No change to Royalties scheme: McGowan

Royalties for Regions would remain as it is under a WA Labor government, Opposition Leader Mark McGowan has said.

Speaking on Monday, the newly appointed leader said he had also taken on the role of shadow minister for regional development and would retain the portfolio if Labor was elected.

“It would mean for the first time the Premier is the Minister for Regional Development,” he said.

“It would make sure the wealth producing areas of the State had a direct input at the highest level into government.”

Mr McGowan said he would also appoint ministers to each different region, such as the Kimberley and Pilbara.

He said the move would allow people living in regional areas to have direct access to the cabinet.

“At the moment I think regional people find it difficult to have that access,” he said.

On the subject of Royalties for Regions, Mr McGowan said Labor would retain the program at its current level of funding, but would retain the right to re-focus funds on the areas producing the royalties.

“I’m very keen on ensuring Royalties for Regions works better for the Pilbara or Kimberley, and that’s a major part of my focus as shadow minister for regional development,” he said.

Mr McGowan said he planned to visit the Pilbara to listen what residents in the region had to say.

“The biggest issue in Western Australia is the cost of living; that’s reflected very heavily in housing and rental prices in the Pilbara,” he said.

“I will certainly make that a major focus.”