Meeting the Premier

Premier Mark McGowan and State Ministers have been in Bicton as part of their Community Cabinet Program.

On his Facebook page, Premier McGowan said “It’s been a great opportunity to listen to locals, and to discuss what my Government is delivering for Bicton and Western Australia… One of the things I enjoy about being Premier is having the opportunity to get out into our local communities and listen to what they have to say. It’s why my Government has made a point of regularly holding our Cabinet meetings throughout Western Australia. It’s always great to hear directly from local residents, local businesses and community groups.”

As part of the Community Cabinet Program, two of our Year 12 Leaders Jasmine Chow and Charlotte Scurry were invited to attend one of the Cabinet events, with our Principal Jennifer Oaten.

Reflection from Charlotte & Jasmine

We were fortunate to be invited to attend a Community Cabinet event over the weekend, run by the West Australian Labor Cabinet. After socialising with our fellow attendees at the beginning of the event, Premier Mark McGowan introduced the State government’s new Recovery Plan in response to COVID-19. The plan aims to introduce a scope of new technologies, local manufacturing, training in tourism, and focus on the environment to revive Western Australia’s economy after the effects of the pandemic.

Discussion

Following this was an open discussion for members of the audience to ask questions of the Cabinet. These ranged from concerns over lack of funding for local high schools and art programs to the government’s plans to provide aid in the issues of homelessness and crime rates in local areas. The question time was informative and engaging and provided an insight into the workings of our local government, which was particularly interesting to us as students, and future voters.

Meeting the Premier

Mrs Oaten introduced us to Premier McGowan following the questioning. He conversed with us regarding our experience in Year 12 so far and our plans for the future. Other Labor Cabinet members, including Sue Ellery, Minister for Education & Training, Lisa O’Malley, Bicton MP and Roger Cook, Minister for Health and Mental Health, were equally as engaged with our experience as students. Roger Cook took particular interest in Santa Maria’s Mental Health Committee initiatives.

Finally

Overall, the event was an exciting chance for us to seek involvement in our local government and witness direct democracy in action, as well as meet some of our State’s most influential figures.