❓ Treasurer Ripper deflects a question about WA's GST share and stamp duty rates by blaming the Commonwealth Grants Commission and criticising the opposition's financial understanding, while highlighting WA's economic success and low tax rates.
AnsweredQoN 39Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
GOODS AND SERVICES TAX — STAMP DUTY RATES 39. Mrs J. HUGHES to the Treasurer: Can the Treasurer explain why Western Australia’s declining share of goods and services tax payments has nothing to do with stamp duty rates? Mr E.S. RIPPER
AnswerView source ↗
Earlier this month we had an unfortunate decision from the Commonwealth Grants Commission, which is recommending a $350 million — Mr M.W. Trenorden : Tell us about Rudd. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : — cut to Western Australia’s — Mr M.W. Trenorden : Tell us about Rudd. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the second time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : — share of the GST revenue for 2008-09 on a per capita basis. Western Australia has had the largest cut of all the states—$154 per person. The future is not good, because if the grants commission continues to make these types of recommendations — Mr M.W. Trenorden : Tell us about Rudd. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the third and final time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : If the grants commission continues to make these types of recommendations, and if the Western Australian economy continues to outperform that of the other states, our share of GST will be cut to 5.8 per cent by 2011-12. If that happens, over those years to the end of 2011-12, $6 billion will be taken out of the state’s finances. Western Australia’s GST distribution is now the lowest of all jurisdictions. If we receive 5.8 per cent of the goods and services tax in 2011-12, that will compare with our population share at that time, which will be more than 10.2 per cent. That is a heavy price to pay for the economic success that we have been enjoying. Rather than joining with the government to explain the situation to the community and to present a case to the rest of the nation about what Western Australia needs, the opposition has been immature — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! I call the members for Capel and Darling Range to order. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The immature and inexperienced opposition has revealed its absolute financial naivety. The shadow Treasurer called for stamp duty cuts, which he said would solve the problem. That is utter nonsense! Either the opposition is very inexperienced and immature or it has deliberately misled the Western Australian population. I will explain what happens. It is not the level of taxes that drives our GST share; rather, it is the Commonwealth Grants Commission’s estimate of our economic capacity to raise revenue. That makes sense, because if tax rates were the issue, all the states would compete to reduce tax rates knowing that the GST would make up the difference. The plain fact is that even if Western Australia’s stamp duty rate were zero, and even if our tax rates were zero, that would make no difference to our share of GST. I will also address the question of the level of taxation in Western Australia. We have a much richer economy than that of the other states; indeed, we are $20 000 per capita richer than the other states. However, our share of the economy going to taxes is the second lowest in the country. In other words, our taxes are the second lowest in the country. I refer to first home buyer stamp duty exemptions. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! I call the members for Darling Range and Capel to order for the second time. Mr J.H.D. Day interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The member for Darling Range wants me to answer his question, not the question that I was asked, which is the question that I will answer! Our tax level situation bears some explanation to the house. For example, we have the most generous first home buyer stamp duty exemptions in the nation. Western Australia’s land tax on properties valued between $100 000 and $750 000 and up to $10 million is by far the lowest of any state. When we abolish mortgage duty on 1 July, we will have abolished 10 state taxes since coming to power in 2001. Although the shadow Treasurer has revealed his financial naivety and immaturity, he has a chance to make amends because he can support the bill that the government will introduce today to reduce stamp duty by five per cent from 1 July 2008. The whole question of Western Australia’s GST share deserves a mature debate in this community. It is a very important issue for the future of this community. Unfortunately, the opposition’s financial naivety has undermined its capacity and credibility in such a debate.
GOODS AND SERVICES TAX — STAMP DUTY RATES
Can the Treasurer explain why Western Australia’s declining share of goods and services tax payments has nothing to do with stamp duty rates? Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: Earlier this month we had an unfortunate decision from the Commonwealth Grants Commission, which is recommending a $350 million — Mr M.W. Trenorden : Tell us about Rudd. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : — cut to Western Australia’s — Mr M.W. Trenorden : Tell us about Rudd. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the second time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : — share of the GST revenue for 2008-09 on a per capita basis. Western Australia has had the largest cut of all the states—$154 per person. The future is not good, because if the grants commission continues to make these types of recommendations — Mr M.W. Trenorden : Tell us about Rudd. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the third and final time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : If the grants commission continues to make these types of recommendations, and if the Western Australian economy continues to outperform that of the other states, our share of GST will be cut to 5.8 per cent by 2011-12. If that happens, over those years to the end of 2011-12, $6 billion will be taken out of the state’s finances. Western Australia’s GST distribution is now the lowest of all jurisdictions. If we receive 5.8 per cent of the goods and services tax in 2011-12, that will compare with our population share at that time, which will be more than 10.2 per cent. That is a heavy price to pay for the economic success that we have been enjoying. Rather than joining with the government to explain the situation to the community and to present a case to the rest of the nation about what Western Australia needs, the opposition has been immature — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! I call the members for Capel and Darling Range to order. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The immature and inexperienced opposition has revealed its absolute financial naivety. The shadow Treasurer called for stamp duty cuts, which he said would solve the problem. That is utter nonsense! Either the opposition is very inexperienced and immature or it has deliberately misled the Western Australian population. I will explain what happens. It is not the level of taxes that drives our GST share; rather, it is the Commonwealth Grants Commission’s estimate of our economic capacity to raise revenue. That makes sense, because if tax rates were the issue, all the states would compete to reduce tax rates knowing that the GST would make up the difference. The plain fact is that even if Western Australia’s stamp duty rate were zero, and even if our tax rates were zero, that would make no difference to our share of GST. I will also address the question of the level of taxation in Western Australia. We have a much richer economy than that of the other states; indeed, we are $20 000 per capita richer than the other states. However, our share of the economy going to taxes is the second lowest in the country. In other words, our taxes are the second lowest in the country. I refer to first home buyer stamp duty exemptions. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! I call the members for Darling Range and Capel to order for the second time. Mr J.H.D. Day interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The member for Darling Range wants me to answer his question, not the question that I was asked, which is the question that I will answer! Our tax level situation bears some explanation to the house. For example, we have the most generous first home buyer stamp duty exemptions in the nation. Western Australia’s land tax on properties valued between $100 000 and $750 000 and up to $10 million is by far the lowest of any state. When we abolish mortgage duty on 1 July, we will have abolished 10 state taxes since coming to power in 2001. Although the shadow Treasurer has revealed his financial naivety and immaturity, he has a chance to make amends because he can support the bill that the government will introduce today to reduce stamp duty by five per cent from 1 July 2008. The whole question of Western Australia’s GST share deserves a mature debate in this community. It is a very important issue for the future of this community. Unfortunately, the opposition’s financial naivety has undermined its capacity and credibility in such a debate.
Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: Earlier this month we had an unfortunate decision from the Commonwealth Grants Commission, which is recommending a $350 million — Mr M.W. Trenorden : Tell us about Rudd. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : — cut to Western Australia’s — Mr M.W. Trenorden : Tell us about Rudd. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the second time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : — share of the GST revenue for 2008-09 on a per capita basis. Western Australia has had the largest cut of all the states—$154 per person. The future is not good, because if the grants commission continues to make these types of recommendations — Mr M.W. Trenorden : Tell us about Rudd. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the third and final time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : If the grants commission continues to make these types of recommendations, and if the Western Australian economy continues to outperform that of the other states, our share of GST will be cut to 5.8 per cent by 2011-12. If that happens, over those years to the end of 2011-12, $6 billion will be taken out of the state’s finances. Western Australia’s GST distribution is now the lowest of all jurisdictions. If we receive 5.8 per cent of the goods and services tax in 2011-12, that will compare with our population share at that time, which will be more than 10.2 per cent. That is a heavy price to pay for the economic success that we have been enjoying. Rather than joining with the government to explain the situation to the community and to present a case to the rest of the nation about what Western Australia needs, the opposition has been immature — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! I call the members for Capel and Darling Range to order. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The immature and inexperienced opposition has revealed its absolute financial naivety. The shadow Treasurer called for stamp duty cuts, which he said would solve the problem. That is utter nonsense! Either the opposition is very inexperienced and immature or it has deliberately misled the Western Australian population. I will explain what happens. It is not the level of taxes that drives our GST share; rather, it is the Commonwealth Grants Commission’s estimate of our economic capacity to raise revenue. That makes sense, because if tax rates were the issue, all the states would compete to reduce tax rates knowing that the GST would make up the difference. The plain fact is that even if Western Australia’s stamp duty rate were zero, and even if our tax rates were zero, that would make no difference to our share of GST. I will also address the question of the level of taxation in Western Australia. We have a much richer economy than that of the other states; indeed, we are $20 000 per capita richer than the other states. However, our share of the economy going to taxes is the second lowest in the country. In other words, our taxes are the second lowest in the country. I refer to first home buyer stamp duty exemptions. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! I call the members for Darling Range and Capel to order for the second time. Mr J.H.D. Day interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The member for Darling Range wants me to answer his question, not the question that I was asked, which is the question that I will answer! Our tax level situation bears some explanation to the house. For example, we have the most generous first home buyer stamp duty exemptions in the nation. Western Australia’s land tax on properties valued between $100 000 and $750 000 and up to $10 million is by far the lowest of any state. When we abolish mortgage duty on 1 July, we will have abolished 10 state taxes since coming to power in 2001. Although the shadow Treasurer has revealed his financial naivety and immaturity, he has a chance to make amends because he can support the bill that the government will introduce today to reduce stamp duty by five per cent from 1 July 2008. The whole question of Western Australia’s GST share deserves a mature debate in this community. It is a very important issue for the future of this community. Unfortunately, the opposition’s financial naivety has undermined its capacity and credibility in such a debate.
Earlier this month we had an unfortunate decision from the Commonwealth Grants Commission, which is recommending a $350 million — Mr M.W. Trenorden : Tell us about Rudd. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : — cut to Western Australia’s — Mr M.W. Trenorden : Tell us about Rudd. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the second time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : — share of the GST revenue for 2008-09 on a per capita basis. Western Australia has had the largest cut of all the states—$154 per person. The future is not good, because if the grants commission continues to make these types of recommendations — Mr M.W. Trenorden : Tell us about Rudd. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the third and final time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : If the grants commission continues to make these types of recommendations, and if the Western Australian economy continues to outperform that of the other states, our share of GST will be cut to 5.8 per cent by 2011-12. If that happens, over those years to the end of 2011-12, $6 billion will be taken out of the state’s finances. Western Australia’s GST distribution is now the lowest of all jurisdictions. If we receive 5.8 per cent of the goods and services tax in 2011-12, that will compare with our population share at that time, which will be more than 10.2 per cent. That is a heavy price to pay for the economic success that we have been enjoying. Rather than joining with the government to explain the situation to the community and to present a case to the rest of the nation about what Western Australia needs, the opposition has been immature — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! I call the members for Capel and Darling Range to order. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The immature and inexperienced opposition has revealed its absolute financial naivety. The shadow Treasurer called for stamp duty cuts, which he said would solve the problem. That is utter nonsense! Either the opposition is very inexperienced and immature or it has deliberately misled the Western Australian population. I will explain what happens. It is not the level of taxes that drives our GST share; rather, it is the Commonwealth Grants Commission’s estimate of our economic capacity to raise revenue. That makes sense, because if tax rates were the issue, all the states would compete to reduce tax rates knowing that the GST would make up the difference. The plain fact is that even if Western Australia’s stamp duty rate were zero, and even if our tax rates were zero, that would make no difference to our share of GST. I will also address the question of the level of taxation in Western Australia. We have a much richer economy than that of the other states; indeed, we are $20 000 per capita richer than the other states. However, our share of the economy going to taxes is the second lowest in the country. In other words, our taxes are the second lowest in the country. I refer to first home buyer stamp duty exemptions. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! I call the members for Darling Range and Capel to order for the second time. Mr J.H.D. Day interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The member for Darling Range wants me to answer his question, not the question that I was asked, which is the question that I will answer! Our tax level situation bears some explanation to the house. For example, we have the most generous first home buyer stamp duty exemptions in the nation. Western Australia’s land tax on properties valued between $100 000 and $750 000 and up to $10 million is by far the lowest of any state. When we abolish mortgage duty on 1 July, we will have abolished 10 state taxes since coming to power in 2001. Although the shadow Treasurer has revealed his financial naivety and immaturity, he has a chance to make amends because he can support the bill that the government will introduce today to reduce stamp duty by five per cent from 1 July 2008. The whole question of Western Australia’s GST share deserves a mature debate in this community. It is a very important issue for the future of this community. Unfortunately, the opposition’s financial naivety has undermined its capacity and credibility in such a debate.
Mr M.W. Trenorden : Tell us about Rudd. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : — cut to Western Australia’s — Mr M.W. Trenorden : Tell us about Rudd. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the second time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : — share of the GST revenue for 2008-09 on a per capita basis. Western Australia has had the largest cut of all the states—$154 per person. The future is not good, because if the grants commission continues to make these types of recommendations — Mr M.W. Trenorden : Tell us about Rudd. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the third and final time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : If the grants commission continues to make these types of recommendations, and if the Western Australian economy continues to outperform that of the other states, our share of GST will be cut to 5.8 per cent by 2011-12. If that happens, over those years to the end of 2011-12, $6 billion will be taken out of the state’s finances. Western Australia’s GST distribution is now the lowest of all jurisdictions. If we receive 5.8 per cent of the goods and services tax in 2011-12, that will compare with our population share at that time, which will be more than 10.2 per cent. That is a heavy price to pay for the economic success that we have been enjoying. Rather than joining with the government to explain the situation to the community and to present a case to the rest of the nation about what Western Australia needs, the opposition has been immature — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! I call the members for Capel and Darling Range to order. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The immature and inexperienced opposition has revealed its absolute financial naivety. The shadow Treasurer called for stamp duty cuts, which he said would solve the problem. That is utter nonsense! Either the opposition is very inexperienced and immature or it has deliberately misled the Western Australian population. I will explain what happens. It is not the level of taxes that drives our GST share; rather, it is the Commonwealth Grants Commission’s estimate of our economic capacity to raise revenue. That makes sense, because if tax rates were the issue, all the states would compete to reduce tax rates knowing that the GST would make up the difference. The plain fact is that even if Western Australia’s stamp duty rate were zero, and even if our tax rates were zero, that would make no difference to our share of GST. I will also address the question of the level of taxation in Western Australia. We have a much richer economy than that of the other states; indeed, we are $20 000 per capita richer than the other states. However, our share of the economy going to taxes is the second lowest in the country. In other words, our taxes are the second lowest in the country. I refer to first home buyer stamp duty exemptions. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! I call the members for Darling Range and Capel to order for the second time. Mr J.H.D. Day interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The member for Darling Range wants me to answer his question, not the question that I was asked, which is the question that I will answer! Our tax level situation bears some explanation to the house. For example, we have the most generous first home buyer stamp duty exemptions in the nation. Western Australia’s land tax on properties valued between $100 000 and $750 000 and up to $10 million is by far the lowest of any state. When we abolish mortgage duty on 1 July, we will have abolished 10 state taxes since coming to power in 2001. Although the shadow Treasurer has revealed his financial naivety and immaturity, he has a chance to make amends because he can support the bill that the government will introduce today to reduce stamp duty by five per cent from 1 July 2008. The whole question of Western Australia’s GST share deserves a mature debate in this community. It is a very important issue for the future of this community. Unfortunately, the opposition’s financial naivety has undermined its capacity and credibility in such a debate.
The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : — cut to Western Australia’s — Mr M.W. Trenorden : Tell us about Rudd. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the second time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : — share of the GST revenue for 2008-09 on a per capita basis. Western Australia has had the largest cut of all the states—$154 per person. The future is not good, because if the grants commission continues to make these types of recommendations — Mr M.W. Trenorden : Tell us about Rudd. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the third and final time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : If the grants commission continues to make these types of recommendations, and if the Western Australian economy continues to outperform that of the other states, our share of GST will be cut to 5.8 per cent by 2011-12. If that happens, over those years to the end of 2011-12, $6 billion will be taken out of the state’s finances. Western Australia’s GST distribution is now the lowest of all jurisdictions. If we receive 5.8 per cent of the goods and services tax in 2011-12, that will compare with our population share at that time, which will be more than 10.2 per cent. That is a heavy price to pay for the economic success that we have been enjoying. Rather than joining with the government to explain the situation to the community and to present a case to the rest of the nation about what Western Australia needs, the opposition has been immature — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! I call the members for Capel and Darling Range to order. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The immature and inexperienced opposition has revealed its absolute financial naivety. The shadow Treasurer called for stamp duty cuts, which he said would solve the problem. That is utter nonsense! Either the opposition is very inexperienced and immature or it has deliberately misled the Western Australian population. I will explain what happens. It is not the level of taxes that drives our GST share; rather, it is the Commonwealth Grants Commission’s estimate of our economic capacity to raise revenue. That makes sense, because if tax rates were the issue, all the states would compete to reduce tax rates knowing that the GST would make up the difference. The plain fact is that even if Western Australia’s stamp duty rate were zero, and even if our tax rates were zero, that would make no difference to our share of GST. I will also address the question of the level of taxation in Western Australia. We have a much richer economy than that of the other states; indeed, we are $20 000 per capita richer than the other states. However, our share of the economy going to taxes is the second lowest in the country. In other words, our taxes are the second lowest in the country. I refer to first home buyer stamp duty exemptions. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! I call the members for Darling Range and Capel to order for the second time. Mr J.H.D. Day interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The member for Darling Range wants me to answer his question, not the question that I was asked, which is the question that I will answer! Our tax level situation bears some explanation to the house. For example, we have the most generous first home buyer stamp duty exemptions in the nation. Western Australia’s land tax on properties valued between $100 000 and $750 000 and up to $10 million is by far the lowest of any state. When we abolish mortgage duty on 1 July, we will have abolished 10 state taxes since coming to power in 2001. Although the shadow Treasurer has revealed his financial naivety and immaturity, he has a chance to make amends because he can support the bill that the government will introduce today to reduce stamp duty by five per cent from 1 July 2008. The whole question of Western Australia’s GST share deserves a mature debate in this community. It is a very important issue for the future of this community. Unfortunately, the opposition’s financial naivety has undermined its capacity and credibility in such a debate.
Mr E.S. RIPPER : — cut to Western Australia’s — Mr M.W. Trenorden : Tell us about Rudd. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the second time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : — share of the GST revenue for 2008-09 on a per capita basis. Western Australia has had the largest cut of all the states—$154 per person. The future is not good, because if the grants commission continues to make these types of recommendations — Mr M.W. Trenorden : Tell us about Rudd. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the third and final time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : If the grants commission continues to make these types of recommendations, and if the Western Australian economy continues to outperform that of the other states, our share of GST will be cut to 5.8 per cent by 2011-12. If that happens, over those years to the end of 2011-12, $6 billion will be taken out of the state’s finances. Western Australia’s GST distribution is now the lowest of all jurisdictions. If we receive 5.8 per cent of the goods and services tax in 2011-12, that will compare with our population share at that time, which will be more than 10.2 per cent. That is a heavy price to pay for the economic success that we have been enjoying. Rather than joining with the government to explain the situation to the community and to present a case to the rest of the nation about what Western Australia needs, the opposition has been immature — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! I call the members for Capel and Darling Range to order. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The immature and inexperienced opposition has revealed its absolute financial naivety. The shadow Treasurer called for stamp duty cuts, which he said would solve the problem. That is utter nonsense! Either the opposition is very inexperienced and immature or it has deliberately misled the Western Australian population. I will explain what happens. It is not the level of taxes that drives our GST share; rather, it is the Commonwealth Grants Commission’s estimate of our economic capacity to raise revenue. That makes sense, because if tax rates were the issue, all the states would compete to reduce tax rates knowing that the GST would make up the difference. The plain fact is that even if Western Australia’s stamp duty rate were zero, and even if our tax rates were zero, that would make no difference to our share of GST. I will also address the question of the level of taxation in Western Australia. We have a much richer economy than that of the other states; indeed, we are $20 000 per capita richer than the other states. However, our share of the economy going to taxes is the second lowest in the country. In other words, our taxes are the second lowest in the country. I refer to first home buyer stamp duty exemptions. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! I call the members for Darling Range and Capel to order for the second time. Mr J.H.D. Day interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The member for Darling Range wants me to answer his question, not the question that I was asked, which is the question that I will answer! Our tax level situation bears some explanation to the house. For example, we have the most generous first home buyer stamp duty exemptions in the nation. Western Australia’s land tax on properties valued between $100 000 and $750 000 and up to $10 million is by far the lowest of any state. When we abolish mortgage duty on 1 July, we will have abolished 10 state taxes since coming to power in 2001. Although the shadow Treasurer has revealed his financial naivety and immaturity, he has a chance to make amends because he can support the bill that the government will introduce today to reduce stamp duty by five per cent from 1 July 2008. The whole question of Western Australia’s GST share deserves a mature debate in this community. It is a very important issue for the future of this community. Unfortunately, the opposition’s financial naivety has undermined its capacity and credibility in such a debate.
Mr M.W. Trenorden : Tell us about Rudd. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the second time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : — share of the GST revenue for 2008-09 on a per capita basis. Western Australia has had the largest cut of all the states—$154 per person. The future is not good, because if the grants commission continues to make these types of recommendations — Mr M.W. Trenorden : Tell us about Rudd. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the third and final time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : If the grants commission continues to make these types of recommendations, and if the Western Australian economy continues to outperform that of the other states, our share of GST will be cut to 5.8 per cent by 2011-12. If that happens, over those years to the end of 2011-12, $6 billion will be taken out of the state’s finances. Western Australia’s GST distribution is now the lowest of all jurisdictions. If we receive 5.8 per cent of the goods and services tax in 2011-12, that will compare with our population share at that time, which will be more than 10.2 per cent. That is a heavy price to pay for the economic success that we have been enjoying. Rather than joining with the government to explain the situation to the community and to present a case to the rest of the nation about what Western Australia needs, the opposition has been immature — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! I call the members for Capel and Darling Range to order. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The immature and inexperienced opposition has revealed its absolute financial naivety. The shadow Treasurer called for stamp duty cuts, which he said would solve the problem. That is utter nonsense! Either the opposition is very inexperienced and immature or it has deliberately misled the Western Australian population. I will explain what happens. It is not the level of taxes that drives our GST share; rather, it is the Commonwealth Grants Commission’s estimate of our economic capacity to raise revenue. That makes sense, because if tax rates were the issue, all the states would compete to reduce tax rates knowing that the GST would make up the difference. The plain fact is that even if Western Australia’s stamp duty rate were zero, and even if our tax rates were zero, that would make no difference to our share of GST. I will also address the question of the level of taxation in Western Australia. We have a much richer economy than that of the other states; indeed, we are $20 000 per capita richer than the other states. However, our share of the economy going to taxes is the second lowest in the country. In other words, our taxes are the second lowest in the country. I refer to first home buyer stamp duty exemptions. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! I call the members for Darling Range and Capel to order for the second time. Mr J.H.D. Day interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The member for Darling Range wants me to answer his question, not the question that I was asked, which is the question that I will answer! Our tax level situation bears some explanation to the house. For example, we have the most generous first home buyer stamp duty exemptions in the nation. Western Australia’s land tax on properties valued between $100 000 and $750 000 and up to $10 million is by far the lowest of any state. When we abolish mortgage duty on 1 July, we will have abolished 10 state taxes since coming to power in 2001. Although the shadow Treasurer has revealed his financial naivety and immaturity, he has a chance to make amends because he can support the bill that the government will introduce today to reduce stamp duty by five per cent from 1 July 2008. The whole question of Western Australia’s GST share deserves a mature debate in this community. It is a very important issue for the future of this community. Unfortunately, the opposition’s financial naivety has undermined its capacity and credibility in such a debate.
The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the second time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : — share of the GST revenue for 2008-09 on a per capita basis. Western Australia has had the largest cut of all the states—$154 per person. The future is not good, because if the grants commission continues to make these types of recommendations — Mr M.W. Trenorden : Tell us about Rudd. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the third and final time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : If the grants commission continues to make these types of recommendations, and if the Western Australian economy continues to outperform that of the other states, our share of GST will be cut to 5.8 per cent by 2011-12. If that happens, over those years to the end of 2011-12, $6 billion will be taken out of the state’s finances. Western Australia’s GST distribution is now the lowest of all jurisdictions. If we receive 5.8 per cent of the goods and services tax in 2011-12, that will compare with our population share at that time, which will be more than 10.2 per cent. That is a heavy price to pay for the economic success that we have been enjoying. Rather than joining with the government to explain the situation to the community and to present a case to the rest of the nation about what Western Australia needs, the opposition has been immature — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! I call the members for Capel and Darling Range to order. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The immature and inexperienced opposition has revealed its absolute financial naivety. The shadow Treasurer called for stamp duty cuts, which he said would solve the problem. That is utter nonsense! Either the opposition is very inexperienced and immature or it has deliberately misled the Western Australian population. I will explain what happens. It is not the level of taxes that drives our GST share; rather, it is the Commonwealth Grants Commission’s estimate of our economic capacity to raise revenue. That makes sense, because if tax rates were the issue, all the states would compete to reduce tax rates knowing that the GST would make up the difference. The plain fact is that even if Western Australia’s stamp duty rate were zero, and even if our tax rates were zero, that would make no difference to our share of GST. I will also address the question of the level of taxation in Western Australia. We have a much richer economy than that of the other states; indeed, we are $20 000 per capita richer than the other states. However, our share of the economy going to taxes is the second lowest in the country. In other words, our taxes are the second lowest in the country. I refer to first home buyer stamp duty exemptions. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! I call the members for Darling Range and Capel to order for the second time. Mr J.H.D. Day interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The member for Darling Range wants me to answer his question, not the question that I was asked, which is the question that I will answer! Our tax level situation bears some explanation to the house. For example, we have the most generous first home buyer stamp duty exemptions in the nation. Western Australia’s land tax on properties valued between $100 000 and $750 000 and up to $10 million is by far the lowest of any state. When we abolish mortgage duty on 1 July, we will have abolished 10 state taxes since coming to power in 2001. Although the shadow Treasurer has revealed his financial naivety and immaturity, he has a chance to make amends because he can support the bill that the government will introduce today to reduce stamp duty by five per cent from 1 July 2008. The whole question of Western Australia’s GST share deserves a mature debate in this community. It is a very important issue for the future of this community. Unfortunately, the opposition’s financial naivety has undermined its capacity and credibility in such a debate.
Mr E.S. RIPPER : — share of the GST revenue for 2008-09 on a per capita basis. Western Australia has had the largest cut of all the states—$154 per person. The future is not good, because if the grants commission continues to make these types of recommendations — Mr M.W. Trenorden : Tell us about Rudd. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the third and final time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : If the grants commission continues to make these types of recommendations, and if the Western Australian economy continues to outperform that of the other states, our share of GST will be cut to 5.8 per cent by 2011-12. If that happens, over those years to the end of 2011-12, $6 billion will be taken out of the state’s finances. Western Australia’s GST distribution is now the lowest of all jurisdictions. If we receive 5.8 per cent of the goods and services tax in 2011-12, that will compare with our population share at that time, which will be more than 10.2 per cent. That is a heavy price to pay for the economic success that we have been enjoying. Rather than joining with the government to explain the situation to the community and to present a case to the rest of the nation about what Western Australia needs, the opposition has been immature — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! I call the members for Capel and Darling Range to order. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The immature and inexperienced opposition has revealed its absolute financial naivety. The shadow Treasurer called for stamp duty cuts, which he said would solve the problem. That is utter nonsense! Either the opposition is very inexperienced and immature or it has deliberately misled the Western Australian population. I will explain what happens. It is not the level of taxes that drives our GST share; rather, it is the Commonwealth Grants Commission’s estimate of our economic capacity to raise revenue. That makes sense, because if tax rates were the issue, all the states would compete to reduce tax rates knowing that the GST would make up the difference. The plain fact is that even if Western Australia’s stamp duty rate were zero, and even if our tax rates were zero, that would make no difference to our share of GST. I will also address the question of the level of taxation in Western Australia. We have a much richer economy than that of the other states; indeed, we are $20 000 per capita richer than the other states. However, our share of the economy going to taxes is the second lowest in the country. In other words, our taxes are the second lowest in the country. I refer to first home buyer stamp duty exemptions. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! I call the members for Darling Range and Capel to order for the second time. Mr J.H.D. Day interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The member for Darling Range wants me to answer his question, not the question that I was asked, which is the question that I will answer! Our tax level situation bears some explanation to the house. For example, we have the most generous first home buyer stamp duty exemptions in the nation. Western Australia’s land tax on properties valued between $100 000 and $750 000 and up to $10 million is by far the lowest of any state. When we abolish mortgage duty on 1 July, we will have abolished 10 state taxes since coming to power in 2001. Although the shadow Treasurer has revealed his financial naivety and immaturity, he has a chance to make amends because he can support the bill that the government will introduce today to reduce stamp duty by five per cent from 1 July 2008. The whole question of Western Australia’s GST share deserves a mature debate in this community. It is a very important issue for the future of this community. Unfortunately, the opposition’s financial naivety has undermined its capacity and credibility in such a debate.
Mr M.W. Trenorden : Tell us about Rudd. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the third and final time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : If the grants commission continues to make these types of recommendations, and if the Western Australian economy continues to outperform that of the other states, our share of GST will be cut to 5.8 per cent by 2011-12. If that happens, over those years to the end of 2011-12, $6 billion will be taken out of the state’s finances. Western Australia’s GST distribution is now the lowest of all jurisdictions. If we receive 5.8 per cent of the goods and services tax in 2011-12, that will compare with our population share at that time, which will be more than 10.2 per cent. That is a heavy price to pay for the economic success that we have been enjoying. Rather than joining with the government to explain the situation to the community and to present a case to the rest of the nation about what Western Australia needs, the opposition has been immature — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! I call the members for Capel and Darling Range to order. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The immature and inexperienced opposition has revealed its absolute financial naivety. The shadow Treasurer called for stamp duty cuts, which he said would solve the problem. That is utter nonsense! Either the opposition is very inexperienced and immature or it has deliberately misled the Western Australian population. I will explain what happens. It is not the level of taxes that drives our GST share; rather, it is the Commonwealth Grants Commission’s estimate of our economic capacity to raise revenue. That makes sense, because if tax rates were the issue, all the states would compete to reduce tax rates knowing that the GST would make up the difference. The plain fact is that even if Western Australia’s stamp duty rate were zero, and even if our tax rates were zero, that would make no difference to our share of GST. I will also address the question of the level of taxation in Western Australia. We have a much richer economy than that of the other states; indeed, we are $20 000 per capita richer than the other states. However, our share of the economy going to taxes is the second lowest in the country. In other words, our taxes are the second lowest in the country. I refer to first home buyer stamp duty exemptions. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! I call the members for Darling Range and Capel to order for the second time. Mr J.H.D. Day interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The member for Darling Range wants me to answer his question, not the question that I was asked, which is the question that I will answer! Our tax level situation bears some explanation to the house. For example, we have the most generous first home buyer stamp duty exemptions in the nation. Western Australia’s land tax on properties valued between $100 000 and $750 000 and up to $10 million is by far the lowest of any state. When we abolish mortgage duty on 1 July, we will have abolished 10 state taxes since coming to power in 2001. Although the shadow Treasurer has revealed his financial naivety and immaturity, he has a chance to make amends because he can support the bill that the government will introduce today to reduce stamp duty by five per cent from 1 July 2008. The whole question of Western Australia’s GST share deserves a mature debate in this community. It is a very important issue for the future of this community. Unfortunately, the opposition’s financial naivety has undermined its capacity and credibility in such a debate.
The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the third and final time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : If the grants commission continues to make these types of recommendations, and if the Western Australian economy continues to outperform that of the other states, our share of GST will be cut to 5.8 per cent by 2011-12. If that happens, over those years to the end of 2011-12, $6 billion will be taken out of the state’s finances. Western Australia’s GST distribution is now the lowest of all jurisdictions. If we receive 5.8 per cent of the goods and services tax in 2011-12, that will compare with our population share at that time, which will be more than 10.2 per cent. That is a heavy price to pay for the economic success that we have been enjoying. Rather than joining with the government to explain the situation to the community and to present a case to the rest of the nation about what Western Australia needs, the opposition has been immature — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! I call the members for Capel and Darling Range to order. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The immature and inexperienced opposition has revealed its absolute financial naivety. The shadow Treasurer called for stamp duty cuts, which he said would solve the problem. That is utter nonsense! Either the opposition is very inexperienced and immature or it has deliberately misled the Western Australian population. I will explain what happens. It is not the level of taxes that drives our GST share; rather, it is the Commonwealth Grants Commission’s estimate of our economic capacity to raise revenue. That makes sense, because if tax rates were the issue, all the states would compete to reduce tax rates knowing that the GST would make up the difference. The plain fact is that even if Western Australia’s stamp duty rate were zero, and even if our tax rates were zero, that would make no difference to our share of GST. I will also address the question of the level of taxation in Western Australia. We have a much richer economy than that of the other states; indeed, we are $20 000 per capita richer than the other states. However, our share of the economy going to taxes is the second lowest in the country. In other words, our taxes are the second lowest in the country. I refer to first home buyer stamp duty exemptions. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! I call the members for Darling Range and Capel to order for the second time. Mr J.H.D. Day interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The member for Darling Range wants me to answer his question, not the question that I was asked, which is the question that I will answer! Our tax level situation bears some explanation to the house. For example, we have the most generous first home buyer stamp duty exemptions in the nation. Western Australia’s land tax on properties valued between $100 000 and $750 000 and up to $10 million is by far the lowest of any state. When we abolish mortgage duty on 1 July, we will have abolished 10 state taxes since coming to power in 2001. Although the shadow Treasurer has revealed his financial naivety and immaturity, he has a chance to make amends because he can support the bill that the government will introduce today to reduce stamp duty by five per cent from 1 July 2008. The whole question of Western Australia’s GST share deserves a mature debate in this community. It is a very important issue for the future of this community. Unfortunately, the opposition’s financial naivety has undermined its capacity and credibility in such a debate.
Mr E.S. RIPPER : If the grants commission continues to make these types of recommendations, and if the Western Australian economy continues to outperform that of the other states, our share of GST will be cut to 5.8 per cent by 2011-12. If that happens, over those years to the end of 2011-12, $6 billion will be taken out of the state’s finances. Western Australia’s GST distribution is now the lowest of all jurisdictions. If we receive 5.8 per cent of the goods and services tax in 2011-12, that will compare with our population share at that time, which will be more than 10.2 per cent. That is a heavy price to pay for the economic success that we have been enjoying. Rather than joining with the government to explain the situation to the community and to present a case to the rest of the nation about what Western Australia needs, the opposition has been immature — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! I call the members for Capel and Darling Range to order. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The immature and inexperienced opposition has revealed its absolute financial naivety. The shadow Treasurer called for stamp duty cuts, which he said would solve the problem. That is utter nonsense! Either the opposition is very inexperienced and immature or it has deliberately misled the Western Australian population. I will explain what happens. It is not the level of taxes that drives our GST share; rather, it is the Commonwealth Grants Commission’s estimate of our economic capacity to raise revenue. That makes sense, because if tax rates were the issue, all the states would compete to reduce tax rates knowing that the GST would make up the difference. The plain fact is that even if Western Australia’s stamp duty rate were zero, and even if our tax rates were zero, that would make no difference to our share of GST. I will also address the question of the level of taxation in Western Australia. We have a much richer economy than that of the other states; indeed, we are $20 000 per capita richer than the other states. However, our share of the economy going to taxes is the second lowest in the country. In other words, our taxes are the second lowest in the country. I refer to first home buyer stamp duty exemptions. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! I call the members for Darling Range and Capel to order for the second time. Mr J.H.D. Day interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The member for Darling Range wants me to answer his question, not the question that I was asked, which is the question that I will answer! Our tax level situation bears some explanation to the house. For example, we have the most generous first home buyer stamp duty exemptions in the nation. Western Australia’s land tax on properties valued between $100 000 and $750 000 and up to $10 million is by far the lowest of any state. When we abolish mortgage duty on 1 July, we will have abolished 10 state taxes since coming to power in 2001. Although the shadow Treasurer has revealed his financial naivety and immaturity, he has a chance to make amends because he can support the bill that the government will introduce today to reduce stamp duty by five per cent from 1 July 2008. The whole question of Western Australia’s GST share deserves a mature debate in this community. It is a very important issue for the future of this community. Unfortunately, the opposition’s financial naivety has undermined its capacity and credibility in such a debate.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! I call the members for Capel and Darling Range to order. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The immature and inexperienced opposition has revealed its absolute financial naivety. The shadow Treasurer called for stamp duty cuts, which he said would solve the problem. That is utter nonsense! Either the opposition is very inexperienced and immature or it has deliberately misled the Western Australian population. I will explain what happens. It is not the level of taxes that drives our GST share; rather, it is the Commonwealth Grants Commission’s estimate of our economic capacity to raise revenue. That makes sense, because if tax rates were the issue, all the states would compete to reduce tax rates knowing that the GST would make up the difference. The plain fact is that even if Western Australia’s stamp duty rate were zero, and even if our tax rates were zero, that would make no difference to our share of GST. I will also address the question of the level of taxation in Western Australia. We have a much richer economy than that of the other states; indeed, we are $20 000 per capita richer than the other states. However, our share of the economy going to taxes is the second lowest in the country. In other words, our taxes are the second lowest in the country. I refer to first home buyer stamp duty exemptions. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! I call the members for Darling Range and Capel to order for the second time. Mr J.H.D. Day interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The member for Darling Range wants me to answer his question, not the question that I was asked, which is the question that I will answer! Our tax level situation bears some explanation to the house. For example, we have the most generous first home buyer stamp duty exemptions in the nation. Western Australia’s land tax on properties valued between $100 000 and $750 000 and up to $10 million is by far the lowest of any state. When we abolish mortgage duty on 1 July, we will have abolished 10 state taxes since coming to power in 2001. Although the shadow Treasurer has revealed his financial naivety and immaturity, he has a chance to make amends because he can support the bill that the government will introduce today to reduce stamp duty by five per cent from 1 July 2008. The whole question of Western Australia’s GST share deserves a mature debate in this community. It is a very important issue for the future of this community. Unfortunately, the opposition’s financial naivety has undermined its capacity and credibility in such a debate.
The SPEAKER : Order, members! I call the members for Capel and Darling Range to order. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The immature and inexperienced opposition has revealed its absolute financial naivety. The shadow Treasurer called for stamp duty cuts, which he said would solve the problem. That is utter nonsense! Either the opposition is very inexperienced and immature or it has deliberately misled the Western Australian population. I will explain what happens. It is not the level of taxes that drives our GST share; rather, it is the Commonwealth Grants Commission’s estimate of our economic capacity to raise revenue. That makes sense, because if tax rates were the issue, all the states would compete to reduce tax rates knowing that the GST would make up the difference. The plain fact is that even if Western Australia’s stamp duty rate were zero, and even if our tax rates were zero, that would make no difference to our share of GST. I will also address the question of the level of taxation in Western Australia. We have a much richer economy than that of the other states; indeed, we are $20 000 per capita richer than the other states. However, our share of the economy going to taxes is the second lowest in the country. In other words, our taxes are the second lowest in the country. I refer to first home buyer stamp duty exemptions. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! I call the members for Darling Range and Capel to order for the second time. Mr J.H.D. Day interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The member for Darling Range wants me to answer his question, not the question that I was asked, which is the question that I will answer! Our tax level situation bears some explanation to the house. For example, we have the most generous first home buyer stamp duty exemptions in the nation. Western Australia’s land tax on properties valued between $100 000 and $750 000 and up to $10 million is by far the lowest of any state. When we abolish mortgage duty on 1 July, we will have abolished 10 state taxes since coming to power in 2001. Although the shadow Treasurer has revealed his financial naivety and immaturity, he has a chance to make amends because he can support the bill that the government will introduce today to reduce stamp duty by five per cent from 1 July 2008. The whole question of Western Australia’s GST share deserves a mature debate in this community. It is a very important issue for the future of this community. Unfortunately, the opposition’s financial naivety has undermined its capacity and credibility in such a debate.
Mr E.S. RIPPER : The immature and inexperienced opposition has revealed its absolute financial naivety. The shadow Treasurer called for stamp duty cuts, which he said would solve the problem. That is utter nonsense! Either the opposition is very inexperienced and immature or it has deliberately misled the Western Australian population. I will explain what happens. It is not the level of taxes that drives our GST share; rather, it is the Commonwealth Grants Commission’s estimate of our economic capacity to raise revenue. That makes sense, because if tax rates were the issue, all the states would compete to reduce tax rates knowing that the GST would make up the difference. The plain fact is that even if Western Australia’s stamp duty rate were zero, and even if our tax rates were zero, that would make no difference to our share of GST. I will also address the question of the level of taxation in Western Australia. We have a much richer economy than that of the other states; indeed, we are $20 000 per capita richer than the other states. However, our share of the economy going to taxes is the second lowest in the country. In other words, our taxes are the second lowest in the country. I refer to first home buyer stamp duty exemptions. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! I call the members for Darling Range and Capel to order for the second time. Mr J.H.D. Day interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The member for Darling Range wants me to answer his question, not the question that I was asked, which is the question that I will answer! Our tax level situation bears some explanation to the house. For example, we have the most generous first home buyer stamp duty exemptions in the nation. Western Australia’s land tax on properties valued between $100 000 and $750 000 and up to $10 million is by far the lowest of any state. When we abolish mortgage duty on 1 July, we will have abolished 10 state taxes since coming to power in 2001. Although the shadow Treasurer has revealed his financial naivety and immaturity, he has a chance to make amends because he can support the bill that the government will introduce today to reduce stamp duty by five per cent from 1 July 2008. The whole question of Western Australia’s GST share deserves a mature debate in this community. It is a very important issue for the future of this community. Unfortunately, the opposition’s financial naivety has undermined its capacity and credibility in such a debate.
I will also address the question of the level of taxation in Western Australia. We have a much richer economy than that of the other states; indeed, we are $20 000 per capita richer than the other states. However, our share of the economy going to taxes is the second lowest in the country. In other words, our taxes are the second lowest in the country. I refer to first home buyer stamp duty exemptions. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! I call the members for Darling Range and Capel to order for the second time. Mr J.H.D. Day interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The member for Darling Range wants me to answer his question, not the question that I was asked, which is the question that I will answer! Our tax level situation bears some explanation to the house. For example, we have the most generous first home buyer stamp duty exemptions in the nation. Western Australia’s land tax on properties valued between $100 000 and $750 000 and up to $10 million is by far the lowest of any state. When we abolish mortgage duty on 1 July, we will have abolished 10 state taxes since coming to power in 2001. Although the shadow Treasurer has revealed his financial naivety and immaturity, he has a chance to make amends because he can support the bill that the government will introduce today to reduce stamp duty by five per cent from 1 July 2008. The whole question of Western Australia’s GST share deserves a mature debate in this community. It is a very important issue for the future of this community. Unfortunately, the opposition’s financial naivety has undermined its capacity and credibility in such a debate.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! I call the members for Darling Range and Capel to order for the second time. Mr J.H.D. Day interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The member for Darling Range wants me to answer his question, not the question that I was asked, which is the question that I will answer! Our tax level situation bears some explanation to the house. For example, we have the most generous first home buyer stamp duty exemptions in the nation. Western Australia’s land tax on properties valued between $100 000 and $750 000 and up to $10 million is by far the lowest of any state. When we abolish mortgage duty on 1 July, we will have abolished 10 state taxes since coming to power in 2001. Although the shadow Treasurer has revealed his financial naivety and immaturity, he has a chance to make amends because he can support the bill that the government will introduce today to reduce stamp duty by five per cent from 1 July 2008. The whole question of Western Australia’s GST share deserves a mature debate in this community. It is a very important issue for the future of this community. Unfortunately, the opposition’s financial naivety has undermined its capacity and credibility in such a debate.
The SPEAKER : Order, members! I call the members for Darling Range and Capel to order for the second time. Mr J.H.D. Day interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The member for Darling Range wants me to answer his question, not the question that I was asked, which is the question that I will answer! Our tax level situation bears some explanation to the house. For example, we have the most generous first home buyer stamp duty exemptions in the nation. Western Australia’s land tax on properties valued between $100 000 and $750 000 and up to $10 million is by far the lowest of any state. When we abolish mortgage duty on 1 July, we will have abolished 10 state taxes since coming to power in 2001. Although the shadow Treasurer has revealed his financial naivety and immaturity, he has a chance to make amends because he can support the bill that the government will introduce today to reduce stamp duty by five per cent from 1 July 2008. The whole question of Western Australia’s GST share deserves a mature debate in this community. It is a very important issue for the future of this community. Unfortunately, the opposition’s financial naivety has undermined its capacity and credibility in such a debate.
Mr J.H.D. Day interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The member for Darling Range wants me to answer his question, not the question that I was asked, which is the question that I will answer! Our tax level situation bears some explanation to the house. For example, we have the most generous first home buyer stamp duty exemptions in the nation. Western Australia’s land tax on properties valued between $100 000 and $750 000 and up to $10 million is by far the lowest of any state. When we abolish mortgage duty on 1 July, we will have abolished 10 state taxes since coming to power in 2001. Although the shadow Treasurer has revealed his financial naivety and immaturity, he has a chance to make amends because he can support the bill that the government will introduce today to reduce stamp duty by five per cent from 1 July 2008. The whole question of Western Australia’s GST share deserves a mature debate in this community. It is a very important issue for the future of this community. Unfortunately, the opposition’s financial naivety has undermined its capacity and credibility in such a debate.
Mr E.S. RIPPER : The member for Darling Range wants me to answer his question, not the question that I was asked, which is the question that I will answer! Our tax level situation bears some explanation to the house. For example, we have the most generous first home buyer stamp duty exemptions in the nation. Western Australia’s land tax on properties valued between $100 000 and $750 000 and up to $10 million is by far the lowest of any state. When we abolish mortgage duty on 1 July, we will have abolished 10 state taxes since coming to power in 2001. Although the shadow Treasurer has revealed his financial naivety and immaturity, he has a chance to make amends because he can support the bill that the government will introduce today to reduce stamp duty by five per cent from 1 July 2008. The whole question of Western Australia’s GST share deserves a mature debate in this community. It is a very important issue for the future of this community. Unfortunately, the opposition’s financial naivety has undermined its capacity and credibility in such a debate.
Our tax level situation bears some explanation to the house. For example, we have the most generous first home buyer stamp duty exemptions in the nation. Western Australia’s land tax on properties valued between $100 000 and $750 000 and up to $10 million is by far the lowest of any state. When we abolish mortgage duty on 1 July, we will have abolished 10 state taxes since coming to power in 2001. Although the shadow Treasurer has revealed his financial naivety and immaturity, he has a chance to make amends because he can support the bill that the government will introduce today to reduce stamp duty by five per cent from 1 July 2008. The whole question of Western Australia’s GST share deserves a mature debate in this community. It is a very important issue for the future of this community. Unfortunately, the opposition’s financial naivety has undermined its capacity and credibility in such a debate.
GOODS AND SERVICES TAX — STAMP DUTY RATES
Can the Treasurer explain why Western Australia’s declining share of goods and services tax payments has nothing to do with stamp duty rates? Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: Earlier this month we had an unfortunate decision from the Commonwealth Grants Commission, which is recommending a $350 million — Mr M.W. Trenorden : Tell us about Rudd. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : — cut to Western Australia’s — Mr M.W. Trenorden : Tell us about Rudd. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the second time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : — share of the GST revenue for 2008-09 on a per capita basis. Western Australia has had the largest cut of all the states—$154 per person. The future is not good, because if the grants commission continues to make these types of recommendations — Mr M.W. Trenorden : Tell us about Rudd. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the third and final time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : If the grants commission continues to make these types of recommendations, and if the Western Australian economy continues to outperform that of the other states, our share of GST will be cut to 5.8 per cent by 2011-12. If that happens, over those years to the end of 2011-12, $6 billion will be taken out of the state’s finances. Western Australia’s GST distribution is now the lowest of all jurisdictions. If we receive 5.8 per cent of the goods and services tax in 2011-12, that will compare with our population share at that time, which will be more than 10.2 per cent. That is a heavy price to pay for the economic success that we have been enjoying. Rather than joining with the government to explain the situation to the community and to present a case to the rest of the nation about what Western Australia needs, the opposition has been immature — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! I call the members for Capel and Darling Range to order. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The immature and inexperienced opposition has revealed its absolute financial naivety. The shadow Treasurer called for stamp duty cuts, which he said would solve the problem. That is utter nonsense! Either the opposition is very inexperienced and immature or it has deliberately misled the Western Australian population. I will explain what happens. It is not the level of taxes that drives our GST share; rather, it is the Commonwealth Grants Commission’s estimate of our economic capacity to raise revenue. That makes sense, because if tax rates were the issue, all the states would compete to reduce tax rates knowing that the GST would make up the difference. The plain fact is that even if Western Australia’s stamp duty rate were zero, and even if our tax rates were zero, that would make no difference to our share of GST. I will also address the question of the level of taxation in Western Australia. We have a much richer economy than that of the other states; indeed, we are $20 000 per capita richer than the other states. However, our share of the economy going to taxes is the second lowest in the country. In other words, our taxes are the second lowest in the country. I refer to first home buyer stamp duty exemptions. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! I call the members for Darling Range and Capel to order for the second time. Mr J.H.D. Day interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The member for Darling Range wants me to answer his question, not the question that I was asked, which is the question that I will answer! Our tax level situation bears some explanation to the house. For example, we have the most generous first home buyer stamp duty exemptions in the nation. Western Australia’s land tax on properties valued between $100 000 and $750 000 and up to $10 million is by far the lowest of any state. When we abolish mortgage duty on 1 July, we will have abolished 10 state taxes since coming to power in 2001. Although the shadow Treasurer has revealed his financial naivety and immaturity, he has a chance to make amends because he can support the bill that the government will introduce today to reduce stamp duty by five per cent from 1 July 2008. The whole question of Western Australia’s GST share deserves a mature debate in this community. It is a very important issue for the future of this community. Unfortunately, the opposition’s financial naivety has undermined its capacity and credibility in such a debate.
Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: Earlier this month we had an unfortunate decision from the Commonwealth Grants Commission, which is recommending a $350 million — Mr M.W. Trenorden : Tell us about Rudd. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : — cut to Western Australia’s — Mr M.W. Trenorden : Tell us about Rudd. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the second time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : — share of the GST revenue for 2008-09 on a per capita basis. Western Australia has had the largest cut of all the states—$154 per person. The future is not good, because if the grants commission continues to make these types of recommendations — Mr M.W. Trenorden : Tell us about Rudd. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the third and final time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : If the grants commission continues to make these types of recommendations, and if the Western Australian economy continues to outperform that of the other states, our share of GST will be cut to 5.8 per cent by 2011-12. If that happens, over those years to the end of 2011-12, $6 billion will be taken out of the state’s finances. Western Australia’s GST distribution is now the lowest of all jurisdictions. If we receive 5.8 per cent of the goods and services tax in 2011-12, that will compare with our population share at that time, which will be more than 10.2 per cent. That is a heavy price to pay for the economic success that we have been enjoying. Rather than joining with the government to explain the situation to the community and to present a case to the rest of the nation about what Western Australia needs, the opposition has been immature — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! I call the members for Capel and Darling Range to order. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The immature and inexperienced opposition has revealed its absolute financial naivety. The shadow Treasurer called for stamp duty cuts, which he said would solve the problem. That is utter nonsense! Either the opposition is very inexperienced and immature or it has deliberately misled the Western Australian population. I will explain what happens. It is not the level of taxes that drives our GST share; rather, it is the Commonwealth Grants Commission’s estimate of our economic capacity to raise revenue. That makes sense, because if tax rates were the issue, all the states would compete to reduce tax rates knowing that the GST would make up the difference. The plain fact is that even if Western Australia’s stamp duty rate were zero, and even if our tax rates were zero, that would make no difference to our share of GST. I will also address the question of the level of taxation in Western Australia. We have a much richer economy than that of the other states; indeed, we are $20 000 per capita richer than the other states. However, our share of the economy going to taxes is the second lowest in the country. In other words, our taxes are the second lowest in the country. I refer to first home buyer stamp duty exemptions. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! I call the members for Darling Range and Capel to order for the second time. Mr J.H.D. Day interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The member for Darling Range wants me to answer his question, not the question that I was asked, which is the question that I will answer! Our tax level situation bears some explanation to the house. For example, we have the most generous first home buyer stamp duty exemptions in the nation. Western Australia’s land tax on properties valued between $100 000 and $750 000 and up to $10 million is by far the lowest of any state. When we abolish mortgage duty on 1 July, we will have abolished 10 state taxes since coming to power in 2001. Although the shadow Treasurer has revealed his financial naivety and immaturity, he has a chance to make amends because he can support the bill that the government will introduce today to reduce stamp duty by five per cent from 1 July 2008. The whole question of Western Australia’s GST share deserves a mature debate in this community. It is a very important issue for the future of this community. Unfortunately, the opposition’s financial naivety has undermined its capacity and credibility in such a debate.
Earlier this month we had an unfortunate decision from the Commonwealth Grants Commission, which is recommending a $350 million — Mr M.W. Trenorden : Tell us about Rudd. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : — cut to Western Australia’s — Mr M.W. Trenorden : Tell us about Rudd. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the second time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : — share of the GST revenue for 2008-09 on a per capita basis. Western Australia has had the largest cut of all the states—$154 per person. The future is not good, because if the grants commission continues to make these types of recommendations — Mr M.W. Trenorden : Tell us about Rudd. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the third and final time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : If the grants commission continues to make these types of recommendations, and if the Western Australian economy continues to outperform that of the other states, our share of GST will be cut to 5.8 per cent by 2011-12. If that happens, over those years to the end of 2011-12, $6 billion will be taken out of the state’s finances. Western Australia’s GST distribution is now the lowest of all jurisdictions. If we receive 5.8 per cent of the goods and services tax in 2011-12, that will compare with our population share at that time, which will be more than 10.2 per cent. That is a heavy price to pay for the economic success that we have been enjoying. Rather than joining with the government to explain the situation to the community and to present a case to the rest of the nation about what Western Australia needs, the opposition has been immature — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! I call the members for Capel and Darling Range to order. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The immature and inexperienced opposition has revealed its absolute financial naivety. The shadow Treasurer called for stamp duty cuts, which he said would solve the problem. That is utter nonsense! Either the opposition is very inexperienced and immature or it has deliberately misled the Western Australian population. I will explain what happens. It is not the level of taxes that drives our GST share; rather, it is the Commonwealth Grants Commission’s estimate of our economic capacity to raise revenue. That makes sense, because if tax rates were the issue, all the states would compete to reduce tax rates knowing that the GST would make up the difference. The plain fact is that even if Western Australia’s stamp duty rate were zero, and even if our tax rates were zero, that would make no difference to our share of GST. I will also address the question of the level of taxation in Western Australia. We have a much richer economy than that of the other states; indeed, we are $20 000 per capita richer than the other states. However, our share of the economy going to taxes is the second lowest in the country. In other words, our taxes are the second lowest in the country. I refer to first home buyer stamp duty exemptions. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! I call the members for Darling Range and Capel to order for the second time. Mr J.H.D. Day interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The member for Darling Range wants me to answer his question, not the question that I was asked, which is the question that I will answer! Our tax level situation bears some explanation to the house. For example, we have the most generous first home buyer stamp duty exemptions in the nation. Western Australia’s land tax on properties valued between $100 000 and $750 000 and up to $10 million is by far the lowest of any state. When we abolish mortgage duty on 1 July, we will have abolished 10 state taxes since coming to power in 2001. Although the shadow Treasurer has revealed his financial naivety and immaturity, he has a chance to make amends because he can support the bill that the government will introduce today to reduce stamp duty by five per cent from 1 July 2008. The whole question of Western Australia’s GST share deserves a mature debate in this community. It is a very important issue for the future of this community. Unfortunately, the opposition’s financial naivety has undermined its capacity and credibility in such a debate.
Mr M.W. Trenorden : Tell us about Rudd. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : — cut to Western Australia’s — Mr M.W. Trenorden : Tell us about Rudd. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the second time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : — share of the GST revenue for 2008-09 on a per capita basis. Western Australia has had the largest cut of all the states—$154 per person. The future is not good, because if the grants commission continues to make these types of recommendations — Mr M.W. Trenorden : Tell us about Rudd. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the third and final time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : If the grants commission continues to make these types of recommendations, and if the Western Australian economy continues to outperform that of the other states, our share of GST will be cut to 5.8 per cent by 2011-12. If that happens, over those years to the end of 2011-12, $6 billion will be taken out of the state’s finances. Western Australia’s GST distribution is now the lowest of all jurisdictions. If we receive 5.8 per cent of the goods and services tax in 2011-12, that will compare with our population share at that time, which will be more than 10.2 per cent. That is a heavy price to pay for the economic success that we have been enjoying. Rather than joining with the government to explain the situation to the community and to present a case to the rest of the nation about what Western Australia needs, the opposition has been immature — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! I call the members for Capel and Darling Range to order. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The immature and inexperienced opposition has revealed its absolute financial naivety. The shadow Treasurer called for stamp duty cuts, which he said would solve the problem. That is utter nonsense! Either the opposition is very inexperienced and immature or it has deliberately misled the Western Australian population. I will explain what happens. It is not the level of taxes that drives our GST share; rather, it is the Commonwealth Grants Commission’s estimate of our economic capacity to raise revenue. That makes sense, because if tax rates were the issue, all the states would compete to reduce tax rates knowing that the GST would make up the difference. The plain fact is that even if Western Australia’s stamp duty rate were zero, and even if our tax rates were zero, that would make no difference to our share of GST. I will also address the question of the level of taxation in Western Australia. We have a much richer economy than that of the other states; indeed, we are $20 000 per capita richer than the other states. However, our share of the economy going to taxes is the second lowest in the country. In other words, our taxes are the second lowest in the country. I refer to first home buyer stamp duty exemptions. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! I call the members for Darling Range and Capel to order for the second time. Mr J.H.D. Day interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The member for Darling Range wants me to answer his question, not the question that I was asked, which is the question that I will answer! Our tax level situation bears some explanation to the house. For example, we have the most generous first home buyer stamp duty exemptions in the nation. Western Australia’s land tax on properties valued between $100 000 and $750 000 and up to $10 million is by far the lowest of any state. When we abolish mortgage duty on 1 July, we will have abolished 10 state taxes since coming to power in 2001. Although the shadow Treasurer has revealed his financial naivety and immaturity, he has a chance to make amends because he can support the bill that the government will introduce today to reduce stamp duty by five per cent from 1 July 2008. The whole question of Western Australia’s GST share deserves a mature debate in this community. It is a very important issue for the future of this community. Unfortunately, the opposition’s financial naivety has undermined its capacity and credibility in such a debate.
The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : — cut to Western Australia’s — Mr M.W. Trenorden : Tell us about Rudd. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the second time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : — share of the GST revenue for 2008-09 on a per capita basis. Western Australia has had the largest cut of all the states—$154 per person. The future is not good, because if the grants commission continues to make these types of recommendations — Mr M.W. Trenorden : Tell us about Rudd. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the third and final time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : If the grants commission continues to make these types of recommendations, and if the Western Australian economy continues to outperform that of the other states, our share of GST will be cut to 5.8 per cent by 2011-12. If that happens, over those years to the end of 2011-12, $6 billion will be taken out of the state’s finances. Western Australia’s GST distribution is now the lowest of all jurisdictions. If we receive 5.8 per cent of the goods and services tax in 2011-12, that will compare with our population share at that time, which will be more than 10.2 per cent. That is a heavy price to pay for the economic success that we have been enjoying. Rather than joining with the government to explain the situation to the community and to present a case to the rest of the nation about what Western Australia needs, the opposition has been immature — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! I call the members for Capel and Darling Range to order. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The immature and inexperienced opposition has revealed its absolute financial naivety. The shadow Treasurer called for stamp duty cuts, which he said would solve the problem. That is utter nonsense! Either the opposition is very inexperienced and immature or it has deliberately misled the Western Australian population. I will explain what happens. It is not the level of taxes that drives our GST share; rather, it is the Commonwealth Grants Commission’s estimate of our economic capacity to raise revenue. That makes sense, because if tax rates were the issue, all the states would compete to reduce tax rates knowing that the GST would make up the difference. The plain fact is that even if Western Australia’s stamp duty rate were zero, and even if our tax rates were zero, that would make no difference to our share of GST. I will also address the question of the level of taxation in Western Australia. We have a much richer economy than that of the other states; indeed, we are $20 000 per capita richer than the other states. However, our share of the economy going to taxes is the second lowest in the country. In other words, our taxes are the second lowest in the country. I refer to first home buyer stamp duty exemptions. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! I call the members for Darling Range and Capel to order for the second time. Mr J.H.D. Day interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The member for Darling Range wants me to answer his question, not the question that I was asked, which is the question that I will answer! Our tax level situation bears some explanation to the house. For example, we have the most generous first home buyer stamp duty exemptions in the nation. Western Australia’s land tax on properties valued between $100 000 and $750 000 and up to $10 million is by far the lowest of any state. When we abolish mortgage duty on 1 July, we will have abolished 10 state taxes since coming to power in 2001. Although the shadow Treasurer has revealed his financial naivety and immaturity, he has a chance to make amends because he can support the bill that the government will introduce today to reduce stamp duty by five per cent from 1 July 2008. The whole question of Western Australia’s GST share deserves a mature debate in this community. It is a very important issue for the future of this community. Unfortunately, the opposition’s financial naivety has undermined its capacity and credibility in such a debate.
Mr E.S. RIPPER : — cut to Western Australia’s — Mr M.W. Trenorden : Tell us about Rudd. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the second time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : — share of the GST revenue for 2008-09 on a per capita basis. Western Australia has had the largest cut of all the states—$154 per person. The future is not good, because if the grants commission continues to make these types of recommendations — Mr M.W. Trenorden : Tell us about Rudd. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the third and final time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : If the grants commission continues to make these types of recommendations, and if the Western Australian economy continues to outperform that of the other states, our share of GST will be cut to 5.8 per cent by 2011-12. If that happens, over those years to the end of 2011-12, $6 billion will be taken out of the state’s finances. Western Australia’s GST distribution is now the lowest of all jurisdictions. If we receive 5.8 per cent of the goods and services tax in 2011-12, that will compare with our population share at that time, which will be more than 10.2 per cent. That is a heavy price to pay for the economic success that we have been enjoying. Rather than joining with the government to explain the situation to the community and to present a case to the rest of the nation about what Western Australia needs, the opposition has been immature — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! I call the members for Capel and Darling Range to order. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The immature and inexperienced opposition has revealed its absolute financial naivety. The shadow Treasurer called for stamp duty cuts, which he said would solve the problem. That is utter nonsense! Either the opposition is very inexperienced and immature or it has deliberately misled the Western Australian population. I will explain what happens. It is not the level of taxes that drives our GST share; rather, it is the Commonwealth Grants Commission’s estimate of our economic capacity to raise revenue. That makes sense, because if tax rates were the issue, all the states would compete to reduce tax rates knowing that the GST would make up the difference. The plain fact is that even if Western Australia’s stamp duty rate were zero, and even if our tax rates were zero, that would make no difference to our share of GST. I will also address the question of the level of taxation in Western Australia. We have a much richer economy than that of the other states; indeed, we are $20 000 per capita richer than the other states. However, our share of the economy going to taxes is the second lowest in the country. In other words, our taxes are the second lowest in the country. I refer to first home buyer stamp duty exemptions. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! I call the members for Darling Range and Capel to order for the second time. Mr J.H.D. Day interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The member for Darling Range wants me to answer his question, not the question that I was asked, which is the question that I will answer! Our tax level situation bears some explanation to the house. For example, we have the most generous first home buyer stamp duty exemptions in the nation. Western Australia’s land tax on properties valued between $100 000 and $750 000 and up to $10 million is by far the lowest of any state. When we abolish mortgage duty on 1 July, we will have abolished 10 state taxes since coming to power in 2001. Although the shadow Treasurer has revealed his financial naivety and immaturity, he has a chance to make amends because he can support the bill that the government will introduce today to reduce stamp duty by five per cent from 1 July 2008. The whole question of Western Australia’s GST share deserves a mature debate in this community. It is a very important issue for the future of this community. Unfortunately, the opposition’s financial naivety has undermined its capacity and credibility in such a debate.
Mr M.W. Trenorden : Tell us about Rudd. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the second time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : — share of the GST revenue for 2008-09 on a per capita basis. Western Australia has had the largest cut of all the states—$154 per person. The future is not good, because if the grants commission continues to make these types of recommendations — Mr M.W. Trenorden : Tell us about Rudd. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the third and final time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : If the grants commission continues to make these types of recommendations, and if the Western Australian economy continues to outperform that of the other states, our share of GST will be cut to 5.8 per cent by 2011-12. If that happens, over those years to the end of 2011-12, $6 billion will be taken out of the state’s finances. Western Australia’s GST distribution is now the lowest of all jurisdictions. If we receive 5.8 per cent of the goods and services tax in 2011-12, that will compare with our population share at that time, which will be more than 10.2 per cent. That is a heavy price to pay for the economic success that we have been enjoying. Rather than joining with the government to explain the situation to the community and to present a case to the rest of the nation about what Western Australia needs, the opposition has been immature — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! I call the members for Capel and Darling Range to order. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The immature and inexperienced opposition has revealed its absolute financial naivety. The shadow Treasurer called for stamp duty cuts, which he said would solve the problem. That is utter nonsense! Either the opposition is very inexperienced and immature or it has deliberately misled the Western Australian population. I will explain what happens. It is not the level of taxes that drives our GST share; rather, it is the Commonwealth Grants Commission’s estimate of our economic capacity to raise revenue. That makes sense, because if tax rates were the issue, all the states would compete to reduce tax rates knowing that the GST would make up the difference. The plain fact is that even if Western Australia’s stamp duty rate were zero, and even if our tax rates were zero, that would make no difference to our share of GST. I will also address the question of the level of taxation in Western Australia. We have a much richer economy than that of the other states; indeed, we are $20 000 per capita richer than the other states. However, our share of the economy going to taxes is the second lowest in the country. In other words, our taxes are the second lowest in the country. I refer to first home buyer stamp duty exemptions. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! I call the members for Darling Range and Capel to order for the second time. Mr J.H.D. Day interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The member for Darling Range wants me to answer his question, not the question that I was asked, which is the question that I will answer! Our tax level situation bears some explanation to the house. For example, we have the most generous first home buyer stamp duty exemptions in the nation. Western Australia’s land tax on properties valued between $100 000 and $750 000 and up to $10 million is by far the lowest of any state. When we abolish mortgage duty on 1 July, we will have abolished 10 state taxes since coming to power in 2001. Although the shadow Treasurer has revealed his financial naivety and immaturity, he has a chance to make amends because he can support the bill that the government will introduce today to reduce stamp duty by five per cent from 1 July 2008. The whole question of Western Australia’s GST share deserves a mature debate in this community. It is a very important issue for the future of this community. Unfortunately, the opposition’s financial naivety has undermined its capacity and credibility in such a debate.
The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the second time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : — share of the GST revenue for 2008-09 on a per capita basis. Western Australia has had the largest cut of all the states—$154 per person. The future is not good, because if the grants commission continues to make these types of recommendations — Mr M.W. Trenorden : Tell us about Rudd. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the third and final time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : If the grants commission continues to make these types of recommendations, and if the Western Australian economy continues to outperform that of the other states, our share of GST will be cut to 5.8 per cent by 2011-12. If that happens, over those years to the end of 2011-12, $6 billion will be taken out of the state’s finances. Western Australia’s GST distribution is now the lowest of all jurisdictions. If we receive 5.8 per cent of the goods and services tax in 2011-12, that will compare with our population share at that time, which will be more than 10.2 per cent. That is a heavy price to pay for the economic success that we have been enjoying. Rather than joining with the government to explain the situation to the community and to present a case to the rest of the nation about what Western Australia needs, the opposition has been immature — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! I call the members for Capel and Darling Range to order. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The immature and inexperienced opposition has revealed its absolute financial naivety. The shadow Treasurer called for stamp duty cuts, which he said would solve the problem. That is utter nonsense! Either the opposition is very inexperienced and immature or it has deliberately misled the Western Australian population. I will explain what happens. It is not the level of taxes that drives our GST share; rather, it is the Commonwealth Grants Commission’s estimate of our economic capacity to raise revenue. That makes sense, because if tax rates were the issue, all the states would compete to reduce tax rates knowing that the GST would make up the difference. The plain fact is that even if Western Australia’s stamp duty rate were zero, and even if our tax rates were zero, that would make no difference to our share of GST. I will also address the question of the level of taxation in Western Australia. We have a much richer economy than that of the other states; indeed, we are $20 000 per capita richer than the other states. However, our share of the economy going to taxes is the second lowest in the country. In other words, our taxes are the second lowest in the country. I refer to first home buyer stamp duty exemptions. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! I call the members for Darling Range and Capel to order for the second time. Mr J.H.D. Day interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The member for Darling Range wants me to answer his question, not the question that I was asked, which is the question that I will answer! Our tax level situation bears some explanation to the house. For example, we have the most generous first home buyer stamp duty exemptions in the nation. Western Australia’s land tax on properties valued between $100 000 and $750 000 and up to $10 million is by far the lowest of any state. When we abolish mortgage duty on 1 July, we will have abolished 10 state taxes since coming to power in 2001. Although the shadow Treasurer has revealed his financial naivety and immaturity, he has a chance to make amends because he can support the bill that the government will introduce today to reduce stamp duty by five per cent from 1 July 2008. The whole question of Western Australia’s GST share deserves a mature debate in this community. It is a very important issue for the future of this community. Unfortunately, the opposition’s financial naivety has undermined its capacity and credibility in such a debate.
Mr E.S. RIPPER : — share of the GST revenue for 2008-09 on a per capita basis. Western Australia has had the largest cut of all the states—$154 per person. The future is not good, because if the grants commission continues to make these types of recommendations — Mr M.W. Trenorden : Tell us about Rudd. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the third and final time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : If the grants commission continues to make these types of recommendations, and if the Western Australian economy continues to outperform that of the other states, our share of GST will be cut to 5.8 per cent by 2011-12. If that happens, over those years to the end of 2011-12, $6 billion will be taken out of the state’s finances. Western Australia’s GST distribution is now the lowest of all jurisdictions. If we receive 5.8 per cent of the goods and services tax in 2011-12, that will compare with our population share at that time, which will be more than 10.2 per cent. That is a heavy price to pay for the economic success that we have been enjoying. Rather than joining with the government to explain the situation to the community and to present a case to the rest of the nation about what Western Australia needs, the opposition has been immature — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! I call the members for Capel and Darling Range to order. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The immature and inexperienced opposition has revealed its absolute financial naivety. The shadow Treasurer called for stamp duty cuts, which he said would solve the problem. That is utter nonsense! Either the opposition is very inexperienced and immature or it has deliberately misled the Western Australian population. I will explain what happens. It is not the level of taxes that drives our GST share; rather, it is the Commonwealth Grants Commission’s estimate of our economic capacity to raise revenue. That makes sense, because if tax rates were the issue, all the states would compete to reduce tax rates knowing that the GST would make up the difference. The plain fact is that even if Western Australia’s stamp duty rate were zero, and even if our tax rates were zero, that would make no difference to our share of GST. I will also address the question of the level of taxation in Western Australia. We have a much richer economy than that of the other states; indeed, we are $20 000 per capita richer than the other states. However, our share of the economy going to taxes is the second lowest in the country. In other words, our taxes are the second lowest in the country. I refer to first home buyer stamp duty exemptions. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! I call the members for Darling Range and Capel to order for the second time. Mr J.H.D. Day interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The member for Darling Range wants me to answer his question, not the question that I was asked, which is the question that I will answer! Our tax level situation bears some explanation to the house. For example, we have the most generous first home buyer stamp duty exemptions in the nation. Western Australia’s land tax on properties valued between $100 000 and $750 000 and up to $10 million is by far the lowest of any state. When we abolish mortgage duty on 1 July, we will have abolished 10 state taxes since coming to power in 2001. Although the shadow Treasurer has revealed his financial naivety and immaturity, he has a chance to make amends because he can support the bill that the government will introduce today to reduce stamp duty by five per cent from 1 July 2008. The whole question of Western Australia’s GST share deserves a mature debate in this community. It is a very important issue for the future of this community. Unfortunately, the opposition’s financial naivety has undermined its capacity and credibility in such a debate.
Mr M.W. Trenorden : Tell us about Rudd. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the third and final time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : If the grants commission continues to make these types of recommendations, and if the Western Australian economy continues to outperform that of the other states, our share of GST will be cut to 5.8 per cent by 2011-12. If that happens, over those years to the end of 2011-12, $6 billion will be taken out of the state’s finances. Western Australia’s GST distribution is now the lowest of all jurisdictions. If we receive 5.8 per cent of the goods and services tax in 2011-12, that will compare with our population share at that time, which will be more than 10.2 per cent. That is a heavy price to pay for the economic success that we have been enjoying. Rather than joining with the government to explain the situation to the community and to present a case to the rest of the nation about what Western Australia needs, the opposition has been immature — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! I call the members for Capel and Darling Range to order. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The immature and inexperienced opposition has revealed its absolute financial naivety. The shadow Treasurer called for stamp duty cuts, which he said would solve the problem. That is utter nonsense! Either the opposition is very inexperienced and immature or it has deliberately misled the Western Australian population. I will explain what happens. It is not the level of taxes that drives our GST share; rather, it is the Commonwealth Grants Commission’s estimate of our economic capacity to raise revenue. That makes sense, because if tax rates were the issue, all the states would compete to reduce tax rates knowing that the GST would make up the difference. The plain fact is that even if Western Australia’s stamp duty rate were zero, and even if our tax rates were zero, that would make no difference to our share of GST. I will also address the question of the level of taxation in Western Australia. We have a much richer economy than that of the other states; indeed, we are $20 000 per capita richer than the other states. However, our share of the economy going to taxes is the second lowest in the country. In other words, our taxes are the second lowest in the country. I refer to first home buyer stamp duty exemptions. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! I call the members for Darling Range and Capel to order for the second time. Mr J.H.D. Day interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The member for Darling Range wants me to answer his question, not the question that I was asked, which is the question that I will answer! Our tax level situation bears some explanation to the house. For example, we have the most generous first home buyer stamp duty exemptions in the nation. Western Australia’s land tax on properties valued between $100 000 and $750 000 and up to $10 million is by far the lowest of any state. When we abolish mortgage duty on 1 July, we will have abolished 10 state taxes since coming to power in 2001. Although the shadow Treasurer has revealed his financial naivety and immaturity, he has a chance to make amends because he can support the bill that the government will introduce today to reduce stamp duty by five per cent from 1 July 2008. The whole question of Western Australia’s GST share deserves a mature debate in this community. It is a very important issue for the future of this community. Unfortunately, the opposition’s financial naivety has undermined its capacity and credibility in such a debate.
The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the third and final time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : If the grants commission continues to make these types of recommendations, and if the Western Australian economy continues to outperform that of the other states, our share of GST will be cut to 5.8 per cent by 2011-12. If that happens, over those years to the end of 2011-12, $6 billion will be taken out of the state’s finances. Western Australia’s GST distribution is now the lowest of all jurisdictions. If we receive 5.8 per cent of the goods and services tax in 2011-12, that will compare with our population share at that time, which will be more than 10.2 per cent. That is a heavy price to pay for the economic success that we have been enjoying. Rather than joining with the government to explain the situation to the community and to present a case to the rest of the nation about what Western Australia needs, the opposition has been immature — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! I call the members for Capel and Darling Range to order. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The immature and inexperienced opposition has revealed its absolute financial naivety. The shadow Treasurer called for stamp duty cuts, which he said would solve the problem. That is utter nonsense! Either the opposition is very inexperienced and immature or it has deliberately misled the Western Australian population. I will explain what happens. It is not the level of taxes that drives our GST share; rather, it is the Commonwealth Grants Commission’s estimate of our economic capacity to raise revenue. That makes sense, because if tax rates were the issue, all the states would compete to reduce tax rates knowing that the GST would make up the difference. The plain fact is that even if Western Australia’s stamp duty rate were zero, and even if our tax rates were zero, that would make no difference to our share of GST. I will also address the question of the level of taxation in Western Australia. We have a much richer economy than that of the other states; indeed, we are $20 000 per capita richer than the other states. However, our share of the economy going to taxes is the second lowest in the country. In other words, our taxes are the second lowest in the country. I refer to first home buyer stamp duty exemptions. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! I call the members for Darling Range and Capel to order for the second time. Mr J.H.D. Day interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The member for Darling Range wants me to answer his question, not the question that I was asked, which is the question that I will answer! Our tax level situation bears some explanation to the house. For example, we have the most generous first home buyer stamp duty exemptions in the nation. Western Australia’s land tax on properties valued between $100 000 and $750 000 and up to $10 million is by far the lowest of any state. When we abolish mortgage duty on 1 July, we will have abolished 10 state taxes since coming to power in 2001. Although the shadow Treasurer has revealed his financial naivety and immaturity, he has a chance to make amends because he can support the bill that the government will introduce today to reduce stamp duty by five per cent from 1 July 2008. The whole question of Western Australia’s GST share deserves a mature debate in this community. It is a very important issue for the future of this community. Unfortunately, the opposition’s financial naivety has undermined its capacity and credibility in such a debate.
Mr E.S. RIPPER : If the grants commission continues to make these types of recommendations, and if the Western Australian economy continues to outperform that of the other states, our share of GST will be cut to 5.8 per cent by 2011-12. If that happens, over those years to the end of 2011-12, $6 billion will be taken out of the state’s finances. Western Australia’s GST distribution is now the lowest of all jurisdictions. If we receive 5.8 per cent of the goods and services tax in 2011-12, that will compare with our population share at that time, which will be more than 10.2 per cent. That is a heavy price to pay for the economic success that we have been enjoying. Rather than joining with the government to explain the situation to the community and to present a case to the rest of the nation about what Western Australia needs, the opposition has been immature — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! I call the members for Capel and Darling Range to order. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The immature and inexperienced opposition has revealed its absolute financial naivety. The shadow Treasurer called for stamp duty cuts, which he said would solve the problem. That is utter nonsense! Either the opposition is very inexperienced and immature or it has deliberately misled the Western Australian population. I will explain what happens. It is not the level of taxes that drives our GST share; rather, it is the Commonwealth Grants Commission’s estimate of our economic capacity to raise revenue. That makes sense, because if tax rates were the issue, all the states would compete to reduce tax rates knowing that the GST would make up the difference. The plain fact is that even if Western Australia’s stamp duty rate were zero, and even if our tax rates were zero, that would make no difference to our share of GST. I will also address the question of the level of taxation in Western Australia. We have a much richer economy than that of the other states; indeed, we are $20 000 per capita richer than the other states. However, our share of the economy going to taxes is the second lowest in the country. In other words, our taxes are the second lowest in the country. I refer to first home buyer stamp duty exemptions. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! I call the members for Darling Range and Capel to order for the second time. Mr J.H.D. Day interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The member for Darling Range wants me to answer his question, not the question that I was asked, which is the question that I will answer! Our tax level situation bears some explanation to the house. For example, we have the most generous first home buyer stamp duty exemptions in the nation. Western Australia’s land tax on properties valued between $100 000 and $750 000 and up to $10 million is by far the lowest of any state. When we abolish mortgage duty on 1 July, we will have abolished 10 state taxes since coming to power in 2001. Although the shadow Treasurer has revealed his financial naivety and immaturity, he has a chance to make amends because he can support the bill that the government will introduce today to reduce stamp duty by five per cent from 1 July 2008. The whole question of Western Australia’s GST share deserves a mature debate in this community. It is a very important issue for the future of this community. Unfortunately, the opposition’s financial naivety has undermined its capacity and credibility in such a debate.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! I call the members for Capel and Darling Range to order. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The immature and inexperienced opposition has revealed its absolute financial naivety. The shadow Treasurer called for stamp duty cuts, which he said would solve the problem. That is utter nonsense! Either the opposition is very inexperienced and immature or it has deliberately misled the Western Australian population. I will explain what happens. It is not the level of taxes that drives our GST share; rather, it is the Commonwealth Grants Commission’s estimate of our economic capacity to raise revenue. That makes sense, because if tax rates were the issue, all the states would compete to reduce tax rates knowing that the GST would make up the difference. The plain fact is that even if Western Australia’s stamp duty rate were zero, and even if our tax rates were zero, that would make no difference to our share of GST. I will also address the question of the level of taxation in Western Australia. We have a much richer economy than that of the other states; indeed, we are $20 000 per capita richer than the other states. However, our share of the economy going to taxes is the second lowest in the country. In other words, our taxes are the second lowest in the country. I refer to first home buyer stamp duty exemptions. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! I call the members for Darling Range and Capel to order for the second time. Mr J.H.D. Day interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The member for Darling Range wants me to answer his question, not the question that I was asked, which is the question that I will answer! Our tax level situation bears some explanation to the house. For example, we have the most generous first home buyer stamp duty exemptions in the nation. Western Australia’s land tax on properties valued between $100 000 and $750 000 and up to $10 million is by far the lowest of any state. When we abolish mortgage duty on 1 July, we will have abolished 10 state taxes since coming to power in 2001. Although the shadow Treasurer has revealed his financial naivety and immaturity, he has a chance to make amends because he can support the bill that the government will introduce today to reduce stamp duty by five per cent from 1 July 2008. The whole question of Western Australia’s GST share deserves a mature debate in this community. It is a very important issue for the future of this community. Unfortunately, the opposition’s financial naivety has undermined its capacity and credibility in such a debate.
The SPEAKER : Order, members! I call the members for Capel and Darling Range to order. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The immature and inexperienced opposition has revealed its absolute financial naivety. The shadow Treasurer called for stamp duty cuts, which he said would solve the problem. That is utter nonsense! Either the opposition is very inexperienced and immature or it has deliberately misled the Western Australian population. I will explain what happens. It is not the level of taxes that drives our GST share; rather, it is the Commonwealth Grants Commission’s estimate of our economic capacity to raise revenue. That makes sense, because if tax rates were the issue, all the states would compete to reduce tax rates knowing that the GST would make up the difference. The plain fact is that even if Western Australia’s stamp duty rate were zero, and even if our tax rates were zero, that would make no difference to our share of GST. I will also address the question of the level of taxation in Western Australia. We have a much richer economy than that of the other states; indeed, we are $20 000 per capita richer than the other states. However, our share of the economy going to taxes is the second lowest in the country. In other words, our taxes are the second lowest in the country. I refer to first home buyer stamp duty exemptions. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! I call the members for Darling Range and Capel to order for the second time. Mr J.H.D. Day interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The member for Darling Range wants me to answer his question, not the question that I was asked, which is the question that I will answer! Our tax level situation bears some explanation to the house. For example, we have the most generous first home buyer stamp duty exemptions in the nation. Western Australia’s land tax on properties valued between $100 000 and $750 000 and up to $10 million is by far the lowest of any state. When we abolish mortgage duty on 1 July, we will have abolished 10 state taxes since coming to power in 2001. Although the shadow Treasurer has revealed his financial naivety and immaturity, he has a chance to make amends because he can support the bill that the government will introduce today to reduce stamp duty by five per cent from 1 July 2008. The whole question of Western Australia’s GST share deserves a mature debate in this community. It is a very important issue for the future of this community. Unfortunately, the opposition’s financial naivety has undermined its capacity and credibility in such a debate.
Mr E.S. RIPPER : The immature and inexperienced opposition has revealed its absolute financial naivety. The shadow Treasurer called for stamp duty cuts, which he said would solve the problem. That is utter nonsense! Either the opposition is very inexperienced and immature or it has deliberately misled the Western Australian population. I will explain what happens. It is not the level of taxes that drives our GST share; rather, it is the Commonwealth Grants Commission’s estimate of our economic capacity to raise revenue. That makes sense, because if tax rates were the issue, all the states would compete to reduce tax rates knowing that the GST would make up the difference. The plain fact is that even if Western Australia’s stamp duty rate were zero, and even if our tax rates were zero, that would make no difference to our share of GST. I will also address the question of the level of taxation in Western Australia. We have a much richer economy than that of the other states; indeed, we are $20 000 per capita richer than the other states. However, our share of the economy going to taxes is the second lowest in the country. In other words, our taxes are the second lowest in the country. I refer to first home buyer stamp duty exemptions. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! I call the members for Darling Range and Capel to order for the second time. Mr J.H.D. Day interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The member for Darling Range wants me to answer his question, not the question that I was asked, which is the question that I will answer! Our tax level situation bears some explanation to the house. For example, we have the most generous first home buyer stamp duty exemptions in the nation. Western Australia’s land tax on properties valued between $100 000 and $750 000 and up to $10 million is by far the lowest of any state. When we abolish mortgage duty on 1 July, we will have abolished 10 state taxes since coming to power in 2001. Although the shadow Treasurer has revealed his financial naivety and immaturity, he has a chance to make amends because he can support the bill that the government will introduce today to reduce stamp duty by five per cent from 1 July 2008. The whole question of Western Australia’s GST share deserves a mature debate in this community. It is a very important issue for the future of this community. Unfortunately, the opposition’s financial naivety has undermined its capacity and credibility in such a debate.
I will also address the question of the level of taxation in Western Australia. We have a much richer economy than that of the other states; indeed, we are $20 000 per capita richer than the other states. However, our share of the economy going to taxes is the second lowest in the country. In other words, our taxes are the second lowest in the country. I refer to first home buyer stamp duty exemptions. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! I call the members for Darling Range and Capel to order for the second time. Mr J.H.D. Day interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The member for Darling Range wants me to answer his question, not the question that I was asked, which is the question that I will answer! Our tax level situation bears some explanation to the house. For example, we have the most generous first home buyer stamp duty exemptions in the nation. Western Australia’s land tax on properties valued between $100 000 and $750 000 and up to $10 million is by far the lowest of any state. When we abolish mortgage duty on 1 July, we will have abolished 10 state taxes since coming to power in 2001. Although the shadow Treasurer has revealed his financial naivety and immaturity, he has a chance to make amends because he can support the bill that the government will introduce today to reduce stamp duty by five per cent from 1 July 2008. The whole question of Western Australia’s GST share deserves a mature debate in this community. It is a very important issue for the future of this community. Unfortunately, the opposition’s financial naivety has undermined its capacity and credibility in such a debate.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! I call the members for Darling Range and Capel to order for the second time. Mr J.H.D. Day interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The member for Darling Range wants me to answer his question, not the question that I was asked, which is the question that I will answer! Our tax level situation bears some explanation to the house. For example, we have the most generous first home buyer stamp duty exemptions in the nation. Western Australia’s land tax on properties valued between $100 000 and $750 000 and up to $10 million is by far the lowest of any state. When we abolish mortgage duty on 1 July, we will have abolished 10 state taxes since coming to power in 2001. Although the shadow Treasurer has revealed his financial naivety and immaturity, he has a chance to make amends because he can support the bill that the government will introduce today to reduce stamp duty by five per cent from 1 July 2008. The whole question of Western Australia’s GST share deserves a mature debate in this community. It is a very important issue for the future of this community. Unfortunately, the opposition’s financial naivety has undermined its capacity and credibility in such a debate.
The SPEAKER : Order, members! I call the members for Darling Range and Capel to order for the second time. Mr J.H.D. Day interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The member for Darling Range wants me to answer his question, not the question that I was asked, which is the question that I will answer! Our tax level situation bears some explanation to the house. For example, we have the most generous first home buyer stamp duty exemptions in the nation. Western Australia’s land tax on properties valued between $100 000 and $750 000 and up to $10 million is by far the lowest of any state. When we abolish mortgage duty on 1 July, we will have abolished 10 state taxes since coming to power in 2001. Although the shadow Treasurer has revealed his financial naivety and immaturity, he has a chance to make amends because he can support the bill that the government will introduce today to reduce stamp duty by five per cent from 1 July 2008. The whole question of Western Australia’s GST share deserves a mature debate in this community. It is a very important issue for the future of this community. Unfortunately, the opposition’s financial naivety has undermined its capacity and credibility in such a debate.
Mr J.H.D. Day interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The member for Darling Range wants me to answer his question, not the question that I was asked, which is the question that I will answer! Our tax level situation bears some explanation to the house. For example, we have the most generous first home buyer stamp duty exemptions in the nation. Western Australia’s land tax on properties valued between $100 000 and $750 000 and up to $10 million is by far the lowest of any state. When we abolish mortgage duty on 1 July, we will have abolished 10 state taxes since coming to power in 2001. Although the shadow Treasurer has revealed his financial naivety and immaturity, he has a chance to make amends because he can support the bill that the government will introduce today to reduce stamp duty by five per cent from 1 July 2008. The whole question of Western Australia’s GST share deserves a mature debate in this community. It is a very important issue for the future of this community. Unfortunately, the opposition’s financial naivety has undermined its capacity and credibility in such a debate.
Mr E.S. RIPPER : The member for Darling Range wants me to answer his question, not the question that I was asked, which is the question that I will answer! Our tax level situation bears some explanation to the house. For example, we have the most generous first home buyer stamp duty exemptions in the nation. Western Australia’s land tax on properties valued between $100 000 and $750 000 and up to $10 million is by far the lowest of any state. When we abolish mortgage duty on 1 July, we will have abolished 10 state taxes since coming to power in 2001. Although the shadow Treasurer has revealed his financial naivety and immaturity, he has a chance to make amends because he can support the bill that the government will introduce today to reduce stamp duty by five per cent from 1 July 2008. The whole question of Western Australia’s GST share deserves a mature debate in this community. It is a very important issue for the future of this community. Unfortunately, the opposition’s financial naivety has undermined its capacity and credibility in such a debate.
Our tax level situation bears some explanation to the house. For example, we have the most generous first home buyer stamp duty exemptions in the nation. Western Australia’s land tax on properties valued between $100 000 and $750 000 and up to $10 million is by far the lowest of any state. When we abolish mortgage duty on 1 July, we will have abolished 10 state taxes since coming to power in 2001. Although the shadow Treasurer has revealed his financial naivety and immaturity, he has a chance to make amends because he can support the bill that the government will introduce today to reduce stamp duty by five per cent from 1 July 2008. The whole question of Western Australia’s GST share deserves a mature debate in this community. It is a very important issue for the future of this community. Unfortunately, the opposition’s financial naivety has undermined its capacity and credibility in such a debate.
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