HESPERIA director Adrian Fini said the only way we’re going to have an efficient government was “when Canberra burns down,” during the ‘Midland the new Dalkeith’ business breakfast last Friday.

Mr Fini was asked a question related to bureaucracy and the frustration of big developments, such as the Bullsbrook Centre of National Resilience, sitting idle when they could be used as available accommodation for people in need.

The crowd cheered and applauded the question as Mr Fini prepared to give his answer.

Mr Fini said the lack of leadership and thousands of excuses that went all the way back to Canberra were responsible for the long wait times for development completion.

“As I mentioned, the film studios took 23 years. The state buildings took 20-something years. So, we work with government every day,” he said.

“We’ve got a federal capital sitting only for politicians that doesn’t actually touch normal people, it’s ludicrous.”

This line of questioning came off the back of another emotive question put to the keynote speaker regarding housing ex-offenders, so they did not relapse into old habits.

Hanssen Construction leading hand Scott Locke said he owed his success of staying out of jail to his adequate housing and asked Mr Fini what could be done for others.

“Because part of the problem is when people come out of jail, there’s no housing. Part of my success rate is coming out from ReSet,” he said.

“When you get into work, and you live in a hostel, and people are using drugs, after a while that wears you down.

“For me, I don’t do that, but I live in my own house and that’s part of my success rate.

“I believe for us ex-offenders, we need, please, housing. That stops everything.”

Mr Fini said he was passionate when he was working for the state housing commission but it’s a gruelling job.

“I’ve got submissions in presently on 500 or 700 build-to-rent models with federal and state funding,” he said.

“My staff, and one of my sons works on it. They’re worn out.

“The ministers can’t get to the bottom of it. Obviously, the previous minister was removed. There’s a new one trying.

“They’ve kind of tried to tear it apart and put the housing component back with DevelopmentWA. It’s maybe going to get there this year. I don’t know.

“But you’ve just had a government department that actually hasn’t been able to operate for about a decade, sadly.”

Mr Fini ended his keynote speech reminding the attendees that everything could be better and not to forget their vision.

“Change does take a long time, but you’ve got to actually know what you’re aiming at,” he said.

“Continually readjust your sight. Don’t assume you know the answer. Keep actually trying to refocus and review to achieve hitting that star that you want to hit.

“It’s a lot of effort, but it’s a lot of fun.”