Mr. Love questions whether WA's infrastructure program fares better under a federal Coalition government than Labor. The Treasurer responds that WA is comparatively well-positioned due to effective pipeline management and avoidance of large, risky projects.

AnsweredQoN 875Legislative Assembly
Asked
15 November 2023
Portfolio
Treasurer

QuestionView source ↗

INFRASTRUCTURE
INVESTMENT PROGRAM — FEDERAL–STATE FUNDING
875. Mr R.S. LOVE to the Treasurer:
I have a supplementary question. Is
it fair to say that Western Australia's infrastructure program is
better treated by a federal coalition government than by Labor?
Several members interjected.
The SPEAKER : Order, please!

AnswerView source ↗

My understanding is that when it all
comes out, even despite the challenges that I just raised, that when compared with the other states, WA will be treated better
than the other states. That is my impression of what will be happening ,
but this will be for a couple of reasons. Firstly, the other states have
projects worth —
Mr R.S. Love interjected.
Ms R. SAFFIOTI : I was going to give the member a description

Several members interjected.
The SPEAKER : Order, please! Sorry, you have had the
opportunity to ask your supplementary question. The minister has fairly
begun her answer.
Ms R. SAFFIOTI : In comparative terms in relation to this
infrastructure review, we have had cost challenges. I have always said that.
But I tell members what: a cost challenge on a $200 million project compared
with a $10 billion project is very different. When a state is running $5 billion
and $10 billion projects and there is a 30 or 40 per cent cost increase,
that is major. The other states are in a very different position from us. We
have managed our pipeline more effectively. We have a longer pipeline of work.
We have not entered into $10 billion public–private partnerships, which
are very risky in relation to cost exposure.
We are in a better position to deal with any decision by the
federal government, but, as I said, we are very pro WA and we will fight for
every project. In relation to the other states, because we have managed our
pipeline better, because we have not entered into $10 billion commitments, and
because we worked well with both sides of government, we are much better placed
to deal with any decisions should they come.

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