ONE REFUGE FOR WARREN-BLACKWOOD
Bevan used his second grievance of the term to demand a family and domestic violence refuge in Warren–Blackwood, presenting a costed, community-backed model after 160 days of inaction since his first grievance in December.
Bevan's Exact Words in Parliament
"Violence does not pick postcodes, and neither should safety."
What Happened Next
The Minister for Women, standing in for the unwell Minister for Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence, confirmed the department is progressing outreach improvements in Bridgetown and Manjimup but made no commitment to a refuge. The government stated it "will continue to investigate ways to improve responses" in Warren–Blackwood.
HOSPITAL BUSINESS CASE STILL HIDDEN
Bevan pressed the Health Minister to say when Margaret River Hospital will get the capacity it needs, after years of pressure on services in one of WA’s fastest growing regions.
Bevan's Exact Words in Parliament
"When will the minister release the business case for the desperately required upgrades to Margaret River Hospital?
What Happened Next
The Minister for Health did not commit to funding the upgrade or releasing the business case. She said she would talk to the Minister for Health Infrastructure about whether it was proposed to release the business case.
WARREN–BLACKWOOD LEFT OUT OF BUDGET
Bevan used his budget reply to put Warren–Blackwood’s unfunded health, education, housing, roads and aged-care needs on the record after key local projects were left out of the 2025–26 budget.
Bevan's Exact Words in Parliament
"What we are asking for in Warren–Blackwood is not aspirational; it is essential. We are talking about health, education, affordable housing and road safety—just the basics."
What Happened Next
Bevan has written to the relevant Minister seeking a response.
MARGARET RIVER SCHOOL LEFT OVERCROWDED
Bevan called out the Government for leaving Margaret River Senior High School out of the budget despite overcrowded classrooms, rising enrolments and repeated requests from the school community.
Bevan's Exact Words in Parliament
"We cannot let geography determine the quality of a child's education. It is not world-class education; it is a second-class service."
What Happened Next
The Minister for Tertiary and International Education responded for the Government and said it would not support the motion. He did not commit to funding stage 2 of the Margaret River Senior High School upgrade.
FORESTRY SHUTDOWN PUTS COMMUNITIES AT RISK
Bevan challenged the Government’s native forestry shutdown, warning it has cost Warren–Blackwood jobs, fire crews, local suppliers and forest knowledge without a clear transition plan.
Bevan's Exact Words in Parliament
"We have not just lost trees; we have lost the operational infrastructure that kept our forests and communities safe from bushfires."
What Happened Next
Bevan has written to the relevant Minister seeking a response.
LOCALS SHAPE BETTER REGIONAL POLICY
Bevan recognised Warren–Blackwood locals who helped review firearms law and forest policy, saying the people closest to the land must be heard when decisions affect regional communities.
Bevan's Exact Words in Parliament
"What has become clear is that the people closest to the land—those who work it, care for it and defend it—are often the most knowledgeable and the least heard."
What Happened Next
Bevan has written to the relevant Minister seeking a response.
KEEP EDUCATION MONEY IN SCHOOLS
Bevan called for the $36 million public education endowment to stay in education, pointing to overcrowding at Margaret River Senior High School and other Warren–Blackwood schools that need basic facilities.
Bevan's Exact Words in Parliament
"That money was meant for our kids, our classrooms and our schools."
What Happened Next
Bevan has written to the relevant Minister seeking a response.
VOLUNTEERS KEEP OUR REGION RUNNING
Bevan used National Volunteer Week to recognise Warren–Blackwood volunteers who keep local emergency, health, aged-care and wildlife services running.
Bevan's Exact Words in Parliament
"In Warren–Blackwood, we rely on volunteers not just to support our community, but to run it."
What Happened Next
Bevan has written to the relevant Minister seeking a response.
FIREARMS LAWS MISS THE MARK
Bevan backed the disallowance of the Firearms Regulations 2024, warning that the rollout is placing unfair costs and barriers on law-abiding rural firearm owners, farmers and volunteers who manage animal welfare, biosecurity and pest control.
Bevan's Exact Words in Parliament
"Gun ownership in rural WA should not be demonised. It should not be politicised. It should be understood."
What Happened Next
The Minister for Police said the government would vote against the disallowance motion and defended the Firearms Act as fit for purpose. He made no commitment to change the regulations. The motion was defeated 37 votes to 13.
REGIONAL PEOPLE ARE NOT SECOND-CLASS
Bevan used his first speech to set out the practical fights he will take on for Warren–Blackwood, from health care and housing to water, forestry, farming and keeping young people in the region.
Bevan's Exact Words in Parliament
"The people of Warren–Blackwood can be confident in our future, to know that as the places we live in change over time, I will do everything I can to ensure that the people living in those places will be supported because regional people should never be second-class citizens just because we live outside the city."
What Happened Next
Bevan has written to the relevant Minister seeking a response.
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Bevan's Exact Words in Parliament
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What Happened Next
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