Bassendean MLA Dave Kelly fronts the group opposing the disability justice centre.|
Camera IconBassendean MLA Dave Kelly fronts the group opposing the disability justice centre.| Credit: Supplied/Marcus Whisson

Centre is too close for comfort for protesters

Lauren Pilat, Eastern ReporterEastern Reporter

To demonstrate the site’s close proximity to Lockridge Primary School, protesters marched between the site and school.

Led by Bassendean MLA Dave Kelly, the march attracted Labor Leader Mark McGowan, Perth MHR Alannah MacTiernan, West Swan MLA Rita Saffioti and East Metropolitan MLC Amber Sanderson.

Town of Bassendean Mayor John Gangell, City of Swan Deputy Mayor Mick Wainwright and the Lockridge Primary School Parents and Citizens committee and Lockridge High School P&C also attended.

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Mr Kelly said Premier Colin Barnett and Eastern Region Liberal MLCs declined the invitation to attend.

‘A few weeks back the Premier made a comment that the disability detention centre on Lord Street was the one ‘not near a school’,’ he said.

‘So the march was designed to show just how close the Lord Street site is to the Lockridge Primary School.

‘The site is less than 400m from the primary school and across the road from residents’ homes.’

Mr Kelly said the centre was for intellectually impaired people who were charged with a criminal offence and who could pose a risk to the community.