23/05/05
The State Opposition continues to leave regional Western Australia out of its priorities, with the omission of the regional development portfolio from the shadow cabinet.
Local Government and Regional Development Minister John Bowler said the Opposition had continued to demonstrate that they were all talk and no action on regional development.
“Throughout the recent debate on One Vote One Value, the Opposition mouthed a lot of platitudes about the importance of representing the interests of country WA, but when it comes to ranking it as an important part of its cabinet, it is left out in the cold,” Mr Bowler said.
While welcoming Opposition spokesperson on regional development Nigel Hallett to his new role following the appointment of new members to the Upper House, Mr Bowler said it was disappointing the Liberal spokesperson was not included in the shadow cabinet.
“The Opposition’s attitude of not taking regional development seriously leaves everyone entitled to conclude that Labor is the only party that looks after the interests of country Western Australians,” the Minister said.
“While the Opposition is paying lip service to regional development, the Gallop Government is investing in infrastructure and services to make regional WA a better place to live in.”
Mr Bowler urged the Liberal hierarchy to reconsider and include regional development in the shadow cabinet.
Minister's office: 9213 6500
