Rita Saffioti: After 16 years, it’s hard to imagine the Dockers without Nat Fyfe

1. This week I met with transport ministers from across the country on a number of issues including the regulation of e-rideables. It was clear that all States believe more needs to be done in regulating the use and importation of e-rideables. WA will be working with the Commonwealth to see how quickly we make changes to support the regulation of e-rideables in the community. 2. We are proud of the incredibly strong public transport patronage results this week. Patronage surged to near-record levels with nearly 149 million boardings last financial year. Public transport is an efficient and affordable way to move around, and more public transport use reduces congestion on our roads. 3. Our Government is committed to creating safer roads and that’s why we’ve announced the Regional Road Safety Program will be expanded to local government roads for the first time. There’s been $39 million invested across a total of 27 projects which will see 428km of local government roads upgraded to reduce the incidence of run-off and head-on collisions. 4. Some welcome news for WA families this week with the RBA cutting interest rates for a third time. Business investment, retail spending and exports will also benefit from lower interest rates which will all go towards further strengthening our economy. 5. We are investing in a range of new measures to support new homes in WA. I was pleased to see construction start on the Smith Street build to rent project in Highgate this week. It will deliver more than 100 apartments and is another example of how we’re meeting our priorities by boosting social and affordable housing supply as well as increasing options close to the city. 6. Emergency Services Minister Paul Papalia launched a new fleet of RAC Rescue helicopters as part of a $26.7m commitment to bolster WA’ emergency response. The new helicopters can fly faster and further, helping improve capability to keep communities safe across our vast State. 7. Yesterday we kicked off the 100-day countdown to the men’s Ashes series between Australia and England by unveiling a giant cricket ball clock in Yagan Square. This Ashes test will attract thousands of tourists from overseas. Already 14,000 tickets have been sold overseas and more than 15,000 interstate. It’s going to be the best West Test ever. 8. Perth is days away from hosting a major global event showcasing the technology of tomorrow to WA’s decision-makers of the future. The Resources Technology Showcase is designed to ignite young minds and inspire the next generation of innovators, so I encourage families to check out the free STEM exhibitions on Sunday and see where your curiosity takes you. 9. My last two points this week are dedicated to Nat Fyfe. He’s been a loyal servant to the Fremantle Dockers, I’m sure he would have had plenty of offers in his time to move away from our team, but he stuck by us and lead us through the highs and lows. It’s hard to think of the Fremantle Dockers without Nat Fyfe. 10. There have been so many highlight reels on radio, TV, and social media of Nat Fyfe over his 16 year career. His incredible marking, his explosive pace, his never say die attitude and of course his two Brownlow medals are something I’ll remember forever. Rita Saffioti is the Deputy Premier

Rita Saffioti: After 16 years, it’s hard to imagine the Dockers without Nat Fyfe

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