Opposition Leader and Nationals WA Leader, Shane Love has slammed the proposed changes to the State Electoral Boundaries, stating that they are nothing short of an assault on fair representation for regional voters.
The West Australian Electoral Commission today released the 2023 Proposed Boundaries which would see the seats of Moore and North West Central abolished and amalgamated into the seat of Mid West, and the creation of another metro seat, Oakford.
Mr Love labelled the changes as an attack on regional democracy and said the proposed changes would leave regional communities voiceless and their concerns ignored.
“These changes mean when regional West Australians go to the ballot box in 2025, their voice will be lost. Enough is enough,” Mr Love said.
“It is just two years after the Labor Government stripped 18 regional members from the Parliament.
“Regional residents already face an uphill battle in having their voices heard due to the massive distances they have to travel.
“WA Labor is making matters worse, reducing the ability of our local schools, hospitals and communities to have their voices heard.”
Mr Love said the changes come following WA Labor’s submission to the commission, which outlined their plan to abolish another regional voice.
“WA Labor is destroying our democracy, sacrificing regional communities one at a time to concentrate all the power in Perth.
“Regional voters deserve to have their voices heard, their communities kept intact, and their representation safeguarded.”
Shadow Minister for Electoral Affairs Mia Davies urged members of the community to provide their feedback on the flawed proposal.
“I cannot support a proposal that removes a regional Member of Parliament and further concentrates power to the major metropolitan city in the State,” Ms Davies said.
“Our state’s economy is driven by regional businesses and industry and needs representation in the Parliament that understands the challenges and opportunities to make this work.
“I urge businesses, individuals, local governments and community groups to make their voices and objections heard so the Commissioners understand some of the challenges diminished regional representation will create for the prosperity and future of our State.”
SUBMISSIONS
All submissions should include:
The name and address and email contact point for the person making the submission.
If the submission is on behalf of an organisation, the name of the organisation should be stated.
A submission must be written. There is no limit to how long or short a submission can be. It can include diagrams, maps or other illustrations. There is no template for submissions.
You must submit your written submission before the closing time on the specified day.
- Email your submission to boundaries@waec.wa.gov.au
- Deliver your submission to Level 2, 111 St Georges Terrace, Perth
- Post it to GPO Box F316 PERTH WA 6841
Submissions CLOSE Sunday, 21 August 2023
A full list of localities gained and ceded can be accessed here.
