Statements

AI Summary

The Minister for Defence outlined the success of the Indian Ocean Defence and Security Conference and Exhibition held in Perth from 26-28 May, which attracted nearly 10,000 attendees from 36 nations and doubled attendance since 2024. The government announced the establishment of the Western Defence Forge to encourage defence manufacturing capabilities in Western Australia and signed a memorandum of understanding with the Perth Wildcats on skills development, positioning the state to support new defence initiatives including the arrival of US Navy submarines in 2027.

AI Summary

The Better Together Ball, held during the Indian Ocean Defence and Security Conference on 27 May 2026, raised more than $250,000 for Legacy WA and RSLWA to support veterans and families across Western Australia. The sold-out event brought together over 1,100 members of the veteran community, serving personnel, and defence industry representatives in support of these organisations.

AI Summary

Dr Tony Buti announced that three members of the Western Australian judiciary were recognised in this year's King's Birthday Honours List: former Supreme Court Justice Rene Le Miere and Deputy Chief Magistrate Elizabeth Woods were appointed Members of the Order of Australia, and former Deputy State Coroner Evelyn Vicker received the Medal of the Order of Australia, in recognition of their distinguished legal careers and service to the state.

AI Summary

Dr Tony Buti delivered a ministerial statement during Refugee Week highlighting the contributions of refugees to Western Australia and Australia, citing examples including Socceroos player Nestory Irankunda whose family fled civil war in Burundi. The statement emphasised that Australia has issued one million permanent humanitarian visas since World War II and encouraged Western Australians to support welcoming communities that recognise the shared values and mutual respect that unite diverse populations.

AI Summary

Dr Tony Buti announced the five-year anniversary of the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages' online certificate application service and the second anniversary of online birth registrations, highlighting that over 90% of birth registration applications are now made online. The minister noted that these digital services have improved accessibility for all Western Australians, enhanced data accuracy, and reduced administrative burden through eliminating paper-based processes.

AI Summary

Ms Simone McGurk paid tribute to Bridget Grocke, who passed away at 111 years of age on 4 June, acknowledging her as Western Australia's second-oldest resident and highlighting her remarkable life spanning over a century, including her close family relationships and her attributed longevity to daily rituals.

AI Summary

Minister Simone McGurk marked World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, noting that elder abuse affects one in six older Western Australians across financial, physical, sexual, psychological and emotional dimensions. The Cook government is supporting community awareness initiatives through grants to regional organisations, funding events across Western Australia, and providing the WA Elder Abuse Helpline and Information Service (1300 724 679) for those seeking confidential support.

AI Summary

Western Australian Music's Song of the Year 2026 awards, held on 27 May, attracted over 800 song submissions across 17 categories, with Coco Elise winning the grand prize for "Colour the Stencil". The Cook Labor government continues its 30-year partnership supporting the awards through funding via Healthway and the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport, recognising the strength and diversity of WA's live music talent.

AI Summary

Member for Bunbury Don Punch delivered a tribute to Gloria Dann, a respected Noongar elder and educator from Bunbury who passed away on 16 April, highlighting her significant contributions to Aboriginal language education and community engagement over her lifetime.

AI Summary

Don Punch reported that the South West region has experienced record investment in economic diversification over the past 12 months, highlighted by initiatives including the Collie Futures Small Grants Program supporting business transition, the Transforming Bunbury's Waterfront project, and regional economic development grants backing advanced manufacturing, agriculture, tourism and horticulture across various communities. The government committed to continuing support for the region through investment in skills, local business support and job creation.

AI Summary

Mr Reece Whitby delivered a ministerial statement recognising National Police Legacy Day on 17 June, marking the anniversary of Australia's first police legacy organisation established in Queensland in 1971, and acknowledging the work of WA Police Legacy since 1992 in supporting families of fallen officers through financial assistance and emotional support. The government is commemorating the day through blue illumination of landmarks, a commemorative event at Government House, and distributing St Michaelmas daisy pins to parliament members and the public.

AI Summary

Western Australian Police officers were recognised in the 2026 King's Birthday honours, with Mechelle Turvey awarded the Order of Australia Medal for her work in Aboriginal affairs and victim support, and four officers receiving the Australian Police Medal for distinguished service in areas including family violence reform, criminal investigations, forensic operations and police welfare protocols.

AI Summary

The Minister for Tourism announced the Cook Labor government's $20 million investment through the 2026–27 state budget to deliver the next stage of the Jina: Western Australian Aboriginal Tourism Action Plan 2026–2030, which aims to expand Aboriginal tourism experiences, increase Aboriginal employment in the sector, and raise consumer awareness of cultural tourism offerings across the state. The new plan builds on the previous phase's success, which grew Aboriginal tourism businesses from 110 to 150, and will support initiatives including expanding campground networks, funding cultural events, and providing workforce and business development programs.