organisations in Western Australia. We are ahead of the game in Western Australia. Our indexation policy will mean that the non-government sector is funded according to indexation criteria that actually mean something for those organisations and the costs that they must bear. We are leading the nation in that respect, and we are proud of that achievement. We have developed an alternative purchasing policy to the policy of competitive tendering madness that occurred under the previous Government. We have partnerships with the non-government sector to deliver real services to people. I was also able to outline to the conference our ageing strategy and the recommendations we are carrying through from the task force on ageing, and indicated that I would soon be announcing our children first strategy for Western Australia. The other issue that is on the agenda of the Western Australian Council of Social Service is poverty. I am very pleased that the leader of the Labor Party at the national level, Mark Latham, has written to all States and Territories saying that should he win the election, he wants a national plan to tackle poverty. We have written to him indicating that we would be willing to not only participate in that plan but also embrace it enthusiastically. Mr M.W. Trenorden: No more poverty! No child will live in poverty! Dr G.I. GALLOP: The Opposition is expressing cynicism about one of the most important issues facing segments of our community. We are very proud of our record. Mr M.W. Trenorden: No child will live in poverty by 1990! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are also proud to say that we have carried through on our commitment to keep household charges down, particularly for fixed and low income families in Western Australia. As a result of good financial management, in this year’s budget there was a complete freeze on key household charges. This really matters to many Western Australian families who find the going tough on a day-by-day and week-by-week basis. This Government has a clear social agenda that is incorporated in its processes. We have a cabinet standing committee on social policy. That agenda is incorporated in the budget priorities that we set. It has been incorporated into some of the issues that we have taken up in the community, particularly child abuse and family violence in Aboriginal communities, and through the homelessness strategy. It is also an agenda that is backed up by our commitment to ensure that poker machines are not allowed in Western Australia. I was proud to go to the WACOSS meeting today. It was the fourth consecutive conference I have attended. I was able to point out the achievements of our Government and the strength of the relationship it has developed with the non-government sector, and to indicate that in Western Australia in 2004 social policy issues are taken seriously. This Government is capable of dealing with economic, social and environmental issues. That is something that cannot be said of the Opposition.
Mr M.J. Birney: Mr Accountability! Mr Transparency! Dr G.I. GALLOP: The member for Kalgoorlie will say anything to try to embarrass the public service. He will do anything to pursue his political objectives. Mr M.J. Birney: You do that pretty well by yourself. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The member for Kalgoorlie will find that people are awake to people like him. I was very pleased to attend my fourth consecutive WACOSS conference; I have attended two as Leader of the Opposition and two as Premier. I can say to the House and through it to the people of Western Australia that we have developed an excellent relationship with WACOSS as an organisation as well as with the non-government sector since being in government. We have recognised the priorities of the social sector. What is more, for the first time in decades in Western Australia we have a Government that takes social policy seriously. Firstly, I was able to point out to the conference the significant boost in resources that has been made to health, education and training, community development, disability and community safety services. In each of those areas of government the increase in expenditure is greater than the rate of inflation. Secondly, I was able to point out that the recommendations of the highly successful Gordon inquiry are now being implemented throughout the State. Thirdly, I was able to report on the implementation of the homelessness task force recommendations. We are not just implementing those recommendations but also evaluating their implementation to make sure that we get the outcomes that we want. Those issues were embraced by the non-government sector in Western Australia. Today I was able to launch the industry plan for non-government community services in Western Australia. This is a blueprint that addresses the needs of community organisations in Western Australia. We are ahead of the game in Western Australia. Our indexation policy will mean that the non-government sector is funded according to indexation criteria that actually mean something for those organisations and the costs that they must bear. We are leading the nation in that respect, and we are proud of that achievement. We have developed an alternative purchasing policy to the policy of competitive tendering madness that occurred under the previous Government. We have partnerships with the non-government sector to deliver real services to people. I was also able to outline to the conference our ageing strategy and the recommendations we are carrying through from the task force on ageing, and indicated that I would soon be announcing our children first strategy for Western Australia. The other issue that is on the agenda of the Western Australian Council of Social Service is poverty. I am very pleased that the leader of the Labor Party at the national level, Mark Latham, has written to all States and Territories saying that should he win the election, he wants a national plan to tackle poverty. We have written to him indicating that we would be willing to not only participate in that plan but also embrace it enthusiastically. Mr M.W. Trenorden: No more poverty! No child will live in poverty! Dr G.I. GALLOP: The Opposition is expressing cynicism about one of the most important issues facing segments of our community. We are very proud of our record. Mr M.W. Trenorden: No child will live in poverty by 1990! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are also proud to say that we have carried through on our commitment to keep household charges down, particularly for fixed and low income families in Western Australia. As a result of good financial management, in this year’s budget there was a complete freeze on key household charges. This really matters to many Western Australian families who find the going tough on a day-by-day and week-by-week basis. This Government has a clear social agenda that is incorporated in its processes. We have a cabinet standing committee on social policy. That agenda is incorporated in the budget priorities that we set. It has been incorporated into some of the issues that we have taken up in the community, particularly child abuse and family violence in Aboriginal communities, and through the homelessness strategy. It is also an agenda that is backed up by our commitment to ensure that poker machines are not allowed in Western Australia. I was proud to go to the WACOSS meeting today. It was the fourth consecutive conference I have attended. I was able to point out the achievements of our Government and the strength of the relationship it has developed with the non-government sector, and to indicate that in Western Australia in 2004 social policy issues are taken seriously. This Government is capable of dealing with economic, social and environmental issues. That is something that cannot be said of the Opposition.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: The member for Kalgoorlie will say anything to try to embarrass the public service. He will do anything to pursue his political objectives. Mr M.J. Birney: You do that pretty well by yourself. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The member for Kalgoorlie will find that people are awake to people like him. I was very pleased to attend my fourth consecutive WACOSS conference; I have attended two as Leader of the Opposition and two as Premier. I can say to the House and through it to the people of Western Australia that we have developed an excellent relationship with WACOSS as an organisation as well as with the non-government sector since being in government. We have recognised the priorities of the social sector. What is more, for the first time in decades in Western Australia we have a Government that takes social policy seriously. Firstly, I was able to point out to the conference the significant boost in resources that has been made to health, education and training, community development, disability and community safety services. In each of those areas of government the increase in expenditure is greater than the rate of inflation. Secondly, I was able to point out that the recommendations of the highly successful Gordon inquiry are now being implemented throughout the State. Thirdly, I was able to report on the implementation of the homelessness task force recommendations. We are not just implementing those recommendations but also evaluating their implementation to make sure that we get the outcomes that we want. Those issues were embraced by the non-government sector in Western Australia. Today I was able to launch the industry plan for non-government community services in Western Australia. This is a blueprint that addresses the needs of community organisations in Western Australia. We are ahead of the game in Western Australia. Our indexation policy will mean that the non-government sector is funded according to indexation criteria that actually mean something for those organisations and the costs that they must bear. We are leading the nation in that respect, and we are proud of that achievement. We have developed an alternative purchasing policy to the policy of competitive tendering madness that occurred under the previous Government. We have partnerships with the non-government sector to deliver real services to people. I was also able to outline to the conference our ageing strategy and the recommendations we are carrying through from the task force on ageing, and indicated that I would soon be announcing our children first strategy for Western Australia. The other issue that is on the agenda of the Western Australian Council of Social Service is poverty. I am very pleased that the leader of the Labor Party at the national level, Mark Latham, has written to all States and Territories saying that should he win the election, he wants a national plan to tackle poverty. We have written to him indicating that we would be willing to not only participate in that plan but also embrace it enthusiastically. Mr M.W. Trenorden: No more poverty! No child will live in poverty! Dr G.I. GALLOP: The Opposition is expressing cynicism about one of the most important issues facing segments of our community. We are very proud of our record. Mr M.W. Trenorden: No child will live in poverty by 1990! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are also proud to say that we have carried through on our commitment to keep household charges down, particularly for fixed and low income families in Western Australia. As a result of good financial management, in this year’s budget there was a complete freeze on key household charges. This really matters to many Western Australian families who find the going tough on a day-by-day and week-by-week basis. This Government has a clear social agenda that is incorporated in its processes. We have a cabinet standing committee on social policy. That agenda is incorporated in the budget priorities that we set. It has been incorporated into some of the issues that we have taken up in the community, particularly child abuse and family violence in Aboriginal communities, and through the homelessness strategy. It is also an agenda that is backed up by our commitment to ensure that poker machines are not allowed in Western Australia. I was proud to go to the WACOSS meeting today. It was the fourth consecutive conference I have attended. I was able to point out the achievements of our Government and the strength of the relationship it has developed with the non-government sector, and to indicate that in Western Australia in 2004 social policy issues are taken seriously. This Government is capable of dealing with economic, social and environmental issues. That is something that cannot be said of the Opposition.
Mr M.J. Birney: You do that pretty well by yourself. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The member for Kalgoorlie will find that people are awake to people like him. I was very pleased to attend my fourth consecutive WACOSS conference; I have attended two as Leader of the Opposition and two as Premier. I can say to the House and through it to the people of Western Australia that we have developed an excellent relationship with WACOSS as an organisation as well as with the non-government sector since being in government. We have recognised the priorities of the social sector. What is more, for the first time in decades in Western Australia we have a Government that takes social policy seriously. Firstly, I was able to point out to the conference the significant boost in resources that has been made to health, education and training, community development, disability and community safety services. In each of those areas of government the increase in expenditure is greater than the rate of inflation. Secondly, I was able to point out that the recommendations of the highly successful Gordon inquiry are now being implemented throughout the State. Thirdly, I was able to report on the implementation of the homelessness task force recommendations. We are not just implementing those recommendations but also evaluating their implementation to make sure that we get the outcomes that we want. Those issues were embraced by the non-government sector in Western Australia. Today I was able to launch the industry plan for non-government community services in Western Australia. This is a blueprint that addresses the needs of community organisations in Western Australia. We are ahead of the game in Western Australia. Our indexation policy will mean that the non-government sector is funded according to indexation criteria that actually mean something for those organisations and the costs that they must bear. We are leading the nation in that respect, and we are proud of that achievement. We have developed an alternative purchasing policy to the policy of competitive tendering madness that occurred under the previous Government. We have partnerships with the non-government sector to deliver real services to people. I was also able to outline to the conference our ageing strategy and the recommendations we are carrying through from the task force on ageing, and indicated that I would soon be announcing our children first strategy for Western Australia. The other issue that is on the agenda of the Western Australian Council of Social Service is poverty. I am very pleased that the leader of the Labor Party at the national level, Mark Latham, has written to all States and Territories saying that should he win the election, he wants a national plan to tackle poverty. We have written to him indicating that we would be willing to not only participate in that plan but also embrace it enthusiastically. Mr M.W. Trenorden: No more poverty! No child will live in poverty! Dr G.I. GALLOP: The Opposition is expressing cynicism about one of the most important issues facing segments of our community. We are very proud of our record. Mr M.W. Trenorden: No child will live in poverty by 1990! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are also proud to say that we have carried through on our commitment to keep household charges down, particularly for fixed and low income families in Western Australia. As a result of good financial management, in this year’s budget there was a complete freeze on key household charges. This really matters to many Western Australian families who find the going tough on a day-by-day and week-by-week basis. This Government has a clear social agenda that is incorporated in its processes. We have a cabinet standing committee on social policy. That agenda is incorporated in the budget priorities that we set. It has been incorporated into some of the issues that we have taken up in the community, particularly child abuse and family violence in Aboriginal communities, and through the homelessness strategy. It is also an agenda that is backed up by our commitment to ensure that poker machines are not allowed in Western Australia. I was proud to go to the WACOSS meeting today. It was the fourth consecutive conference I have attended. I was able to point out the achievements of our Government and the strength of the relationship it has developed with the non-government sector, and to indicate that in Western Australia in 2004 social policy issues are taken seriously. This Government is capable of dealing with economic, social and environmental issues. That is something that cannot be said of the Opposition.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: The member for Kalgoorlie will find that people are awake to people like him. I was very pleased to attend my fourth consecutive WACOSS conference; I have attended two as Leader of the Opposition and two as Premier. I can say to the House and through it to the people of Western Australia that we have developed an excellent relationship with WACOSS as an organisation as well as with the non-government sector since being in government. We have recognised the priorities of the social sector. What is more, for the first time in decades in Western Australia we have a Government that takes social policy seriously. Firstly, I was able to point out to the conference the significant boost in resources that has been made to health, education and training, community development, disability and community safety services. In each of those areas of government the increase in expenditure is greater than the rate of inflation. Secondly, I was able to point out that the recommendations of the highly successful Gordon inquiry are now being implemented throughout the State. Thirdly, I was able to report on the implementation of the homelessness task force recommendations. We are not just implementing those recommendations but also evaluating their implementation to make sure that we get the outcomes that we want. Those issues were embraced by the non-government sector in Western Australia. Today I was able to launch the industry plan for non-government community services in Western Australia. This is a blueprint that addresses the needs of community organisations in Western Australia. We are ahead of the game in Western Australia. Our indexation policy will mean that the non-government sector is funded according to indexation criteria that actually mean something for those organisations and the costs that they must bear. We are leading the nation in that respect, and we are proud of that achievement. We have developed an alternative purchasing policy to the policy of competitive tendering madness that occurred under the previous Government. We have partnerships with the non-government sector to deliver real services to people. I was also able to outline to the conference our ageing strategy and the recommendations we are carrying through from the task force on ageing, and indicated that I would soon be announcing our children first strategy for Western Australia. The other issue that is on the agenda of the Western Australian Council of Social Service is poverty. I am very pleased that the leader of the Labor Party at the national level, Mark Latham, has written to all States and Territories saying that should he win the election, he wants a national plan to tackle poverty. We have written to him indicating that we would be willing to not only participate in that plan but also embrace it enthusiastically. Mr M.W. Trenorden: No more poverty! No child will live in poverty! Dr G.I. GALLOP: The Opposition is expressing cynicism about one of the most important issues facing segments of our community. We are very proud of our record. Mr M.W. Trenorden: No child will live in poverty by 1990! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are also proud to say that we have carried through on our commitment to keep household charges down, particularly for fixed and low income families in Western Australia. As a result of good financial management, in this year’s budget there was a complete freeze on key household charges. This really matters to many Western Australian families who find the going tough on a day-by-day and week-by-week basis. This Government has a clear social agenda that is incorporated in its processes. We have a cabinet standing committee on social policy. That agenda is incorporated in the budget priorities that we set. It has been incorporated into some of the issues that we have taken up in the community, particularly child abuse and family violence in Aboriginal communities, and through the homelessness strategy. It is also an agenda that is backed up by our commitment to ensure that poker machines are not allowed in Western Australia. I was proud to go to the WACOSS meeting today. It was the fourth consecutive conference I have attended. I was able to point out the achievements of our Government and the strength of the relationship it has developed with the non-government sector, and to indicate that in Western Australia in 2004 social policy issues are taken seriously. This Government is capable of dealing with economic, social and environmental issues. That is something that cannot be said of the Opposition.
I was very pleased to attend my fourth consecutive WACOSS conference; I have attended two as Leader of the Opposition and two as Premier. I can say to the House and through it to the people of Western Australia that we have developed an excellent relationship with WACOSS as an organisation as well as with the non-government sector since being in government. We have recognised the priorities of the social sector. What is more, for the first time in decades in Western Australia we have a Government that takes social policy seriously. Firstly, I was able to point out to the conference the significant boost in resources that has been made to health, education and training, community development, disability and community safety services. In each of those areas of government the increase in expenditure is greater than the rate of inflation. Secondly, I was able to point out that the recommendations of the highly successful Gordon inquiry are now being implemented throughout the State. Thirdly, I was able to report on the implementation of the homelessness task force recommendations. We are not just implementing those recommendations but also evaluating their implementation to make sure that we get the outcomes that we want. Those issues were embraced by the non-government sector in Western Australia. Today I was able to launch the industry plan for non-government community services in Western Australia. This is a blueprint that addresses the needs of community organisations in Western Australia. We are ahead of the game in Western Australia. Our indexation policy will mean that the non-government sector is funded according to indexation criteria that actually mean something for those organisations and the costs that they must bear. We are leading the nation in that respect, and we are proud of that achievement. We have developed an alternative purchasing policy to the policy of competitive tendering madness that occurred under the previous Government. We have partnerships with the non-government sector to deliver real services to people. I was also able to outline to the conference our ageing strategy and the recommendations we are carrying through from the task force on ageing, and indicated that I would soon be announcing our children first strategy for Western Australia. The other issue that is on the agenda of the Western Australian Council of Social Service is poverty. I am very pleased that the leader of the Labor Party at the national level, Mark Latham, has written to all States and Territories saying that should he win the election, he wants a national plan to tackle poverty. We have written to him indicating that we would be willing to not only participate in that plan but also embrace it enthusiastically. Mr M.W. Trenorden: No more poverty! No child will live in poverty! Dr G.I. GALLOP: The Opposition is expressing cynicism about one of the most important issues facing segments of our community. We are very proud of our record. Mr M.W. Trenorden: No child will live in poverty by 1990! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are also proud to say that we have carried through on our commitment to keep household charges down, particularly for fixed and low income families in Western Australia. As a result of good financial management, in this year’s budget there was a complete freeze on key household charges. This really matters to many Western Australian families who find the going tough on a day-by-day and week-by-week basis. This Government has a clear social agenda that is incorporated in its processes. We have a cabinet standing committee on social policy. That agenda is incorporated in the budget priorities that we set. It has been incorporated into some of the issues that we have taken up in the community, particularly child abuse and family violence in Aboriginal communities, and through the homelessness strategy. It is also an agenda that is backed up by our commitment to ensure that poker machines are not allowed in Western Australia. I was proud to go to the WACOSS meeting today. It was the fourth consecutive conference I have attended. I was able to point out the achievements of our Government and the strength of the relationship it has developed with the non-government sector, and to indicate that in Western Australia in 2004 social policy issues are taken seriously. This Government is capable of dealing with economic, social and environmental issues. That is something that cannot be said of the Opposition.
Firstly, I was able to point out to the conference the significant boost in resources that has been made to health, education and training, community development, disability and community safety services. In each of those areas of government the increase in expenditure is greater than the rate of inflation. Secondly, I was able to point out that the recommendations of the highly successful Gordon inquiry are now being implemented throughout the State. Thirdly, I was able to report on the implementation of the homelessness task force recommendations. We are not just implementing those recommendations but also evaluating their implementation to make sure that we get the outcomes that we want. Those issues were embraced by the non-government sector in Western Australia. Today I was able to launch the industry plan for non-government community services in Western Australia. This is a blueprint that addresses the needs of community organisations in Western Australia. We are ahead of the game in Western Australia. Our indexation policy will mean that the non-government sector is funded according to indexation criteria that actually mean something for those organisations and the costs that they must bear. We are leading the nation in that respect, and we are proud of that achievement. We have developed an alternative purchasing policy to the policy of competitive tendering madness that occurred under the previous Government. We have partnerships with the non-government sector to deliver real services to people. I was also able to outline to the conference our ageing strategy and the recommendations we are carrying through from the task force on ageing, and indicated that I would soon be announcing our children first strategy for Western Australia. The other issue that is on the agenda of the Western Australian Council of Social Service is poverty. I am very pleased that the leader of the Labor Party at the national level, Mark Latham, has written to all States and Territories saying that should he win the election, he wants a national plan to tackle poverty. We have written to him indicating that we would be willing to not only participate in that plan but also embrace it enthusiastically. Mr M.W. Trenorden: No more poverty! No child will live in poverty! Dr G.I. GALLOP: The Opposition is expressing cynicism about one of the most important issues facing segments of our community. We are very proud of our record. Mr M.W. Trenorden: No child will live in poverty by 1990! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are also proud to say that we have carried through on our commitment to keep household charges down, particularly for fixed and low income families in Western Australia. As a result of good financial management, in this year’s budget there was a complete freeze on key household charges. This really matters to many Western Australian families who find the going tough on a day-by-day and week-by-week basis. This Government has a clear social agenda that is incorporated in its processes. We have a cabinet standing committee on social policy. That agenda is incorporated in the budget priorities that we set. It has been incorporated into some of the issues that we have taken up in the community, particularly child abuse and family violence in Aboriginal communities, and through the homelessness strategy. It is also an agenda that is backed up by our commitment to ensure that poker machines are not allowed in Western Australia. I was proud to go to the WACOSS meeting today. It was the fourth consecutive conference I have attended. I was able to point out the achievements of our Government and the strength of the relationship it has developed with the non-government sector, and to indicate that in Western Australia in 2004 social policy issues are taken seriously. This Government is capable of dealing with economic, social and environmental issues. That is something that cannot be said of the Opposition.
Today I was able to launch the industry plan for non-government community services in Western Australia. This is a blueprint that addresses the needs of community organisations in Western Australia. We are ahead of the game in Western Australia. Our indexation policy will mean that the non-government sector is funded according to indexation criteria that actually mean something for those organisations and the costs that they must bear. We are leading the nation in that respect, and we are proud of that achievement. We have developed an alternative purchasing policy to the policy of competitive tendering madness that occurred under the previous Government. We have partnerships with the non-government sector to deliver real services to people. I was also able to outline to the conference our ageing strategy and the recommendations we are carrying through from the task force on ageing, and indicated that I would soon be announcing our children first strategy for Western Australia. The other issue that is on the agenda of the Western Australian Council of Social Service is poverty. I am very pleased that the leader of the Labor Party at the national level, Mark Latham, has written to all States and Territories saying that should he win the election, he wants a national plan to tackle poverty. We have written to him indicating that we would be willing to not only participate in that plan but also embrace it enthusiastically. Mr M.W. Trenorden: No more poverty! No child will live in poverty! Dr G.I. GALLOP: The Opposition is expressing cynicism about one of the most important issues facing segments of our community. We are very proud of our record. Mr M.W. Trenorden: No child will live in poverty by 1990! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are also proud to say that we have carried through on our commitment to keep household charges down, particularly for fixed and low income families in Western Australia. As a result of good financial management, in this year’s budget there was a complete freeze on key household charges. This really matters to many Western Australian families who find the going tough on a day-by-day and week-by-week basis. This Government has a clear social agenda that is incorporated in its processes. We have a cabinet standing committee on social policy. That agenda is incorporated in the budget priorities that we set. It has been incorporated into some of the issues that we have taken up in the community, particularly child abuse and family violence in Aboriginal communities, and through the homelessness strategy. It is also an agenda that is backed up by our commitment to ensure that poker machines are not allowed in Western Australia. I was proud to go to the WACOSS meeting today. It was the fourth consecutive conference I have attended. I was able to point out the achievements of our Government and the strength of the relationship it has developed with the non-government sector, and to indicate that in Western Australia in 2004 social policy issues are taken seriously. This Government is capable of dealing with economic, social and environmental issues. That is something that cannot be said of the Opposition.
The other issue that is on the agenda of the Western Australian Council of Social Service is poverty. I am very pleased that the leader of the Labor Party at the national level, Mark Latham, has written to all States and Territories saying that should he win the election, he wants a national plan to tackle poverty. We have written to him indicating that we would be willing to not only participate in that plan but also embrace it enthusiastically. Mr M.W. Trenorden: No more poverty! No child will live in poverty! Dr G.I. GALLOP: The Opposition is expressing cynicism about one of the most important issues facing segments of our community. We are very proud of our record. Mr M.W. Trenorden: No child will live in poverty by 1990! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are also proud to say that we have carried through on our commitment to keep household charges down, particularly for fixed and low income families in Western Australia. As a result of good financial management, in this year’s budget there was a complete freeze on key household charges. This really matters to many Western Australian families who find the going tough on a day-by-day and week-by-week basis. This Government has a clear social agenda that is incorporated in its processes. We have a cabinet standing committee on social policy. That agenda is incorporated in the budget priorities that we set. It has been incorporated into some of the issues that we have taken up in the community, particularly child abuse and family violence in Aboriginal communities, and through the homelessness strategy. It is also an agenda that is backed up by our commitment to ensure that poker machines are not allowed in Western Australia. I was proud to go to the WACOSS meeting today. It was the fourth consecutive conference I have attended. I was able to point out the achievements of our Government and the strength of the relationship it has developed with the non-government sector, and to indicate that in Western Australia in 2004 social policy issues are taken seriously. This Government is capable of dealing with economic, social and environmental issues. That is something that cannot be said of the Opposition.
Mr M.W. Trenorden: No more poverty! No child will live in poverty! Dr G.I. GALLOP: The Opposition is expressing cynicism about one of the most important issues facing segments of our community. We are very proud of our record. Mr M.W. Trenorden: No child will live in poverty by 1990! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are also proud to say that we have carried through on our commitment to keep household charges down, particularly for fixed and low income families in Western Australia. As a result of good financial management, in this year’s budget there was a complete freeze on key household charges. This really matters to many Western Australian families who find the going tough on a day-by-day and week-by-week basis. This Government has a clear social agenda that is incorporated in its processes. We have a cabinet standing committee on social policy. That agenda is incorporated in the budget priorities that we set. It has been incorporated into some of the issues that we have taken up in the community, particularly child abuse and family violence in Aboriginal communities, and through the homelessness strategy. It is also an agenda that is backed up by our commitment to ensure that poker machines are not allowed in Western Australia. I was proud to go to the WACOSS meeting today. It was the fourth consecutive conference I have attended. I was able to point out the achievements of our Government and the strength of the relationship it has developed with the non-government sector, and to indicate that in Western Australia in 2004 social policy issues are taken seriously. This Government is capable of dealing with economic, social and environmental issues. That is something that cannot be said of the Opposition.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: The Opposition is expressing cynicism about one of the most important issues facing segments of our community. We are very proud of our record. Mr M.W. Trenorden: No child will live in poverty by 1990! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are also proud to say that we have carried through on our commitment to keep household charges down, particularly for fixed and low income families in Western Australia. As a result of good financial management, in this year’s budget there was a complete freeze on key household charges. This really matters to many Western Australian families who find the going tough on a day-by-day and week-by-week basis. This Government has a clear social agenda that is incorporated in its processes. We have a cabinet standing committee on social policy. That agenda is incorporated in the budget priorities that we set. It has been incorporated into some of the issues that we have taken up in the community, particularly child abuse and family violence in Aboriginal communities, and through the homelessness strategy. It is also an agenda that is backed up by our commitment to ensure that poker machines are not allowed in Western Australia. I was proud to go to the WACOSS meeting today. It was the fourth consecutive conference I have attended. I was able to point out the achievements of our Government and the strength of the relationship it has developed with the non-government sector, and to indicate that in Western Australia in 2004 social policy issues are taken seriously. This Government is capable of dealing with economic, social and environmental issues. That is something that cannot be said of the Opposition.
Mr M.W. Trenorden: No child will live in poverty by 1990! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are also proud to say that we have carried through on our commitment to keep household charges down, particularly for fixed and low income families in Western Australia. As a result of good financial management, in this year’s budget there was a complete freeze on key household charges. This really matters to many Western Australian families who find the going tough on a day-by-day and week-by-week basis. This Government has a clear social agenda that is incorporated in its processes. We have a cabinet standing committee on social policy. That agenda is incorporated in the budget priorities that we set. It has been incorporated into some of the issues that we have taken up in the community, particularly child abuse and family violence in Aboriginal communities, and through the homelessness strategy. It is also an agenda that is backed up by our commitment to ensure that poker machines are not allowed in Western Australia. I was proud to go to the WACOSS meeting today. It was the fourth consecutive conference I have attended. I was able to point out the achievements of our Government and the strength of the relationship it has developed with the non-government sector, and to indicate that in Western Australia in 2004 social policy issues are taken seriously. This Government is capable of dealing with economic, social and environmental issues. That is something that cannot be said of the Opposition.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are also proud to say that we have carried through on our commitment to keep household charges down, particularly for fixed and low income families in Western Australia. As a result of good financial management, in this year’s budget there was a complete freeze on key household charges. This really matters to many Western Australian families who find the going tough on a day-by-day and week-by-week basis. This Government has a clear social agenda that is incorporated in its processes. We have a cabinet standing committee on social policy. That agenda is incorporated in the budget priorities that we set. It has been incorporated into some of the issues that we have taken up in the community, particularly child abuse and family violence in Aboriginal communities, and through the homelessness strategy. It is also an agenda that is backed up by our commitment to ensure that poker machines are not allowed in Western Australia. I was proud to go to the WACOSS meeting today. It was the fourth consecutive conference I have attended. I was able to point out the achievements of our Government and the strength of the relationship it has developed with the non-government sector, and to indicate that in Western Australia in 2004 social policy issues are taken seriously. This Government is capable of dealing with economic, social and environmental issues. That is something that cannot be said of the Opposition.
The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are also proud to say that we have carried through on our commitment to keep household charges down, particularly for fixed and low income families in Western Australia. As a result of good financial management, in this year’s budget there was a complete freeze on key household charges. This really matters to many Western Australian families who find the going tough on a day-by-day and week-by-week basis. This Government has a clear social agenda that is incorporated in its processes. We have a cabinet standing committee on social policy. That agenda is incorporated in the budget priorities that we set. It has been incorporated into some of the issues that we have taken up in the community, particularly child abuse and family violence in Aboriginal communities, and through the homelessness strategy. It is also an agenda that is backed up by our commitment to ensure that poker machines are not allowed in Western Australia. I was proud to go to the WACOSS meeting today. It was the fourth consecutive conference I have attended. I was able to point out the achievements of our Government and the strength of the relationship it has developed with the non-government sector, and to indicate that in Western Australia in 2004 social policy issues are taken seriously. This Government is capable of dealing with economic, social and environmental issues. That is something that cannot be said of the Opposition.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are also proud to say that we have carried through on our commitment to keep household charges down, particularly for fixed and low income families in Western Australia. As a result of good financial management, in this year’s budget there was a complete freeze on key household charges. This really matters to many Western Australian families who find the going tough on a day-by-day and week-by-week basis. This Government has a clear social agenda that is incorporated in its processes. We have a cabinet standing committee on social policy. That agenda is incorporated in the budget priorities that we set. It has been incorporated into some of the issues that we have taken up in the community, particularly child abuse and family violence in Aboriginal communities, and through the homelessness strategy. It is also an agenda that is backed up by our commitment to ensure that poker machines are not allowed in Western Australia. I was proud to go to the WACOSS meeting today. It was the fourth consecutive conference I have attended. I was able to point out the achievements of our Government and the strength of the relationship it has developed with the non-government sector, and to indicate that in Western Australia in 2004 social policy issues are taken seriously. This Government is capable of dealing with economic, social and environmental issues. That is something that cannot be said of the Opposition.
This Government has a clear social agenda that is incorporated in its processes. We have a cabinet standing committee on social policy. That agenda is incorporated in the budget priorities that we set. It has been incorporated into some of the issues that we have taken up in the community, particularly child abuse and family violence in Aboriginal communities, and through the homelessness strategy. It is also an agenda that is backed up by our commitment to ensure that poker machines are not allowed in Western Australia. I was proud to go to the WACOSS meeting today. It was the fourth consecutive conference I have attended. I was able to point out the achievements of our Government and the strength of the relationship it has developed with the non-government sector, and to indicate that in Western Australia in 2004 social policy issues are taken seriously. This Government is capable of dealing with economic, social and environmental issues. That is something that cannot be said of the Opposition.
Mr M.J. Birney: This should be good! Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: That was an interesting interjection from the member for Kalgoorlie. It was typical of the member for Kalgoorlie to yesterday make an unsubstantiated claim about the Police Service of Western Australia. We know about the standards of the member for Kalgoorlie; he should not worry about that. Mr M.J. Birney: Mr Accountability! Mr Transparency! Dr G.I. GALLOP: The member for Kalgoorlie will say anything to try to embarrass the public service. He will do anything to pursue his political objectives. Mr M.J. Birney: You do that pretty well by yourself. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The member for Kalgoorlie will find that people are awake to people like him. I was very pleased to attend my fourth consecutive WACOSS conference; I have attended two as Leader of the Opposition and two as Premier. I can say to the House and through it to the people of Western Australia that we have developed an excellent relationship with WACOSS as an organisation as well as with the non-government sector since being in government. We have recognised the priorities of the social sector. What is more, for the first time in decades in Western Australia we have a Government that takes social policy seriously. Firstly, I was able to point out to the conference the significant boost in resources that has been made to health, education and training, community development, disability and community safety services. In each of those areas of government the increase in expenditure is greater than the rate of inflation. Secondly, I was able to point out that the recommendations of the highly successful Gordon inquiry are now being implemented throughout the State. Thirdly, I was able to report on the implementation of the homelessness task force recommendations. We are not just implementing those recommendations but also evaluating their implementation to make sure that we get the outcomes that we want. Those issues were embraced by the non-government sector in Western Australia. Today I was able to launch the industry plan for non-government community services in Western Australia. This is a blueprint that addresses the needs of community organisations in Western Australia. We are ahead of the game in Western Australia. Our indexation policy will mean that the non-government sector is funded according to indexation criteria that actually mean something for those organisations and the costs that they must bear. We are leading the nation in that respect, and we are proud of that achievement. We have developed an alternative purchasing policy to the policy of competitive tendering madness that occurred under the previous Government. We have partnerships with the non-government sector to deliver real services to people. I was also able to outline to the conference our ageing strategy and the recommendations we are carrying through from the task force on ageing, and indicated that I would soon be announcing our children first strategy for Western Australia. The other issue that is on the agenda of the Western Australian Council of Social Service is poverty. I am very pleased that the leader of the Labor Party at the national level, Mark Latham, has written to all States and Territories saying that should he win the election, he wants a national plan to tackle poverty. We have written to him indicating that we would be willing to not only participate in that plan but also embrace it enthusiastically. Mr M.W. Trenorden: No more poverty! No child will live in poverty! Dr G.I. GALLOP: The Opposition is expressing cynicism about one of the most important issues facing segments of our community. We are very proud of our record. Mr M.W. Trenorden: No child will live in poverty by 1990! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are also proud to say that we have carried through on our commitment to keep household charges down, particularly for fixed and low income families in Western Australia. As a result of good financial management, in this year’s budget there was a complete freeze on key household charges. This really matters to many Western Australian families who find the going tough on a day-by-day and week-by-week basis. This Government has a clear social agenda that is incorporated in its processes. We have a cabinet standing committee on social policy. That agenda is incorporated in the budget priorities that we set. It has been incorporated into some of the issues that we have taken up in the community, particularly child abuse and family violence in Aboriginal communities, and through the homelessness strategy. It is also an agenda that is backed up by our commitment to ensure that poker machines are not allowed in Western Australia. I was proud to go to the WACOSS meeting today. It was the fourth consecutive conference I have attended. I was able to point out the achievements of our Government and the strength of the relationship it has developed with the non-government sector, and to indicate that in Western Australia in 2004 social policy issues are taken seriously. This Government is capable of dealing with economic, social and environmental issues. That is something that cannot be said of the Opposition.
Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: That was an interesting interjection from the member for Kalgoorlie. It was typical of the member for Kalgoorlie to yesterday make an unsubstantiated claim about the Police Service of Western Australia. We know about the standards of the member for Kalgoorlie; he should not worry about that. Mr M.J. Birney: Mr Accountability! Mr Transparency! Dr G.I. GALLOP: The member for Kalgoorlie will say anything to try to embarrass the public service. He will do anything to pursue his political objectives. Mr M.J. Birney: You do that pretty well by yourself. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The member for Kalgoorlie will find that people are awake to people like him. I was very pleased to attend my fourth consecutive WACOSS conference; I have attended two as Leader of the Opposition and two as Premier. I can say to the House and through it to the people of Western Australia that we have developed an excellent relationship with WACOSS as an organisation as well as with the non-government sector since being in government. We have recognised the priorities of the social sector. What is more, for the first time in decades in Western Australia we have a Government that takes social policy seriously. Firstly, I was able to point out to the conference the significant boost in resources that has been made to health, education and training, community development, disability and community safety services. In each of those areas of government the increase in expenditure is greater than the rate of inflation. Secondly, I was able to point out that the recommendations of the highly successful Gordon inquiry are now being implemented throughout the State. Thirdly, I was able to report on the implementation of the homelessness task force recommendations. We are not just implementing those recommendations but also evaluating their implementation to make sure that we get the outcomes that we want. Those issues were embraced by the non-government sector in Western Australia. Today I was able to launch the industry plan for non-government community services in Western Australia. This is a blueprint that addresses the needs of community organisations in Western Australia. We are ahead of the game in Western Australia. Our indexation policy will mean that the non-government sector is funded according to indexation criteria that actually mean something for those organisations and the costs that they must bear. We are leading the nation in that respect, and we are proud of that achievement. We have developed an alternative purchasing policy to the policy of competitive tendering madness that occurred under the previous Government. We have partnerships with the non-government sector to deliver real services to people. I was also able to outline to the conference our ageing strategy and the recommendations we are carrying through from the task force on ageing, and indicated that I would soon be announcing our children first strategy for Western Australia. The other issue that is on the agenda of the Western Australian Council of Social Service is poverty. I am very pleased that the leader of the Labor Party at the national level, Mark Latham, has written to all States and Territories saying that should he win the election, he wants a national plan to tackle poverty. We have written to him indicating that we would be willing to not only participate in that plan but also embrace it enthusiastically. Mr M.W. Trenorden: No more poverty! No child will live in poverty! Dr G.I. GALLOP: The Opposition is expressing cynicism about one of the most important issues facing segments of our community. We are very proud of our record. Mr M.W. Trenorden: No child will live in poverty by 1990! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are also proud to say that we have carried through on our commitment to keep household charges down, particularly for fixed and low income families in Western Australia. As a result of good financial management, in this year’s budget there was a complete freeze on key household charges. This really matters to many Western Australian families who find the going tough on a day-by-day and week-by-week basis. This Government has a clear social agenda that is incorporated in its processes. We have a cabinet standing committee on social policy. That agenda is incorporated in the budget priorities that we set. It has been incorporated into some of the issues that we have taken up in the community, particularly child abuse and family violence in Aboriginal communities, and through the homelessness strategy. It is also an agenda that is backed up by our commitment to ensure that poker machines are not allowed in Western Australia. I was proud to go to the WACOSS meeting today. It was the fourth consecutive conference I have attended. I was able to point out the achievements of our Government and the strength of the relationship it has developed with the non-government sector, and to indicate that in Western Australia in 2004 social policy issues are taken seriously. This Government is capable of dealing with economic, social and environmental issues. That is something that cannot be said of the Opposition.
That was an interesting interjection from the member for Kalgoorlie. It was typical of the member for Kalgoorlie to yesterday make an unsubstantiated claim about the Police Service of Western Australia. We know about the standards of the member for Kalgoorlie; he should not worry about that. Mr M.J. Birney: Mr Accountability! Mr Transparency! Dr G.I. GALLOP: The member for Kalgoorlie will say anything to try to embarrass the public service. He will do anything to pursue his political objectives. Mr M.J. Birney: You do that pretty well by yourself. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The member for Kalgoorlie will find that people are awake to people like him. I was very pleased to attend my fourth consecutive WACOSS conference; I have attended two as Leader of the Opposition and two as Premier. I can say to the House and through it to the people of Western Australia that we have developed an excellent relationship with WACOSS as an organisation as well as with the non-government sector since being in government. We have recognised the priorities of the social sector. What is more, for the first time in decades in Western Australia we have a Government that takes social policy seriously. Firstly, I was able to point out to the conference the significant boost in resources that has been made to health, education and training, community development, disability and community safety services. In each of those areas of government the increase in expenditure is greater than the rate of inflation. Secondly, I was able to point out that the recommendations of the highly successful Gordon inquiry are now being implemented throughout the State. Thirdly, I was able to report on the implementation of the homelessness task force recommendations. We are not just implementing those recommendations but also evaluating their implementation to make sure that we get the outcomes that we want. Those issues were embraced by the non-government sector in Western Australia. Today I was able to launch the industry plan for non-government community services in Western Australia. This is a blueprint that addresses the needs of community organisations in Western Australia. We are ahead of the game in Western Australia. Our indexation policy will mean that the non-government sector is funded according to indexation criteria that actually mean something for those organisations and the costs that they must bear. We are leading the nation in that respect, and we are proud of that achievement. We have developed an alternative purchasing policy to the policy of competitive tendering madness that occurred under the previous Government. We have partnerships with the non-government sector to deliver real services to people. I was also able to outline to the conference our ageing strategy and the recommendations we are carrying through from the task force on ageing, and indicated that I would soon be announcing our children first strategy for Western Australia. The other issue that is on the agenda of the Western Australian Council of Social Service is poverty. I am very pleased that the leader of the Labor Party at the national level, Mark Latham, has written to all States and Territories saying that should he win the election, he wants a national plan to tackle poverty. We have written to him indicating that we would be willing to not only participate in that plan but also embrace it enthusiastically. Mr M.W. Trenorden: No more poverty! No child will live in poverty! Dr G.I. GALLOP: The Opposition is expressing cynicism about one of the most important issues facing segments of our community. We are very proud of our record. Mr M.W. Trenorden: No child will live in poverty by 1990! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are also proud to say that we have carried through on our commitment to keep household charges down, particularly for fixed and low income families in Western Australia. As a result of good financial management, in this year’s budget there was a complete freeze on key household charges. This really matters to many Western Australian families who find the going tough on a day-by-day and week-by-week basis. This Government has a clear social agenda that is incorporated in its processes. We have a cabinet standing committee on social policy. That agenda is incorporated in the budget priorities that we set. It has been incorporated into some of the issues that we have taken up in the community, particularly child abuse and family violence in Aboriginal communities, and through the homelessness strategy. It is also an agenda that is backed up by our commitment to ensure that poker machines are not allowed in Western Australia. I was proud to go to the WACOSS meeting today. It was the fourth consecutive conference I have attended. I was able to point out the achievements of our Government and the strength of the relationship it has developed with the non-government sector, and to indicate that in Western Australia in 2004 social policy issues are taken seriously. This Government is capable of dealing with economic, social and environmental issues. That is something that cannot be said of the Opposition.
Mr M.J. Birney: Mr Accountability! Mr Transparency! Dr G.I. GALLOP: The member for Kalgoorlie will say anything to try to embarrass the public service. He will do anything to pursue his political objectives. Mr M.J. Birney: You do that pretty well by yourself. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The member for Kalgoorlie will find that people are awake to people like him. I was very pleased to attend my fourth consecutive WACOSS conference; I have attended two as Leader of the Opposition and two as Premier. I can say to the House and through it to the people of Western Australia that we have developed an excellent relationship with WACOSS as an organisation as well as with the non-government sector since being in government. We have recognised the priorities of the social sector. What is more, for the first time in decades in Western Australia we have a Government that takes social policy seriously. Firstly, I was able to point out to the conference the significant boost in resources that has been made to health, education and training, community development, disability and community safety services. In each of those areas of government the increase in expenditure is greater than the rate of inflation. Secondly, I was able to point out that the recommendations of the highly successful Gordon inquiry are now being implemented throughout the State. Thirdly, I was able to report on the implementation of the homelessness task force recommendations. We are not just implementing those recommendations but also evaluating their implementation to make sure that we get the outcomes that we want. Those issues were embraced by the non-government sector in Western Australia. Today I was able to launch the industry plan for non-government community services in Western Australia. This is a blueprint that addresses the needs of community organisations in Western Australia. We are ahead of the game in Western Australia. Our indexation policy will mean that the non-government sector is funded according to indexation criteria that actually mean something for those organisations and the costs that they must bear. We are leading the nation in that respect, and we are proud of that achievement. We have developed an alternative purchasing policy to the policy of competitive tendering madness that occurred under the previous Government. We have partnerships with the non-government sector to deliver real services to people. I was also able to outline to the conference our ageing strategy and the recommendations we are carrying through from the task force on ageing, and indicated that I would soon be announcing our children first strategy for Western Australia. The other issue that is on the agenda of the Western Australian Council of Social Service is poverty. I am very pleased that the leader of the Labor Party at the national level, Mark Latham, has written to all States and Territories saying that should he win the election, he wants a national plan to tackle poverty. We have written to him indicating that we would be willing to not only participate in that plan but also embrace it enthusiastically. Mr M.W. Trenorden: No more poverty! No child will live in poverty! Dr G.I. GALLOP: The Opposition is expressing cynicism about one of the most important issues facing segments of our community. We are very proud of our record. Mr M.W. Trenorden: No child will live in poverty by 1990! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are also proud to say that we have carried through on our commitment to keep household charges down, particularly for fixed and low income families in Western Australia. As a result of good financial management, in this year’s budget there was a complete freeze on key household charges. This really matters to many Western Australian families who find the going tough on a day-by-day and week-by-week basis. This Government has a clear social agenda that is incorporated in its processes. We have a cabinet standing committee on social policy. That agenda is incorporated in the budget priorities that we set. It has been incorporated into some of the issues that we have taken up in the community, particularly child abuse and family violence in Aboriginal communities, and through the homelessness strategy. It is also an agenda that is backed up by our commitment to ensure that poker machines are not allowed in Western Australia. I was proud to go to the WACOSS meeting today. It was the fourth consecutive conference I have attended. I was able to point out the achievements of our Government and the strength of the relationship it has developed with the non-government sector, and to indicate that in Western Australia in 2004 social policy issues are taken seriously. This Government is capable of dealing with economic, social and environmental issues. That is something that cannot be said of the Opposition.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: The member for Kalgoorlie will say anything to try to embarrass the public service. He will do anything to pursue his political objectives. Mr M.J. Birney: You do that pretty well by yourself. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The member for Kalgoorlie will find that people are awake to people like him. I was very pleased to attend my fourth consecutive WACOSS conference; I have attended two as Leader of the Opposition and two as Premier. I can say to the House and through it to the people of Western Australia that we have developed an excellent relationship with WACOSS as an organisation as well as with the non-government sector since being in government. We have recognised the priorities of the social sector. What is more, for the first time in decades in Western Australia we have a Government that takes social policy seriously. Firstly, I was able to point out to the conference the significant boost in resources that has been made to health, education and training, community development, disability and community safety services. In each of those areas of government the increase in expenditure is greater than the rate of inflation. Secondly, I was able to point out that the recommendations of the highly successful Gordon inquiry are now being implemented throughout the State. Thirdly, I was able to report on the implementation of the homelessness task force recommendations. We are not just implementing those recommendations but also evaluating their implementation to make sure that we get the outcomes that we want. Those issues were embraced by the non-government sector in Western Australia. Today I was able to launch the industry plan for non-government community services in Western Australia. This is a blueprint that addresses the needs of community organisations in Western Australia. We are ahead of the game in Western Australia. Our indexation policy will mean that the non-government sector is funded according to indexation criteria that actually mean something for those organisations and the costs that they must bear. We are leading the nation in that respect, and we are proud of that achievement. We have developed an alternative purchasing policy to the policy of competitive tendering madness that occurred under the previous Government. We have partnerships with the non-government sector to deliver real services to people. I was also able to outline to the conference our ageing strategy and the recommendations we are carrying through from the task force on ageing, and indicated that I would soon be announcing our children first strategy for Western Australia. The other issue that is on the agenda of the Western Australian Council of Social Service is poverty. I am very pleased that the leader of the Labor Party at the national level, Mark Latham, has written to all States and Territories saying that should he win the election, he wants a national plan to tackle poverty. We have written to him indicating that we would be willing to not only participate in that plan but also embrace it enthusiastically. Mr M.W. Trenorden: No more poverty! No child will live in poverty! Dr G.I. GALLOP: The Opposition is expressing cynicism about one of the most important issues facing segments of our community. We are very proud of our record. Mr M.W. Trenorden: No child will live in poverty by 1990! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are also proud to say that we have carried through on our commitment to keep household charges down, particularly for fixed and low income families in Western Australia. As a result of good financial management, in this year’s budget there was a complete freeze on key household charges. This really matters to many Western Australian families who find the going tough on a day-by-day and week-by-week basis. This Government has a clear social agenda that is incorporated in its processes. We have a cabinet standing committee on social policy. That agenda is incorporated in the budget priorities that we set. It has been incorporated into some of the issues that we have taken up in the community, particularly child abuse and family violence in Aboriginal communities, and through the homelessness strategy. It is also an agenda that is backed up by our commitment to ensure that poker machines are not allowed in Western Australia. I was proud to go to the WACOSS meeting today. It was the fourth consecutive conference I have attended. I was able to point out the achievements of our Government and the strength of the relationship it has developed with the non-government sector, and to indicate that in Western Australia in 2004 social policy issues are taken seriously. This Government is capable of dealing with economic, social and environmental issues. That is something that cannot be said of the Opposition.
Mr M.J. Birney: You do that pretty well by yourself. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The member for Kalgoorlie will find that people are awake to people like him. I was very pleased to attend my fourth consecutive WACOSS conference; I have attended two as Leader of the Opposition and two as Premier. I can say to the House and through it to the people of Western Australia that we have developed an excellent relationship with WACOSS as an organisation as well as with the non-government sector since being in government. We have recognised the priorities of the social sector. What is more, for the first time in decades in Western Australia we have a Government that takes social policy seriously. Firstly, I was able to point out to the conference the significant boost in resources that has been made to health, education and training, community development, disability and community safety services. In each of those areas of government the increase in expenditure is greater than the rate of inflation. Secondly, I was able to point out that the recommendations of the highly successful Gordon inquiry are now being implemented throughout the State. Thirdly, I was able to report on the implementation of the homelessness task force recommendations. We are not just implementing those recommendations but also evaluating their implementation to make sure that we get the outcomes that we want. Those issues were embraced by the non-government sector in Western Australia. Today I was able to launch the industry plan for non-government community services in Western Australia. This is a blueprint that addresses the needs of community organisations in Western Australia. We are ahead of the game in Western Australia. Our indexation policy will mean that the non-government sector is funded according to indexation criteria that actually mean something for those organisations and the costs that they must bear. We are leading the nation in that respect, and we are proud of that achievement. We have developed an alternative purchasing policy to the policy of competitive tendering madness that occurred under the previous Government. We have partnerships with the non-government sector to deliver real services to people. I was also able to outline to the conference our ageing strategy and the recommendations we are carrying through from the task force on ageing, and indicated that I would soon be announcing our children first strategy for Western Australia. The other issue that is on the agenda of the Western Australian Council of Social Service is poverty. I am very pleased that the leader of the Labor Party at the national level, Mark Latham, has written to all States and Territories saying that should he win the election, he wants a national plan to tackle poverty. We have written to him indicating that we would be willing to not only participate in that plan but also embrace it enthusiastically. Mr M.W. Trenorden: No more poverty! No child will live in poverty! Dr G.I. GALLOP: The Opposition is expressing cynicism about one of the most important issues facing segments of our community. We are very proud of our record. Mr M.W. Trenorden: No child will live in poverty by 1990! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are also proud to say that we have carried through on our commitment to keep household charges down, particularly for fixed and low income families in Western Australia. As a result of good financial management, in this year’s budget there was a complete freeze on key household charges. This really matters to many Western Australian families who find the going tough on a day-by-day and week-by-week basis. This Government has a clear social agenda that is incorporated in its processes. We have a cabinet standing committee on social policy. That agenda is incorporated in the budget priorities that we set. It has been incorporated into some of the issues that we have taken up in the community, particularly child abuse and family violence in Aboriginal communities, and through the homelessness strategy. It is also an agenda that is backed up by our commitment to ensure that poker machines are not allowed in Western Australia. I was proud to go to the WACOSS meeting today. It was the fourth consecutive conference I have attended. I was able to point out the achievements of our Government and the strength of the relationship it has developed with the non-government sector, and to indicate that in Western Australia in 2004 social policy issues are taken seriously. This Government is capable of dealing with economic, social and environmental issues. That is something that cannot be said of the Opposition.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: The member for Kalgoorlie will find that people are awake to people like him. I was very pleased to attend my fourth consecutive WACOSS conference; I have attended two as Leader of the Opposition and two as Premier. I can say to the House and through it to the people of Western Australia that we have developed an excellent relationship with WACOSS as an organisation as well as with the non-government sector since being in government. We have recognised the priorities of the social sector. What is more, for the first time in decades in Western Australia we have a Government that takes social policy seriously. Firstly, I was able to point out to the conference the significant boost in resources that has been made to health, education and training, community development, disability and community safety services. In each of those areas of government the increase in expenditure is greater than the rate of inflation. Secondly, I was able to point out that the recommendations of the highly successful Gordon inquiry are now being implemented throughout the State. Thirdly, I was able to report on the implementation of the homelessness task force recommendations. We are not just implementing those recommendations but also evaluating their implementation to make sure that we get the outcomes that we want. Those issues were embraced by the non-government sector in Western Australia. Today I was able to launch the industry plan for non-government community services in Western Australia. This is a blueprint that addresses the needs of community organisations in Western Australia. We are ahead of the game in Western Australia. Our indexation policy will mean that the non-government sector is funded according to indexation criteria that actually mean something for those organisations and the costs that they must bear. We are leading the nation in that respect, and we are proud of that achievement. We have developed an alternative purchasing policy to the policy of competitive tendering madness that occurred under the previous Government. We have partnerships with the non-government sector to deliver real services to people. I was also able to outline to the conference our ageing strategy and the recommendations we are carrying through from the task force on ageing, and indicated that I would soon be announcing our children first strategy for Western Australia. The other issue that is on the agenda of the Western Australian Council of Social Service is poverty. I am very pleased that the leader of the Labor Party at the national level, Mark Latham, has written to all States and Territories saying that should he win the election, he wants a national plan to tackle poverty. We have written to him indicating that we would be willing to not only participate in that plan but also embrace it enthusiastically. Mr M.W. Trenorden: No more poverty! No child will live in poverty! Dr G.I. GALLOP: The Opposition is expressing cynicism about one of the most important issues facing segments of our community. We are very proud of our record. Mr M.W. Trenorden: No child will live in poverty by 1990! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are also proud to say that we have carried through on our commitment to keep household charges down, particularly for fixed and low income families in Western Australia. As a result of good financial management, in this year’s budget there was a complete freeze on key household charges. This really matters to many Western Australian families who find the going tough on a day-by-day and week-by-week basis. This Government has a clear social agenda that is incorporated in its processes. We have a cabinet standing committee on social policy. That agenda is incorporated in the budget priorities that we set. It has been incorporated into some of the issues that we have taken up in the community, particularly child abuse and family violence in Aboriginal communities, and through the homelessness strategy. It is also an agenda that is backed up by our commitment to ensure that poker machines are not allowed in Western Australia. I was proud to go to the WACOSS meeting today. It was the fourth consecutive conference I have attended. I was able to point out the achievements of our Government and the strength of the relationship it has developed with the non-government sector, and to indicate that in Western Australia in 2004 social policy issues are taken seriously. This Government is capable of dealing with economic, social and environmental issues. That is something that cannot be said of the Opposition.
I was very pleased to attend my fourth consecutive WACOSS conference; I have attended two as Leader of the Opposition and two as Premier. I can say to the House and through it to the people of Western Australia that we have developed an excellent relationship with WACOSS as an organisation as well as with the non-government sector since being in government. We have recognised the priorities of the social sector. What is more, for the first time in decades in Western Australia we have a Government that takes social policy seriously. Firstly, I was able to point out to the conference the significant boost in resources that has been made to health, education and training, community development, disability and community safety services. In each of those areas of government the increase in expenditure is greater than the rate of inflation. Secondly, I was able to point out that the recommendations of the highly successful Gordon inquiry are now being implemented throughout the State. Thirdly, I was able to report on the implementation of the homelessness task force recommendations. We are not just implementing those recommendations but also evaluating their implementation to make sure that we get the outcomes that we want. Those issues were embraced by the non-government sector in Western Australia. Today I was able to launch the industry plan for non-government community services in Western Australia. This is a blueprint that addresses the needs of community organisations in Western Australia. We are ahead of the game in Western Australia. Our indexation policy will mean that the non-government sector is funded according to indexation criteria that actually mean something for those organisations and the costs that they must bear. We are leading the nation in that respect, and we are proud of that achievement. We have developed an alternative purchasing policy to the policy of competitive tendering madness that occurred under the previous Government. We have partnerships with the non-government sector to deliver real services to people. I was also able to outline to the conference our ageing strategy and the recommendations we are carrying through from the task force on ageing, and indicated that I would soon be announcing our children first strategy for Western Australia. The other issue that is on the agenda of the Western Australian Council of Social Service is poverty. I am very pleased that the leader of the Labor Party at the national level, Mark Latham, has written to all States and Territories saying that should he win the election, he wants a national plan to tackle poverty. We have written to him indicating that we would be willing to not only participate in that plan but also embrace it enthusiastically. Mr M.W. Trenorden: No more poverty! No child will live in poverty! Dr G.I. GALLOP: The Opposition is expressing cynicism about one of the most important issues facing segments of our community. We are very proud of our record. Mr M.W. Trenorden: No child will live in poverty by 1990! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are also proud to say that we have carried through on our commitment to keep household charges down, particularly for fixed and low income families in Western Australia. As a result of good financial management, in this year’s budget there was a complete freeze on key household charges. This really matters to many Western Australian families who find the going tough on a day-by-day and week-by-week basis. This Government has a clear social agenda that is incorporated in its processes. We have a cabinet standing committee on social policy. That agenda is incorporated in the budget priorities that we set. It has been incorporated into some of the issues that we have taken up in the community, particularly child abuse and family violence in Aboriginal communities, and through the homelessness strategy. It is also an agenda that is backed up by our commitment to ensure that poker machines are not allowed in Western Australia. I was proud to go to the WACOSS meeting today. It was the fourth consecutive conference I have attended. I was able to point out the achievements of our Government and the strength of the relationship it has developed with the non-government sector, and to indicate that in Western Australia in 2004 social policy issues are taken seriously. This Government is capable of dealing with economic, social and environmental issues. That is something that cannot be said of the Opposition.
Firstly, I was able to point out to the conference the significant boost in resources that has been made to health, education and training, community development, disability and community safety services. In each of those areas of government the increase in expenditure is greater than the rate of inflation. Secondly, I was able to point out that the recommendations of the highly successful Gordon inquiry are now being implemented throughout the State. Thirdly, I was able to report on the implementation of the homelessness task force recommendations. We are not just implementing those recommendations but also evaluating their implementation to make sure that we get the outcomes that we want. Those issues were embraced by the non-government sector in Western Australia. Today I was able to launch the industry plan for non-government community services in Western Australia. This is a blueprint that addresses the needs of community organisations in Western Australia. We are ahead of the game in Western Australia. Our indexation policy will mean that the non-government sector is funded according to indexation criteria that actually mean something for those organisations and the costs that they must bear. We are leading the nation in that respect, and we are proud of that achievement. We have developed an alternative purchasing policy to the policy of competitive tendering madness that occurred under the previous Government. We have partnerships with the non-government sector to deliver real services to people. I was also able to outline to the conference our ageing strategy and the recommendations we are carrying through from the task force on ageing, and indicated that I would soon be announcing our children first strategy for Western Australia. The other issue that is on the agenda of the Western Australian Council of Social Service is poverty. I am very pleased that the leader of the Labor Party at the national level, Mark Latham, has written to all States and Territories saying that should he win the election, he wants a national plan to tackle poverty. We have written to him indicating that we would be willing to not only participate in that plan but also embrace it enthusiastically. Mr M.W. Trenorden: No more poverty! No child will live in poverty! Dr G.I. GALLOP: The Opposition is expressing cynicism about one of the most important issues facing segments of our community. We are very proud of our record. Mr M.W. Trenorden: No child will live in poverty by 1990! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are also proud to say that we have carried through on our commitment to keep household charges down, particularly for fixed and low income families in Western Australia. As a result of good financial management, in this year’s budget there was a complete freeze on key household charges. This really matters to many Western Australian families who find the going tough on a day-by-day and week-by-week basis. This Government has a clear social agenda that is incorporated in its processes. We have a cabinet standing committee on social policy. That agenda is incorporated in the budget priorities that we set. It has been incorporated into some of the issues that we have taken up in the community, particularly child abuse and family violence in Aboriginal communities, and through the homelessness strategy. It is also an agenda that is backed up by our commitment to ensure that poker machines are not allowed in Western Australia. I was proud to go to the WACOSS meeting today. It was the fourth consecutive conference I have attended. I was able to point out the achievements of our Government and the strength of the relationship it has developed with the non-government sector, and to indicate that in Western Australia in 2004 social policy issues are taken seriously. This Government is capable of dealing with economic, social and environmental issues. That is something that cannot be said of the Opposition.
Today I was able to launch the industry plan for non-government community services in Western Australia. This is a blueprint that addresses the needs of community organisations in Western Australia. We are ahead of the game in Western Australia. Our indexation policy will mean that the non-government sector is funded according to indexation criteria that actually mean something for those organisations and the costs that they must bear. We are leading the nation in that respect, and we are proud of that achievement. We have developed an alternative purchasing policy to the policy of competitive tendering madness that occurred under the previous Government. We have partnerships with the non-government sector to deliver real services to people. I was also able to outline to the conference our ageing strategy and the recommendations we are carrying through from the task force on ageing, and indicated that I would soon be announcing our children first strategy for Western Australia. The other issue that is on the agenda of the Western Australian Council of Social Service is poverty. I am very pleased that the leader of the Labor Party at the national level, Mark Latham, has written to all States and Territories saying that should he win the election, he wants a national plan to tackle poverty. We have written to him indicating that we would be willing to not only participate in that plan but also embrace it enthusiastically. Mr M.W. Trenorden: No more poverty! No child will live in poverty! Dr G.I. GALLOP: The Opposition is expressing cynicism about one of the most important issues facing segments of our community. We are very proud of our record. Mr M.W. Trenorden: No child will live in poverty by 1990! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are also proud to say that we have carried through on our commitment to keep household charges down, particularly for fixed and low income families in Western Australia. As a result of good financial management, in this year’s budget there was a complete freeze on key household charges. This really matters to many Western Australian families who find the going tough on a day-by-day and week-by-week basis. This Government has a clear social agenda that is incorporated in its processes. We have a cabinet standing committee on social policy. That agenda is incorporated in the budget priorities that we set. It has been incorporated into some of the issues that we have taken up in the community, particularly child abuse and family violence in Aboriginal communities, and through the homelessness strategy. It is also an agenda that is backed up by our commitment to ensure that poker machines are not allowed in Western Australia. I was proud to go to the WACOSS meeting today. It was the fourth consecutive conference I have attended. I was able to point out the achievements of our Government and the strength of the relationship it has developed with the non-government sector, and to indicate that in Western Australia in 2004 social policy issues are taken seriously. This Government is capable of dealing with economic, social and environmental issues. That is something that cannot be said of the Opposition.
The other issue that is on the agenda of the Western Australian Council of Social Service is poverty. I am very pleased that the leader of the Labor Party at the national level, Mark Latham, has written to all States and Territories saying that should he win the election, he wants a national plan to tackle poverty. We have written to him indicating that we would be willing to not only participate in that plan but also embrace it enthusiastically. Mr M.W. Trenorden: No more poverty! No child will live in poverty! Dr G.I. GALLOP: The Opposition is expressing cynicism about one of the most important issues facing segments of our community. We are very proud of our record. Mr M.W. Trenorden: No child will live in poverty by 1990! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are also proud to say that we have carried through on our commitment to keep household charges down, particularly for fixed and low income families in Western Australia. As a result of good financial management, in this year’s budget there was a complete freeze on key household charges. This really matters to many Western Australian families who find the going tough on a day-by-day and week-by-week basis. This Government has a clear social agenda that is incorporated in its processes. We have a cabinet standing committee on social policy. That agenda is incorporated in the budget priorities that we set. It has been incorporated into some of the issues that we have taken up in the community, particularly child abuse and family violence in Aboriginal communities, and through the homelessness strategy. It is also an agenda that is backed up by our commitment to ensure that poker machines are not allowed in Western Australia. I was proud to go to the WACOSS meeting today. It was the fourth consecutive conference I have attended. I was able to point out the achievements of our Government and the strength of the relationship it has developed with the non-government sector, and to indicate that in Western Australia in 2004 social policy issues are taken seriously. This Government is capable of dealing with economic, social and environmental issues. That is something that cannot be said of the Opposition.
Mr M.W. Trenorden: No more poverty! No child will live in poverty! Dr G.I. GALLOP: The Opposition is expressing cynicism about one of the most important issues facing segments of our community. We are very proud of our record. Mr M.W. Trenorden: No child will live in poverty by 1990! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are also proud to say that we have carried through on our commitment to keep household charges down, particularly for fixed and low income families in Western Australia. As a result of good financial management, in this year’s budget there was a complete freeze on key household charges. This really matters to many Western Australian families who find the going tough on a day-by-day and week-by-week basis. This Government has a clear social agenda that is incorporated in its processes. We have a cabinet standing committee on social policy. That agenda is incorporated in the budget priorities that we set. It has been incorporated into some of the issues that we have taken up in the community, particularly child abuse and family violence in Aboriginal communities, and through the homelessness strategy. It is also an agenda that is backed up by our commitment to ensure that poker machines are not allowed in Western Australia. I was proud to go to the WACOSS meeting today. It was the fourth consecutive conference I have attended. I was able to point out the achievements of our Government and the strength of the relationship it has developed with the non-government sector, and to indicate that in Western Australia in 2004 social policy issues are taken seriously. This Government is capable of dealing with economic, social and environmental issues. That is something that cannot be said of the Opposition.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: The Opposition is expressing cynicism about one of the most important issues facing segments of our community. We are very proud of our record. Mr M.W. Trenorden: No child will live in poverty by 1990! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are also proud to say that we have carried through on our commitment to keep household charges down, particularly for fixed and low income families in Western Australia. As a result of good financial management, in this year’s budget there was a complete freeze on key household charges. This really matters to many Western Australian families who find the going tough on a day-by-day and week-by-week basis. This Government has a clear social agenda that is incorporated in its processes. We have a cabinet standing committee on social policy. That agenda is incorporated in the budget priorities that we set. It has been incorporated into some of the issues that we have taken up in the community, particularly child abuse and family violence in Aboriginal communities, and through the homelessness strategy. It is also an agenda that is backed up by our commitment to ensure that poker machines are not allowed in Western Australia. I was proud to go to the WACOSS meeting today. It was the fourth consecutive conference I have attended. I was able to point out the achievements of our Government and the strength of the relationship it has developed with the non-government sector, and to indicate that in Western Australia in 2004 social policy issues are taken seriously. This Government is capable of dealing with economic, social and environmental issues. That is something that cannot be said of the Opposition.
Mr M.W. Trenorden: No child will live in poverty by 1990! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are also proud to say that we have carried through on our commitment to keep household charges down, particularly for fixed and low income families in Western Australia. As a result of good financial management, in this year’s budget there was a complete freeze on key household charges. This really matters to many Western Australian families who find the going tough on a day-by-day and week-by-week basis. This Government has a clear social agenda that is incorporated in its processes. We have a cabinet standing committee on social policy. That agenda is incorporated in the budget priorities that we set. It has been incorporated into some of the issues that we have taken up in the community, particularly child abuse and family violence in Aboriginal communities, and through the homelessness strategy. It is also an agenda that is backed up by our commitment to ensure that poker machines are not allowed in Western Australia. I was proud to go to the WACOSS meeting today. It was the fourth consecutive conference I have attended. I was able to point out the achievements of our Government and the strength of the relationship it has developed with the non-government sector, and to indicate that in Western Australia in 2004 social policy issues are taken seriously. This Government is capable of dealing with economic, social and environmental issues. That is something that cannot be said of the Opposition.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are also proud to say that we have carried through on our commitment to keep household charges down, particularly for fixed and low income families in Western Australia. As a result of good financial management, in this year’s budget there was a complete freeze on key household charges. This really matters to many Western Australian families who find the going tough on a day-by-day and week-by-week basis. This Government has a clear social agenda that is incorporated in its processes. We have a cabinet standing committee on social policy. That agenda is incorporated in the budget priorities that we set. It has been incorporated into some of the issues that we have taken up in the community, particularly child abuse and family violence in Aboriginal communities, and through the homelessness strategy. It is also an agenda that is backed up by our commitment to ensure that poker machines are not allowed in Western Australia. I was proud to go to the WACOSS meeting today. It was the fourth consecutive conference I have attended. I was able to point out the achievements of our Government and the strength of the relationship it has developed with the non-government sector, and to indicate that in Western Australia in 2004 social policy issues are taken seriously. This Government is capable of dealing with economic, social and environmental issues. That is something that cannot be said of the Opposition.
The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are also proud to say that we have carried through on our commitment to keep household charges down, particularly for fixed and low income families in Western Australia. As a result of good financial management, in this year’s budget there was a complete freeze on key household charges. This really matters to many Western Australian families who find the going tough on a day-by-day and week-by-week basis. This Government has a clear social agenda that is incorporated in its processes. We have a cabinet standing committee on social policy. That agenda is incorporated in the budget priorities that we set. It has been incorporated into some of the issues that we have taken up in the community, particularly child abuse and family violence in Aboriginal communities, and through the homelessness strategy. It is also an agenda that is backed up by our commitment to ensure that poker machines are not allowed in Western Australia. I was proud to go to the WACOSS meeting today. It was the fourth consecutive conference I have attended. I was able to point out the achievements of our Government and the strength of the relationship it has developed with the non-government sector, and to indicate that in Western Australia in 2004 social policy issues are taken seriously. This Government is capable of dealing with economic, social and environmental issues. That is something that cannot be said of the Opposition.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are also proud to say that we have carried through on our commitment to keep household charges down, particularly for fixed and low income families in Western Australia. As a result of good financial management, in this year’s budget there was a complete freeze on key household charges. This really matters to many Western Australian families who find the going tough on a day-by-day and week-by-week basis. This Government has a clear social agenda that is incorporated in its processes. We have a cabinet standing committee on social policy. That agenda is incorporated in the budget priorities that we set. It has been incorporated into some of the issues that we have taken up in the community, particularly child abuse and family violence in Aboriginal communities, and through the homelessness strategy. It is also an agenda that is backed up by our commitment to ensure that poker machines are not allowed in Western Australia. I was proud to go to the WACOSS meeting today. It was the fourth consecutive conference I have attended. I was able to point out the achievements of our Government and the strength of the relationship it has developed with the non-government sector, and to indicate that in Western Australia in 2004 social policy issues are taken seriously. This Government is capable of dealing with economic, social and environmental issues. That is something that cannot be said of the Opposition.
This Government has a clear social agenda that is incorporated in its processes. We have a cabinet standing committee on social policy. That agenda is incorporated in the budget priorities that we set. It has been incorporated into some of the issues that we have taken up in the community, particularly child abuse and family violence in Aboriginal communities, and through the homelessness strategy. It is also an agenda that is backed up by our commitment to ensure that poker machines are not allowed in Western Australia. I was proud to go to the WACOSS meeting today. It was the fourth consecutive conference I have attended. I was able to point out the achievements of our Government and the strength of the relationship it has developed with the non-government sector, and to indicate that in Western Australia in 2004 social policy issues are taken seriously. This Government is capable of dealing with economic, social and environmental issues. That is something that cannot be said of the Opposition.
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