I hope all residents have had a successful and safe 2021. As we head towards the end of the year, I thought it'd be a good idea to review some of the achievements (in no particular order) of the McGowan Labor Government in Western Australia.
Without further ado, here are my 21 biggest news stories for 2021!
1. WA recorded the lowest national unemployment during the difficulties of the COVID-19 pandemic.
2. We achieved electoral equality, to ensure fairer voting systems in our state and address inequities.
3. Our government secured a $5.8 billion surplus - a necessary step to provide the resources to respond to future crises or invest in critical infrastructure for our state.
4. We recorded economic growth that was twice the national average.
5. We kept the state safe from COVID and are on track for a world-leading vaccination rate.
6. 120,000 jobs created since coming to Government.
7. Voluntary Assisted Dying laws were implemented on July 1.
8. We brought manufacturing back to WA as our railcar manufacturing facility opened.
9. We protected Beeliar Wetlands in law.
10. We expanded the Lower Fees, Local Skills TAFE program.
11. We passed the laws to ensure safe access zones for women's health centres.
12. We announced our plan to Stop Logging in National Forests.
13. We protected WA subcontractors by passing the Security of Payment Legislation.
14. We fast tracked our Plan for Plastics.
15. We passed our Ticket Scalping Laws.
16. We passed our Stop Puppy Farming laws through Parliament.
17. We began work on giving more clarity to the community on WA's carbon emissions reduction targets.
18. We supported our seniors with another successful Senior's Security Rebate Scheme.
19. We paved a future for electric vehicles by announcing our plan to build 90 fast charging stations across 45 locations.
20. We delivered a $60 million boost to end family and domestic violence in WA.
21. We increased our Health Budget by $1.6 billion in order to prepare our health system for COVID-19.
I hope you enjoy a fantastic holiday break and a very Happy New Year.
Please reach out to me and my team at any time - our new office phone number is 9402 0070.