Independent Member for Alfred Cove Dr Janet Woollard is appalled that school canteens are being charged health insepction fees by the City of Melville.

"While local governments can charge health inspection fees for food businesses under the Food Act 2008, public canteens in the Alfred Cove Electorate are not-for-profit organisations," said Dr Woollard.

"These canteens are run by Parents and Citizens (P&C) Committees who are volunteers, and any money made from food sales goes back to the school community.

"Money raised by P&Cs is used for playground equipment, air-conditioning, purchasing white boards for classrooms or other items to benefit school children."

“This implies that local governments have discretionary powers on whether to charge any fees, and the Department of Health has provided similar guidelines to local governments," said Dr Woollard.

“The City of Melville, like some other local governments, should exercise their discretion and waive charges for not-for-profit organisations such as school canteens.

“Local governments, such as the Town of Vincent and City of Stirling, have made exemptions and do not levy health inspection charges on public school canteens or not-for-profit organisations.”

Dr Woollard said she is aware that the City of Melville’s health inspection fees are higher than those charged by the City of Wanneroo and the City of Joondalup.

“This is a money-making scheme at the expense of our school children,” said Dr Woollard.

“I know of one other local government who has costed this service at $110 per inspection for most outlets and up to $220 for medium to high risk outlets.

“I do not believe school canteens could be considered medium to high risk outlets.

“We know the City of Melville lost more than $20 million in high-risk investments, however, most local governments would have benefitted financially from the changes to the Food Act 2008. I have heard from one local government that their health services would have improved their revenue by 20%.

“I have spoken with several P&C presidents who are appalled that the City of Melville is considering charging school canteens for health inspections.”

Dr Woollard said some school canteens have had to close because they have not been financially viable.

“Parents work voluntarily at the canteens knowing that the money raised goes to a good cause.

“Local governments should be supporting our schools and school canteens, not taking money from them.”

Dr Woollard said the Department of Health and the Director General of the Department of Local Government are in discussions on identifying a uniform approach to exempting certain organisations from these fees.

“I will be lobbying for school canteens and other charitable organisations to be exempted,” said Dr Woollard.

“Parents should contact their local ward councillors and encourage them not to charge the fees.

“Parents can contact the City of Melville or my office to find out who their local government ward councillors are.”