Western Australia's Members of Parliament are being called back to work for an additional day to deal with a suite of priority legislation from Premier Roger Cook. The extraordinary parliamentary sitting, scheduled for Thursday, 27 February, aims to push through several key bills before the usual winter break.
What's on the Legislative Agenda?
The government has listed four specific pieces of legislation for urgent passage. The most prominent is the Housing Legislation Amendment Bill 2023. This bill is a cornerstone of the government's strategy to tackle the state's housing crisis. It is designed to accelerate the delivery of new homes by streamlining planning processes and unlocking land for development.
Another critical bill is the Criminal Law Amendment (Unlawful Entry and Assaults on Police) Bill 2024. This proposed law seeks to introduce harsher penalties for individuals who assault police officers or commit serious offences during unlawful entries, such as home invasions. The move follows community and police union concerns over officer safety.
The remaining bills on the agenda are the Statutes Amendment Bill 2023 and the Local Government Amendment (Rating and Other Matters) Bill 2024. These are considered machinery-of-government bills aimed at updating various administrative and regulatory processes.
Why the Rush Before Winter?
The decision to recall MPs stems from the parliamentary calendar. The winter recess is lengthy, and the Cook government is keen to see this legislation enacted without the significant delay that the break would impose. By passing these bills now, the government can begin implementation sooner, particularly the housing measures which are under intense public scrutiny.
This extra sitting day demonstrates Premier Cook's intent to advance his government's policy agenda proactively. It signals a focus on delivering on election promises and addressing pressing issues like housing affordability and community safety head-on. The recall requires crossbench support to suspend standing orders, but with a majority government, the passage of the bills is anticipated.
Implications and Political Context
The recall is a clear statement of legislative priorities from the Cook Labor government. Fast-tracking the housing bill allows the government to demonstrate tangible action on one of the most critical issues facing West Australians. Similarly, the criminal law amendments allow the Premier to showcase a firm stance on law and order.
While the government frames the move as necessary and efficient, it is likely to attract criticism from the opposition. They may argue that complex legislation deserves more thorough debate and scrutiny rather than being rushed through in a single day. The political dynamics of the extra sitting will be watched closely, as it sets the tone for the government's approach in the lead-up to the next election cycle.
Ultimately, this extra parliamentary day is a strategic manoeuvre. It is designed to clear the legislative deck before the winter recess and ensure that key government initiatives do not lose momentum. For WA residents, the immediate impact will be felt in the accelerated planning for new housing and a strengthened legal stance against crimes targeting police and homes.
