28/11/07
Bunbury will host the fourth regional sitting of State Parliament next year.
Premier Alan Carpenter has announced today that the Legislative Assembly would sit in Bunbury on Tuesday, September 9 and Wednesday, September 10, 2008.
Mr Carpenter said Bunbury had been chosen for the sitting following a recommendation by the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Fred Riebeling.
"Bunbury has continued to grow over the years and this will be a great opportunity for members of Parliament to see and experience the changes first-hand," the Premier said.
"Major infrastructure projects such as the Bunbury Waterfront development will transform central Bunbury into a world-class waterfront destination and instil optimism and confidence in the business community and the community generally.
"The Perth-to-Bunbury Highway will also add significant benefits by reducing travel time and enhancing road safety for the local communities and visitors to the
South-West and Peel."
Mr Carpenter said South-West Minister Mark McGowan had been a strong advocate for hosting the two-day sitting in Bunbury and had also convinced the Government to hold a meeting of State Cabinet in Bunbury on Monday, September 8.
Mr McGowan said he was delighted that Bunbury had been chosen.
"This is confirmation that Bunbury continues to receive the recognition it deserves as a prosperous, dynamic regional centre," he said.
"The people of Bunbury and the South-West will be very proud that they have been given the opportunity to showcase their great city.
"I am confident they will fully support this wonderful initiative by taking the opportunity to come and watch their democracy at work."
The Premier said the regional sitting was an opportunity for members of Parliament to demonstrate to regional Western Australians how much they valued the contribution the regions made to our State.
Local school students throughout the South-West will be encouraged to come and view the proceedings so they can learn how Parliament operates.
Mr Carpenter said that while Bunbury had hosted three Regional Cabinet meetings, this would be the first time it had hosted a sitting of the Legislative Assembly with Government, Opposition and Independent members conducting Parliamentary business in front of the people of Bunbury.
"Bunbury can expect to host up to 57 members of Parliament, plus Parliamentary staff, during the two-day sitting," the Premier said.
The sitting is expected to cost about $130,000. Travel costs for members will be met from their existing individual entitlements.
Media contacts:
Premier's office 9222 9475
Minister's office 9222 9111
