Govt lacks resolve over pool fencing

NEWS that the Gunner Government has backflipped on its promise to review pool safety laws is sadly not surprising.

Following consultation which received almost 1000 responses, the decision has been made not to review. Clearly the Gunner Government is fearful of a voter backlash.

Pool fencing has been a red hot issue among the voting public since the Martin Labor Government caused a firestorm with its clumsy, heavy handed introduction back in 2003. At the time Chief Minister Clare Martin acknowledged it was highly contentious, “but that is no reason to leave it in the too hard basket”.

She was absolutely correct and what has remained in the too hard basket is how the pool fencing laws are applied to rural properties.

History shows us that no government has ever had the courage to tackle the issue of pool fencing laws when it comes to the rural area and now that includes our current one. As it now stands, and will remain, the rules and standards for pool safety barriers are not compulsory for residential properties 1.8ha and larger.

So why shouldn’t rural residents with properties 1.8ha and larger have to have proper safety barriers around their pools and spas? What makes them less likely to have an incidence of drowning? Absolutely nothing.

This Government is dodging its responsibilities to do the right thing.

Pool fences are about the saving of human life, particularly the lives of our young children.