The Morrison Government will invest $7 million toward the construction of the Mandurah Waterfront Project if re-elected, responding to work of Member for Canning Andrew Hastie to secure funding for the local initiative.

The $7 million from the Commonwealth Development Grants Program will facilitate the construction of several precincts on the Mandurah foreshore, including a large-scale adventure play area on the western foreshore and an enclosed floating pool on the eastern foreshore.

Member for Canning Andrew Hastie thanked the Morrison Government for responding to the views of the Mandurah community.

“Mandurah is a beautiful place to live and a holiday destination of choice for thousands of West Australians. This development will offer more recreation options for our families and young people, and help our community leverage Mandurah’s natural advantages to expand local tourism and grow jobs.”

“The Liberals are committed to backing regional communities by developing key infrastructure and improving local job opportunities.”

The Waterfront Project is the product of community consultation by the City of Mandurah. The project, which received strong community support, involves the constructions of several precincts around the Mandurah foreshore to drive tourism create more local jobs. The contribution of $7 million from a Morrison Liberal Government will ensure the project is fully funded.

“The Morrison Government is able to invest in projects like the Mandurah Waterfront because of our strong economic management. That’s how we’re delivering the essential infrastructure, services and job opportunities our region needs.”

 Mr Hastie had previously lobbied the federal government for funding for the Mandurah Waterfront Project. In 2018, he wrote to and met with the Deputy Prime Minister to discuss investment in the Peel region, and later hosted the Assistant Minister for Regional Development in Mandurah to further inspect the proposal.

MORRISON GOVERNMENT DELIVERS FOR LAKELANDS

An extra $25 million committed today by the Morrison Government will help make a train station at Lakelands a reality for locals.

This brings the Morrison Government total commitment to this project to $37 million, including business case funding.

Minister for Cities, Urban Infrastructure and Population Alan Tudge said the funding built on other recent commitments for the people of Canning, including $16 million for commuter car parking at Mandurah Station, $10 million for Thomas Road and Nicholson Road in Oakford and $404 million for the Tonkin Highway Stage 3 project.

“It is all about busting congestion on our roads, and getting people home sooner and safer,” Mr Tudge said.

“We want people to be spending less time in traffic and be doing what’s important to them – spending time with family and friends.”

Member for Canning Andrew Hastie said “The clear message I’ve received from the people of Lakelands over the last three years is to get this station built. I’ve fought in Canberra to make that happen and the federal government has been with our community every step of the way.

“Today’s announcement brings the Morrison Government’s commitment to the Lakelands Train Station to $37 million. Meanwhile, WA Labor is ignoring our community and calling Lakelands a station that ‘no one needs’.

“The choice at this election is clear – only a Morrison Liberal Government is committed to building a train station in Lakelands.

“Our funding is in place - all we need is the WA government to get on board and commit the final funding to this critically needed project.”

The Morrison Government’s strong record of infrastructure investment in WA is ensuring that West Australians are getting home sooner and safer, and spending less time stuck in traffic and more time at home with their families doing the things that matter.

The projects build on an additional $1.6 billion of our Liberal Nationals Government's investment into critical road and rail infrastructure across Perth and regional Western Australia in the recent budget.

More than $13.6 billion has been invested by the Liberal-National Government in West Australian road and rail infrastructure since coming into Government in September 2013, including $4.8 billion over the past two Budgets.

The Liberal National Government is investing $28 million for the development of four new urgent care centres in Perth that will help ease pressure on emergency departments, and provide greater choice for patients.

The new centres located in Cannington, Midland, Mandurah and Osborne Park will handle urgent, but non-emergency patients who would normally go to hospital emergency departments for treatment.

Member for Canning Andrew Hastie welcomed the announcement as part of the Morrison Government’s ongoing support for health services in Mandurah.

“For a long time locals in Mandurah have been concerned that the emergency department of the Peel Health Campus is insufficiently resourced to cope with our growing population. I share their concerns. Our doctors and nurses do a great job, but they’re overworked. Our community campaigned hard over the past 12 months to get a better deal for the PHC. Earlier this year the Morrison Government came through with a record $25 million to significantly upgrade the hospital.

“However there are more ways to address this issue. The announcement in last night’s budget that an Urgent Medical Care Centre will be established in Mandurah is huge news for our city. These centres significantly reduce the pressure on emergency departments by creating a facility that can attend to urgent but non-emergency patients.

“This is another way that the Liberal National Government is improving essential services for our community.”

Federal Minister for Health, Greg Hunt said the urgent care centres will assist the existing three St John urgent care centres located in Joondalup, Cockburn and Armadale, to form an integrated network across the Perth metropolitan area, easing the demand on the public hospital emergency departments.

“Together, the seven urgent care centres; four new and three existing, will be able to treat 231,000 patients a year. Approximately one third, or 77,000 of these patients, would normally present at public hospital emergency department.”

St John WA, CEO, Michelle Fyfe said that this funding to run a four year trial of Urgent Care Centres was a significant decision by the Federal Government and that they believed it will have a long-term, positive impact on the Australian pre-hospital system.

“Based on our nearly three years of evidence in running three Urgent Care centres, we’re confident this will make a real difference. This trial will provide data to conclusively prove the positive impact that

Urgent Care has on the health system.”

Chairman of St John WA, Shane Lesley welcomed the funding and said the expansion of Urgent Care centres throughout Perth will strengthen the health care system.

“We are confident that the entire system of General Practice, after hour’s General Practice, Urgent Care and Emergency Departments, all working together, will deliver the best outcome for the whole community.”

In 2016–17, there were more than 830,000 emergency department patients in WA. Just over half – 51 per cent – were in the lowest urgency category.

This funding compliments the additional $3.5 billion Western Australia will receive for public hospitals as part of the new hospitals agreement.

Since coming into Government in 2013, the Liberal National Government has increased funding to Western Australia for public hospital services from $1.4 billion, to an estimated $2.2 billion this year.

We are committed to improving health services throughout Australia and building a world-class health system.

The Government’s strong economic management ensures the continued record investment of funding into vital health initiatives including mental health, life-saving medicines, Medicare and hospitals.

The Morrison Government has delivered $16 million to expand the Mandurah train station car park as part of its $1.6 billion investment into critical infrastructure in Perth and regional WA.

Mr Hastie said the project was further evidence of the Coalition’s commitment to the Peel Region.

“For the past three years I’ve worked deliver the infrastructure and essential services needed to improve lives in Mandurah and the Peel region. That’s included record investment in the Peel Health Campus, funding a locally driven plan for jobs though the Peel Business Park, and supporting local organisations, schools and service providers.

“The Mandurah station car park is a bottleneck in our local public transport system. This investment by the Morrison Government will help relieve pressure and make the morning commute into Perth easier for hundreds of people in our community.

“This isn’t an election commitment – this money is delivered and in the budget.”

Mr Hastie said the Morrison Government was working constructively with the State Government and expected them to do so in return.

“Population growth in Mandurah’s northern suburbs will continue to put pressure on the station car park, even with the expansion. We need a real plan for public transport in Mandurah and that must include Lakelands train station.

“We worked constructively with the State Government to deliver on the car park expansion. I’m asking that they do the same for the Lakelands station. Up until now David Templeman has done nothing to help make the station a reality. Come to the table with some funding for Lakelands, stop ignoring the people of north Mandurah.”

Two new aged care homes with a combined capacity of over 260 are coming to Mandurah, Member for Canning Andrew Hastie has announced today.

The announcement comes as part of the biggest expansion of residential aged care in Australian history, with $967 million being committed by the Morrison Government.

The commitment to Mandurah represents an investment of over $17.5 million per year.

Member for Canning Andrew Hastie said the new places will provide a welcome and much-needed boost to aged care services in the Peel Region.

“This is historic investment for our region - over $17.5 million every year to deliver 264 local residential aged care places for people in Mandurah.”

“The need for more aged care facilities was an issue that regularly popped up during my 2017 town hall meetings. A lot of people would tell me that they grew up in this area, retired in this area and wanted to spend the rest of their life here. The problem was Mandurah just didn’t have the capacity to cater for them.”

"Now, they'll be able to seamlessly transition and stay within their local community, which is great news.”

"If we actually have options for people in the local community it will make that move much smoother and they'll be less anxious around the transition. So, this not only has benefits for people that need the additional assistance of the aged care, there are also mental health benefits as well.”

“People want to know the government listens and takes their concerns seriously. That’s what the Morrison Government is doing. We are listening and delivering.”

"I'm just really excited for our community.”

In Mandurah the Morrison Government is partnering with aged care service providers Signature Care and Opal Aged Care. The providers will build two new aged care facilities and the ongoing cost of servicing residents will be met by the Government.

Opal Aged Care’s facility will provide an additional 120 places on Leisure Way in Halls Head. When complete the site will include a combination of single rooms and companion rooms, all with ensuites. The home will also meet the needs of those requiring high care, dementia specific care and feature communal spaces including café, hairdresser, consulting suite, dining, lounge and audio rooms. There will an 18-place dementia specific care area with a supportive lifestyle program. 20 places will be prioritised for people with limited financial means. Opal Halls Head will also offer 2,190 respite days annually to support older members of the community who live in proximity to the home.

Dawesville Aged Care, to be built by Signature Care, will provide 144 residential places on Bailey Road in Dawesville. The home will offer accommodation cater for all needs including dementia specific services and respite services. The 144 places will be configured as single rooms divided into two wings of 36 places and four dementia specific units of 18 beds each. This will include dedicated capacity for financially disadvantaged residents. Each room will have its own ensuite and an external patio area. Some rooms will include a connecting door to cater for couples. The home will have large dining rooms, lounge rooms, and dayrooms and other recreational areas throughout the home including a community hub and café. There will be a wellness centre, a chapel, meeting rooms, formal dining rooms, hairdresser, doctors consulting room, activity rooms, men’s shed, cooking display, craft rooms and internet & library areas. External areas will be landscaped, have covered entertaining areas and will be secure.

The Morrison Government has committed $907 million a year to provide a record 13,500 new residential aged care places across Australia – plus $60 million capital works investment to finance construction of new and extended aged care homes.

The $967 million expansion is part of our Government’s $5 billion aged care boost and is about giving older Australians more choices for longer and better lives.

It represents an increase of more than 36 per cent on the 9,911 Aged Care Approvals Round (ACAR) places announced in 2016–17.

Under this arrangement annual aged care funding throughout Australia will grow from $18.1 billion to $23.6 billion a year by 2022-23.

The Morrison Government will be getting the people of Mandurah home sooner and safer with an additional $10 million to build the Lakelands train station.

Mr. Hastie has championed the construction of a train station in Lakelands since the promise of one was first brought to his attention by residents in 2016. It will be the second station in the City of Mandurah and fill a 23km gap in the Mandurah rail line.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the important thing was that people would be spending less time on the road and more time with their loved ones.

“That is why we are investing in public transport infrastructure and that will make a real difference to people living in fast-growing suburbs,” the Prime Minister said.

”This will help families and businesses get back valuable time.”

Mr Hastie said the $10 million toward Lakelands train station came in addition to the $2 million delivered last year by the Liberals for the station’s business case. It will be used in the early works of the station’s construction.

“Lakelands residents first raised the prospect of building a train station with me while I was door knocking the neighborhood in 2016. They explained that the promise of a train station had been included in the suburb’s development proposal. Many bought their first home or chose to retire in Lakelands because of that promise, some as long ago as 2006.”

“A train station in Lakelands means that residents from the north of Mandurah won’t have to travel south by car before catching a train north to the city. That will mean fewer cars clogging up our roads and less pressure on the Mandurah train station car park.”

“It will also mean easier access to more jobs and services for the people of Lakelands.”

 “We are committing $10 million today because this project needs leadership. WA Labor have ignored the people of Lakelands and refused to commit to the station. The Morrison Government is putting money on the table to get things started.

“This train station is a priority for the Morrison Government because it is a priority for the people of Lakelands.”

Patients in Mandurah and the Peel region will now be able to access lifesaving scans for cancer, stroke, heart and other medical conditions, with the Morrison Government announcing a new MRI licence for SKG Radio.

This MRI licence means locals will be able to access a Medicare rebate for an estimated 3,719 services a year – saving lives and reducing the costs for patients.

“This is really exciting news for our community,” said Member for Canning, Andrew Hastie.

“Thanks to this investment by the Morrison Government, patients across the Peel region will have access to eligible bulk-billed MRI scans. They will no longer have to pay hundreds of dollars for the service.”

“Families shouldn’t have to worry about whether a trip to the doctor will require an expensive MRI they can’t afford,” said Mr Hastie. “We’re making healthcare more affordable in Mandurah.”

“Patients will receive the Medicare-covered MRI services from March.”

An MRI is a commonly used medical scan which gives a detailed view of the soft tissues of the body such as muscles, ligaments, brain tissue, discs and blood vessels.

It is used by doctors to diagnose and monitor a number of different medical conditions including cancer, trauma and sporting injuries.

Minister for Health Greg Hunt said the Liberal National Government is helping Australians stay healthy and keeping down the cost of healthcare for families.

“Our plan for a strong economy means we continue to deliver record funding for essential services such as Medicare, public hospitals and life-saving medicines,” Minister Hunt said.

“Not only will our new Medicare support ensure patients get better treatment and save money, it will also cut down the amount of time patients travel to get a scan.”

“Our investment in MRI licences of over $375 million over the forward estimates for 50 new locations around the country delivers on the Government’s commitment to improve access and outcomes for patients.”

“Unlike Labor we have also committed to reduce the cost for patients by indexing targeted diagnostic imaging services including mammography, fluoroscopy, CT scans and interventional procedures.

“Under the Liberal National Government, Medicare spending is guaranteed and increasing every year from $24 billion in 2017–18 to $28.8 billion in 2021–22 to support health care for every Australian.”

“The Government is committed to delivering improved health services which includes increased hospital funding with an extra $8 billion for hospitals taking it to $29.5 billion over five years,” Minister Hunt said.

The Liberal National Government’s strong economic management ensures the continued record investment of funding into vital health initiatives including mental health, life-saving medicines, Medicare and hospitals.

The Liberal National Government is investing $25 million to upgrade the Peel Health Campus (PHC), improving important health services for people in Mandurah and the Peel region.

The Community Health and Hospitals Fund will deliver $21 million for the expansion of the Emergency Department, the construction of a new Community Mental Health facility and a refurbishment of the Medical Imaging Department. $4 million will also be provided, for a residential eating disorder treatment centre.

Member for Canning Andrew Hastie said the announcement was a vindication of the local community’s efforts.

“Today is a victory for the people of Mandurah,” Mr Hastie said.

“In May last year hundreds of local people joined Member for Dawesville Zak Kirkup and I at a rally where we called on the WA Government to properly fund the Peel Health Campus. 

“We have kept up the pressure on the state government since the rally, because as everyone in Mandurah knows, we need a better hospital.” 

“For over 280 days since hundreds of local people have signed our petitions, written letters and put up yard signs, all calling for a better deal for PHC.”

“Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt listened to what our community was saying, and worked with me to find a solution.”

“$25 million from the Morrison Government will be used for a significant upgrade to the Emergency Department, refurbishment of the Imaging Department, and construction of a new Community Mental Health Facility, which will include a residential eating disorder treatment centre.” 

“This is the most significant investment into the Peel Health Campus since it was opened in 1997,”

Minister for Health, Greg Hunt congratulated Member for Canning, Andrew Hastie on the result and said the funding will enable the hospital to meet the growing demand in Mandurah and the Peel region.

“Andrew Hastie and the Mandurah community led a strong campaign last year calling for better services at the Peel Health Campus,” Minister Hunt said.

“They shone a light on an important local issue and the Liberal National Government is taking action.”

"This $25 million investment demonstrates our commitment to improving health services throughout Australia and to building a world class health system.”

“By delivering our plan for a strong economy we can make investments in projects like the Peel Health Campus that West Australians want and need.”

“We can only make investments like this through our new Community Health and Hospitals Fund because we’ve got a plan for a stronger economy and we’re bringing the Budget back to balance.” 

“I commend the Member for Canning Andrew Hastie and State Member for Dawesville Zak Kirkup MLA for their dedication to the people of Mandurah and to this hospital, it shows the power of what a local community and its government representatives can do by working together.” Mr Hunt said.

The population of Mandurah has doubled since the Peel Health Campus was commissioned in 1997. The hospital currently undertakes 1100 operations per month, delivers 1200 babies each year, and sees 45,000 emergency department attendances per annum.

Mr Hastie and Mr Kirkup collected over 1000 local signatures in their campaign to upgrade the hospital. They also printed yard signs for members of the public to display calling on the state government to improve the hospital. The signs kept count of the time passed since their rally in May 2018, and were updated every ten days.

I'm asking for your help in the fight for the Peel Health Campus.

It's been more than 130 days since the Mandurah community rallied outside the Peel Health Campus, calling on the State Government to improve our overworked hospital. 

Since then, the WA Labor Government has done nothing.

We still have unacceptable emergency waiting times, insufficient services, and pensioners without ready access to important treatments. 

So Zak Kirkup and I are holding the State Government to account.

We've made signs for you to display in your front yard, calling for improvements to the Peel Health Campus. Each sign holder will also get a set numbers, to stick on their sign every ten days the State Government fails to deliver.

Together we are going to keep count on the wait for a better hospital, and send a clear message to the WA Labor Government that Mandurah demands action.

If you can put a sign in your front yard, please visit my office at 2/61 Sutton St, Mandurah and pick one up. You will also get a set of stickers, and a wooden stake, if necessary. We can even provide an assistant if you need help putting it up! 

The State Government needs to understand that we demand action. It’s been more than 130 days, but the people of Mandurah haven’t forgotten. I hope you can join me in this fight. 

The Coalition’s proposed Drug Testing Trial in Mandurah is one step closer to becoming reality, with its legislation passing the House of Representatives.

The Bill was passed with unanimous support by the Coalition, despite opposition from the Labor Party.

Member for Canning Andrew Hastie supported the Bill, arguing it complemented action already taken by the Coalition in Mandurah. 

“In Mandurah, the Drug-Testing Trial is part of a multipronged approach to fighting local drug abuse. The Coalition has invested in improving health services through the PYMS Health Hub and headspace, and in school education programs. And now with this program we’re directly identifying and coming alongside the people who need help.”

“The Drug Testing Trial provides further funding for local drug treatment services, and, crucially, it helps keep taxpayers' money out of the hands of drug dealers.”

The Trial is an innovate approach by the Coalition to assist job seekers struggling with substance abuse. Under the program, recipients of Youth Allowance and Newstart in Mandurah may be required to undergo a random drug test.

Those who test positive will have 80% of their payments placed on Income Management- still available to buy essentials, but unable to be withdrawn as cash. None of their payment will be cancelled.

Those who test positive a second time will be referred to a medical professional and have treatment for substance abuse incorporated into their Centrelink Job Plan.

As one of three trial sites, Mandurah will share in $10 million to boost local drug-treatment capacity and support.

Mr Hastie argued that the trial’s design expected nothing more from jobseekers than would be expected in employment.

“Drug addiction is a huge barrier to long-term employment. Many jobs today require regular drug tests. I was tested in my previous career. Drug testing is common in the mining industry, one of the biggest employers in WA. Even the City of Mandurah, who has opposed this trial, drug tests its employees.”

“Helping people get a job is the entire point of Newstart and Youth Allowance. So rather than letting these people be forgotten in the system, potentially for years with no change, the Drug Testing Trial identifies them early to receive the help they need to become drug-free and job ready.”

“The feedback I’ve received indicates that most people in Mandurah intuitively understand the sense in this plan. Many are already randomly tested at work and can't see the controversy. Others are actually surprised it doesn't happen already.

Mr Hastie acknowledged some members of the community had told him politicians should be tested as well. 

“One of the more common objections that people have made about the Drug Testing Trial is to suggest politicians should be drug tested; that we should be setting the standard. I understand the sentiment.”

“Recently, I met with Brian Lloyd of Drug-Safe Workplaces Western Australia. Drug-Safe Workplaces collaborates with employers, staff and unions to implement drug and alcohol testing. Brian believes that drug testing should not be punitive and that it should be pre-emptive. By identifying early when someone has encountered substance abuse, we can act and help them before things get out of hand.”

“After speaking with Brian, and in light of some of the feedback it seems appropriate to lead by example. So next week, my team and I will undergo the same test proposed by this legislation.”

“Let's remember that this program is a trial. The government is trying something new in a further attempt to help some of the most vulnerable people in our society.”

“This is sensible, practical and popular policy. Labor will have to answer to the Mandurah community if they continue to block the peoples' will.”

The Bill now goes before the Senate.