The Ultimate MC Battle to hit Geraldton

Get ready Geraldton, because the ultimate battle of MC's has arrived!

This award-winning sellout show “Comedians vs Rappers” is guaranteed to tickle your fancy - featuring a lineup of WA’s fastest, quick-witted rappers.

Come watch Fringe's best comedians take on the country's best battle rappers, in a war on words and laughs. Comics or Rappers? Who will win? Only time will tell...

“Comedians vs Rappers is essentially a game show filled with different rounds, points, and a DJ who has great timing with his soundboard,” Says Samantha Chemuduri from fringefeed.com.au

No rehearsals, no scripts, just 100% improvisation at it’s finest.

This uber-engaging show has 5 epic rounds packed with audience participation. One of everyone’s favourite rounds is called “Pick Up” which involves coming up with pick up lines for audience members.

The truly unmissable Comedians vs Rappers will take place at The Gerald on the 17th of August. Doors open at 7pm and show starts at 8pm.

Tickets are now on sale at just $25 from eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/comedians-vs-rappers-tickets-48321794789

Tickets can be purchased at the door for $35.

This event is 18+ and proudly presented by Euphorium Creative, formerly known as The Comedy Emporium.

"The best way to watch comedy, is in rap battle" ★★★★ The Music

Cameliers Guesthouse to close after 34 years

Cameliers Guesthouse, Geraldton’s longest serving low cost supported accommodation service will be forced to close its doors on the 30th August due to increased operational costs and revenue challenges that mean we can no longer provide the level of staffing that we need to provide a safe, secure and compliant service to residents and staff.

Fusion senior staff have spent many hours over the past few months meeting with politicians, council, key agencies and other stakeholders to try and secure the resources necessary to continue, but we are very sad to have come to this decision to close Cameliers Guesthouse after no long term sustainable solutions have been reached.

Fusion has been operating Cameliers Guesthouse since 1984, and since the day we began have relied on volunteers, the generosity of the community and partnerships with other local agencies to provide a level of support to the residents and clients that call Cameliers home.  For the 34 years of operation of Cameliers Guesthouse all of our senior management staff have operated at part paid and part volunteer capacity and this has continued right up until today.  In more recent years it has been increasingly difficult to secure the staff that we need and with ever increasing competition for shrinking government funding and more agencies in town the level of cooperation and support has dwindled.  

Increasing compliance regulations, changes to Fairwork Australia rules and increasing costs of wages, power and water have led to ever growing operational cost and requirements.  At the same time our client group have not seen any significant increases in their income, leaving us without a capacity to increase our revenue.  Neither have we been able to secure government funding beyond the small amount of funding we receive to provide a minimal number of crisis beds.  All of these things have contributed to us reaching the point where it is no longer financially or morally right for us to continue to operate Cameliers.

Fusion will continue to provide a cutting edge mental health accommodation service in Geraldton and will look for other opportunities to develop our support those in need in our community.  Over our 34 years in Geraldton, Fusion has built a positive reputation and a broad network of other agencies, caring groups and individuals and we will continue to work with these people and others to serve this community.  We will be working with a number of these partner agencies to assist the current residents at Cameliers Guesthouse to get the accommodation and support that they need.

For more information or interviews contact Alison Hilton on 0423 895 978

Talented youths make chocolate factory even sweeter…


Let Creative Works Youth Theatre take you on an enchanting journey of adventure and delicious treats as Willy Wonka himself launches a worldwide contest to select an heir to his candy empire!

Creative Works Youth Theatre is a fantastic community-based theatre here in Geraldton, putting on the well-known timeless classic, Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. More importantly, it will be performed by our very creative and talented local children right here at Queens Park Theatre.

This family performance of Roald Dahl's beloved tale is suitable for all ages, and is approximately 2 hours with one interval.

So please fill your pockets with sweets and join us in a world of pure imagination...

There will be two spectacularly tasty shows on Saturday the 25th of August 2018 at 2pm and at 7pm.

Tickets are $12 for under 18-year-olds and $18 for an adult, and can be purchased from: https://au.patronbase.com/_QPTheatre/Productions/18CF/Performances

Why not treat yourself and buy a ticket… because let’s face it, muffin compares to Willy Wonk

Port Farewells Mick Price

After almost a 50-year career spent down by the wharfs of Geraldton Port, crane operator Mick Price hung-up his hard hat for the final time on Friday.

While being farewelled by friends and colleagues, some of who he has worked alongside for decades, Mick had the chance to reflect on his 47-year-tenure and the road that brought him there.

He had never been one to shy away from a hard day’s work - even as a 10 year old he was up at the crack-of-dawn to drive a self-propelled header on his parents farm.

As a teenager he was eager to enter the workforce, so much so he even admits to telling a white lie when he first applied for a job at the Port.

“It was 1969, at about this time of year, when I first applied for a job down on the wharfs,” he said.

“I was 16 but In those days you had to be 18 to work here, so I added on a few years and got the job.

“Eventually they found out and told me to come back and try again when I was of age. So that’s what I did and in 1971 I was back again working in maintenance.”

Chuffed with his weekly wage of $49, Mick made sure he worked hard to earn his money.

His duties started out as mixing concrete, replacing the jetties at the Fishing Boat Harbour and painting and replacing the old timber fender systems on the berths.

As the Port expanded, with Mick witness to the construction of berth 5, 6 and 7, his duties also evolved and he went on to sandblasting and maintaining the Port’s machinery.

“I’ve certainly seen some changes down here that’s for sure,” he said.

“Even the tools we started off using - it used to take two of us to work the handoperated drills when we were replacing the fenders.

“I’ve done a lot of different jobs in my time and for the past 10 years I’ve been operating and maintaining our cranes, which I’ve gone up two grades in.

“We’ve got a pretty good group down here and all get on pretty well – I think the thing I’ll miss most is my mates.”

Mick has no plans to slow down in retirement and is eager to spend more time restoring his fleet of vintage cars and machinery, which includes a 39 Ford De Luxe.

When he’s not tinkering with his cars, the rest of his time will most likely be taken up by his nine grandchildren.

Mid West Ports Authority Chief Executive Officer Steve Lewis thanked Mick for his years of service and wished him and his family all the best for the next chapter.

“Mick has been part of the fabric of the Geraldton Port for almost half a century,” he said.

“He takes with him considerable history and memories of how the port has developed over this time.”

Before the end of his final shift, Mick offered some final words of advice for those preceding him.

“I really think making sure we always bring in apprentices and give them the time and effort to learn is really important,” he said.

“I’ve always had a lot of time for the younger guys coming through.

“Other than that, I think it’s important to just get to know the people you’re working with and be social with them.

“Have a beer together every now and then - they could end up being some of your good mates.”

MWPA staff and Board thank Mick for his years of service and wish him a happy and healthy retirement.

Member for Geraldton welcomes speed limit removal

Findings from a recent review suggesting that the 80km/h speed reduction was no longer necessary at the Eneabba railway are welcomed by Member for Geraldton Ian Blayney MLA.

“Minister Saffioti has reassured me that the 110km/h speed limit at the three crossings on the Dongara -Eneabba railway will be reinstated after Main Roads conducted a review into the operations of the railway.

“This is an issue that I’ve been pursuing for some time so I’m glad that it’s now resolved”, said Mr Blayney. “I’ll be happy to see the 80km/h signs removed.

“I wrote to the Minister regarding the issue for the first time at the start of the year after constituents had expressed concerns regarding the reduction in speed limit to 80km/h at these locations.

Mr Blayney said that he agreed with constituents who felt that the speed reductions were unjustified considering the line hasn’t been operational for quite some time.

“If there are no trains, there is no danger and therefore no need for a speed reduction.

Having the 110km/h signs reinstated would also help to reduce the costs associated with replacing the signs when they were knocked down by angry motorists.

“Motorists were needlessly being booked for exceeding the limit at these crossings.

“This caused lots of motorists to become angry and in some cases led to motorists knocking these signs down.

Mr Blayney was advised back in January by Minister Saffioti that a review into the maintenance operations of this railway line, including the need for speed zoning, was being conducted and that the results of this report would be available later in the year.

“I followed up on this review with her a couple of months ago and she has advised that the 110km/h signs will be reinstated shortly.

“Thank you to the community for raising this issue with me.”

Extended trading hours survey circulates

Locals will soon be asked for their opinion about the future of extended trading hours in Geraldton as an online and phone survey circulates.

A 12-month trial of extended general retail trading hours was officially introduced in October last year after given the tick of approval by Minister for Commerce and Industrial Relations Bill Johnston MLA.

Now with three months left in the trial, an independent survey is being conducted by consultants to measure the impact extended trading hours has had on the Geraldton community and local businesses.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn urged people to take the survey if they were called or emailed.

“A sample of our population will be targeted to take the survey via phone or via an online link and I urge those people to have their say as it will have a huge impact on our community,” he said.

“The City has contracted fully independent specialists to conduct the survey to ensure the results best reflect the opinions of our residents and business owners.

“We want to know what is best for our community and therefore we need people to have their say so we can implement the right outcome.”

The survey is currently underway and once the sample is complete a report will be compiled and sent to the Minister for the final decision on extended general retail trading hours in Geraldton.

Visitor Centre deck closed to repair vandalism

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise the decked area under the Morton Bay fig tree located beside the Geraldton Visitor Centre is closed until further notice to repair damage caused by vandals last night.

Members of the community are requested to exercise caution and obey all warning signs and directions from authorised City personnel and contractors.

The City apologises for any inconvenience these works may cause.

If you have any queries please contact the City on (08) 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

Aquarena leisure pool closed for maintenance

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise that the Aquarena will be closing its leisure pool for a period of eight weeks from Monday 16 July through to 9 September 2018 for scheduled maintenance.

The main pool and the hydrotherapy pool will remain open during this time.

Works include tile repairs, installation of new lane rope anchors and the cleaning of the over-head air duct. To ensure public safety during this time the leisure pool will be fenced off.

Customers are requested to obey all warning signs and directions from Aquarena staff during this time.

The City apologises for any inconvenience these works may cause.

If you have any queries please contact the City on (08) 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

Wreck at Dongara beach identified

Research by the Western Australian Museum into a recently discovered shipwreck at 7 Mile Beach in Dongara points to it being the Margaret Ann.

WA Museum Maritime Archaeology Curator Dr Ross Anderson said his work was greatly assisted by leads provided by the local community, after a call out for its help to identify the remains of the motorised wooden cray boat.

Chris Akerstrom contacted the Museum with information that the Margaret Ann LFB16, operated by her late husband Mick Akerstrom, sank at its moorings in the early 1960s and was never salvaged.

“A number of other leads were followed up, but from the available evidence the wreck is most likely the Margaret Ann,” Dr Anderson said.

“It was a 6.6-metre motorised, single-mast, carvel-planked wooden vessel, which matches the archaeological information the Museum had recorded.”

The area where the wreck was found is a haven for fishing boats as it is sheltered from prevailing southerly winds.

Dongara teacher Aletta Bussenschutt, who discovered the vessel at a depth of about three metres while snorkelling and reported the find to the WA Museum, said she is glad a name can be put to the wreck.

“It’s been a great response from the community – hearing old stories from past fishermen and their family members, current fishermen interested in local history have been raising questions, and Dongara District High School students are excited they personally know the finder and can’t wait to go snorkelling on a shipwreck!” Ms Bussenschutt said.

The WA Museum would like to thank everyone who provided information during this investigation.

“Throughout this process we also found out about three other vessels that were wrecked in the area – two of which there were no records of previously,” Dr Anderson said.

“It just goes to show how much valuable information is held by the community!”

Verified information is being added to the Museum’s shipwreck database and is helping document the evolution of the Mid West crayfishing trade.

Central Regional TAFE announced as award finalists

Central Regional TAFE (CRTAFE) are finalists in this year’s WA Training Awards in two categories.

  • WA Large Training Provider of the Year 2018
  • WA Industry Collaboration Award 2018

The Hon Sue Ellery BA MLC, Minister for Education and Training announced the organisational finalists yesterday and said that this year's finalists demonstrate how the training sector delivers vital education and training opportunities while providing important services to the community.

“The WA Training Awards encourage continuous improvement, innovation and excellence in a sector that is critical to building the State's capacity” she said.

CRTAFE is the only regional TAFE amongst the three overall finalists in the WA Large Training Provider of the Year category.

The college is being recognised as a leader in industries such as maritime, agriculture, land management, community services, local government, mining and nursing. Also for continuing to place students, industry partners and strong links with community and Aboriginal people, at the forefront of activities.

There are also three overall finalists in the Industry Collaboration category. CRTAFE are finalists for being the training partners of the Biodiversity Conservation Collaboration Project (in Geraldton) to manage invasive aquatic species and restore key ecosystems on Australia's Coral Coast.

The project gives students real world experience while helping to protect WA's Abrolhos Islands. CRTAFE won the ‘On-ground Coastal Management Award’ for the project earlier this year at the WA Coastal Awards for Excellence.

CRTAFE Acting Managing Director Joanne Payne said it was fantastic to be recognised amongst such an outstanding group of training organisations.

“We are so proud to be finalists and to be recognised for the many achievements we have had over the last year” she said.

“Our staff work tirelessly to support and guide students through their vocational education journey and strive to establish innovative training programs that are beneficial for local industry” she said.

Ms Payne said the college was particularly excited to see the conversation project at the Abrolhos Islands recognised as it has been a significant collaborative effort for the TAFE and project partners, spanning across 4 years and involving over 600 community volunteers, students and stakeholders.

“Staff at our Batavia Coast Maritime Institute still oversee ongoing activities which have resulted from the project to ensure successful outcomes continue into the future” she said.

“We would like to congratulate all of the other finalists of this year’s awards for the great work they do in ensuring the continual improvement of the WA training sector” she said.

Award winners will be announced in September. Winners may also be eligible to compete against the nation's best at the Australian Training Awards later in the year.

National Redress Scheme begins in Durack

Member for Durack Melissa Price said survivors of child sexual abuse living in Durack should apply to the National Redress Scheme that launched on 1 July.

The National Redress Scheme was a recommendation of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

Ms Price said the Scheme was established to provide counselling, an acknowledgement from the institution involved and a redress payment to people who were sexually abused in an institutional setting as children.

“To apply for redress, people will complete a form explaining what happened to them and how it has impacted them. You can do that on paper or online through myGov,” Ms Price said.

“Redress Support Services are available to help people understand the Scheme and complete their application, while free legal and financial support is also available.

“I encourage anyone in Durack who is a survivor of child sex abuse to apply for the Scheme.

“This is an important part of the healing process. Redress will acknowledge the hurt and the harm suffered by survivors, and ensure that institutions take responsibility for the abuse that occurred on their watch, by their people.”

For more information about the National Redress Scheme:

People who need immediate assistance can contact:

  • Lifeline on 13 11 14 (24 hours)
  • 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732
  • MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978

Member for Geraldton elated that Southgate is saved

The decision to refuse the approval of Amendment No. 4 of the City of Greater Geraldton Town Planning Scheme NO. 1A is welcomed by Local Member for Geraldton, Ian Blayney MLA.

“The amendment initiated the planning scheme to rezone the land at Southgate for development purposes”, said Mr Blayney.

“Given the significance of the Southgate Dunes in the region, I am pleased development and subdivision will not be implemented.

Mr Blayney said there was widespread consternation throughout the community when changes enabling the subdivision of 780 hectares on Southgate Dunes were reported in the paper in 2016.

“I wrote to the Minister for Planning several times advising against the proposed changes.

“Southgate is an environmentally sensitive area and any disruption to the dunes may impact on local beaches.

Mr Blayney said that he opposed the changes not only because the dunes are a significant natural asset but also because Geraldton already has problems with beach erosion.

“Any disruption to the sand recharge could further exacerbate coastal erosion in the area.

“This will not only detract from the attractiveness of Geraldton’s beaches but will also add to local government costs as they would have to address such effects.

“I am delighted the Southgate Dunes have been saved.”

Info Sessions on Ward and Councillor review

Community information sessions on potential options to change the current ward system and council representation will be held by the City at the end of the month.

The sessions are part of a review of ward boundaries and the number of Councillors is being undertaken in accordance with the Local Government Act 1995.  All local governments with wards must carry out reviews of their ward boundaries and the number of Councillors for each ward at least once every eight years.  The last time wards and representation were reviewed was in 2011, when the then City of Geraldton-Greenough merged with the Shire of Mullewa.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the purpose of the information sessions are to inform the community on the review process and present the various options for future representation.

“Currently, we have seven wards with 14 elected members and a popularly elected mayor,” he said.

“However, there are a number of options up for consideration which include changing or reducing the number of wards or the number of elected members representing a ward or even abolishing wards altogether.

“The pros and cons of these options will be presented at the information sessions along with the opportunity for attendees to provide their feedback on what they have heard.”

The Geraldton Community Information Session will be on Wednesday 27 June 2018 at 5pm, in the Function Room at the City Civic Centre and the Mullewa Community Information Session will be on Thursday 28 June 2018 at 5pm, in the Dining Room at the Recreation Centre.

Mayor Van Styn encourages everyone to have their say on how they will be represented by local government in the future.

“The feedback we received from the community will help Council identify the system of representation that best reflects the characteristics of our community which include communities of interest, physical and topographical features, demographic trends and economic factors,” he said.

When the Review is complete, a report on the process and Council’s resolution regarding wards and representation will be submitted to the Local Government Advisory Board for assessment against the requirements of the Local Government Act and consideration of any recommended changes. The Board’s recommendations regarding the review are then submitted to the Minister who has the final decision on wards and Councillor representation in the City.

For more information on the review or to make a submission visit the City’s website www.cgg.wa.gov.au

Million Trees Project nears halfway mark

New hessian tree guards, developed by the City in response to community concern regarding using plastic, protect seedlings recently planted by the Sunset Beach Community Group at Triton Place in Sunset Beach.

A recent tally of tree and shrub plantings registered with the Million Trees Project shows the community is on track to reach the halfway mark of 500,000 this winter.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said greening the City region has been the community’s aspiration for many years.

“In 2010, when the 2029 and Beyond Project was launched, we asked the community what would make Greater Geraldton a better place to live and greening our City by planting more trees and shrubs was their top priority,” he said.

“Now eight years in and more than 327,500 tree and shrub plantings later, we are continually asked by the community to keep beautifying streets and public open spaces with more trees.

“That’s why more than 127,000 trees and shrubs are scheduled for planting by community groups, businesses and the City along our foreshore and river reserves over the coming weeks.

“With only 11 years to go till 2029, I am confident together, as a community, can reach the million trees target,” he added.

If you have planted one or more trees or shrubs on your property you can make your trees count by registering them towards the Million Trees Project on the City’s website www.cgg.wa.gov.au

All varieties of trees, including fruit trees and shrubs such as Grevilleas, can be added to the register.

Member for Geraldton urges constituents to attend Ombudsman Complaint Clinics

Member for Geraldton, Ian Blayney MLA is encouraging all members of the community who are having issues with their electricity, gas or water service provider to attend an ombudsman complaint clinic later this month.

“I’ve had a fair few constituents come into the office over the last month that are having problems with their electricity, gas and water service providers.

“This visit from the ombudsman will be a valuable opportunity for the community of Geraldton to raise any concerns they may be having with such providers.

Mr Blayney said that he has written to the Minister for Energy a few times over the last couple of months to bring constituent concerns to the attention of the Department.

“I have been writing to the Minister to ask that concerns raised by members of the community be reviewed and investigated.

“Most recently, I wrote to the Minister regarding the power outage at Port Gregory. The power went out on Thursday and was not fully restored until the following Monday. That is a long time to be without reliable power.

“I asked the Minister that power issues be reviewed by the government and for energy security options for the town of Port Gregory to be given some consideration.

The ombudsman complaints clinic will be held at Pollinators CityHive (184 Marine Terrace) on Wednesday 27 June, 4pm – 6pm and Thursday 28 June, 8:30am -10:30am.

Help needed to identify wreck at Dongara beach

The Western Australian Museum would like the public’s assistance to identify a recently discovered shipwreck about 20 metres offshore at 7 Mile Beach in Dongara.

Regular visitor to the area Aletta Bussenschutt discovered the wreck at a depth of about three metres while recreational diving, and reported the find to the WA Museum.

“I had snorkeled many times at 7 Mile Beach and I was lucky enough to have found the wreck due to the recent swells which had moved the benthic sand,” Ms Bussenschutt said.

“I remember diving down to inspect the wreck further and thinking ‘that’s a wooden hull on the bottom of the ocean!’”

WA Museum Maritime Archaeology Curator Dr Ross Anderson said after inspecting the site, it was identified as the remains of a motorised wooden cray boat.

“The vessel is about seven metres long and was built sometime between the 1950s and 1980s,” Dr Anderson said.

“A timber sample shows it was built in part using jarrah indicating the vessel was built in Western Australia.”

Another artefact recovered was a mammal bone, which points to the wreck occurring before bovine cray baiting stopped in the 1990s.

The area is a haven for fishing boats as it is sheltered from prevailing southerly winds which means the boat may have been moored at the time of sinking.

“As it’s likely the boat wrecked in the relatively recent past, the Museum is asking anyone who may be able to identify the vessel to get in touch,” Dr Anderson said.

“Verified information would be added to the Museum’s shipwreck database and would help document the evolution of the Mid West crayfishing trade.”

Information can be reported to Dr Ross Anderson by phoning 1300 134 081 or emailing reception@museum.wa.gov.au

Gero Rate payers Action Group Letter to the Editor

Hello Rate Payers,

Your ratepayers action group (GRPAG) has been granted a special meeting on 11th June at Queens Park Theatre 7 PM. We are providing a forum for you or ANYONE  ……  to attend and ask questions and provide feedback to councillors.

Those wishing to have questions answered on the night must submit them before 5th June to the City chambers.

We are asking council to live with within the level of rates our community is able to afford.

 Several topics are listed for discussion  including

  1. A CGG rates  freeze for 2018-19
  2. A discussion on finances related to specific topics. Do we need 14 councillors at a cost of around $450,000???  Perhaps a reduction from  14 to 7 councillors
  3. A need for the transparency  and disclosure of financial details  for major contractors
  4. Availability of information to rate payers.  Transparency except in special circumstances.
  5. Council finances..The need for resolutions relating to their analysis and propriety over the last 5 to 8 years

Please read this information and plan to attend on 11th June, to protect your assets.

 

Regards
Dr Barry Thompson
GRPAG              

711 Cadets receive Freedom of Entry

The 711 Squadron Australian Air Force Cadets have received Freedom of Entry to the City.

The 711 Squadron Australian Air Force Cadets have received Freedom of Entry to the City after Council approved the request at this week’s Council Meeting.

The honour will be presented at the 2018 Sunshine Festival on Sunday 30 September.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn also acknowledged the 711 Squadron Australian Air Force Cadets 25 years of service.

“The 711 Squadron has helped a large number of youth reach their true potential and they regularly support community events including Australia Day, ANZAC Day, HMAS Sydney II Memorial services and Variety Club events,” he said.

“The organisation has made a significant contribution to our community and I am proud to honour them with Freedom of Entry to our City.”

Freedom of Entry is a ceremonial honour whereby a military or civilian unit is granted the right of entry to the City.

It is awarded to Australian military and civilian units that have, through their command, a significant attachment to the City of Greater Geraldton. 

The award is conferred in recognition of their achievement while on active service or overseas duty or as a mark of respect and gratitude for their efforts in the defence of Australia.  

David Power, 711 Squadron Commanding Officer, said the honour was very well received.

“It is great to receive recognition for the commitment to youth development in Geraldton over the years,” he said.

“We have had several thousand young people use the Cadets as a great platform to develop remarkable self-confidence and leadership skills, and go onto bigger and better things.”

The conferring of the award of Freedom of Entry, will be held in conjunction with the 2018 Sunshine Festival opening ceremony at 1pm on 30 September 2018, before marching in the Sunshine Festival parade.

Those interested in the 711 Squadron Australian Air Force Cadets can visit www.aafc.org.au or head to the Army Reserve Depot on Monday nights during the school term from 6pm.

Offenders on the loose without being monitored

West Australians were left in the dark when dozens of offenders, some with serious convictions including dangerous sex offences, were unable to be tracked following a telecommunications outage.

Shadow Minister for Corrective Services Zak Kirkup said it was incomprehensible the Government did not alert the community to the dangers posed by offenders able to roam the community without being able to be tracked.

“If there is a telecommunications outage and offenders cannot be tracked, the community needs to be made aware,” Mr Kirkup said.

“Last night in Parliament it was revealed 81 offenders with trackable ankle bracelets had been disconnected from monitoring as a result of the outage.

“The first the community has heard of this is through questioning in Parliament.

“The question must be asked, why did it take questioning in Parliament for this information to be made public?  Why didn’t the Minister bring this to the attention of the public at the height of the risk of these offenders being in public without being able to be monitored.”

Mr Kirkup said the Government needed to assure the public they would not be kept in the dark if there was a similar telecommunications blackout in the future in which offenders were unable to be tracked.

“It is the responsibility of the Minister for Corrective Services to be open and transparent about these very serious and concerning security issues,” Mr Kirkup said.

“He would have received a briefing that the Department had lost track of the offenders as a result of the outage, and he should have insisted on warning the public that this had occurred.

“His failure to do this smacks of a cover up.  I am concerned he may not have wanted the public to know that offenders were out in the public and not being tracked.

“This has only come to light through questioning in Parliament and it would not be surprising if the Government was hoping the questions would not be asked and this incident had not come to light.

“It is now incumbent on the Minister to insist his Department develop a communications protocol to alert the public whenever there is an incident in which tracked offenders are unable to have their movements monitored.

“The public needs to be assured they are protected from these offenders.  This is the Minister’s responsibility and he needs to take action now that this incident, and the potential for further such incidents, has been exposed.”