Mr McGowan said the government had met its obligations at other hotels housing ‘tent city’ rough sleepers and those who had booked the rooms at Perth City Apartments should be held to account.
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“My experience with this issue is the activists have continuously exploited some of those vulnerable people and they should stop,” he said.
“The ratepayers of WA cannot be held to account when private citizens book hotel rooms, it’s just not a fair way to approach things. If the system becomes that anyone can go and book a room and send the bill to the state, the taxpayers will be on the hook for millions and millions of dollars.”
Mr McGowan fell short of committing to re-housing the hotel’s rough sleepers after they are moved out on Wednesday, but said the government’s offer to work in a constructive way was still on the table for those who chose to work with authorities.
“If you go into supported accommodation you have to adhere to the rules and that is don’t take drugs and don’t act violently so that’s what we expect from people we assist,” he said.
In a statement, Perth City Hotel owner Eddy Kamil and accountant Anthony Coll said they would buy tents for those being asked to leave the hotel.
“We hate to do this. Among them are young families, people in wheelchairs, pregnant mothers, and one woman who gave birth last week,” the pair wrote.
“The government promised they would pay, and they haven’t, so they have to leave tomorrow morning. We deeply regret it has come to this.”
