The Cook Labor Government continues to demonstrate its lack of leadership and vision, only
acting after being pushed by the Opposition on key issues such as road safety and problems in
the construction sector.
Opposition Leader Shane Love criticised Labor’s slow response to urgent road safety reforms,
highlighting that more than seven weeks have passed since the Government’s road safety summit,
yet key restrictions for novice drivers remain unaddressed.
“The Government has been asleep at the wheel when it comes to road safety,” Mr Love said.
“The Opposition, alongside community advocates, have been calling for tighter restrictions on P-Platers to be introduced immediately, to bring WA in line with every other State in Australia.
“The Minister for Road Safety admitted that such changes could be enacted with the stroke of a
pen, yet Labor has stalled for weeks, now promising action only because of relentless pressure.
“Instead of leading on this issue, Premier Cook has been dragged, kicking and screaming, into
doing the right thing.
“It’s clear this out-of-touch Government has no intention of taking real action unless forced by the
Opposition.”
Mr Love also pointed to the Government’s belated response to the Nicheliving debacle.
“For months, the Opposition has been demanding answers regarding Nicheliving’s business
practices while the Premier and Commerce Minister remained silent,” Mr Love said.
“Only now, when the issue is too big to ignore, has the Government finally acknowledged the
problem.
“While deregistering Nicheliving is a step in the right direction, serious questions remain about why
taxpayers are left with the $40 million bill.
“This Government has been reactive, not proactive, failing to protect consumers from this mess
and allowing the situation to spiral.”
The Opposition is also supporting industry calls for an urgent review of the State’s home indemnity
insurance scheme, with Mr Love stressing that WA’s finances were at significant risk.
“Nicheliving is just the tip of the iceberg,” Mr Love said.
“Industry estimates suggest there are up to 2,000 unfinished homes in Perth dating back to the
post-COVID stimulus package, with thousands of families trapped in limbo and builders struggling
with huge price rises and labour shortages.
““With just a single provider offering home indemnity insurance across WA, the Cook Government
needs to clarify how they plan to ensure the long-term viability of this critical consumer protection.”
