Rita Saffioti 10 things: Liberal-National government’s privatisation of regional rail network was a mistake

1. WA was again named the strongest economy in the country this week in the CommSec State of the States report. We have the strongest jobs market and the strongest housing market with significant increases in supply in the pipeline. WA is leading the nation — let’s keep it going! 2. I think everyone agrees privatisation of our regional rail network 25 years ago by the Liberal-National government was a mistake. That’s why I was exceptionally proud to stand with Premier Roger Cook to say that a re-elected WA Labor Government would work to reverse this privatisation. I was surprised that the Liberals and Nationals don’t support bringing the rail line back into public hands. 3. Our Government has already invested more than $1 billion to transform the Mitchell and Kwinana Freeways. But we know that there is more to do. Was great to see the Federal Government back in our commitment to widen the Kwinana Freeway between Roe Highway and Mortimer Rd. 4. Last week of school holidays! It means running around getting the kids ready for another year. Hope you don’t find any leftover lunch in the schoolbag from December (that might have happened to me a few times!) 5. Amazing scenes at HBF Park over the weekend with the World Rugby SVNS back in Perth. Great to see both Australian teams make the final with the women’s team crowned champions in a tightly-fought win over New Zealand. More than 45,000 through the gates across the long weekend and a sellout on the final day. Huge for WA. 6. Our Transwa regional bus and rail services do an incredible job servicing 240 destinations across the State. And we’re committed to cutting fares by 50 per cent. This will mean a big saving for regional residents. For example, savings of $100 for a return journey to Perth from key towns like Kalgoorlie and Esperance. 7. The East Perth Primary School is now underway with money in the Budget to get it built. It’s going to relieve pressure on existing schools and make it easier to attract more people to live in our city. I just don’t understand why the Liberal Party fought so hard to stop it. 8. There were many Australia Day celebrations across WA. I attended the City of Joondalup ceremony, with almost 300 people officially becoming Australian citizens. It was an exciting day and very emotional for many. A big congratulations to all those who took the big step to become Australian citizens! 9. With more than $7.5 billion worth of election commitments, the Liberals and Nationals still haven’t told us who is undertaking their costings. While we are submitting our commitments to Treasury, we still have no idea who will be checking their costings. Maybe it is going to be Dennis Denuto? They just haven’t done the work, too busy fighting each other. 10. Excitement in my household this week as our Dockers membership packs arrived. Thirty-one years as a member for me. As my daughter proclaimed after the purple Hurricanes won the BBL, maybe this is the year of the purple teams. Let’s hope so!