Latest news with #KirrileeWarr
The Age
04-06-2025
- General
- The Age
‘Dog's breakfast': WA pet registry in limbo as anti-puppy farming laws come into effect
The Cook government's handling of a new centralised pet registration website has been branded a 'dog's breakfast' after a $9.8 million contract to build the software was abruptly cancelled, leaving the promise in limbo. The PetsWA website was a key pillar in the Labor government's anti-puppy farming legislation – which came into effect last week – and was integral to an overhaul of how pets are registered in the state. It was due to be up and running by the middle of this year and would have combined the dog and cat registries of 139 local governments. However, Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley revealed to parliament last week the government and software developer Seisma had mutually agreed to cease the $9.8 million contract. '[The contract] was entered into to establish an efficient, accessible and reliable system to support responsible pet ownership and the reforms to stop puppy farming. However, after thorough consideration, it was determined that ending the contract was the most appropriate course of action,' she said. 'As minister for local government, I am disappointed that the delivery and implementation of a CRS as planned has not been possible.' Opposition local government spokeswoman Kirrilee Warr said the 'dog's breakfast' left local governments in the lurch. 'Local governments have been waiting for several years this promised support, which would not only have made it easier for families and pets to move between local government areas, but which was also a centrepiece of Labor's Stop Puppy Farming laws,' she said. 'As recently as November, the minister was claiming the system was on track for delivery by mid- 2025, however, now we find it has been abandoned entirely.'
Sydney Morning Herald
04-06-2025
- Business
- Sydney Morning Herald
‘Dog's breakfast': WA pet registry in limbo as anti-puppy farming laws come into effect
The Cook government's handling of a new centralised pet registration website has been branded a 'dog's breakfast' after a $9.8 million contract to build the software was abruptly cancelled, leaving the promise in limbo. The PetsWA website was a key pillar in the Labor government's anti-puppy farming legislation – which came into effect last week – and was integral to an overhaul of how pets are registered in the state. It was due to be up and running by the middle of this year and would have combined the dog and cat registries of 139 local governments. However, Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley revealed to parliament last week the government and software developer Seisma had mutually agreed to cease the $9.8 million contract. '[The contract] was entered into to establish an efficient, accessible and reliable system to support responsible pet ownership and the reforms to stop puppy farming. However, after thorough consideration, it was determined that ending the contract was the most appropriate course of action,' she said. 'As minister for local government, I am disappointed that the delivery and implementation of a CRS as planned has not been possible.' Opposition local government spokeswoman Kirrilee Warr said the 'dog's breakfast' left local governments in the lurch. 'Local governments have been waiting for several years this promised support, which would not only have made it easier for families and pets to move between local government areas, but which was also a centrepiece of Labor's Stop Puppy Farming laws,' she said. 'As recently as November, the minister was claiming the system was on track for delivery by mid- 2025, however, now we find it has been abandoned entirely.'
West Australian
15-05-2025
- Politics
- West Australian
State Government's country week discount for regional families welcomed by Geraldton MLA
The State Government's announcement of funding for regional students attending country week has been welcomed by Geraldton MLA Kirrilee Warr. On Wednesday, the Cook Government followed through on its election commitment, putting $8 million over the next four years to assist regional families, which will be included in next month's State Budget. Students in Geraldton and other areas more than 300km from Perth will have their costs reduced by $500, while areas less than 300km from Perth will get a $250 discount. Premier Roger Cook said the funding was to assist with the cost of living. 'The Cook Government is committed to providing more relief to regional Western Australians experiencing cost-of-living pressures,' he said. 'By assisting with travel and accommodation costs, we're backing parents and helping ensure all students can be part of country week.' Schools in the Mid West will head to Perth later this year to compete in a range of sports against schools from other parts of the State. Geraldton MLA Kirrilee Warr said the importance of the week for regional students was not lost on her. 'I am pleased to see WA Labor honouring their election commitment to help regional families and students manage the costs of attending country week,' she said. 'Country week is more than just a competition. 'It fosters teamwork, school pride, and the development of enduring friendships. 'It is an event that is enjoyed by thousands of regional students each year, and this funding will help to reduce financial barriers for regional families to enjoy this great event.'
West Australian
08-05-2025
- West Australian
Geraldton retail forum stresses importance of accurate crime reporting between retailers and police
A Geraldton crime forum has revealed 14 assaults against retail workers have been reported since the start of the year, but because of under-reporting the actual figure could be much higher. The need for accurate reporting featured prominently at Tuesday's Mid West Chamber of Commerce and Industry and WA Police's Community Engagement Retailers Forum. Police urged retailers to report all incidents to help with future resourcing. The forum aimed to provide retailers tools to ensure they knew how to be crime aware and how to properly report incidents. In total, 55 retailers from across Geraldton attended the Geraldton Multipurpose Centre to hear from police, and to discuss their own situations including alleged assaults occurring in the area. Alongside them was Geraldton MLA Kirrilee Warr, Sandra Carr MLC who was representing Police Minister Reece Whitby on behalf of the State Government, and acting Geraldton police officer-in-charge Sen. Sgt Mandy Johnson. District engagement and support manager Sen. Sgt Russell Hurst discussed the crime situation in Geraldton and provided retailers with information. In Geraldton, he said of the 14 assaults reported against retailers, none had resulted in an application for a violence restraining order. Police discussed how retailers can better protect themselves from future instances, pointing to barring notices and either misconduct or restraining orders for repeat offenders. Sen. Sgt Hurst said the orders were clear and held up in court, and had greater penalties for those who breached them. 'The benefits applying for a violence restraining order for them is that it gives them some protection,' he said. '(It) protects them from coming into their store, protects them from going to places that they work, and ultimately, just gives them that peace of mind that if they do come back, they can call police. 'We want to make sure that businesses feel supported to employ their staff, to keep their staff there, to keep their staff happy and remove any risks to them.' The forum was told the 14 incidents of assault were only the ones reported, and the true number could be much higher. Other items discussed included the retailer's role in reporting crime, police's role in handling different situations, and the justice system. Sen. Sgt Hurst said the message police wanted to get out to the community was for retailers to report incidents accurately to give officers a clear picture of what was happening in the area. 'We certainly want to provide the best service to our retailers, whilst reducing harm in the community and making sure that consumers feel safe to go out, and retailers feel safe going to work,' he said. 'Ultimately, we want to make it as hard as we can for these criminals that are hurting our community.' Police at the meeting urged retailers to report every incident, so law enforcement could get a better idea on crime statistics, which could lead to more patrols down the track. Mid West CCI chief executive Joanne Fabling said it was the role of the chamber to support its members and getting important messages like this across. After making preparations for the forum for about a year, she urged as many local retailers to ensure they correctly reported any crime. 'We want as many on board as possible,' she said. 'That critical mass is really essential to getting in front of systemic crime that is happening.'
West Australian
01-05-2025
- Politics
- West Australian
Geraldton MLA Kirrilee Warr delivers inaugural speech to State Parliament, vows to put community first
Geraldton MLA Kirrilee Warr has delivered her inaugural speech to State Parliament, vowing to put the community first over the next four years. Ms Warr spoke from the heart on Tuesday, saying she stepped into Parliament to represent the community and give a voice to those who needed it most. 'I come into this role not claiming to have all the answers, but with a curious mind, an open heart and a fierce commitment to listen, learn and lead,' she said. 'To me, politics is about service above self. It's about community and people. It's about amplifying the voices of working individuals, families, young people, people with disabilities, Aboriginal communities, LGBTIQ people, culturally diverse groups and seniors. 'Those voices must be heard, respected and valued in every decision we make.' The Chapman Valley farmer told Parliament she had only ever called three postcodes home, and grew up with a community mindset and the value of hard work. She said her parents, Shirley and Milton Mincherton, had been role models through their acts of service and having an attitude of getting things done with whatever resources were available. While Ms Warr spent some time away from the Mid West due to study, she returned to the region in the 2000s. Since then, she said she saw many changes but was hopeful of what was to come. Oakajee and the Abrolhos Islands were some of the areas she highlighted as key, but the right investment would be needed to ensure the related industries thrived. 'Geraldton is a region full of opportunity, strategically positioned to unlock its full potential and build a prosperous future,' she said. 'As the member for Geraldton, I'm committed to championing the issues that matter most to our community, the concerns I hear every day, the priorities I can campaign to address.' Ms Warr vowed to fight for access to health care, affordable housing, education, better roads and improved services like telecommunications. However, crime was the big issue she aimed to tackle, saying people deserved to feel safe. 'We must tackle crime at its roots by addressing the underlying causes and properly funding local police with permanent rapid response teams in place,' she said. 'Building trust between residents and law enforcement through strong community programs is essential, alongside action to combat antisocial behaviour and create safe public spaces. 'Everyone deserves the Geraldton we remember where children played freely, neighbours watched without fear, and homes were places of true safety.' Ms Warr thanked various family and friends to conclude, and was met with a warm reception in Parliament once she had finished her speech.
