Mr. Wyatt questions the Treasurer's commitment to Royalties for Regions, specifically why the Treasurer didn't announce a reduction in funding prior to the 2013 election. The Treasurer defends the government's spending and refocusing of the program.

AnsweredQoN 352Legislative Assembly
Asked
14 May 2014
Portfolio
Treasurer

QuestionView source ↗

STATE
BUDGET 2014–15 — ROYALTIES FOR REGIONS
352. Mr B.S. WYATT to the
Treasurer:
I have a supplementary question. If, indeed, royalties for
regions was unsustainable, why did the Treasurer not go to the 2013 election
saying that he would be reducing the amount of royalties spent in regional WA
from 25 per cent to 12.4 per cent?

AnswerView source ↗

I did not say royalties for regions was unsustainable. I just
said that we are keeping with the intent and the principle of the act, and, I
might add, over the last few years, royalties for regions, I think in only one
year—the Leader of the National Party can correct me—has
exceeded $1 billion. So we are spending $1 billion each year on regional areas
and on new projects in regional areas. We are revitalising and refocusing it
onto the south west. We have done a lot in the Pilbara; we have a changing of
the guard in the minister. We are focusing on the south west and all we get
from the members for Albany and Collie–Preston is complaints.
Mr B.J. Grylls interjected.
The SPEAKER :
Member for Pilbara, I call you to order for the first time.

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