❓ The WA Premier defends the government's commitment to small business amidst criticism over a bill requiring them to contribute to HIH Insurance's workers compensation liabilities. He cites existing support measures and argues the bill is a responsible solution to a crisis.
AnsweredQoN 64Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
HIH INSURANCE LTD, TAX ON SMALL BUSINESS
Does the Premier stand by his claim in a media statement this morning that small business is a top priority for his Government, when two days ago, on Tuesday, 22 May, the Government passed a Bill to make small business pay for the total amount of the workers compensation liabilities caused by the collapse of HIH Insurance Ltd? Dr GALLOP
Does the Premier stand by his claim in a media statement this morning that small business is a top priority for his Government, when two days ago, on Tuesday, 22 May, the Government passed a Bill to make small business pay for the total amount of the workers compensation liabilities caused by the collapse of HIH Insurance Ltd? Dr GALLOP
AnswerView source ↗
The Government is committed to the interests of small business in this State, unlike the previous Government, which was strong on rhetoric, but not strong on delivery to small business. It was weak on performance. This Government has already instructed its departments to pay their bills within 30 days. Mr McNee interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Moore to order for the first time. Dr GALLOP: This Government has drafted legislation to reduce stamp duty on workers compensation premiums for small business. It has reduced the Totalisator Agency Board turnover tax, which essentially puts money back into one of the biggest small business sectors in this State, the racing industry. This Government is beefing up the local content and purchasing policies in Western Australia, which I announced this morning in my speech. However, the collapse of HIH is a contentious issue. A scheme was set up in Western Australia in 1980 by the former Premier, Sir Charles Court, to take into account situations like this, which may emerge. Unfortunately, when he set up that scheme, the allowance in place for the levy was not sufficient to deal with the crisis that the Government now faces. We took the responsible course of action to introduce legislation into the Parliament to deal with it. It has been strongly supported to make sure that the crisis can be dealt with. According to the Leader of the National Party, there is an alternative: leave all the businesses exposed to workers compensation claims. That seems to be the only alternative he has in mind. The Government is very conscious of the impact on small business but it believes it is the best course of action available. It is based upon the wisdom of Sir Charles Court - a lot more wisdom than currently exists on the other side of the House. He knew these situations could emerge and that is why he introduced the original legislation. It is proving to be very good legislation for the people of Western Australia that can be activated at this time of need. The Government does not just use rhetoric on behalf of small business; it is working for them. The Government will show a real commitment to small business. I have still not received an answer to the question I put to the Leader of the Opposition. When will he organise for the $800 000 that was passed from HIH Insurance to the Liberal Party to be sent back to the victims of the crisis?
Dr GALLOP replied: The Government is committed to the interests of small business in this State, unlike the previous Government, which was strong on rhetoric, but not strong on delivery to small business. It was weak on performance. This Government has already instructed its departments to pay their bills within 30 days. Mr McNee interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Moore to order for the first time. Dr GALLOP: This Government has drafted legislation to reduce stamp duty on workers compensation premiums for small business. It has reduced the Totalisator Agency Board turnover tax, which essentially puts money back into one of the biggest small business sectors in this State, the racing industry. This Government is beefing up the local content and purchasing policies in Western Australia, which I announced this morning in my speech. However, the collapse of HIH is a contentious issue. A scheme was set up in Western Australia in 1980 by the former Premier, Sir Charles Court, to take into account situations like this, which may emerge. Unfortunately, when he set up that scheme, the allowance in place for the levy was not sufficient to deal with the crisis that the Government now faces. We took the responsible course of action to introduce legislation into the Parliament to deal with it. It has been strongly supported to make sure that the crisis can be dealt with. According to the Leader of the National Party, there is an alternative: leave all the businesses exposed to workers compensation claims. That seems to be the only alternative he has in mind. The Government is very conscious of the impact on small business but it believes it is the best course of action available. It is based upon the wisdom of Sir Charles Court - a lot more wisdom than currently exists on the other side of the House. He knew these situations could emerge and that is why he introduced the original legislation. It is proving to be very good legislation for the people of Western Australia that can be activated at this time of need. The Government does not just use rhetoric on behalf of small business; it is working for them. The Government will show a real commitment to small business. I have still not received an answer to the question I put to the Leader of the Opposition. When will he organise for the $800 000 that was passed from HIH Insurance to the Liberal Party to be sent back to the victims of the crisis?
The Government is committed to the interests of small business in this State, unlike the previous Government, which was strong on rhetoric, but not strong on delivery to small business. It was weak on performance. This Government has already instructed its departments to pay their bills within 30 days. Mr McNee interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Moore to order for the first time. Dr GALLOP: This Government has drafted legislation to reduce stamp duty on workers compensation premiums for small business. It has reduced the Totalisator Agency Board turnover tax, which essentially puts money back into one of the biggest small business sectors in this State, the racing industry. This Government is beefing up the local content and purchasing policies in Western Australia, which I announced this morning in my speech. However, the collapse of HIH is a contentious issue. A scheme was set up in Western Australia in 1980 by the former Premier, Sir Charles Court, to take into account situations like this, which may emerge. Unfortunately, when he set up that scheme, the allowance in place for the levy was not sufficient to deal with the crisis that the Government now faces. We took the responsible course of action to introduce legislation into the Parliament to deal with it. It has been strongly supported to make sure that the crisis can be dealt with. According to the Leader of the National Party, there is an alternative: leave all the businesses exposed to workers compensation claims. That seems to be the only alternative he has in mind. The Government is very conscious of the impact on small business but it believes it is the best course of action available. It is based upon the wisdom of Sir Charles Court - a lot more wisdom than currently exists on the other side of the House. He knew these situations could emerge and that is why he introduced the original legislation. It is proving to be very good legislation for the people of Western Australia that can be activated at this time of need. The Government does not just use rhetoric on behalf of small business; it is working for them. The Government will show a real commitment to small business. I have still not received an answer to the question I put to the Leader of the Opposition. When will he organise for the $800 000 that was passed from HIH Insurance to the Liberal Party to be sent back to the victims of the crisis?
Mr McNee interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Moore to order for the first time. Dr GALLOP: This Government has drafted legislation to reduce stamp duty on workers compensation premiums for small business. It has reduced the Totalisator Agency Board turnover tax, which essentially puts money back into one of the biggest small business sectors in this State, the racing industry. This Government is beefing up the local content and purchasing policies in Western Australia, which I announced this morning in my speech. However, the collapse of HIH is a contentious issue. A scheme was set up in Western Australia in 1980 by the former Premier, Sir Charles Court, to take into account situations like this, which may emerge. Unfortunately, when he set up that scheme, the allowance in place for the levy was not sufficient to deal with the crisis that the Government now faces. We took the responsible course of action to introduce legislation into the Parliament to deal with it. It has been strongly supported to make sure that the crisis can be dealt with. According to the Leader of the National Party, there is an alternative: leave all the businesses exposed to workers compensation claims. That seems to be the only alternative he has in mind. The Government is very conscious of the impact on small business but it believes it is the best course of action available. It is based upon the wisdom of Sir Charles Court - a lot more wisdom than currently exists on the other side of the House. He knew these situations could emerge and that is why he introduced the original legislation. It is proving to be very good legislation for the people of Western Australia that can be activated at this time of need. The Government does not just use rhetoric on behalf of small business; it is working for them. The Government will show a real commitment to small business. I have still not received an answer to the question I put to the Leader of the Opposition. When will he organise for the $800 000 that was passed from HIH Insurance to the Liberal Party to be sent back to the victims of the crisis?
The SPEAKER: I call the member for Moore to order for the first time. Dr GALLOP: This Government has drafted legislation to reduce stamp duty on workers compensation premiums for small business. It has reduced the Totalisator Agency Board turnover tax, which essentially puts money back into one of the biggest small business sectors in this State, the racing industry. This Government is beefing up the local content and purchasing policies in Western Australia, which I announced this morning in my speech. However, the collapse of HIH is a contentious issue. A scheme was set up in Western Australia in 1980 by the former Premier, Sir Charles Court, to take into account situations like this, which may emerge. Unfortunately, when he set up that scheme, the allowance in place for the levy was not sufficient to deal with the crisis that the Government now faces. We took the responsible course of action to introduce legislation into the Parliament to deal with it. It has been strongly supported to make sure that the crisis can be dealt with. According to the Leader of the National Party, there is an alternative: leave all the businesses exposed to workers compensation claims. That seems to be the only alternative he has in mind. The Government is very conscious of the impact on small business but it believes it is the best course of action available. It is based upon the wisdom of Sir Charles Court - a lot more wisdom than currently exists on the other side of the House. He knew these situations could emerge and that is why he introduced the original legislation. It is proving to be very good legislation for the people of Western Australia that can be activated at this time of need. The Government does not just use rhetoric on behalf of small business; it is working for them. The Government will show a real commitment to small business. I have still not received an answer to the question I put to the Leader of the Opposition. When will he organise for the $800 000 that was passed from HIH Insurance to the Liberal Party to be sent back to the victims of the crisis?
Dr GALLOP: This Government has drafted legislation to reduce stamp duty on workers compensation premiums for small business. It has reduced the Totalisator Agency Board turnover tax, which essentially puts money back into one of the biggest small business sectors in this State, the racing industry. This Government is beefing up the local content and purchasing policies in Western Australia, which I announced this morning in my speech. However, the collapse of HIH is a contentious issue. A scheme was set up in Western Australia in 1980 by the former Premier, Sir Charles Court, to take into account situations like this, which may emerge. Unfortunately, when he set up that scheme, the allowance in place for the levy was not sufficient to deal with the crisis that the Government now faces. We took the responsible course of action to introduce legislation into the Parliament to deal with it. It has been strongly supported to make sure that the crisis can be dealt with. According to the Leader of the National Party, there is an alternative: leave all the businesses exposed to workers compensation claims. That seems to be the only alternative he has in mind. The Government is very conscious of the impact on small business but it believes it is the best course of action available. It is based upon the wisdom of Sir Charles Court - a lot more wisdom than currently exists on the other side of the House. He knew these situations could emerge and that is why he introduced the original legislation. It is proving to be very good legislation for the people of Western Australia that can be activated at this time of need. The Government does not just use rhetoric on behalf of small business; it is working for them. The Government will show a real commitment to small business. I have still not received an answer to the question I put to the Leader of the Opposition. When will he organise for the $800 000 that was passed from HIH Insurance to the Liberal Party to be sent back to the victims of the crisis?
We took the responsible course of action to introduce legislation into the Parliament to deal with it. It has been strongly supported to make sure that the crisis can be dealt with. According to the Leader of the National Party, there is an alternative: leave all the businesses exposed to workers compensation claims. That seems to be the only alternative he has in mind. The Government is very conscious of the impact on small business but it believes it is the best course of action available. It is based upon the wisdom of Sir Charles Court - a lot more wisdom than currently exists on the other side of the House. He knew these situations could emerge and that is why he introduced the original legislation. It is proving to be very good legislation for the people of Western Australia that can be activated at this time of need. The Government does not just use rhetoric on behalf of small business; it is working for them. The Government will show a real commitment to small business. I have still not received an answer to the question I put to the Leader of the Opposition. When will he organise for the $800 000 that was passed from HIH Insurance to the Liberal Party to be sent back to the victims of the crisis?
Dr GALLOP replied: The Government is committed to the interests of small business in this State, unlike the previous Government, which was strong on rhetoric, but not strong on delivery to small business. It was weak on performance. This Government has already instructed its departments to pay their bills within 30 days. Mr McNee interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Moore to order for the first time. Dr GALLOP: This Government has drafted legislation to reduce stamp duty on workers compensation premiums for small business. It has reduced the Totalisator Agency Board turnover tax, which essentially puts money back into one of the biggest small business sectors in this State, the racing industry. This Government is beefing up the local content and purchasing policies in Western Australia, which I announced this morning in my speech. However, the collapse of HIH is a contentious issue. A scheme was set up in Western Australia in 1980 by the former Premier, Sir Charles Court, to take into account situations like this, which may emerge. Unfortunately, when he set up that scheme, the allowance in place for the levy was not sufficient to deal with the crisis that the Government now faces. We took the responsible course of action to introduce legislation into the Parliament to deal with it. It has been strongly supported to make sure that the crisis can be dealt with. According to the Leader of the National Party, there is an alternative: leave all the businesses exposed to workers compensation claims. That seems to be the only alternative he has in mind. The Government is very conscious of the impact on small business but it believes it is the best course of action available. It is based upon the wisdom of Sir Charles Court - a lot more wisdom than currently exists on the other side of the House. He knew these situations could emerge and that is why he introduced the original legislation. It is proving to be very good legislation for the people of Western Australia that can be activated at this time of need. The Government does not just use rhetoric on behalf of small business; it is working for them. The Government will show a real commitment to small business. I have still not received an answer to the question I put to the Leader of the Opposition. When will he organise for the $800 000 that was passed from HIH Insurance to the Liberal Party to be sent back to the victims of the crisis?
The Government is committed to the interests of small business in this State, unlike the previous Government, which was strong on rhetoric, but not strong on delivery to small business. It was weak on performance. This Government has already instructed its departments to pay their bills within 30 days. Mr McNee interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Moore to order for the first time. Dr GALLOP: This Government has drafted legislation to reduce stamp duty on workers compensation premiums for small business. It has reduced the Totalisator Agency Board turnover tax, which essentially puts money back into one of the biggest small business sectors in this State, the racing industry. This Government is beefing up the local content and purchasing policies in Western Australia, which I announced this morning in my speech. However, the collapse of HIH is a contentious issue. A scheme was set up in Western Australia in 1980 by the former Premier, Sir Charles Court, to take into account situations like this, which may emerge. Unfortunately, when he set up that scheme, the allowance in place for the levy was not sufficient to deal with the crisis that the Government now faces. We took the responsible course of action to introduce legislation into the Parliament to deal with it. It has been strongly supported to make sure that the crisis can be dealt with. According to the Leader of the National Party, there is an alternative: leave all the businesses exposed to workers compensation claims. That seems to be the only alternative he has in mind. The Government is very conscious of the impact on small business but it believes it is the best course of action available. It is based upon the wisdom of Sir Charles Court - a lot more wisdom than currently exists on the other side of the House. He knew these situations could emerge and that is why he introduced the original legislation. It is proving to be very good legislation for the people of Western Australia that can be activated at this time of need. The Government does not just use rhetoric on behalf of small business; it is working for them. The Government will show a real commitment to small business. I have still not received an answer to the question I put to the Leader of the Opposition. When will he organise for the $800 000 that was passed from HIH Insurance to the Liberal Party to be sent back to the victims of the crisis?
Mr McNee interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Moore to order for the first time. Dr GALLOP: This Government has drafted legislation to reduce stamp duty on workers compensation premiums for small business. It has reduced the Totalisator Agency Board turnover tax, which essentially puts money back into one of the biggest small business sectors in this State, the racing industry. This Government is beefing up the local content and purchasing policies in Western Australia, which I announced this morning in my speech. However, the collapse of HIH is a contentious issue. A scheme was set up in Western Australia in 1980 by the former Premier, Sir Charles Court, to take into account situations like this, which may emerge. Unfortunately, when he set up that scheme, the allowance in place for the levy was not sufficient to deal with the crisis that the Government now faces. We took the responsible course of action to introduce legislation into the Parliament to deal with it. It has been strongly supported to make sure that the crisis can be dealt with. According to the Leader of the National Party, there is an alternative: leave all the businesses exposed to workers compensation claims. That seems to be the only alternative he has in mind. The Government is very conscious of the impact on small business but it believes it is the best course of action available. It is based upon the wisdom of Sir Charles Court - a lot more wisdom than currently exists on the other side of the House. He knew these situations could emerge and that is why he introduced the original legislation. It is proving to be very good legislation for the people of Western Australia that can be activated at this time of need. The Government does not just use rhetoric on behalf of small business; it is working for them. The Government will show a real commitment to small business. I have still not received an answer to the question I put to the Leader of the Opposition. When will he organise for the $800 000 that was passed from HIH Insurance to the Liberal Party to be sent back to the victims of the crisis?
The SPEAKER: I call the member for Moore to order for the first time. Dr GALLOP: This Government has drafted legislation to reduce stamp duty on workers compensation premiums for small business. It has reduced the Totalisator Agency Board turnover tax, which essentially puts money back into one of the biggest small business sectors in this State, the racing industry. This Government is beefing up the local content and purchasing policies in Western Australia, which I announced this morning in my speech. However, the collapse of HIH is a contentious issue. A scheme was set up in Western Australia in 1980 by the former Premier, Sir Charles Court, to take into account situations like this, which may emerge. Unfortunately, when he set up that scheme, the allowance in place for the levy was not sufficient to deal with the crisis that the Government now faces. We took the responsible course of action to introduce legislation into the Parliament to deal with it. It has been strongly supported to make sure that the crisis can be dealt with. According to the Leader of the National Party, there is an alternative: leave all the businesses exposed to workers compensation claims. That seems to be the only alternative he has in mind. The Government is very conscious of the impact on small business but it believes it is the best course of action available. It is based upon the wisdom of Sir Charles Court - a lot more wisdom than currently exists on the other side of the House. He knew these situations could emerge and that is why he introduced the original legislation. It is proving to be very good legislation for the people of Western Australia that can be activated at this time of need. The Government does not just use rhetoric on behalf of small business; it is working for them. The Government will show a real commitment to small business. I have still not received an answer to the question I put to the Leader of the Opposition. When will he organise for the $800 000 that was passed from HIH Insurance to the Liberal Party to be sent back to the victims of the crisis?
Dr GALLOP: This Government has drafted legislation to reduce stamp duty on workers compensation premiums for small business. It has reduced the Totalisator Agency Board turnover tax, which essentially puts money back into one of the biggest small business sectors in this State, the racing industry. This Government is beefing up the local content and purchasing policies in Western Australia, which I announced this morning in my speech. However, the collapse of HIH is a contentious issue. A scheme was set up in Western Australia in 1980 by the former Premier, Sir Charles Court, to take into account situations like this, which may emerge. Unfortunately, when he set up that scheme, the allowance in place for the levy was not sufficient to deal with the crisis that the Government now faces. We took the responsible course of action to introduce legislation into the Parliament to deal with it. It has been strongly supported to make sure that the crisis can be dealt with. According to the Leader of the National Party, there is an alternative: leave all the businesses exposed to workers compensation claims. That seems to be the only alternative he has in mind. The Government is very conscious of the impact on small business but it believes it is the best course of action available. It is based upon the wisdom of Sir Charles Court - a lot more wisdom than currently exists on the other side of the House. He knew these situations could emerge and that is why he introduced the original legislation. It is proving to be very good legislation for the people of Western Australia that can be activated at this time of need. The Government does not just use rhetoric on behalf of small business; it is working for them. The Government will show a real commitment to small business. I have still not received an answer to the question I put to the Leader of the Opposition. When will he organise for the $800 000 that was passed from HIH Insurance to the Liberal Party to be sent back to the victims of the crisis?
We took the responsible course of action to introduce legislation into the Parliament to deal with it. It has been strongly supported to make sure that the crisis can be dealt with. According to the Leader of the National Party, there is an alternative: leave all the businesses exposed to workers compensation claims. That seems to be the only alternative he has in mind. The Government is very conscious of the impact on small business but it believes it is the best course of action available. It is based upon the wisdom of Sir Charles Court - a lot more wisdom than currently exists on the other side of the House. He knew these situations could emerge and that is why he introduced the original legislation. It is proving to be very good legislation for the people of Western Australia that can be activated at this time of need. The Government does not just use rhetoric on behalf of small business; it is working for them. The Government will show a real commitment to small business. I have still not received an answer to the question I put to the Leader of the Opposition. When will he organise for the $800 000 that was passed from HIH Insurance to the Liberal Party to be sent back to the victims of the crisis?
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