RISING business costs, flooding and the proposed Bullsbrook prison were among the issues raised with WA Liberal parliamentarians during a recent series of visits across Swan Hills and the Swan Valley.
The visits took place late last month alongside the state Liberal Party’s annual conference at The Vines, with members meeting local business owners, residents and community organisations to hear about the challenges facing the region.
Guildford-based MLC Anthony Spagnolo said it was important for his parliamentary colleagues to hear these concerns firsthand.
“One of the reasons I was pleased to have the parliamentary team here was the opportunity to get my colleagues out into the community and see what local businesses and residents are dealing with,” Mr Spagnolo said.
“Many of these issues have been raised with my office and in parliament, and it was valuable for other members to hear about them directly.”
Parliamentarians visited businesses including Ellenbrook IGA, Wafex Australia and several Swan Valley producers, while a small business roundtable at Mrs Rabbit’s Tea Rooms brought local operators together with Shadow Minister for Small Business Steve Martin MLC and Libby Mettam MLA.
At the Rose and Crown Hotel in Guildford, owner Mark estimated the Liberal Party’s recently announced payroll tax policy could save his business approximately $21,000 annually.
The Liberal policy would increase WA’s payroll tax-free threshold from $1 million to $1.5m, providing tax relief to an estimated 14,500 employers, including 3500 businesses that would no longer pay payroll tax.
“Businesses are facing higher costs across the board, and payroll tax is another expense that makes it harder to grow and employ people,” Mr Spagnolo said.
“Labor has left the tax-free threshold unchanged since 2020, despite wages continuing to rise. Our policy would give thousands of WA employers some much-needed relief.”
The visits also included meetings with Bullsbrook residents concerned about the Cook government’s possible conversion of the former quarantine facility into a prison, and representatives of the Swan Communities Environmental Alliance about flooding, drainage and development across the Swan Valley.
Mr Spagnolo joined WA Liberal Leader Basil Zempilas at Providence Lifestyle Village in Henley Brook, while other parliamentary colleagues visited the State Equestrian Centre in Brigadoon.
“Whether it’s the ongoing water problems in the Swan Valley or the uncertainty surrounding the Bullsbrook facility, residents deserve clear answers from the state government,” Mr Spagnolo said.
“These are issues I have been raising in parliament for some time, and having my colleagues hear directly from the people affected reinforces why we need to keep pursuing them.”
