Rescue chopper sparks heated debate in parliament

Discussion over the future of the Bunbury-based RAC Rescue Helicopter heated up yesterday when Bunbury MLA Don Punch was given several warnings during a grievance in parliament.

Nationals Warren-Blackwood MLA Terry Redman presented the grievance saying the State Government blaming the Liberal and National parties’ blocking of the proposed gold royalty was “deplorable”.

“To make a link between support for an extra royalty, an extra tax on miners in Western Australia to support for the rescue helicopter in the South West is deplorable,” Mr Redman said.

“The people of the South West are seriously concerned about the status of the funding for their rescue helicopter, which has run 400 missions in the South West.

“This Government is playing with people’s lives.”

During the deputation Mr Punch was warned several times by acting speaker Ian Blayney.

“Your voice isn’t really one that upsets the apple cart, but I am hearing the constant interjections and I will call you if I have to,” Mr Blayney said.

Mr Punch was eventually reprimanded.

Mr Punch told the South Western Times today that Mr Redman’s comments were “cynical politics” and said the Nationals were “whipping up unfounded fears”.

“The only reason we are even talking about funding for the South West rescue helicopter is that Mr Redman’s Liberal National Government only funded the operation of this service for two years with no further funding allocated beyond 30 June 2018,” Mr Punch said.

“The McGowan Government has not cut funding to the South West Rescue Helicopter, the current funded contract is in place and I am confident a proper solution for the continuation of the service will be found.

“It is his party whipping up unfounded fears in our community and he has the gall to suggest the McGowan Government is playing with people’s lives.

“I am appalled that the Nationals are deliberately creating anxiety and uncertainty in our community.

“The Nationals need to work with me to support effective solutions and not just carp from the sidelines.”

Emergency Minister Fran Logan responded to Mr Redman’s grievance calling it a “stunt” from a former minister.

Mr Logan referred to the front page of yesterday’s Times – where an Elgin family made an emotional plea for funding to be secured – accusing the Nationals of pushing the story.

Mr Redman said today the Government could still give no assurance of funding and waiting until the mid year Budget review was “too late”.

“Residents of the South West remain in the dark as to the ongoing status of this essential lifesaving service,” Mr Redman said.

“The resources are already there in Royalties for Regions to continue funding the South West emergency rescue helicopter.”