❓ Mr. Johnston questions the Minister for Energy about replacing Western Power's dividend income if it's sold, suggesting higher taxes or service cuts. The Minister responds that Western Power is expected to become a net drain on government finances.
AnsweredQoN 728Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
WESTERN POWER — DIVIDEND
728. Mr W.J. JOHNSTON to the Minister for
Energy:
I have a supplementary question. If the minister sells Western Power,
will he replace this $400 988 000 of recurrent income with higher taxes or will
he be cutting services?
728. Mr W.J. JOHNSTON to the Minister for
Energy:
I have a supplementary question. If the minister sells Western Power,
will he replace this $400 988 000 of recurrent income with higher taxes or will
he be cutting services?
AnswerView source ↗
As I indicated, that is the high-water mark. Going forward over the
next five years —
Mr
M. McGowan interjected.
Dr M.D. NAHAN : Going forward over the next five years —
Several members interjected.
The SPEAKER : That is enough!
Dr M.D. NAHAN : Going forward over the next five years,
Western Power will require more transfers from the government than it pays in
dividends and taxes.
Mr W.J. Johnston interjected.
The SPEAKER : Member for Cannington!
Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is expected to be a net drain on the
government and not a positive. The government is working to limit that drain by
driving efficiencies in Western Power and hopefully moving to the Australian Energy
Regulator. If the intent of the member's question is whether Western
Power is a significant net contributor to the government, the answer is no.
Mr W.J. Johnston interjected.
The SPEAKER : That is enough, member for Cannington.
next five years —
Mr
M. McGowan interjected.
Dr M.D. NAHAN : Going forward over the next five years —
Several members interjected.
The SPEAKER : That is enough!
Dr M.D. NAHAN : Going forward over the next five years,
Western Power will require more transfers from the government than it pays in
dividends and taxes.
Mr W.J. Johnston interjected.
The SPEAKER : Member for Cannington!
Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is expected to be a net drain on the
government and not a positive. The government is working to limit that drain by
driving efficiencies in Western Power and hopefully moving to the Australian Energy
Regulator. If the intent of the member's question is whether Western
Power is a significant net contributor to the government, the answer is no.
Mr W.J. Johnston interjected.
The SPEAKER : That is enough, member for Cannington.
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