Western Australia Minister for Health Kim Hames

State Budget 2011-12: Building the State – State Government Invests In WA’s New Doctors

Victor P Taffa

A new major training program for young doctors will ensure the State will have enough medical practitioners into the future, Health Minister Kim Hames said today.

Dr. Hames said the new $75 Million Program, to be spent over five years, would ensure sufficient doctors to staff new hospitals currently under construction, including the New Children’s, Fiona Stanley and Midland hospitals.

“This will also redress the shortage of GPs in Western Australia.  We have the fewest GPs per population of any State.” Dr. Hames said.

“The Liberal-National Government wants to ensure we have the skilled health professionals needed to meet the growing demand for health services.”

“This is an important investment in the future of our State.  In 2009-10, 238 junior doctors took up training places in our State’s public hospitals. This is set to increase to 310 by 2015-16.”

“The $75 Million investment announced today will help provide high-quality postgraduate training for our new doctors, which will in turn contribute to better health care for the people of WA.” Dr. Hames said.

“By 2015 this funding will help provide an estimated additional 138 health professionals in this State; 94 doctors (new graduates and supervisors); and 44 clinical education and simulation training staff.”

“Through this funding, the Government will also provide training places for all WA medical school graduates who are Australian citizens or permanent residents.” Dr. Hames said.

The Minister said about 40 % of the new funding will provide training places in WA’s country health services.

“By providing training places in our country hospitals we will encourage new young doctors to learn about the challenges and opportunities of rural medicine.” Dr. Hames said.

“This is important in increasing the number of doctors who practice in rural and regional WA.” Dr. Hames said.

“As well as providing for the salaries, clinical education and training of junior doctors, the funding will provide for the training-related salary costs of senior, supervising doctors and also provide medical education infrastructure.”

“It will also support innovative simulation training to improve the safety, quality and cost-effectiveness of clinical training in the health system; benefiting not only new medical graduates, but all doctors, nurses and clinical professions.” Dr. Hames said.

“This is an important investment in the skilled professionals at the core of our future health services.”

“The new funding for junior doctor training is additional to the $363 Million for cost and activity growth in WA Health allocated in the 2011-12 Budget.” Dr. Hames said.

Western Australia Minister for Mental Health Helen Morton

Breaking Mental Illness Stigma During Schizophrenia Awareness Week

Victor P Taffa

During a Panel Discussion for Schizophrenia Awareness Week today, Mental Health Minister Helen Morton said schizophrenia ranked among the top 10 causes of disability, was a major cause of suicide and had a long history of neglect.

Mrs. Morton said physical health screening, exercise, improved nutrition and quitting smoking could greatly assist a person with schizophrenia to manage their illness.

“One in every 100 Australians develops schizophrenia and 30 % of those with the illness attempt suicide.  Schizophrenia sufferers are also two-and-a-half times more likely to die from a physical illness than the general population. Mrs. Morton said.

Organised by the Mental Illness Fellowship of Western Australia (MIFWA), the panel discussed strengthening partnerships and improving links to support people with co-occurring problems such as physical ill health; drug and alcohol issues; and improving discharge planning that involves families, carers and support agencies.

The Minister said the Mental Health Commission would continue funding in 2011-12 of $755,000 for MIFWA to provide mental health promotion, psychological and carer/family support, recreation and independent living skills services.

“One of the Mental Health Commission’s key priorities is to use education and public awareness to break down the stigma associated with illnesses like schizophrenia and remove shame as a barrier to seeking treatment.” Mrs. Morton said.

Mrs. Morton said the Mental Health Commission would soon release a strategic plan which included a focus on personalised care and recovery.

“A key element will be stronger early intervention and prevention programs with recognition that improving physical health enhances recovery from mental illness.”

“We can expect a shift in the balance of funding programs to favour increased community support and greater promotion of education programs to reduce discrimination.” Mrs. Morton said.

Western Australia Minister for Mental Health Helen Morton

Art Therapy Plays Major Role In The Wellbeing Of People With Mental Illness

Victor P Taffa

Providing a safe environment for people with mental illness to create art can shorten a patient’s stay in hospital Mental Health Minister Helen Morton said today.

At today’s official opening of the 2011 Art Therapy in WA and Beyond Symposium at Graylands Hospital, Mrs Morton said the symposium aimed to raise awareness about the important role art therapy played in the management of mental illness.

“Art studios provide a safe, supported environment for people will mental illness and the creation of art gives a voice to experiences and feelings not easily expressed in words.” Mrs. Morton said.

“Research shows that the process of producing art can significantly improve the management of mental illness and key benefits include reduced drug consumption, shorter length of stay in hospital and fewer hospital re-admissions.”

A joint initiative between the North Metropolitan Area Health Service Mental Health and the Australian and New Zealand Art Therapy Association, the symposium is the first of its kind to be held at Graylands.

In her previous capacity as an occupational therapist, Mrs Morton worked alongside art therapists working with people who had mental illness and had great respect for their work.

The Minister said the art studios at Graylands Hospital were having a positive effect on reducing social isolation and improving self-esteem for those with mental illness.

“The Creative Expression Centre for Arts Therapy based at Graylands and its sister service, the Reflections Art Studio in Northbridge, are the only purpose-built art therapy facilities provided by the State Government.” Mrs. Morton said.

The event will be attended by art therapists and Mental Health workers from Australia and overseas.

Former British Prime Minister and wartime leader Sir Winston Churchill suffered from Bipolar Disorder or as it used to be known as Manic Depressive. Churchill described the illness as his ‘Black Dog’.

During the 1930’s when Neville Chamberlain was Prime Minister Churchill while as a Member of the House Of Commons would go to his country estate and paint works of Art to pass the time and manage his illness.

Western Australia Minister for Health Kim Hames

Building Starts On New Facility For Medical Research Institute

Victor P Taffa

Construction has begun on a world-class medical research facility at the Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre (QEIIMC) to increase the State’s ability to attract leading medical scientists.

Health Minister Kim Hames said the WA Institute for Medical Research’s (WAIMR) new $112 Million Centre would be part of an integrated health precinct and become a major asset for Western Australia.

“This new building will bring together leading laboratory-based scientists and clinical researchers across a range of fields from around the globe.” Dr. Hames said.

“It will enhance WA’s existing research capability and effectiveness and create a medical research hub where information can be shared, collaborations formed and medical breakthroughs achieved.”

The new 10-storey centre – scheduled to open in 2013 – will accommodate about 800 researchers and staff from research bodies such as The University of Western Australia, Lions Eye Institute, Heart Research Institute, Lung Institute of WA and Keogh Institute and will incorporate cutting-edge laboratories, research space, equipment and facilities.

“Enabling research groups at QEIIMC to co-locate to a single building will also generate free space within Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital for location of core hospital functions.” the Minister said.

The facility is one of eight major projects that will transform the QEIIMC site in the next five years into one of the State’s major centres for medical, research and education excellence.

The QEIIMC WAIMR building is the result of successful collaborations between the State and Federal Governments ($25 Million and $50 Million respectively), The University of Western Australia ($25 Million), the McCusker Foundation ($1.5 Million) and Lotterywest ($5.4 Million).

A second research centre, to which the State is also contributing $25 Million, is planned for construction at the Fiona Stanley Hospital site in Murdoch.

Western Australia Premier Colin Barnett

RSPCA Funding Doubled By State Government

Victor P Taffa

The State Government will boost funding to the RSPCA to aid its work in protecting and promoting the welfare of animals in Western Australia.

Premier Colin Barnett, speaking today at the annual RSPCA Million Paws Walk at Sir James Mitchell Park, said the Liberal-National Government would increase its annual funding of the RSPCA by $250,000, taking the total to $500,000 a year.

“The RSPCA is a well respected community-based organisation which helps to promote care and prevent cruelty to animals.” Mr. Barnett said.

“The strong presence of animal owners at events such as the Million Paws Walk today highlights the importance the WA community places on spending time with their pets and making sure they are well cared for.”

“Sadly, not all animal owners have the same standards of care and that’s where the RSPCA plays such an important role in promoting awareness and where necessary, undertaking prosecutions.”

The funding will be conditional and delivered through agreed animal welfare education and compliance activities.

Mr. Barnett said these activities were in addition to compliance, education and promotion activities undertaken by the State Government.

RSPCA stands for Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Western Australia Premier Colin Barnett

Western Australia Minister for Agriculture and Food Terry Redman

State Budget 2011-12: Building the State – Department Headquarters To Get Major Overhaul

Victor P Taffa

The State Government has announced a major redevelopment of the Department of Agriculture and Food’s Headquarters in South Perth.

Premier Colin Barnett said renewal of the site would help ensure a progressive and profitable future for Western Australia’s agriculture and food sector.

The redevelopment program will include an existing allocation of $186.6 Million, with a further $48.4 Million to be applied in 2015-16.

“The department plays a crucial role in providing leadership and support to WA’s $7 Billion agriculture and food sector so it can thrive and advance in an increasingly competitive and variable operating environment.” Mr. Barnett said.

“Our pledge to renew the facilities will ensure the State has the resources and access to the latest state-of-the-art technology to enable the department and its staff to help the sector continue to develop and prosper.”

The redevelopment process will start soon and be partly funded by the retirement of metropolitan land assets as works progress.

Agriculture and Food Minister Terry Redman said the redevelopment would reflect the department’s changing role.

“The department has undergone a major transformation in the past two years to become more dynamic, innovative and industry-focused and to effectively tackle the challenges and opportunities facing our agriculture and food sector.” Mr. Redman said.

“The South Perth redevelopment will complement the department’s other facilities established in the regions in the past year, including the New Genes for New Environments facilities at Merredin and Katanning and the Managed Environment Facility joint venture at Merredin.”

“It will also include the construction of a world-class grains facility, the Australian Export Grain Innovation Centre.” Mr. Redman said.

“This will enable the State Government to build on its contribution to the National Grains Research, Development and Extension Strategy under the national framework established by the Primary Industries Ministerial Council.”

Mr. Redman said considerable examination had shown South Perth was the most cost-effective site for the department’s redeveloped headquarters.

“The department’s location alongside the Technology Park business centre and its close proximity to the city is ideal, especially with its whole-of supply-chain focus and increasing interaction with business and commercial interests.” Mr. Redman said.

“The South Perth redevelopment is considerably more cost effective than other joint venture or greenfield alternatives.”

“Having said this, by closely examining the possibility of building a new headquarters on the Murdoch University campus, the Department of Agriculture and Food has developed a very close working relationship and identified many synergies with Murdoch University which the Liberal-National Government is confident will continue to grow over the coming years.” 

Mr. Redman was excited about the contribution the new facility would make to WA’s agriculture and food industries.

“After operating out of dilapidated 1950s-era buildings, the DAFWA will finally have a modern, suitable headquarters to help drive a positive future for all those involved in our sector.” Mr. Redman said.

WA Minister for Agriculture & Food Terry Redman

Western Australia Minister for Education Elizabeth Constable

State Budget 2011-12: Supporting Our Community – All WA Public Schools To Receive State-Funded Air-Cooling

Victor P Taffa

Education Minister Liz Constable today announced the list of schools and the timeframe for roll out of air-cooling across West Australian public schools.

This follows the announcement yesterday of $52 Million over the next four years in the State Budget for the initiative.

“Evaporative air-cooling will be installed in 489 schools in two stages, the first focusing on 103 schools in north-east metropolitan Perth, Serpentine, Jarrahdale and Geraldton.” Dr. Constable said.

“This work, estimated to cost $11 Million, will occur during the 2011-12 financial year.  Another 91 schools in the central metropolitan area of Perth, upper Great Southern, Wheatbelt and South-East of Perth will receive air-cooling at an estimated cost of $11 Million the following financial year.”

Stage two of the rollout will happen between 2013 and 2015, with all remaining areas of the State, predominantly the metropolitan coast and south of WA, to receive air-cooling during this phase.

This stage encompasses 295 schools and will cost $30 Million. All cost estimates include power upgrades for schools where necessary.

 “Providing air-cooling to every public school in WA continues the Government’s work to strengthen the State’s public education system and ensure a quality learning environment for every student.” the Minister said.

“The State Government will spend an estimated $52 Million in four years to air-cool schools.”

Cost control during the State’s implementation of the Federal Government’s Building the Education Revolution had resulted in savings of about $23 Million, which the Education Department was already using to retro-fit air-cooling into BER buildings outside the previous air-cooling zone.

Dr. Constable said today’s announcement followed her request for a review into the air-cooling boundary after parents, school communities and local members expressed concern about long periods of hot weather compromising students’ learning.

“I have shared the concerns of parents, teachers and students sweltering during this record-breaking summer in schools that have lacked air-cooling.” Dr. Constable said.

“The State Government acted on these concerns by rolling out air-cooling to every public school across WA in a very timely fashion. We know that students and teachers work better in comfortable surroundings.”

“This is the first review of the air-cooling boundary since 2002. We have essentially scrapped the boundary so that all students and teachers in our schools can enjoy the comfort others take for granted.” Dr. Constable said.

The Minister said evaporative cooling was installed because it had lower life-cycle costs, used less energy than refrigerative air-cooling, was environmentally friendlier than reverse cycle Airconditioning and was less likely to overload school electrical systems.  It was best suited to a classroom environment.

Western Australia Minister for Transport Troy Buswell

Bridges Contract Awarded For Butler Extension

Victor P Taffa

The State Government has awarded the second major contract for the Butler Extension Project to extend the Joondalup Line 7.5km through the rapidly-expanding northern suburbs.

The $9.8 Million contract for the construction of three bridges was awarded to a joint venture between Bocol Constructions and R J Vincent and Co.

Transport Minister Troy Buswell said the contract included three concrete road-over-rail bridges; the bridge abutments and associated road works; lighting; the relocation of underground services; and landscaping and fencing.

“The first bridge will be built at Butler Boulevard near the site for Butler Station, and the other bridges at Landbeach Boulevard and Benenden Avenue, will be built north of the temporary roads constructed as part of the project’s preparatory works.” Mr. Buswell said.

“The Butler extension will provide a valuable transport service to the rapidly-growing northern communities, and will also ease pressure on the Mitchell Freeway and major road corridors.”

“More than 2,000 passengers are expected to board at the new Butler Station each week day.” Mr. Buswell said.

Work on the bridges is expected to start in June 2011.

The first major contract for the Butler extension, for preparation of four kilometres of rail corridor, was awarded to R J Vincent and Co in December 2010.

Western Australia Minister for Transport Troy Buswell

Swan Valley Curfew On Road Trains To Be Lifted For Three-Month Trial

Victor P Taffa

Main Roads WA will trial the removal of heavy haulage curfews on the Upper Swan Valley section of Great Northern Highway, to create improved transport efficiencies for operators.

The curfew applied to all road trains from 30m long up to a maximum length of 36.5m, except for vehicles carrying livestock.  Road trains were not permitted to travel along Great Northern Highway through the Swan Valley between the hours of 9am and 6pm on weekends and public holidays.

Transport Minister Troy Buswell said it was timely to re-examine the need for this curfew on this section of the highway, which runs from the intersection with Roe Highway in Middle Swan to the Apple Street road train assembly area.

“This section of the highway has been upgraded substantially in recent times to dual lane highway in both directions with turning pockets.” Mr. Buswell said.

“The curfews prevent road trains from operating between 9am and 6pm on weekends and public holidays, which is creating ‘convoys’ of road trains trying to leave Perth as soon as the curfew is lifted.”

“This can be counter-productive to road safety when road users are confronted with a line of big trucks.”

“Following a review by Main Roads, and consultation with community and industry stakeholders, including significant input from local MLC Alyssa Hayden, the trial will see the lifting of the weekend and public holiday curfews.” Mr. Buswell said.

The trial will also include allowing some oversize loads between 6.5m and 8.5m in width to travel along this section of highway on Wednesdays and Thursdays. This is expected to alleviate some of the delays experienced by other traffic using the highway on weekends, which is when such oversize load moves have previously occurred.

The three month trial will begin on May 28, 2011.

Western Australia Minister for Child Protection Robyn McSweeney

Minister Opens New Department For Child Protection Office In Fitzroy Crossing

Victor P Taffa

With a strong commitment to improving outcomes for families and children, Child Protection Minister Robyn McSweeney today officially opened the new Department for Child Protection’s Fitzroy Crossing office.

While the office has been operational since late 2010, today marked the official dedication of the site.

“This new office signals a commitment to improving the lives of the many families and children that live in Fitzroy Crossing and having available the supports to keep the community strong.” Mrs. McSweeney said.

“Nine staff will operate from the new office where they already have strong ties to local families through long running and newly introduced programs that are so important to combat the disadvantages this remote community encounters from time to time.”

“The old office had been operational in Fitzroy Crossing for many years and the new building is a vast improvement for both staff and local families interacting with the Department for Child Protection.”

“Today we take an important step towards the continued safety and wellbeing of children in the region, from the children in Fitzroy Crossing, through to indigenous children in remote communities – they will all benefit positively.”

Located in the eastern corridor of the West Kimberley district, the Fitzroy Crossing office caters to the entire Fitzroy Valley, including surrounding remote communities with the new office equipped with the appropriate facilities to cater for the expansion of the department’s service including state-of-the-art video conferencing facilities.

“This office will see staff working alongside parents to build their capacity in managing the difficult role of parenthood with departmental staff working collaboratively with other Government and non-government agencies in the provision of crisis services like the ones offered during the recent flooding across the district.” the Minister said.

Mrs. McSweeney also thanked young people from the Fitzroy Crossing District High School who put on a unique dance performance to mark the special occasion.