New MP focused on youth issues

He remains passionate about addressing a number of key issues in the electorate, including education, hooning and men’s health.

The former teacher and deputy headmaster, who taught at Cecil Andrews Senior High School for eight years before winning the seat of Forrestfield, said he was particularly interested in youth issues.

‘Education is dear to my heart and I believe it needs to be well resourced and well serviced, which I think it is in this area,’ he said.

Mr Norton secured a 2.1 per cent swing to the Liberals in the March 9 State election to defeat sitting member Andrew Waddell.

At just 35, he is one of the youngest members of the Barnett Government.

‘One of the issues which worries me in this area is hooning, which is just not appropriate in residential streets,’ Mr Morton said.

‘It will end in a tragedy (if something is not done).

‘Newburn Road has been a problem for hooning and there is a primary school there.

‘You don’t want kids to be walking to school and see the aftermath of a tragedy.’

Mr Norton has been building links with local police on the issue and hopes to work with them more in the coming months.

He said men’s health was also a major issue and he was concerned many men often put off visiting a doctor even though they may be ill.

‘Men need to go to the doctor earlier ” before an issue becomes a major problem ” and not let it worsen,’ he said.

‘I want men to understand that it’s OK to ask for help when you need it and that it is a smart thing to do.

‘I’m an advocate for putting more men’s health issues on the agenda,’ he said.

The average age of people in the Forrestfield electorate is 35 years.

‘It indicates that we have a lot of young families and young parents in the area,’ Mr Morton said.

Mr Morton faces a busy year but plans on spending at least two days a week in his electoral office. ‘I miss the students at Cecil Andrews and my colleagues, but I am settling into political life well and enjoying the new challenges that it brings,’ he said.