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 00:22:06 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 Minister calls for councillor’s resignation http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132782 Content:

Local Government Minister John Castrilli today called for City of Bayswater councillor Terry Blanchard to resign his position following the release of the Corruption and Crime Commission (CCC) report.

 

Mr Castrilli said the CCC report on the investigation into the activities of councillors and officers of the City of Bayswater found Mr Blanchard engaged in misconduct in his former position as Director of Technical Services.

 

The commission investigated processes, policies and procedures relating to the management of tenders and contracts between the City of Bayswater and a company between 2003 and 2005.

 

The report stated that while an employee of the City of Bayswater, Mr Blanchard engaged in conduct that ‘adversely affects or could adversely affect, directly or indirectly, the honest or impartial performance of the functions of a public authority or public officer’.

 

The Minister said even though the CCC report recommended  no criminal action be taken against Mr Blanchard, as he was no longer an employee of the city, it was in the best interests of the Bayswater community that he resigned.

 

“I recognise that Mr Blanchard has not been found guilty of any misconduct and indeed has not even been charged with anything,” he said.

 

“However, it is important for people to have confidence in the integrity of their elected members to provide proper governance in a transparent and accountable manner, and that is why I am calling for Mr Blanchard’s resignation.””

 

Mr Castrilli said the CCC’s recommendation that the city devise and implement an audit or checking process and to review its policy on conflicts of interest was commendable.

 

“It is understood that since the commencement of the CCC investigation in 2005, the city has made significant changes to improve workplace practices and remedy deficiencies.

 

“I hope the council can now move forward.”

 

Minister's office - 9213 6800
Date: 13/11/2009
Minister: Castrilli
Portfolio: Local Government
Region: Northern Metro & Perth CBD
]]> Stratford, Pamela Mon, 16 Nov 2009 01:57:49 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132782 Wesley College a heritage gem http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132722 Content:

Heritage Minister John Castrilli has announced the addition of Wesley College to the State Register of Heritage Places.

 

Mr Castrilli described Wesley College, a hub of education since 1923, as a landmark building in South Perth.

 

“The Methodist College’s foundation stone was laid in 1922 by Premier Sir James Mitchell and the mix of buildings illustrates the development of education in Western Australia since that time,” he said.

 

Wesley’s first headmaster was John Frederick Ward, and the early teaching staff included Mildred Le Soeuf, who taught biology at the college for 54 years.

 

Veteran and noted Marxist intellectual Esmonde Macdonald Higgins also taught briefly at the school during 1926.

 

The Minister said during World War Two, an air raid siren was installed at the college, slit trenches were dug around Ward Oval and an escape ladder was attached to a wall of what was then the boarding house, now the administration building.

 

In 1951, the Methodist church took responsibility for Moore River’s Mogumber mission.

 

Several girls were brought from Mogumber to work at the school as domestic servants and the first Aboriginal students were enrolled at Wesley.

 

“In 1960, old Wesleyan and modernist architect Ross Chisholm won a competition for the college chapel’s design. This was hailed as a bold experiment in church architecture,”

Mr Castrilli said.

 

“Over the years, Wesley has developed in response to the evolving community, reflecting demographical changes in wealth, religion and multiculturalism.

 

“Wesley graduates have gone on to high achievement in politics, business, humanities and sports.

 

“The school’s many architects, headmasters and teachers have also added to the unique and varied history of the site.

 

“Wesley College’s addition to the State register will ensure that the school is protected and celebrated for generations to come.”

 

Minister's office - 9213 6800
Date: 3/11/2009
Minister: Castrilli
Portfolio: Heritage
Region: Northern Metro & Perth CBD
]]> Arbouin, Shane Tue, 03 Nov 2009 02:01:09 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132722 Minister congratulates elected members http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132669 Content:

Local Government Minister John Castrilli has welcomed the 522 councillors and mayors elected to represent their areas in the recent local government elections.

“I am pleased with the interest shown in the 2009 elections and congratulate the candidates on their success,” Mr Castrilli said.

 

“I also acknowledge those candidates who were not successful and thank them for offering to stand for election.

 

“It is their active participation that ensures the validity of our democratic system.

 

“This is an exciting time to be a councillor given the significant changes under way through reform of the local government sector and I look forward to working with the newly elected mayors and councillors as we move ahead with the reform process.”

 

The Minister said the 2009 local government elections saw a return to the first-past-the-post (FPTP) system of voting following the passing of legislation in State Parliament earlier this year.

 

The system of voting replaces the proportional preferential voting (PPV) introduced by the previous Labor government.

 

“The return to the FPTP system of voting was in response to requests from the local government sector and we are pleased to have achieved a smooth transition to the new system in time for the local government elections,” Mr Castrilli said.

 

“It is a fairer, simpler system which makes the electorate process easier to understand and more accessible to the wider community.”

 

Also made available for the elections was specialist election counting software, jointly developed by the Department of Local Government and the Western Australian Electoral Commission.

 

The CountWA software, updated following the introduction of the FPTP system of voting, was distributed to all local governments with contested elections, providing councils with a faster method of determining the results of elections.

 

Minister's office  - 9213 6800
Date: 22/10/2009
Minister: Castrilli
Portfolio: Local Government
Region: All
]]> Antartis, Jill Thu, 22 Oct 2009 06:56:11 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132669 Sculpture restored through Country Local Government Fund http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132639 Content:

Local Government Minister John Castrilli today acknowledged the positive impact of the State Government’s Country Local Government Fund (CLGF).

 

The City of Bunbury received funding for nine projects from CLGF, which was funded through Royalties for Regions.

 

Mr Castrilli said in Bunbury Regional Parliament was the restoration of the public art piece‘Forest Trees’ outside the city’s administration building, was one project to benefit.

 

The ‘Forest Trees’ sculpture, designed by Howard Taylor, stands nearly eight metres tall and depicts the forests of the South-West.

 

The Minister said the sculpture was commissioned by the City of Bunbury to commemorate the opening of the building in Stephen Street in 1979.

 

“It was removed from the front of the council’s building to allow for re-development of the administration building and surrounding streetscape in 2005,” he said.

 

“It is wonderful to see the CLGF being used by cities such as Bunbury to improve their communities.”

 

The CLGF was launched in December 2008 as part of Royalties for Regions, to assist country local governments in building and maintaining community infrastructure by providing $500million over five financial years - 2008-09 to 2012-13.

 

“These funds are in place to support and maintain strong and vibrant country local governments,” Mr Castrilli said.

 

“The return of the ‘Forest Trees’ sculpture to its original position in front of Bunbury’s administration building is a fantastic accomplishment by the city and an important addition to the upgraded precinct.”

 

Minister's office  - 9213 6800
Date: 19/10/2009
Minister: Castrilli
Portfolio: Local Government
Region: South West
]]> Antartis, Jill Mon, 19 Oct 2009 02:55:35 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132639 WA Week 2009 http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132640 Content:

Citizenship and Multicultural Interests Minister John Castrilli today encouraged Western Australians to join in WA Week celebrations between October 19-25.

 

Mr Castrilli said WA Week was a key event in the State’s cultural calendar and provided Western Australians the opportunity to celebrate our unique history, heritage and development.

 

“WA Week also highlights the anniversary of Proclamation Day, marking the 119th anniversary of the granting of self-government to Western Australia on October 21, 1890,” he said.

 

“We are delighted to provide support to these events and celebrations which aim to encourage community participation, and are often held in partnership with local businesses; Rotary and Lions clubs; parents’ associations; and community volunteers.

 

“This year, 31 community groups, in 13 metropolitan and 18 regional areas have received small grants to present WA Week initiatives.”

 

The Minister said the State Government was proud to support Celebrate WA Inc. to deliver programs promoting multiculturalism, civic development and contribution to public life.

 

“Celebrate WA has a 37-year history of working with our community and offers a dynamic and exciting range of programs for all Western Australians,” he said.

 

“Positive initiatives such as WA Week aim to bring Western Australians together to share our pride in the achievements of the past and the solid growth of today and the future.”

 

WA Week commences with the opening ceremony and free community event today at the grounds of the Constitutional Centre of WA.  A complete list of 2009 WA Week activities is available from http://www.celebrateswa.com.au or on 9481 8066

 

Minister's office  - 9213 6800
Date: 19/10/2009
Minister: Castrilli
Portfolio: Citizenship and Multicultural Interests
Region: All
]]> Antartis, Jill Mon, 19 Oct 2009 03:07:35 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132640 Work to begin on Bunbury Timber Jetty http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132645 Content:

Local Government Minister John Castrilli today announced funding for the Bunbury Timber Jetty will be de-coupled from the Bunbury Waterfront project, paving the way for work to commence on the heritage structure within the next few months.

 

Mr Castrilli said the deteriorating condition of the jetty had become an urgent public safety matter and, given the length of time it would take to secure planning approvals for the Bunbury Waterfront project, the only viable option had been to separate it from the project to enable work to commence as a matter of priority.

 

Under LandCorp’s overall Bunbury Waterfront development budget, $3.5million had been set aside for works to the jetty, to match a further $3.5million contribution from the City of Bunbury. 

 

Following today’s Regional Cabinet in Bunbury, the Minister said he was delighted to announce that Cabinet had approved separating the jetty from the overall Bunbury Waterfront project, with the $3.5million funding contribution now coming through a separate arrangement with LandCorp. 

 

Under the new agreement, the city will take on all responsibility for any works to the jetty structure.

 

“Today’s resolution to the critical issue of the jetty is a great outcome for Bunbury, an outcome that was achieved as a result of all parties coming together to think outside the square in developing a solution,” the Minister said.

 

The State Government’s $3.5million capped contribution for works to the Bunbury Jetty is in addition to its previous $1million contribution in 1997 when the Bunbury Timber Jetty licence was transferred to the City of Bunbury.

 

Minister's office - 9213 6800
Date: 19/10/2009
Minister: Castrilli
Portfolio: Local Government
Region: South West
]]> Antartis, Jill Mon, 19 Oct 2009 05:57:14 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132645 Heritage grants awarded across WA http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132612 Content:

The Heritage Grants Program for 2009-10 will see 35 grants totalling more than $850,000 provided to private owners of heritage properties throughout Western Australia.

 

Heritage Minister John Castrilli said 11 grants had been awarded to city owners and 24 in regional areas, including the Wheatbelt, Mid-West, Goldfields, Kimberley and the South-West.

 

“Recipients of this year’s Heritage Grants Program include the Lynburn Homestead in Esperance, Mitchell House in Wagin, the Ironclad Hotel in Marble Bar and the Liverina Homestead in Derby,” Mr Castrilli said.

 

“Four properties within the Pemberton Timber Mill Workers’ Cottage have been awarded a total of $84,000 for projects including restumping and reinstatement of verandahs.

 

“The historic area was an important mill worker’s precinct for State Saw Mills; Hawker Siddeley; and Bunnings between 1913 and 2002.

 

“Grants totalling $34,500 have been awarded to four houses in Perth’s Brookman and Moir Streets Precinct for work including repointing and reconstruction of gable woodwork.

 

“This almost intact historic precinct is part of a residential estate developed by the Colonial Finance Corporation in 1897 as ‘working class’ rental accommodation.

 

“Several York properties have also been awarded funding, including $25,000 for basement works at Faversham House and $30,000 for verandah restoration at the Old York Hospital.”

 

The Heritage Grants Program offers owners of buildings listed on the State Register of Heritage Places, grants of $20,000 or more for conservation works.

 

Smaller grants of $3,000 or more are awarded for the development of plans and documents prepared by heritage professionals to guide conservation works.

 

Priority is given to applicants who have already developed a conservation plan or demonstrated a need for urgent conservation works.

 

The Minister said thanks must go to the owners who, as custodians of our history breathed new life into their heritage places through hard work and dedication.

 

“Many owners are also funding significant portions of the conservation project themselves, in that way leveraging the amount of money for conservation of our heritage,” he said.

 

“Heritage conservation is essential as it enhances a community’s sense of place, preserves the stories of our past and shapes the future identity of our State.”

 

A PDF of the Heritage Grants Program 2009-10 recipients is attached below.

 

Minister's office: 9213 6800
Date: 14/10/2009
Minister: Castrilli
Portfolio: Heritage
Region: All
Attachments: http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/Attachments/132612/heritagegrantscas.pdf
]]> Arbouin, Shane Wed, 14 Oct 2009 00:30:28 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132612 Make your vote count in local government elections http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132603 Content:

Local Government Minister John Castrilli has urged Western Australian electors to take the time to vote in next Saturday’s local government elections.

 

“It’s important for residents to have a say in who runs their community. Your vote can have a powerful influence on decisions being made where you live,” Mr Castrilli said.

 

“With local authorities playing such a significant role in shaping our communities, it is important that all members of the public are involved in deciding who represents them as councillors.”

 

The Minister said local governments had budgets in the millions of dollars and provided wide-ranging services, including the responsibility for planning residential and commercial developments and deciding the location of houses, shops and services.

 

“Many have a keen interest in local issues and by taking the time to assess candidates and what they wanted, voters could actively shape their communities,” he said.

 

“I encourage all Western Australians exercise their vote either by returning their signed ballot paper or by voting in person.

 

“Ballot papers need to be completed and returned by 6pm on Saturday, October 17 to be included in the count.”

 

Any enquiries regarding postal voting should be directed to the WA Electoral Commission returning officers. Voting in Person queries should be directed to the local government returning officers.

 

More information on how to cast a vote or to find out which local governments are conducting Voting in Person Elections or Postal Elections visit the Department of Local Government’s website on http://www.dlg.wa.gov.au or on 9217 1500.

 

Minister's office  - 9213 6800
Date: 13/10/2009
Minister: Castrilli
Portfolio: Local Government
Region: All
]]> Antartis, Jill Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:43:37 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132603 Strong response to local government reform submissions http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132557 Content:

More than 115 local government reform submissions have been submitted to the Department of Local Government.

 

Local Government Minister John Castrilli said he was encouraged by the response from local councils and that submissions were still coming in.

 

“I understand that a number of local governments are holding meetings in early October and I expect the remaining submissions to be received in due course,” Mr Castrilli said.

 

The Minister said many local councils highlighted potential areas for reform and had displayed enthusiasm about the strategic benefits that lay ahead.

 

“The response demonstrates that local government authorities in Western Australia are taking the issue of reform seriously,” he said.

 

“Reform is all about enhancing capacity for local governments to better service their communities.

 

“It is the way forward, and I commend WA local government authorities for their input at this stage of the reform process.”

 

Mr Castrilli said the next phase of the reform process was for submissions to be forwarded to the Local Government Reform Steering (LGRSC) Committee for review. 

 

The committee would provide analysis and prepare an interim report to the Minister by the end of October 2009.  A consolidated report would be available towards the end of the year.

 

Minister's office  - 9213 6800
Date: 1/10/2009
Minister: Castrilli
Portfolio: Local Government
Region: All
]]> Antartis, Jill Thu, 01 Oct 2009 07:48:42 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132557 Report identifies opportunities for multicultural artists http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132530 Content:

A research paper has examined issues faced by culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) artists and how opportunities can be developed to support multicultural arts throughout Western Australia.

 

Citizenship and Multicultural Interests Minister John Castrilli and Culture and the Arts Minister John Day today announced the public release of the report ‘Western Australia Intercultural Arts Research Project’. 

 

This report highlights the need to support artists from CaLD backgrounds in the development and presentation of their work.

 

Mr Castrilli said the multicultural arts sector was a rich source of creativity and the report provided a catalyst to raise the profile of artists from diverse backgrounds and consideration of appropriate funding and support.

 

“Multicultural arts offer WA an abundance of opportunities in areas such as cultural exchange, trade, tourism, education, community development and innovation,” he said.

 

Mr Castrilli said that despite challenges of migration to a new country, limited work opportunities in the arts, language barriers and cultural differences, a quarter of CaLD artists surveyed in the study had their art work exhibited or presented in public.

 

“A key recommendation of the report is the development of a specific policy, together with program intervention, to address the needs of artists from CaLD backgrounds,” he said.

 

Mr Day said the Department of Culture and the Arts was working closely with the Office of Multicultural Interests to promote the Liberal-National Government’s commitment to multicultural arts in the State.

 

“Through the establishment of the Intercultural Arts Working Party, the agencies are sharing knowledge and information in order to better assist multicultural artists and their work,” Mr Day said.

 

“Many of the issues highlighted in the report have been previously identified by the    Department of Culture and the Arts and resonate with concerns raised from arts and cultural sector consultation undertaken by the department as part of its recent policy development process.

 

“Through the State Government’s Substantive Equality framework, strategies will be implemented to ensure all artists, regardless of background, will have equitable access to programs and services.”

 

The research was commissioned by the Office of Multicultural Interests and undertaken by Deakin University.  The report can be found on http://omi.wa.gov.au or phone 9217 1600.

 

Citizenship and Multicultural Interests Minister’s office: 9213 6800

Culture and the Arts Minister’s office:  9213 6600

Date: 24/09/2009
Minister: Castrilli;Day
Portfolio: Citizenship and Multicultural Interests;Culture and the Arts
Region: All
]]> Arbouin, Shane Thu, 24 Sep 2009 07:36:47 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132530