Perth Royal Show: WA Health Minister says local workers should be hired to fill gaps brought on by hard border

Positions previously filled by interstate workers at the Perth Royal Show should be covered by West Australians this year, according to WA Health Minister Roger Cook. “Ride operators” from potentially hotspot states such as NSW and Victoria are included in the application by the Royal Agricultural Society of WA (RASWA) for 70 border exemption. The deputy premier has questioned why West Australians couldn't fill the gaps this year, reminding organisers that rides and sideshow alleys aren't considered "an essential part of our economy". RASWA revealed it “is in preliminary discussions” with WA Police and WA Health officials for specialist ride operators from the Eastern States to be exempt and permitted to enter WA and perform their role at the 2020 Perth Royal Show. "We believe it's important that we maintain the hard borders and that as much as we all like, the rides and sideshow alleys, we don't consider it an essential part of our economy," Mr Cook told The West Live. "There are operators who can perform in Western Australia and we should be looking to engage local people. "I think one of the great mantras the Premier has led the community with as we ease restrictions and get our economy working is 'Western Australians can do the work, Western Australians can be employed'. "Certainly, when it comes to the Royal Show we expect the Royal Agricultural Society to engage with local ride operators." RASWA chief executive Peter Cooper on Sunday said that like any organisation, the RASWA was “bound by the laws and regulations" and there were "no special arrangements". Also speaking to podcast host Jenna Clarke this morning, WA Showmen’s Association president Mitchell Ross said some east-coast workers would be needed. The industry veteran called for the Government to help with quarantine requirements. "We have enough (in WA) to do the easier jobs but you (don't) just train somebody for a ride. These aren't just casual staff that they're trying to bring in from the eastern seaboard. These are the operators and the showmen themselves,” Mr Ross said. "I agree with the Health Minister I think if we can employ West Australian people we should, however, there are not all West Australian people trained to do some of the jobs that are there. "If the Government would find it in their power to come forward with permitting people to come in from the eastern seaboard and let them quarantine, let them in the State. "I agree with our hard borders. I think that nobody should be exempt from doing the two weeks quarantine. Let's keep the show safe for everybody involved."