Christmas 2023 message: NW Central MP Merome Beard ends year with pledge to keep fighting for regional WA

As we head into 2024, I’d like to thank you for your support as the Member for North West Central. It’s been a busy year marked by thousands of kilometres on the road and celebrations and challenges across the regions. My number one priority has been to highlight the issues which matter most to you in Parliament to ensure our regions aren’t taken for granted. I’ve fought for issues, such as a lack of resources for our regional health services, changes to the Patient Assisted Travel Scheme (PATS), maternity services in Carnarvon, and highlighted a lack of action on the Meekatharra, Tom Price and Paraburdoo Hospitals and regional workers accommodation. Some others include youth crime and a need for safe spaces and wraparound services, remediation following cyclone Seroja, including the Hamlin Pool Stromatolites Boardwalk, the sealing of the Meekatharra-Wiluna Road and pushing for improved train lighting and passive level crossing safety. I’m looking forward to continuing to work with all our communities across the Mid West and Gascoyne to deliver better outcomes for our regions. A common-sense approach and regional experience are desperately needed in Parliament to ensure the Cook Labor Government is held to account. Wherever you are in our vast electorate, the festive period is a great time to pause and reflect on the past year as well as look forward to the new year. Remember to drive safely across our wonderful regions as you visit friends and family, or as you venture to some of our amazing holiday destinations. Have a very happy Christmas and New Year and please stay safe!