Questions Pile Up for Cook Government
As of June 18, 2026, Western Australia’s opposition has lodged multiple Questions on Notice (QoNs) targeting the Cook Labor Government, demanding clarity on issues ranging from student safety and child protection to environmental cull procedures and the financial transparency of major infrastructure projects like the Burswood V8 racetrack.
What Happened
Opposition members are actively scrutinising government operations through formal parliamentary inquiries. Hon Nick Goiran has lodged questions concerning students with Risk Assessment Management Plans (RAMPs) and the issuance of exclusion orders, alongside queries about children in CEO care being housed in hotels and motels. Simultaneously, Hon Rob Horstman is seeking details on damage to Exmouth Boat Harbour following Cyclone Narelle, while Mr Peter Rundle is probing the Burswood V8 racetrack project’s contracts and transparency. Hon Amanda Dorn is questioning the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions' (DBCA) processes for lethal culls of pest parrots and cockatoos. Additionally, Hon Tjorn Sibma has raised questions about the development and cost of a renewed WA workforce strategy.
What This Means For You
If you are a parent concerned about school safety, these questions signal a focus on student management and potential risks within educational settings. For those involved in child protection advocacy or casework, the inquiry into temporary accommodation for children in care highlights potential issues with service provision and oversight. Businesses and individuals impacted by environmental management, particularly in areas involving pest control, should note the scrutiny on cull processes. Furthermore, stakeholders engaged with or observing major infrastructure projects, such as the V8 racetrack, will find these transparency demands relevant to understanding contract details and potential cost blowouts.
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What This Means for WA
This wave of opposition questioning demonstrates a concerted effort to hold the Cook Government accountable across diverse policy areas. It underscores a potential trend of increased parliamentary oversight and public demand for greater transparency in government decision-making and service delivery. The focus on student safety and child protection reflects ongoing societal concerns, while infrastructure and environmental inquiries point to critical areas where public funds and regulatory actions are under the microscope. The questions directed to the Minister for Skills and TAFE indicate a government focus on future workforce needs, but also an area ripe for opposition challenge.
The Numbers
Opposition scrutiny is being driven by specific concerns. Hon Nick Goiran's questions (QON 587, QON 565) target the details of student safety plans and the accommodation of vulnerable children, seeking data on RAMPs, exclusion orders, and hotel/motel placements. Mr Peter Rundle's inquiry (QON 392) directly addresses the Burswood V8 racetrack project, demanding transparency on contracts with Supercars Australia and land swap negotiations. Hon Amanda Dorn's question (QON 579) seeks detailed information on the DBCA's pest cull procedures, including impact reduction and welfare compliance. Hon Rob Horstman’s query (QON 582) focuses on the aftermath of Cyclone Narelle for Exmouth Boat Harbour, requesting details on repairs and support. Finally, Hon Tjorn Sibma's question (QON 566) delves into the costs and resourcing of WA’s renewed workforce strategy.
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