Planning Minister Rita Saffioti and Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas in row over homeless drop-in centre

Planning Minister Rita Saffioti and Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas are again at loggerheads, this time over plans to relocate a homeless drop-in centre in Northbridge. Ms Saffioti on Thursday used her ministerial powers to “call-in” a decision by the City of Perth to refuse a bid by Ruah Community Services to move the centre from Shenton Street to James Street. The matter was due to be heard by the State Administrative Tribunal but the eleventh-hour intervention by Ms Saffioti means she will now make the final determination on the proposal. It’s not the first time Ms Saffioti, one of the most senior ministers in the McGowan Government, and Mr Zempilas, who is employed by Seven West Media, have clashed. The pair are involved in a long-running arm wrestle over the redevelopment of the WACA ground — specifically over the City of Perth’s refusal to operate a planned public pool. That stance infuriated Ms Saffioti — and her boss Premier Mark McGowan — and it’s still unclear whether it’ll be State taxpayers or council ratepayers who were left to foot the bill. On the homeless drop-in centre issue, Perth MP and Local Government Minister John Carey previously criticised the council for going against the recommendation of their own planners. City of Perth staff said there was no planning reason to knock-back the change of use application, but the council sided with the residents and business owners who were against it. Ruah wants to relocate the centre to James Street as part of plans to turn the existing Shenton Street site into a purpose-built seven-storey facility for women and children fleeing domestic violence. Ms Saffioti told Parliament: “We know that the issues surrounding homelessness are difficult and they are difficult to manage throughout the community. “However, it is important that we stay strong and make decisions that benefit the entire community, and in particular those who are at risk and who need the services. “Without this decision, and without this process, not only would the drop-in centre for the homeless be impacted, but also the application and proposal to build a seven-storey new dedicated facility for family and domestic violence. “It is important that the overall package from the State Government be considered from a strategic point of view.” Mr Zempilas said an overwhelming majority of the local community did not support the relocation of the drop-in centre. “It’s the Minister’s prerogative to call-in any matter and we respect that. But this was a unanimous decision of the City of Perth Council, made in consultation with and on behalf of our ratepayers — the people we represent, and we stand by it,” he said. “The City stands by its commitment and contribution to the homelessness sector, including our Safe Night Space for women which in 12 months of operation has assisted 1000 women on more than 4000 occasions come in off the streets and out of danger and get a good, safe night of rest. “And a reminder, the existing facility on Shenton Street will be replaced by a seven-storey community service centre for women and children. The City accepts it’s responsibility in the homelessness space, but our ratepayers did not want this drop-in centre on James Street and we listened to their concerns.” At next week’s council meeting, councillor Brent Fleeton has tabled a notice of motion to change land use permissibility of any “community centre” to become a “contemplated use”. His motion states this would “avoid future uncertainty/confusion” when dealing with applications like Ruah’s. It would also put the City on firmer ground when wanting to reject such proposals.