Media Statements: Statements http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/Date Descending.aspx RSS feed for the Statements list. Department of the Premier and Cabinet Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:48:02 GMT Windows SharePoint Services V3 RSS Generator 60 Media Statements: Statements /_layouts/images/homepage.gif http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/Date Descending.aspx Race fields legislation delivers level playing fields http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132798 Content:

State Parliament has passed legislation requiring wagering operators across Australia and overseas to pay a fee for betting on Western Australian racing.

 

Racing and Gaming Minister Terry Waldron said the Legislative Council had passed the legislation without amendment and that the industry would soon benefit from this important revenue flow.

 

“The Western Australian TAB is currently paying fees to interstate racing industries for the right to bet on their racing product and these fees amount to about $18million per year,” Mr Waldron said.

 

“This legislation will allow the Western Australian racing industry to charge similar fees to wagering operators across Australia and overseas for betting on WA racing and thereby claw back up to $15million of lost revenue.”

 

The levy, to be retrospectively applicable from September 1, 2008, will be based on a betting operator’s turnover or gross revenue, and will be directed to the WA racing industry.

The Minister said regulations to set the fee and enable the process were currently being drafted and it was hoped that the in-flow of fees would start in the new year.

 

“Securing the financial benefit of our racing product for the local industry is crucial. Had we not acted, the industry faced the prospect of losing nearly $18million per year from the stakes base for metropolitan and country racing,” he said.

 

The legislation allowed all authorised Australian betting operators to use WA race fields, provided they continued paying the levy and complied with information requirements in relation to matters concerning the integrity and reputation of the racing industry.

 

Offshore betting operators would be required to apply to the Gaming and Wagering Commission for approval to use the race fields, and will also be subject to the same conditions as those operators licensed in Australia.

 

Mr Waldron said domestic operators could pay the levy based on a percentage of either turnover or gross revenue.

 

“Wagering betting operators will pay either 1.5 per cent of turnover, or the greater of 20 per cent of gross revenue or 0.2 per cent of turnover,” he said.

 

The introduction of the race fields legislation is in line with similar moves in the Eastern States.

 

Minister's office - 9213 7200
Date: 19/11/2009
Minister: Waldron
Portfolio: Racing and Gaming
Region: All
]]> Arbouin, Shane Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:43:55 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132798 Barbagallo Raceway to benefit from multi-million dollar upgrade http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132776 Content:

The Western Australian motor racing fraternity will benefit from a multi-million dollar upgrade to Barbagallo Raceway.

 

Sport and Recreation Minister Terry Waldron announced the upgrade today and said track safety would be a key focus of work done at the track.

 

“Close to $5million will be injected into WA motorsport and will result in a better track and safety gains,” Mr Waldron said.

 

“The upgrades will include widening, resurfacing and lighting of the entire track, improved safety fencing and upgraded communication equipment.

 

“The funding will allow for the installation of CCTV cameras for increased safety and provision of a portable media centre and briefing room for the drivers.”

 

The upgrade is a joint project between the State Government and the Western Australian Sporting Car Club (WASCC).

 

Mr Waldron said the raceway had been confirmed by the GHD report as the best venue for local and major national and international motorsport events.

 

“Retaining and improving Barbagallo builds on the legacy created by the WASCC, which has  been operating from the venue since 1967,” he said.

 

“Barbagallo is used every week of the year by local motorsport enthusiasts but is also frequently used by WA Police and other driver training and road safety organisations.

 

“Part of the $5million new funding will also pay for the necessary planning approvals for a potential new track and racing complex expansion to the north of the existing track.”

 

The long term vision outlined in the GHD report will ultimately provide greater flexibility and additional amenity for all users of the track,” the Minister said.

 

The Minister thanked the WASCC for its extensive involvement in the process the club’s development committee chairman Russell Sewell welcomed the announcement.

 

“This is a great result for the motorsport community in WA,” Mr Sewell said.“It will provide us with a solid base for growth into the future.”

 

Minister's office - 9213 7200
Date: 13/11/2009
Minister: Waldron
Portfolio: Sport and Recreation
Region: Northern Metro & Perth CBD
]]> Arbouin, Shane Fri, 13 Nov 2009 05:26:08 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132776 Small grants are a big boost for communities http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132758 Content:

Communities across the State will benefit from new and improved sporting infrastructure following the announcement of the first successful applicants under the new small grants round of the Community Sporting and Recreation Facilities Fund (CSRFF).

 

Sport and Recreation Minister Terry Waldron said the first round recipients highlighted the benefits of the program, designed to ensure money was spent on a wider range of sport and recreation programs across the community.

 

“The implementation of a small grants round is encouraging more applications for funding through a simpler and quicker application process,” Mr Waldron said.

 

“The small grants are run twice a year and are for projects under $150,000. A total of $750,000 is available for allocation in each round.

 

“Sport and recreation plays an important role in building stronger, healthier, happier and safer communities, and the small grants make it easier for sport and recreation organisations and local governments to apply for funding.

 

“This ensures that grassroots sport and recreation organisations can provide the context for communities to be active and reap the many benefits of participation both at an individual and community level.”

                          

The 38 successful applications in this first round of small grants included:

·       Town of Port Hedland:  $75,000 - Installation of overhead lights at Gratwick Aquatic Centre

·       Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale:  $11,391 - Upgrading of two netball/basketball courts

·       City of Swan/Swan Valley Sporting Club:  $25,095 - Creation of an active reserve, including turfing, reticulation and water storage

·       Shire of Exmouth/Exmouth Golf Club:  $6,090 - Replacement of synthetic tee boxes

·       Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley:  $25,000 - Development of the Kununurra Sports Precinct Master Plan

·       Shire of Denmark:  $30,995 - Construction of a multi-purpose fitness area and new storage area

·       City of Geraldton-Greenough:  $13,752 - Relocation and upgrading of cricket nets

·       City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder/Eastern Goldfields Hockey Association Inc:  $49,577 - development of playing fields at Goldfields Hockey Stadium

·       Shire of Westonia:  $32,616 - Upgrading of the Westonia Pioneer Memorial Pool and surrounding pool grounds

·       Shire of Manjimup:  $15,200 - Installation of a drainage system at Pemberton Oval.

 

The next round of grants opens in February 2010.  For more information on CSRFF grants, contact your local Department of Sport and Recreation office.  A full list of grant recipients is available on the DSR website at http://www.dsr.wa.gov.au or by calling 9492 9700.

 

Minister's office - 9213 7200
Date: 10/11/2009
Minister: Waldron
Portfolio: Sport and Recreation
Region: All
]]> Antartis, Jill Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:52:24 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132758 Minister extends liquor ban at remote community http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132717 Content:

Racing and Gaming Minister Terry Waldron will extend by 12 months the ban on liquor at the remote Aboriginal community of Oombulgurri.

 

The ban, implemented under section 175(1a) of the Liquor Control Act 1988, was introduced 12 months ago and prohibits people from possessing and transporting liquor into the community.

 

“These restrictions, which are fully supported by WA Police and health authorities, have had a positive impact on the lives of people living in the community and, as a result, I will be extending them for a further year,” Mr Waldron said.

 

The Minister decided to extend the restrictions following discussions with the community chairperson Darryl Smith and local police at the community on Sunday.

 

The restrictions applied to the entire area of Oombulgurri and would be in place until at least November 2010.

 

Any person found in breach of the restrictions is liable for a fine up to $2,000.  This increases to $5,000 if the person is a licensee or an approved manager.

 

Minister's office - 9213 7200
Date: 2/11/2009
Minister: Waldron
Portfolio: Racing and Gaming
Region: Kimberley
Attachments: http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/Attachments/132717/Waldronoombulgurri.mp3
]]> Antartis, Jill Mon, 02 Nov 2009 02:36:49 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132717 Government extends measures to target Northbridge troublemakers http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132678 Content:

Northbridge troublemakers will soon find themselves banned from licensed premises for extended periods.

 

Racing and Gaming Minister Terry Waldron today said the State Government would be amending the Liquor Control Act to allow licensees to ban individuals from their premises and the Police Commissioner  to ban a person for up to 12 months from an individual licensed premise or multiple premises within a designated area.

 

“The fact is we have a level of antisocial behaviour in Northbridge, but why should the thousands of Western Australians and visitors to our great State who enjoy a night out in Northbridge responsibly be disadvantaged because of the actions of a handful of fools who spoil things for everyone else?” Mr Waldron said.

 

“What we are doing with these amendments is directly targeting those troublemakers.”

 

The Minister said the Police Commissioner currently has the ability to seek an order from the Director of Liquor Licensing banning a person from working in or attending licensed premises.

 

However, these provisions are aimed at providing the means by which long term or life bans can be imposed on the worst offenders and therefore involve extensive legal proceedings.

 

“At the other end of the scale, licensees and police can summarily impose 24-hour bans on troublemakers but are constrained in their ability to enforce bans for longer periods,” Mr Waldron said.

 

“These amendments will effectively enable police and licensees to give lower level troublemakers a few weeks or months on the bench where they can contemplate the consequences of their actions.”

 

While a barring issued by the licensee will not be subject to review, a person subject to a barring notice issued by the Police Commissioner for a period in excess of three months may seek a review by the Liquor Commission.

 

It will be an offence for a person who is barred from a licensed premises or designated area to enter, or attempt to enter, a licensed premises or designated area to which that the barring relates.

 

The Minister said the Government welcomed the electronic ID scanning systems being introduced by some Northbridge licensees on a voluntary basis as a proactive move to address the issue of unsociable behaviour.

 

“This is the sort of initiative that shows the licensees in the area are prepared to do what they can to help isolate and identify troublemakers and keep them out of licensed premises and stop them impacting on others using our premier entertainment precinct,” he said.

 

“This will link well with the mid-term barring orders we will be introducing.

 

“This is part of the Liberal-National Government’s plan to reclaim Northbridge for the safety and enjoyment of Western Australians.”

 

Minister's office  - 9213 7200
Date: 24/10/2009
Minister: Waldron
Portfolio: Racing and Gaming
Region: All
]]> Antartis, Jill Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:40:25 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132678 Minister introduces changes to combat sports legislation http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132622 Content:

Sport and Recreation Minister Terry Waldron has introduced to Parliament significant changes to the legislation governing the combat sports industry.

 

“While the government acknowledges that the majority of combat sports contests in our state are approved and safely run, there are a small minority of events that cause concern and threaten to give the combat sports industry a bad name,” Mr Waldron said.

 

The changes to the Professional Combat Sports Act (1987) would improve the control measures of contest events and increased the health and safety of all participants, from amateur to professional level. These apply to sports such as karate, boxing, mixed martial arts, kickboxing, Brazilian jujitsu and judo.

 

A key amendment to the Act would ensure it applies to all levels of the industry, as previously it applied only to the ‘professional’ aspect.

 

The Minister would have a clearly defined function in the approval of rules for contests and the term ‘contest’ will now relate to all combat sports contests, previously it applied only to professional bouts for those aged over 18.

 

There will also be increased penalties for offences breaching the Act.

 

Regulations are now being reviewed to ensure the appropriate level of community compliance so the new legislation can be achieved.

 

Changes to the legislation were sparked by a review of the combat sports industry in 2006, where concerns were raised by both industry representatives and members of the commission regarding the safety involved in some amateur events being run and of inappropriate conduct.

 

“Some of the concerns raised during the review process included having no medical practitioner on site, a lack of rules and inexperienced officials at non-sanctioned bouts, all of which are a great risk to the safety of those participating in such competitions,” Mr Waldron said.

 

“The legislation will provide greater protection and assurance to all participants, ensuring they are competing in the safest environment possible.”

 

Minister's office - 9213 7200
Date: 15/10/2009
Minister: Waldron
Portfolio: Sport and Recreation
Region: All
]]> Antartis, Jill Thu, 15 Oct 2009 02:56:50 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132622 Sport and recreation programs to divert kids from Northbridge http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132617 Content:

Sport and recreation programs will play an important role in the State Government’s plan to tackle anti-social behaviour in Northbridge.

 

One of the issues identified as a problem in Northbridge is the number of young children roaming the streets late at night unaccompanied by responsible adults.

 

The Department of Sport and Recreation (DSR) will work together with other government and non-government agencies to provide alternative activities for children on Friday and Saturday nights.

 

“Many of the kids that visit Northbridge at night on the weekend are only 12 and 13. It is an adult precinct and they simply should not be there unaccompanied,” Sport and Recreation Minister Terry Waldron said.

 

“Let me be clear that providing a sport and recreation program on Friday and Saturday night will not solve all the social problems behind this problem, but we will be providing fun, safe and healthy alternatives.

 

“Sport can be a really effective method of engaging young people and, once engaged, they can be provided with other learning opportunities.

 

“Great examples of this are the Midnight Basketball tournaments that have been running in Geraldton and Midland, and in the near future, Kwinana.

 

“At these tournaments the kids are attracted by the fun of basketball, but part of the deal is that they also attend a variety of seminars where they learn important life skills.

 

“Initially we will be piloting projects in Midland and Armadale because police and Mission Australia statistics tell us these areas are where many of the kids we are targeting come from.”

 

DSR has already held meetings with community representatives in Midland and Armadale to assess what activities and resources already exist.

 

“It is important that the community drives these projects because they understand what will attract the children and, in the long run, it will be community support that will make this sustainable,” the Minister said.

 

“We will be investing in each area to support activities on Friday and Saturday nights, and this investment will be allocated in consultation with the community.”

 

To support this initiative DSR is also working on related projects to:

 

  • Link youth at risk and their families with local sport clubs. This may include a one-on-one mentoring program
  • Use DSR recreation camps to provide camps-based program opportunities with integrated recreational activities and leadership and life skills training
  • Collaborate with Juvenile Justice teams to offer sport and recreation volunteer activities such as officiating and administration as alternatives to current community service activities such as cleaning graffiti.

“These are great examples of how sport and recreation can help build stronger, healthier, happier and safer communities,” Mr Waldron said.

 

Minister's office  - 9213 7200
Date: 14/10/2009
Minister: Waldron
Portfolio: Sport and Recreation
Region: All
]]> Antartis, Jill Wed, 14 Oct 2009 03:36:52 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132617 Government throws lifeline to Leeuwin II http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132568 Content:

The State Government has provided a $500,000 financial lifeline to help keep the Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation afloat.

 

Racing and Gaming Minister Terry Waldron and Youth Minster Donna Faragher made the announcement in Fremantle today.

 

Mr Waldron said the money, to come from the Gaming Community Trust, would be administered by the Department for Communities Office for Youth on behalf of the Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation.

 

A consulting group funded by the Office for Youth and Lotterywest was appointed in August to undertake an independent review of the foundation’s viability and social benefits.

 

Mr Waldron said the Gaming Community Trust funds would be used to implement the recommendations of the report, primarily retiring the Leeuwin’s outstanding debts. 

 

“The Gaming Community Trust is funded by unclaimed winnings from authorised gaming events,” he said.

 

Mrs Faragher said the two-decade old Leeuwin had been an institution that has provided thousands of young Western Australians with an opportunity to test and develop themselves in a unique environment.

 

“The Office for Youth will continue to work closely with the Leeuwin and will receive regular reports on the foundation’s progress in implementing the financial consultants recommendations,” Mrs Faragher said.

 

“Since its inception in 1986, more than 23,000 young people have participated in the program which gives them invaluable experience in improving their self-confidence through learning, teamwork, leadership and social skills.”

 

Racing and Gaming Minister’s office - 9213 7200

Youth Minister’s office - 9213 7250

Date: 4/10/2009
Minister: Waldron;Faragher
Portfolio: Racing and Gaming;Youth
Region: All
]]> Antartis, Jill Mon, 05 Oct 2009 01:13:10 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132568 Race field legislation to provide even field http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132525 Content:

Racing and Gaming Minister Terry Waldron has announced the introduction of legislation requiring licensed betting operators to pay a fee for using Western Australian race fields.

 

He said three Bills introduced into Parliament today provided the framework authorising the collection and disbursement of a levy payable by domestic and offshore betting operators.

 

“The levy, to be retrospectively applicable from September 1, 2008, will be based on a betting operator’s turnover or gross revenue, and will be directed to the WA racing industry,” Mr Waldron said.

 

“Securing the financial benefit of our racing product for the local industry is crucial, if we had not acted the industry faced the prospect of losing around $18million per year from the stake base.”

 

He said the legislation allowed all authorised Australian betting operators to use Western Australian race fields, provided they continued paying the levy and complied with information requirements in relation to matters concerning the integrity and reputation of the racing industry.

 

Offshore betting operators will be required to apply to the Gaming and Wagering Commission for approval to use the race fields, and will also be subject to the same conditions as those operators licensed in Australia.

 

The Minister said domestic operators could pay the levy based on a percentage of either turnover or gross revenue.

 

“Domestic betting operators will pay either 1.5 per cent of turnover, or the greater of 20 per cent of gross revenue or 0.2 per cent of turnover,” he said.

 

“However, offshore operators will not have this option and will be required to pay 1.5 per cent of their turnover.”

 

The introduction of the race fields legislation follows similar moves in the Eastern States which require betting operators, who accept bets on race fields in those States, to pay a fee.

 

Minister's office: 9213 7200
Date: 23/09/2009
Minister: Waldron
Portfolio: Racing and Gaming
Region: All
]]> Arbouin, Shane Wed, 23 Sep 2009 08:25:17 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132525 Greater access to water catchments to be explored http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132494 Content:

A Parliamentary committee will examine allowing greater recreation access to dams, water courses and catchment areas that provide drinking water for Western Australians.

 

Water Minister Graham Jacobs and Sport and Recreation Minister Terry Waldron jointly announced the State Government’s decision to refer the issue to the Legislative Council’s Public Administration standing committee.

 

“Water is our most precious resource and this Government will continue to ensure that Western Australians have access to safe, secure and reliable water sources,” Dr Jacobs said.

 

“What we want to do is allow some recreational and sports activities to take place in these areas. 

 

“The question we want the standing committee to answer is, how much should be allowed without jeopardising our drinking water?”

 

Mr Waldron said some activities were possible on dams and water courses as well as in catchment areas.  These could include water skiing, sailing, fishing, kayaking, bushwalking, motorbike riding and horse riding where appropriate.

 

“While looking to allow more sport and recreation in catchments areas, we need to know how much is acceptable and how we can implement measures to ensure we have quality water for the future,” Mr Waldron said.

 

The Ministers said they would ask the standing committee to make recommendations to them and the State Government as part of a statutory review of Policy 13, which governs public access to drinking water catchment areas.

 

The committee would be asked to make its recommendations by the end of July 2010.

 

Water Minister’s office:  9213 6900

Sport and Recreation Minister’s office: 9213 7200
Date: 16/09/2009
Minister: Jacobs;Waldron
Portfolio: Water;Sport and Recreation
Region: All
]]> Arbouin, Shane Wed, 16 Sep 2009 09:16:57 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132494