❓ Opposition Leader Mark McGowan questions Premier Colin Barnett's accountability for the state's financial position. The Premier accepts responsibility but highlights external factors and achievements of his government.
AnsweredQoN 783Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
STATE FINANCES — RESPONSIBILITY
783. Mr M. McGOWAN to the Premier:
I have a supplementary question. The Premier did not answer
the question. Does the Premier take full responsibility for the final position
that the state is now in and admit that it is his responsibility and fault?
783. Mr M. McGOWAN to the Premier:
I have a supplementary question. The Premier did not answer
the question. Does the Premier take full responsibility for the final position
that the state is now in and admit that it is his responsibility and fault?
AnswerView source ↗
I think I started my answer by saying that I accept
responsibility—I do—for every single thing that happens within
this government. I accept responsibility. That does not mean I can be ignorant
of the factors outside —
Mr W.J. Johnston :
You're in charge, but it's not your fault!
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I
did not say that. I cannot single-handedly control the GST issue, although I
think we will probably win that eventually, and I certainly cannot control the
iron ore price.
Mr P.B. Watson interjected.
The SPEAKER :
Member for Albany, I call you to order for the second time.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I
accept responsibility, and history will show that this has been a high-achieving
government that has grasped the opportunity of modern China. As one of our
members interjected, the Labor government could not get Gorgon, Karara or the
Ord River underway; it could not get any of those projects going. Inpex
Corporation went to Darwin rather than deal with the Labor government. That is
the reality. The Labor government would have totally missed the opportunity of
the emergence of modern China.
responsibility—I do—for every single thing that happens within
this government. I accept responsibility. That does not mean I can be ignorant
of the factors outside —
Mr W.J. Johnston :
You're in charge, but it's not your fault!
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I
did not say that. I cannot single-handedly control the GST issue, although I
think we will probably win that eventually, and I certainly cannot control the
iron ore price.
Mr P.B. Watson interjected.
The SPEAKER :
Member for Albany, I call you to order for the second time.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I
accept responsibility, and history will show that this has been a high-achieving
government that has grasped the opportunity of modern China. As one of our
members interjected, the Labor government could not get Gorgon, Karara or the
Ord River underway; it could not get any of those projects going. Inpex
Corporation went to Darwin rather than deal with the Labor government. That is
the reality. The Labor government would have totally missed the opportunity of
the emergence of modern China.
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