Canning MP Andrew Hastie has begun his campaign for re-election, saying he would stand on his record of achievements in the eight months he has been in parliament, but that there was more to do in the areas of drug abuse and youth mental health.
“Since the Canning by-election I have engaged with service providers and residents across Canning to discuss their concerns about ice,” he said.
Controversially, Mr Hastie jettisoned the development of a written ice action plan – a key election commitment – which he said he would “develop and implement” within 30 days of taking office.
But Mr Hastie said his energies were focussed on the Canning Ice Action Group and a project by the Peel Youth Medical Service to build a $6 million youth health hub in Mandurah to tackle drug addiction and youth suicide.
“The Canning Ice Action Group is united in its support for the PYMS Health Hub, which will provide wrap-around services for 12-24-year-old’s dealing with drug and alcohol abuse, mental health issues, family violence and other concerns,” he said.
A $1 million pledge for the Port Bouvard Surf Life Saving Club redevelopment has been delivered.
Other promises such as more CCTV for the eastern foreshore are on track for completion in the next financial year.
Mr Hastie said he is still working with the state attorney general on laws to double mandatory sentences for people who endanger children with ice.
Labor candidate Barry Winmar criticised Mr Hastie for failing to release a written ice action plan.
“It needs to be articulated in a plan the community understands so they can see how it relates to them directly,” he said.
Mr Winmar said he supported the PYMS health hub project but the community needed to see some progress.
“Youth suicide is a key issue and progression on that model is good, but there needs to be a sense of urgency,” he said.
Nathan Hondros
Senior Journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, and Fairfax Media.
Senior Journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, and Fairfax Media.
