Shadow Minister for Tourism Louise Kingston has called on the people of the South West to hold their local MPs and the State Labor Government to account, demanding urgent intervention to save the Dolphin Discovery Centre.
Last week the Minister for Regional Development Don Punch refused to answer questions in Parliament regarding whether he knew about the centre’s financial situation, and if he was approached for assistance before it entered into voluntary administration.
“The Minister has deliberately misled the people of the South West with excuses. He needs to come clean and answer the questions everyone wants to know – how long has he known about the Dolphin Discovery Centre’s financial troubles and is he going to intervene to save it?”
“The Minister claiming his door is open is simply not good enough.” Said Mrs Kingston.
“He is the Minister for Regional Development and in charge of a $1 billion-dollar regional development fund. He has the power to save one of our region’s biggest tourism assets – so why is he doing nothing?”
“It’s time the Minister stands up for the South West rather than allowing his Labor Government to raid funds from the regions and funnel them into the city”.
Mrs Kingston also highlighted that Member for Murray Wellington Robyn Clarke and Member for Collie Preston Jodie Hanns had been missing in action.
“Instead of making excuses and erecting walls of silence, Mr Punch and his Labor colleagues need to roll up their sleeves and fight to secure priority funding for one of our major tourist attractions.” Mrs Kingston said.
“It is vital the State Labor Government acts immediately to ensure the Dolphin Discovery Centre stays open so it can continue to drive economic benefits for the region.” Said Mrs Kingston.
“Attacking me for asking the questions his constituents want answered is disgraceful and I will continue to hold him to account on behalf of the people of Bunbury and the South West.”
