❓ Barnett questions Ripper's claim of declining revenue despite reported growth, accusing him of misleading the public to justify tax increases. Ripper defends the government's record, citing economic growth and comparing it favorably to the previous coalition government's performance.
AnsweredQoN 527Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to comments made by the Treasurer in May 2003 following tax increases in the 2003 state budget, which were on top of tax rate increases in the previous two budgets. The Treasurer stated - I regret the tax increases . . . But we have had a decline in Commonwealth revenue, we have had a fall in our mining and petroleum revenues . . . our revenue is actually declining. (1) On what basis does the Treasurer consider revenue growth of eight per cent between the 2002-03 and 2003-04 financial years to be revenue actually declining? (2) Will the Treasurer concede that he misled the people of Western Australia in his attempt to justify tax rate increases of over $400 million a year in the first three budgets of the Gallop Government? Mr E.S. RIPPER
AnswerView source ↗
(1)-(2) Let me first reveal the untruth just spoken by the Leader of the Opposition. In the figure he gave he failed to take account of the tax cuts in the previous budget. He likes to refer to all Labor budgets and count what happened in only three of them and not what happened in the fourth. The tax increases of the coalition during its period in office added $438 million a year to the tax take of the State Government. Indeed, through our tax measures, we have also added to the tax take of the State Government, but by only $289 million. I compare our record with that of the coalition; the coalition was certainly a high-taxing Government. There is one difference. The previous Government had big tax increases in five out of eight budgets and bigger revenue growth, on average, than has occurred under this Government. However, it still delivered five budget deficits out of eight and still underfunded health, law and order, education and disability services. I do not think those on the other side of the Chamber have much credibility. The reason for the very big revenue increase is the tremendous performance - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Opposition members are perhaps endeavouring to drown out the Treasurer when they do not particularly like what he says. That will not occur. I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Mr J.N. Hyde: No royalties from Windimurra. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Perth to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER: The reason for the big revenue increase is the extraordinary performance of the state economy. Mr C.J. Barnett: Tax! Tax! Mr E.S. RIPPER: Well may the member who asked the question laugh. He presided over a contraction in the State’s economy. The economy declined by more than one per cent when he was state development minister in the year before we came to office. No wonder he cannot accept or accommodate the fact that our State’s economy has grown by almost seven per cent in the past financial year. That is a phenomenal rate of economic growth. The Opposition should be joining the Government in congratulating the business community and the workers of Western Australia for producing that extraordinary rate of economic growth. The Opposition should be joining the Government in celebrating that extraordinary rate of economic growth. Instead, it wants to pretend that it did not happen. It has happened, and because it has been reflected in a strong property market and stronger performance by the resources industry, the revenue has flowed in. Mr C.J. Barnett: Why have you not been truthful? Mr E.S. RIPPER: I will comment later on the words of the Leader of the Opposition, if he wants to talk about who has and has not been truthful in comments to the people of Western Australia. That man is absolutely shameless about what he says to the people of Western Australia. He does not give a fig about any resemblance between his statements and the truth when he talks to the people of Western Australia. My advice is that government revenue has increased by $2.2 billion since the present Government came to office. That is a significant increase, but not as fast as the growth rate under the previous Government. Of the increase in revenue, about three-quarters, or $1.6 billion, was due to changes - mostly economic growth - other than the taxation policy changes made in the time of the present Government.
(2) Will the Treasurer concede that he misled the people of Western Australia in his attempt to justify tax rate increases of over $400 million a year in the first three budgets of the Gallop Government? Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: (1)-(2) Let me first reveal the untruth just spoken by the Leader of the Opposition. In the figure he gave he failed to take account of the tax cuts in the previous budget. He likes to refer to all Labor budgets and count what happened in only three of them and not what happened in the fourth. The tax increases of the coalition during its period in office added $438 million a year to the tax take of the State Government. Indeed, through our tax measures, we have also added to the tax take of the State Government, but by only $289 million. I compare our record with that of the coalition; the coalition was certainly a high-taxing Government. There is one difference. The previous Government had big tax increases in five out of eight budgets and bigger revenue growth, on average, than has occurred under this Government. However, it still delivered five budget deficits out of eight and still underfunded health, law and order, education and disability services. I do not think those on the other side of the Chamber have much credibility. The reason for the very big revenue increase is the tremendous performance - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Opposition members are perhaps endeavouring to drown out the Treasurer when they do not particularly like what he says. That will not occur. I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Mr J.N. Hyde: No royalties from Windimurra. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Perth to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER: The reason for the big revenue increase is the extraordinary performance of the state economy. Mr C.J. Barnett: Tax! Tax! Mr E.S. RIPPER: Well may the member who asked the question laugh. He presided over a contraction in the State’s economy. The economy declined by more than one per cent when he was state development minister in the year before we came to office. No wonder he cannot accept or accommodate the fact that our State’s economy has grown by almost seven per cent in the past financial year. That is a phenomenal rate of economic growth. The Opposition should be joining the Government in congratulating the business community and the workers of Western Australia for producing that extraordinary rate of economic growth. The Opposition should be joining the Government in celebrating that extraordinary rate of economic growth. Instead, it wants to pretend that it did not happen. It has happened, and because it has been reflected in a strong property market and stronger performance by the resources industry, the revenue has flowed in. Mr C.J. Barnett: Why have you not been truthful? Mr E.S. RIPPER: I will comment later on the words of the Leader of the Opposition, if he wants to talk about who has and has not been truthful in comments to the people of Western Australia. That man is absolutely shameless about what he says to the people of Western Australia. He does not give a fig about any resemblance between his statements and the truth when he talks to the people of Western Australia. My advice is that government revenue has increased by $2.2 billion since the present Government came to office. That is a significant increase, but not as fast as the growth rate under the previous Government. Of the increase in revenue, about three-quarters, or $1.6 billion, was due to changes - mostly economic growth - other than the taxation policy changes made in the time of the present Government.
Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: (1)-(2) Let me first reveal the untruth just spoken by the Leader of the Opposition. In the figure he gave he failed to take account of the tax cuts in the previous budget. He likes to refer to all Labor budgets and count what happened in only three of them and not what happened in the fourth. The tax increases of the coalition during its period in office added $438 million a year to the tax take of the State Government. Indeed, through our tax measures, we have also added to the tax take of the State Government, but by only $289 million. I compare our record with that of the coalition; the coalition was certainly a high-taxing Government. There is one difference. The previous Government had big tax increases in five out of eight budgets and bigger revenue growth, on average, than has occurred under this Government. However, it still delivered five budget deficits out of eight and still underfunded health, law and order, education and disability services. I do not think those on the other side of the Chamber have much credibility. The reason for the very big revenue increase is the tremendous performance - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Opposition members are perhaps endeavouring to drown out the Treasurer when they do not particularly like what he says. That will not occur. I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Mr J.N. Hyde: No royalties from Windimurra. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Perth to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER: The reason for the big revenue increase is the extraordinary performance of the state economy. Mr C.J. Barnett: Tax! Tax! Mr E.S. RIPPER: Well may the member who asked the question laugh. He presided over a contraction in the State’s economy. The economy declined by more than one per cent when he was state development minister in the year before we came to office. No wonder he cannot accept or accommodate the fact that our State’s economy has grown by almost seven per cent in the past financial year. That is a phenomenal rate of economic growth. The Opposition should be joining the Government in congratulating the business community and the workers of Western Australia for producing that extraordinary rate of economic growth. The Opposition should be joining the Government in celebrating that extraordinary rate of economic growth. Instead, it wants to pretend that it did not happen. It has happened, and because it has been reflected in a strong property market and stronger performance by the resources industry, the revenue has flowed in. Mr C.J. Barnett: Why have you not been truthful? Mr E.S. RIPPER: I will comment later on the words of the Leader of the Opposition, if he wants to talk about who has and has not been truthful in comments to the people of Western Australia. That man is absolutely shameless about what he says to the people of Western Australia. He does not give a fig about any resemblance between his statements and the truth when he talks to the people of Western Australia. My advice is that government revenue has increased by $2.2 billion since the present Government came to office. That is a significant increase, but not as fast as the growth rate under the previous Government. Of the increase in revenue, about three-quarters, or $1.6 billion, was due to changes - mostly economic growth - other than the taxation policy changes made in the time of the present Government.
(1)-(2) Let me first reveal the untruth just spoken by the Leader of the Opposition. In the figure he gave he failed to take account of the tax cuts in the previous budget. He likes to refer to all Labor budgets and count what happened in only three of them and not what happened in the fourth. The tax increases of the coalition during its period in office added $438 million a year to the tax take of the State Government. Indeed, through our tax measures, we have also added to the tax take of the State Government, but by only $289 million. I compare our record with that of the coalition; the coalition was certainly a high-taxing Government. There is one difference. The previous Government had big tax increases in five out of eight budgets and bigger revenue growth, on average, than has occurred under this Government. However, it still delivered five budget deficits out of eight and still underfunded health, law and order, education and disability services. I do not think those on the other side of the Chamber have much credibility. The reason for the very big revenue increase is the tremendous performance - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Opposition members are perhaps endeavouring to drown out the Treasurer when they do not particularly like what he says. That will not occur. I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Mr J.N. Hyde: No royalties from Windimurra. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Perth to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER: The reason for the big revenue increase is the extraordinary performance of the state economy. Mr C.J. Barnett: Tax! Tax! Mr E.S. RIPPER: Well may the member who asked the question laugh. He presided over a contraction in the State’s economy. The economy declined by more than one per cent when he was state development minister in the year before we came to office. No wonder he cannot accept or accommodate the fact that our State’s economy has grown by almost seven per cent in the past financial year. That is a phenomenal rate of economic growth. The Opposition should be joining the Government in congratulating the business community and the workers of Western Australia for producing that extraordinary rate of economic growth. The Opposition should be joining the Government in celebrating that extraordinary rate of economic growth. Instead, it wants to pretend that it did not happen. It has happened, and because it has been reflected in a strong property market and stronger performance by the resources industry, the revenue has flowed in. Mr C.J. Barnett: Why have you not been truthful? Mr E.S. RIPPER: I will comment later on the words of the Leader of the Opposition, if he wants to talk about who has and has not been truthful in comments to the people of Western Australia. That man is absolutely shameless about what he says to the people of Western Australia. He does not give a fig about any resemblance between his statements and the truth when he talks to the people of Western Australia. My advice is that government revenue has increased by $2.2 billion since the present Government came to office. That is a significant increase, but not as fast as the growth rate under the previous Government. Of the increase in revenue, about three-quarters, or $1.6 billion, was due to changes - mostly economic growth - other than the taxation policy changes made in the time of the present Government.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Opposition members are perhaps endeavouring to drown out the Treasurer when they do not particularly like what he says. That will not occur. I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Mr J.N. Hyde: No royalties from Windimurra. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Perth to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER: The reason for the big revenue increase is the extraordinary performance of the state economy. Mr C.J. Barnett: Tax! Tax! Mr E.S. RIPPER: Well may the member who asked the question laugh. He presided over a contraction in the State’s economy. The economy declined by more than one per cent when he was state development minister in the year before we came to office. No wonder he cannot accept or accommodate the fact that our State’s economy has grown by almost seven per cent in the past financial year. That is a phenomenal rate of economic growth. The Opposition should be joining the Government in congratulating the business community and the workers of Western Australia for producing that extraordinary rate of economic growth. The Opposition should be joining the Government in celebrating that extraordinary rate of economic growth. Instead, it wants to pretend that it did not happen. It has happened, and because it has been reflected in a strong property market and stronger performance by the resources industry, the revenue has flowed in. Mr C.J. Barnett: Why have you not been truthful? Mr E.S. RIPPER: I will comment later on the words of the Leader of the Opposition, if he wants to talk about who has and has not been truthful in comments to the people of Western Australia. That man is absolutely shameless about what he says to the people of Western Australia. He does not give a fig about any resemblance between his statements and the truth when he talks to the people of Western Australia. My advice is that government revenue has increased by $2.2 billion since the present Government came to office. That is a significant increase, but not as fast as the growth rate under the previous Government. Of the increase in revenue, about three-quarters, or $1.6 billion, was due to changes - mostly economic growth - other than the taxation policy changes made in the time of the present Government.
The SPEAKER: Opposition members are perhaps endeavouring to drown out the Treasurer when they do not particularly like what he says. That will not occur. I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Mr J.N. Hyde: No royalties from Windimurra. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Perth to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER: The reason for the big revenue increase is the extraordinary performance of the state economy. Mr C.J. Barnett: Tax! Tax! Mr E.S. RIPPER: Well may the member who asked the question laugh. He presided over a contraction in the State’s economy. The economy declined by more than one per cent when he was state development minister in the year before we came to office. No wonder he cannot accept or accommodate the fact that our State’s economy has grown by almost seven per cent in the past financial year. That is a phenomenal rate of economic growth. The Opposition should be joining the Government in congratulating the business community and the workers of Western Australia for producing that extraordinary rate of economic growth. The Opposition should be joining the Government in celebrating that extraordinary rate of economic growth. Instead, it wants to pretend that it did not happen. It has happened, and because it has been reflected in a strong property market and stronger performance by the resources industry, the revenue has flowed in. Mr C.J. Barnett: Why have you not been truthful? Mr E.S. RIPPER: I will comment later on the words of the Leader of the Opposition, if he wants to talk about who has and has not been truthful in comments to the people of Western Australia. That man is absolutely shameless about what he says to the people of Western Australia. He does not give a fig about any resemblance between his statements and the truth when he talks to the people of Western Australia. My advice is that government revenue has increased by $2.2 billion since the present Government came to office. That is a significant increase, but not as fast as the growth rate under the previous Government. Of the increase in revenue, about three-quarters, or $1.6 billion, was due to changes - mostly economic growth - other than the taxation policy changes made in the time of the present Government.
Mr J.N. Hyde: No royalties from Windimurra. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Perth to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER: The reason for the big revenue increase is the extraordinary performance of the state economy. Mr C.J. Barnett: Tax! Tax! Mr E.S. RIPPER: Well may the member who asked the question laugh. He presided over a contraction in the State’s economy. The economy declined by more than one per cent when he was state development minister in the year before we came to office. No wonder he cannot accept or accommodate the fact that our State’s economy has grown by almost seven per cent in the past financial year. That is a phenomenal rate of economic growth. The Opposition should be joining the Government in congratulating the business community and the workers of Western Australia for producing that extraordinary rate of economic growth. The Opposition should be joining the Government in celebrating that extraordinary rate of economic growth. Instead, it wants to pretend that it did not happen. It has happened, and because it has been reflected in a strong property market and stronger performance by the resources industry, the revenue has flowed in. Mr C.J. Barnett: Why have you not been truthful? Mr E.S. RIPPER: I will comment later on the words of the Leader of the Opposition, if he wants to talk about who has and has not been truthful in comments to the people of Western Australia. That man is absolutely shameless about what he says to the people of Western Australia. He does not give a fig about any resemblance between his statements and the truth when he talks to the people of Western Australia. My advice is that government revenue has increased by $2.2 billion since the present Government came to office. That is a significant increase, but not as fast as the growth rate under the previous Government. Of the increase in revenue, about three-quarters, or $1.6 billion, was due to changes - mostly economic growth - other than the taxation policy changes made in the time of the present Government.
The SPEAKER: I call the member for Perth to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER: The reason for the big revenue increase is the extraordinary performance of the state economy. Mr C.J. Barnett: Tax! Tax! Mr E.S. RIPPER: Well may the member who asked the question laugh. He presided over a contraction in the State’s economy. The economy declined by more than one per cent when he was state development minister in the year before we came to office. No wonder he cannot accept or accommodate the fact that our State’s economy has grown by almost seven per cent in the past financial year. That is a phenomenal rate of economic growth. The Opposition should be joining the Government in congratulating the business community and the workers of Western Australia for producing that extraordinary rate of economic growth. The Opposition should be joining the Government in celebrating that extraordinary rate of economic growth. Instead, it wants to pretend that it did not happen. It has happened, and because it has been reflected in a strong property market and stronger performance by the resources industry, the revenue has flowed in. Mr C.J. Barnett: Why have you not been truthful? Mr E.S. RIPPER: I will comment later on the words of the Leader of the Opposition, if he wants to talk about who has and has not been truthful in comments to the people of Western Australia. That man is absolutely shameless about what he says to the people of Western Australia. He does not give a fig about any resemblance between his statements and the truth when he talks to the people of Western Australia. My advice is that government revenue has increased by $2.2 billion since the present Government came to office. That is a significant increase, but not as fast as the growth rate under the previous Government. Of the increase in revenue, about three-quarters, or $1.6 billion, was due to changes - mostly economic growth - other than the taxation policy changes made in the time of the present Government.
Mr E.S. RIPPER: The reason for the big revenue increase is the extraordinary performance of the state economy. Mr C.J. Barnett: Tax! Tax! Mr E.S. RIPPER: Well may the member who asked the question laugh. He presided over a contraction in the State’s economy. The economy declined by more than one per cent when he was state development minister in the year before we came to office. No wonder he cannot accept or accommodate the fact that our State’s economy has grown by almost seven per cent in the past financial year. That is a phenomenal rate of economic growth. The Opposition should be joining the Government in congratulating the business community and the workers of Western Australia for producing that extraordinary rate of economic growth. The Opposition should be joining the Government in celebrating that extraordinary rate of economic growth. Instead, it wants to pretend that it did not happen. It has happened, and because it has been reflected in a strong property market and stronger performance by the resources industry, the revenue has flowed in. Mr C.J. Barnett: Why have you not been truthful? Mr E.S. RIPPER: I will comment later on the words of the Leader of the Opposition, if he wants to talk about who has and has not been truthful in comments to the people of Western Australia. That man is absolutely shameless about what he says to the people of Western Australia. He does not give a fig about any resemblance between his statements and the truth when he talks to the people of Western Australia. My advice is that government revenue has increased by $2.2 billion since the present Government came to office. That is a significant increase, but not as fast as the growth rate under the previous Government. Of the increase in revenue, about three-quarters, or $1.6 billion, was due to changes - mostly economic growth - other than the taxation policy changes made in the time of the present Government.
Mr C.J. Barnett: Tax! Tax! Mr E.S. RIPPER: Well may the member who asked the question laugh. He presided over a contraction in the State’s economy. The economy declined by more than one per cent when he was state development minister in the year before we came to office. No wonder he cannot accept or accommodate the fact that our State’s economy has grown by almost seven per cent in the past financial year. That is a phenomenal rate of economic growth. The Opposition should be joining the Government in congratulating the business community and the workers of Western Australia for producing that extraordinary rate of economic growth. The Opposition should be joining the Government in celebrating that extraordinary rate of economic growth. Instead, it wants to pretend that it did not happen. It has happened, and because it has been reflected in a strong property market and stronger performance by the resources industry, the revenue has flowed in. Mr C.J. Barnett: Why have you not been truthful? Mr E.S. RIPPER: I will comment later on the words of the Leader of the Opposition, if he wants to talk about who has and has not been truthful in comments to the people of Western Australia. That man is absolutely shameless about what he says to the people of Western Australia. He does not give a fig about any resemblance between his statements and the truth when he talks to the people of Western Australia. My advice is that government revenue has increased by $2.2 billion since the present Government came to office. That is a significant increase, but not as fast as the growth rate under the previous Government. Of the increase in revenue, about three-quarters, or $1.6 billion, was due to changes - mostly economic growth - other than the taxation policy changes made in the time of the present Government.
Mr E.S. RIPPER: Well may the member who asked the question laugh. He presided over a contraction in the State’s economy. The economy declined by more than one per cent when he was state development minister in the year before we came to office. No wonder he cannot accept or accommodate the fact that our State’s economy has grown by almost seven per cent in the past financial year. That is a phenomenal rate of economic growth. The Opposition should be joining the Government in congratulating the business community and the workers of Western Australia for producing that extraordinary rate of economic growth. The Opposition should be joining the Government in celebrating that extraordinary rate of economic growth. Instead, it wants to pretend that it did not happen. It has happened, and because it has been reflected in a strong property market and stronger performance by the resources industry, the revenue has flowed in. Mr C.J. Barnett: Why have you not been truthful? Mr E.S. RIPPER: I will comment later on the words of the Leader of the Opposition, if he wants to talk about who has and has not been truthful in comments to the people of Western Australia. That man is absolutely shameless about what he says to the people of Western Australia. He does not give a fig about any resemblance between his statements and the truth when he talks to the people of Western Australia. My advice is that government revenue has increased by $2.2 billion since the present Government came to office. That is a significant increase, but not as fast as the growth rate under the previous Government. Of the increase in revenue, about three-quarters, or $1.6 billion, was due to changes - mostly economic growth - other than the taxation policy changes made in the time of the present Government.
Mr C.J. Barnett: Why have you not been truthful? Mr E.S. RIPPER: I will comment later on the words of the Leader of the Opposition, if he wants to talk about who has and has not been truthful in comments to the people of Western Australia. That man is absolutely shameless about what he says to the people of Western Australia. He does not give a fig about any resemblance between his statements and the truth when he talks to the people of Western Australia. My advice is that government revenue has increased by $2.2 billion since the present Government came to office. That is a significant increase, but not as fast as the growth rate under the previous Government. Of the increase in revenue, about three-quarters, or $1.6 billion, was due to changes - mostly economic growth - other than the taxation policy changes made in the time of the present Government.
Mr E.S. RIPPER: I will comment later on the words of the Leader of the Opposition, if he wants to talk about who has and has not been truthful in comments to the people of Western Australia. That man is absolutely shameless about what he says to the people of Western Australia. He does not give a fig about any resemblance between his statements and the truth when he talks to the people of Western Australia. My advice is that government revenue has increased by $2.2 billion since the present Government came to office. That is a significant increase, but not as fast as the growth rate under the previous Government. Of the increase in revenue, about three-quarters, or $1.6 billion, was due to changes - mostly economic growth - other than the taxation policy changes made in the time of the present Government.
(2) Will the Treasurer concede that he misled the people of Western Australia in his attempt to justify tax rate increases of over $400 million a year in the first three budgets of the Gallop Government? Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: (1)-(2) Let me first reveal the untruth just spoken by the Leader of the Opposition. In the figure he gave he failed to take account of the tax cuts in the previous budget. He likes to refer to all Labor budgets and count what happened in only three of them and not what happened in the fourth. The tax increases of the coalition during its period in office added $438 million a year to the tax take of the State Government. Indeed, through our tax measures, we have also added to the tax take of the State Government, but by only $289 million. I compare our record with that of the coalition; the coalition was certainly a high-taxing Government. There is one difference. The previous Government had big tax increases in five out of eight budgets and bigger revenue growth, on average, than has occurred under this Government. However, it still delivered five budget deficits out of eight and still underfunded health, law and order, education and disability services. I do not think those on the other side of the Chamber have much credibility. The reason for the very big revenue increase is the tremendous performance - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Opposition members are perhaps endeavouring to drown out the Treasurer when they do not particularly like what he says. That will not occur. I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Mr J.N. Hyde: No royalties from Windimurra. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Perth to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER: The reason for the big revenue increase is the extraordinary performance of the state economy. Mr C.J. Barnett: Tax! Tax! Mr E.S. RIPPER: Well may the member who asked the question laugh. He presided over a contraction in the State’s economy. The economy declined by more than one per cent when he was state development minister in the year before we came to office. No wonder he cannot accept or accommodate the fact that our State’s economy has grown by almost seven per cent in the past financial year. That is a phenomenal rate of economic growth. The Opposition should be joining the Government in congratulating the business community and the workers of Western Australia for producing that extraordinary rate of economic growth. The Opposition should be joining the Government in celebrating that extraordinary rate of economic growth. Instead, it wants to pretend that it did not happen. It has happened, and because it has been reflected in a strong property market and stronger performance by the resources industry, the revenue has flowed in. Mr C.J. Barnett: Why have you not been truthful? Mr E.S. RIPPER: I will comment later on the words of the Leader of the Opposition, if he wants to talk about who has and has not been truthful in comments to the people of Western Australia. That man is absolutely shameless about what he says to the people of Western Australia. He does not give a fig about any resemblance between his statements and the truth when he talks to the people of Western Australia. My advice is that government revenue has increased by $2.2 billion since the present Government came to office. That is a significant increase, but not as fast as the growth rate under the previous Government. Of the increase in revenue, about three-quarters, or $1.6 billion, was due to changes - mostly economic growth - other than the taxation policy changes made in the time of the present Government.
Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: (1)-(2) Let me first reveal the untruth just spoken by the Leader of the Opposition. In the figure he gave he failed to take account of the tax cuts in the previous budget. He likes to refer to all Labor budgets and count what happened in only three of them and not what happened in the fourth. The tax increases of the coalition during its period in office added $438 million a year to the tax take of the State Government. Indeed, through our tax measures, we have also added to the tax take of the State Government, but by only $289 million. I compare our record with that of the coalition; the coalition was certainly a high-taxing Government. There is one difference. The previous Government had big tax increases in five out of eight budgets and bigger revenue growth, on average, than has occurred under this Government. However, it still delivered five budget deficits out of eight and still underfunded health, law and order, education and disability services. I do not think those on the other side of the Chamber have much credibility. The reason for the very big revenue increase is the tremendous performance - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Opposition members are perhaps endeavouring to drown out the Treasurer when they do not particularly like what he says. That will not occur. I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Mr J.N. Hyde: No royalties from Windimurra. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Perth to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER: The reason for the big revenue increase is the extraordinary performance of the state economy. Mr C.J. Barnett: Tax! Tax! Mr E.S. RIPPER: Well may the member who asked the question laugh. He presided over a contraction in the State’s economy. The economy declined by more than one per cent when he was state development minister in the year before we came to office. No wonder he cannot accept or accommodate the fact that our State’s economy has grown by almost seven per cent in the past financial year. That is a phenomenal rate of economic growth. The Opposition should be joining the Government in congratulating the business community and the workers of Western Australia for producing that extraordinary rate of economic growth. The Opposition should be joining the Government in celebrating that extraordinary rate of economic growth. Instead, it wants to pretend that it did not happen. It has happened, and because it has been reflected in a strong property market and stronger performance by the resources industry, the revenue has flowed in. Mr C.J. Barnett: Why have you not been truthful? Mr E.S. RIPPER: I will comment later on the words of the Leader of the Opposition, if he wants to talk about who has and has not been truthful in comments to the people of Western Australia. That man is absolutely shameless about what he says to the people of Western Australia. He does not give a fig about any resemblance between his statements and the truth when he talks to the people of Western Australia. My advice is that government revenue has increased by $2.2 billion since the present Government came to office. That is a significant increase, but not as fast as the growth rate under the previous Government. Of the increase in revenue, about three-quarters, or $1.6 billion, was due to changes - mostly economic growth - other than the taxation policy changes made in the time of the present Government.
(1)-(2) Let me first reveal the untruth just spoken by the Leader of the Opposition. In the figure he gave he failed to take account of the tax cuts in the previous budget. He likes to refer to all Labor budgets and count what happened in only three of them and not what happened in the fourth. The tax increases of the coalition during its period in office added $438 million a year to the tax take of the State Government. Indeed, through our tax measures, we have also added to the tax take of the State Government, but by only $289 million. I compare our record with that of the coalition; the coalition was certainly a high-taxing Government. There is one difference. The previous Government had big tax increases in five out of eight budgets and bigger revenue growth, on average, than has occurred under this Government. However, it still delivered five budget deficits out of eight and still underfunded health, law and order, education and disability services. I do not think those on the other side of the Chamber have much credibility. The reason for the very big revenue increase is the tremendous performance - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Opposition members are perhaps endeavouring to drown out the Treasurer when they do not particularly like what he says. That will not occur. I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Mr J.N. Hyde: No royalties from Windimurra. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Perth to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER: The reason for the big revenue increase is the extraordinary performance of the state economy. Mr C.J. Barnett: Tax! Tax! Mr E.S. RIPPER: Well may the member who asked the question laugh. He presided over a contraction in the State’s economy. The economy declined by more than one per cent when he was state development minister in the year before we came to office. No wonder he cannot accept or accommodate the fact that our State’s economy has grown by almost seven per cent in the past financial year. That is a phenomenal rate of economic growth. The Opposition should be joining the Government in congratulating the business community and the workers of Western Australia for producing that extraordinary rate of economic growth. The Opposition should be joining the Government in celebrating that extraordinary rate of economic growth. Instead, it wants to pretend that it did not happen. It has happened, and because it has been reflected in a strong property market and stronger performance by the resources industry, the revenue has flowed in. Mr C.J. Barnett: Why have you not been truthful? Mr E.S. RIPPER: I will comment later on the words of the Leader of the Opposition, if he wants to talk about who has and has not been truthful in comments to the people of Western Australia. That man is absolutely shameless about what he says to the people of Western Australia. He does not give a fig about any resemblance between his statements and the truth when he talks to the people of Western Australia. My advice is that government revenue has increased by $2.2 billion since the present Government came to office. That is a significant increase, but not as fast as the growth rate under the previous Government. Of the increase in revenue, about three-quarters, or $1.6 billion, was due to changes - mostly economic growth - other than the taxation policy changes made in the time of the present Government.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Opposition members are perhaps endeavouring to drown out the Treasurer when they do not particularly like what he says. That will not occur. I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Mr J.N. Hyde: No royalties from Windimurra. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Perth to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER: The reason for the big revenue increase is the extraordinary performance of the state economy. Mr C.J. Barnett: Tax! Tax! Mr E.S. RIPPER: Well may the member who asked the question laugh. He presided over a contraction in the State’s economy. The economy declined by more than one per cent when he was state development minister in the year before we came to office. No wonder he cannot accept or accommodate the fact that our State’s economy has grown by almost seven per cent in the past financial year. That is a phenomenal rate of economic growth. The Opposition should be joining the Government in congratulating the business community and the workers of Western Australia for producing that extraordinary rate of economic growth. The Opposition should be joining the Government in celebrating that extraordinary rate of economic growth. Instead, it wants to pretend that it did not happen. It has happened, and because it has been reflected in a strong property market and stronger performance by the resources industry, the revenue has flowed in. Mr C.J. Barnett: Why have you not been truthful? Mr E.S. RIPPER: I will comment later on the words of the Leader of the Opposition, if he wants to talk about who has and has not been truthful in comments to the people of Western Australia. That man is absolutely shameless about what he says to the people of Western Australia. He does not give a fig about any resemblance between his statements and the truth when he talks to the people of Western Australia. My advice is that government revenue has increased by $2.2 billion since the present Government came to office. That is a significant increase, but not as fast as the growth rate under the previous Government. Of the increase in revenue, about three-quarters, or $1.6 billion, was due to changes - mostly economic growth - other than the taxation policy changes made in the time of the present Government.
The SPEAKER: Opposition members are perhaps endeavouring to drown out the Treasurer when they do not particularly like what he says. That will not occur. I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Mr J.N. Hyde: No royalties from Windimurra. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Perth to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER: The reason for the big revenue increase is the extraordinary performance of the state economy. Mr C.J. Barnett: Tax! Tax! Mr E.S. RIPPER: Well may the member who asked the question laugh. He presided over a contraction in the State’s economy. The economy declined by more than one per cent when he was state development minister in the year before we came to office. No wonder he cannot accept or accommodate the fact that our State’s economy has grown by almost seven per cent in the past financial year. That is a phenomenal rate of economic growth. The Opposition should be joining the Government in congratulating the business community and the workers of Western Australia for producing that extraordinary rate of economic growth. The Opposition should be joining the Government in celebrating that extraordinary rate of economic growth. Instead, it wants to pretend that it did not happen. It has happened, and because it has been reflected in a strong property market and stronger performance by the resources industry, the revenue has flowed in. Mr C.J. Barnett: Why have you not been truthful? Mr E.S. RIPPER: I will comment later on the words of the Leader of the Opposition, if he wants to talk about who has and has not been truthful in comments to the people of Western Australia. That man is absolutely shameless about what he says to the people of Western Australia. He does not give a fig about any resemblance between his statements and the truth when he talks to the people of Western Australia. My advice is that government revenue has increased by $2.2 billion since the present Government came to office. That is a significant increase, but not as fast as the growth rate under the previous Government. Of the increase in revenue, about three-quarters, or $1.6 billion, was due to changes - mostly economic growth - other than the taxation policy changes made in the time of the present Government.
Mr J.N. Hyde: No royalties from Windimurra. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Perth to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER: The reason for the big revenue increase is the extraordinary performance of the state economy. Mr C.J. Barnett: Tax! Tax! Mr E.S. RIPPER: Well may the member who asked the question laugh. He presided over a contraction in the State’s economy. The economy declined by more than one per cent when he was state development minister in the year before we came to office. No wonder he cannot accept or accommodate the fact that our State’s economy has grown by almost seven per cent in the past financial year. That is a phenomenal rate of economic growth. The Opposition should be joining the Government in congratulating the business community and the workers of Western Australia for producing that extraordinary rate of economic growth. The Opposition should be joining the Government in celebrating that extraordinary rate of economic growth. Instead, it wants to pretend that it did not happen. It has happened, and because it has been reflected in a strong property market and stronger performance by the resources industry, the revenue has flowed in. Mr C.J. Barnett: Why have you not been truthful? Mr E.S. RIPPER: I will comment later on the words of the Leader of the Opposition, if he wants to talk about who has and has not been truthful in comments to the people of Western Australia. That man is absolutely shameless about what he says to the people of Western Australia. He does not give a fig about any resemblance between his statements and the truth when he talks to the people of Western Australia. My advice is that government revenue has increased by $2.2 billion since the present Government came to office. That is a significant increase, but not as fast as the growth rate under the previous Government. Of the increase in revenue, about three-quarters, or $1.6 billion, was due to changes - mostly economic growth - other than the taxation policy changes made in the time of the present Government.
The SPEAKER: I call the member for Perth to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER: The reason for the big revenue increase is the extraordinary performance of the state economy. Mr C.J. Barnett: Tax! Tax! Mr E.S. RIPPER: Well may the member who asked the question laugh. He presided over a contraction in the State’s economy. The economy declined by more than one per cent when he was state development minister in the year before we came to office. No wonder he cannot accept or accommodate the fact that our State’s economy has grown by almost seven per cent in the past financial year. That is a phenomenal rate of economic growth. The Opposition should be joining the Government in congratulating the business community and the workers of Western Australia for producing that extraordinary rate of economic growth. The Opposition should be joining the Government in celebrating that extraordinary rate of economic growth. Instead, it wants to pretend that it did not happen. It has happened, and because it has been reflected in a strong property market and stronger performance by the resources industry, the revenue has flowed in. Mr C.J. Barnett: Why have you not been truthful? Mr E.S. RIPPER: I will comment later on the words of the Leader of the Opposition, if he wants to talk about who has and has not been truthful in comments to the people of Western Australia. That man is absolutely shameless about what he says to the people of Western Australia. He does not give a fig about any resemblance between his statements and the truth when he talks to the people of Western Australia. My advice is that government revenue has increased by $2.2 billion since the present Government came to office. That is a significant increase, but not as fast as the growth rate under the previous Government. Of the increase in revenue, about three-quarters, or $1.6 billion, was due to changes - mostly economic growth - other than the taxation policy changes made in the time of the present Government.
Mr E.S. RIPPER: The reason for the big revenue increase is the extraordinary performance of the state economy. Mr C.J. Barnett: Tax! Tax! Mr E.S. RIPPER: Well may the member who asked the question laugh. He presided over a contraction in the State’s economy. The economy declined by more than one per cent when he was state development minister in the year before we came to office. No wonder he cannot accept or accommodate the fact that our State’s economy has grown by almost seven per cent in the past financial year. That is a phenomenal rate of economic growth. The Opposition should be joining the Government in congratulating the business community and the workers of Western Australia for producing that extraordinary rate of economic growth. The Opposition should be joining the Government in celebrating that extraordinary rate of economic growth. Instead, it wants to pretend that it did not happen. It has happened, and because it has been reflected in a strong property market and stronger performance by the resources industry, the revenue has flowed in. Mr C.J. Barnett: Why have you not been truthful? Mr E.S. RIPPER: I will comment later on the words of the Leader of the Opposition, if he wants to talk about who has and has not been truthful in comments to the people of Western Australia. That man is absolutely shameless about what he says to the people of Western Australia. He does not give a fig about any resemblance between his statements and the truth when he talks to the people of Western Australia. My advice is that government revenue has increased by $2.2 billion since the present Government came to office. That is a significant increase, but not as fast as the growth rate under the previous Government. Of the increase in revenue, about three-quarters, or $1.6 billion, was due to changes - mostly economic growth - other than the taxation policy changes made in the time of the present Government.
Mr C.J. Barnett: Tax! Tax! Mr E.S. RIPPER: Well may the member who asked the question laugh. He presided over a contraction in the State’s economy. The economy declined by more than one per cent when he was state development minister in the year before we came to office. No wonder he cannot accept or accommodate the fact that our State’s economy has grown by almost seven per cent in the past financial year. That is a phenomenal rate of economic growth. The Opposition should be joining the Government in congratulating the business community and the workers of Western Australia for producing that extraordinary rate of economic growth. The Opposition should be joining the Government in celebrating that extraordinary rate of economic growth. Instead, it wants to pretend that it did not happen. It has happened, and because it has been reflected in a strong property market and stronger performance by the resources industry, the revenue has flowed in. Mr C.J. Barnett: Why have you not been truthful? Mr E.S. RIPPER: I will comment later on the words of the Leader of the Opposition, if he wants to talk about who has and has not been truthful in comments to the people of Western Australia. That man is absolutely shameless about what he says to the people of Western Australia. He does not give a fig about any resemblance between his statements and the truth when he talks to the people of Western Australia. My advice is that government revenue has increased by $2.2 billion since the present Government came to office. That is a significant increase, but not as fast as the growth rate under the previous Government. Of the increase in revenue, about three-quarters, or $1.6 billion, was due to changes - mostly economic growth - other than the taxation policy changes made in the time of the present Government.
Mr E.S. RIPPER: Well may the member who asked the question laugh. He presided over a contraction in the State’s economy. The economy declined by more than one per cent when he was state development minister in the year before we came to office. No wonder he cannot accept or accommodate the fact that our State’s economy has grown by almost seven per cent in the past financial year. That is a phenomenal rate of economic growth. The Opposition should be joining the Government in congratulating the business community and the workers of Western Australia for producing that extraordinary rate of economic growth. The Opposition should be joining the Government in celebrating that extraordinary rate of economic growth. Instead, it wants to pretend that it did not happen. It has happened, and because it has been reflected in a strong property market and stronger performance by the resources industry, the revenue has flowed in. Mr C.J. Barnett: Why have you not been truthful? Mr E.S. RIPPER: I will comment later on the words of the Leader of the Opposition, if he wants to talk about who has and has not been truthful in comments to the people of Western Australia. That man is absolutely shameless about what he says to the people of Western Australia. He does not give a fig about any resemblance between his statements and the truth when he talks to the people of Western Australia. My advice is that government revenue has increased by $2.2 billion since the present Government came to office. That is a significant increase, but not as fast as the growth rate under the previous Government. Of the increase in revenue, about three-quarters, or $1.6 billion, was due to changes - mostly economic growth - other than the taxation policy changes made in the time of the present Government.
Mr C.J. Barnett: Why have you not been truthful? Mr E.S. RIPPER: I will comment later on the words of the Leader of the Opposition, if he wants to talk about who has and has not been truthful in comments to the people of Western Australia. That man is absolutely shameless about what he says to the people of Western Australia. He does not give a fig about any resemblance between his statements and the truth when he talks to the people of Western Australia. My advice is that government revenue has increased by $2.2 billion since the present Government came to office. That is a significant increase, but not as fast as the growth rate under the previous Government. Of the increase in revenue, about three-quarters, or $1.6 billion, was due to changes - mostly economic growth - other than the taxation policy changes made in the time of the present Government.
Mr E.S. RIPPER: I will comment later on the words of the Leader of the Opposition, if he wants to talk about who has and has not been truthful in comments to the people of Western Australia. That man is absolutely shameless about what he says to the people of Western Australia. He does not give a fig about any resemblance between his statements and the truth when he talks to the people of Western Australia. My advice is that government revenue has increased by $2.2 billion since the present Government came to office. That is a significant increase, but not as fast as the growth rate under the previous Government. Of the increase in revenue, about three-quarters, or $1.6 billion, was due to changes - mostly economic growth - other than the taxation policy changes made in the time of the present Government.
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