Perth Voice Interactive

PERTH council has given its begrudging approval for Ruah to open a Safe Night Space for Women in James Street, Northbridge.

At this week’s council meeting, mayor Basil Zempilas said he was only putting his hand up to vote for the service because it was inevitable the Cook government would overturn any vote against it.

“I maintain that the middle of our entertainment precinct on James Street is not the best location for a service of this type,” Mr Zempilas said.

“It’s a view that is supported by many in our city community and it’s a view that we heard reinforced by some of those who gave deputations in this chamber last week. 

“But I accept for all of the reasons above; at present, it is the only location that is on the table.”

Noting that the safe space was originally a City of Perth idea, Mr Zempilas said returning the Rod Evans Centre where it initially opened to the community had been justified by its current use.

Justified

He said since being re-opened as a community centre, the centre had been used by dance and theatre groups, singers, magicians, a church, community and writers’ group and for school holiday programs.

“I read that list out because as is absolutely evident from that, our commitment to return the Rod Evans Centre to the community was genuine and that is exactly what we have done.

“Only one incident at the Rod Evans Centre in December 2023 was recorded and zero incidents in January 2024. By comparison, in December of 2022, there were 12 recorded CCTV incidents and 12 in November of 2023.”

Mr Zempilas successfully moved an amendment to ensure a security guard is positioned outside the building at all times.

Cr Brent Fleeton said he really felt for local residents who’d already complained about behaviour stemming from clients of Ruah, which will operate the safe space.

He said the council was forced to ignore the pleas of residents who outlined a litany of problems at a council briefing last week and blamed housing minister John Carey.

Couldn’t listen

“He’s obviously very close with Ruah,” Cr Fleeting said.

“We weren’t allowed to listen to those people last week, we could listen to them, but we couldn’t take into account what they were saying.”

Mr Zempilas revealed he’d suggested an alternative site on Aberdeen Street which didn’t get Mr Carey’s support, which Cr Fleeton said made no sense.

“We had an option that the lord mayor put forward, which was closer to Royal Perth Hospital, and we heard the applicant say that most of their referrals come from Royal Perth.

“[The James Street site] is a long way from Royal Perth, and people will get into a taxi and will attend this site.

“This is just a really ill-thought-out application.”

by STEVE GRANT