David Bolt

LP WA

AI Summary

• WA's home building approvals fell to their lowest in six months with only 1842 approvals in December 2025, a 10.5% drop from November.
• Total approvals for 2025 were 23,991, which is 7% lower than 2021 and 27% lower than in 2014 under the Barnett Liberal Government.
• Shadow Minister David Bolt criticises the government for not addressing the skilled labour shortage and failing to meet housing targets, urging for collaboration with the construction sector.

AI Summary

• David Bolt calls for an extension of the WA Rent Relief Program, ending December 31, amid rising rental costs in Perth.
• Perth has been identified as the least affordable rental market in Australia for the second consecutive year.
• The median rent in WA has surged by 118% over four years, with renters now spending over 30% of their income on housing.
• There is a shortfall of 7,700 homes in Perth's rental market and over 23,000 public housing applications pending.
• The Cook Labor Government is accused of inadequately addressing the housing crisis, necessitating urgent action.

AI Summary

• The review of standing orders is essential for effective parliamentary operations and accountability to the public.
• The operational cost of Parliament is approximately $129 million for the 2026-27 financial year, highlighting the need to maximise efficiency during sitting days.
• The discussion paper aims to update rules and practices, considering modern technologies and public expectations, and invites feedback from members and stakeholders.

AI Summary

• Acknowledges the minister and advisers for clarifying concerns during the debate.
• Supports the need for reform of the outdated Cambridge Endowment Land Act 1920 to enhance housing density and diversity.
• Emphasises the importance of local government input and transparency in the amendment process.
• Affirms the opposition's belief in the house's power to change the law, provided it is done with proper consultation.
• Concludes by stating the opposition will support the bill following the clarifications provided.

Great to host Year 11 and 12 students from Austin Cove Baptist College at State Parliament this week for a tour and discussion about how Parliament works. We had a great behind-the-scenes conversation about how bills are introduced, debated and passed into legislation, and the important role Parliament plays in our democracy.

Great to catch up with the team at Harvey Connect on Uduc Road recently. They do an amazing job supporting local seniors, helping people stay connected, providing meals and creating a welcoming space for the Harvey community. The new upgrades look terrific, and just as importantly, the Rolls-Royce of coffee machines is state-of-the-art! Thanks for showing me around and for all the work you do.

I recently had the privilege of touring WA Wildlife in Bibra Lake, Darling Range Wildlife Shelter and Kanyana Wildlife in Lesmurdie. I was impressed by both the quality of care provided and the sheer scale of the work these organisations do every day. WA Wildlife alone admits more than 6,000 sick and injured animals each year, answers more than 15,000 wildlife-related calls, and is supported by more than 100,000 volunteer hours. Kanyana Wildlife admits more than 2,600 animals annually, whil...

It was great to meet with George and Chris, two passionate local residents who have spent many years observing and monitoring the health of the Leschenault Estuary in Australind. They shared their concerns with Hon. Michelle Boylan MLC and me about changes they have observed first-hand in the estuary over time, including the health of fish, marine mammals and birdlife. We also discussed the importance and need for robust and ongoing scientific environmental monitoring, including around harb...