"front" Pages

Save Our Services has released findings from our poll of six of our key target marginal electorates - Bicton, Wanneroo, Mt Lawley, Morley, Southern River, Swan Hills.

Meredith Hammat, Spokesperson, Save Our Services talks to the ABC about the findings of the poll (read it here)

The news that test samples of installed roof panels in the beleaguered Perth Children's Hospital have come back positive for asbestos raises many issues. Before everything else, the health of workers is paramount. We can only imagine their anxiety living with the fear of possibly contracting an asbestos-related disease in the future. According to Shadow Health Minister, Roger Cook, the PCH is effectively a contaminated site.

But there are other concerns. 

If the State Government was a student sitting for their final exams, we'd have pretty grave concerns about their progress, particularly in the areas of math, accounting and social sciences. The State Government is failing in areas that are affecting the lives of West Australians and do not seem to have a plan for moving forward. 

While the following is written somewhat tongue-in-cheek [we know our teachers would never write comments like these], the underlying concern is that Colin Barnett and his ministers can and must do better for the State, but won't.

For many, training provided by TAFE is their best or only chance for a better job.  Our campaign late last year told us that there is concern about rising course fees and cuts to course options.

But the fight isn't over. 

The West has accused some of the 54,000 people waiting for a medical appointment of resorting to lying to get on multiple wait-lists ("Patients lie to jump surgery queue", 29 June 2015).  The blaming continues with accusations of using false addresses to get duplicate referrals as well as "hospital shopping".

Our question is: Why is there a need to resort to such desperate measures?

Recent stories in the media regarding the Barnett government's plans for Royal Perth Hospital are throwing up a few all-too-familiar red flags. With an election promise to retain and redevelop RPH but with no money to do it, it seems the Premier is turning to his familiar strategy of privatisation to plug the many holes in his rhetoric - and budget.

Did you see this report in The West that public schools will lose even more in funding under the Orwellian "Workforce renewal policy"?

It is getting pretty hard to work out, in real terms, how much is being lost in school funding. 

Save Our Services and UnionsWA today commented on the release of the 2015 WA state budget including wide-ranging job and services cuts, huge increases in fees and charges and the sale of public assets.

Isn't giving our kids a good education the most important thing?

There's been a lot in the media lately about schools, cuts to funding, the coming WA Budget.

First, check out what Carly has to say. It's a reality check.

How can we have an active voice in public debates and at elections? Save Our Services has been learning from the efforts of others during the recent Queensland, New South Wales and Victorian state elections. One conclusion is clear - while the tide of public opinion is against privatisation and service cuts, that isn't enough to create a fairer future that includes everyone. 

Meredith Hammat, Save Our Services spokesperson and Secretary, UnionsWA.