❓ Opposition questions Premier on potential pre-election tax cuts, referencing increased taxes/charges under Labor. Premier defends government's fiscal management, citing economic turnaround and commitment to priority areas like health.
AnsweredQoN 651Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
I refer the Premier to the editorial in today’s The West Australian about the prospect of tax cuts for Western Australians, which states - With a State election due in February, there has been speculation that the Government, spooked by the swing against WA Labor in the Federal election, is looking at cuts in household charges. (1) Given that the Premier has today ruled out any cuts to motor vehicle licensing fees, despite the fact that these fees have increased three times under Labor, which of the following taxes and charges that have increased under Labor is the Premier planning to cut? Is it stamp duty; land tax; payroll tax; water, sewerage and drainage charges; compulsory third party insurance premiums; parking levies; probate fees; water rates; public transport fares; or driver’s licence fees? (2) Does the Premier really expect Western Australians to trust a Government that delivers tax cuts just a few months or a few weeks before an election merely to ensure its own political survival? Dr G.I. GALLOP
AnswerView source ↗
(1)-(2) The public of Western Australia is in a good position to know what criteria my Government uses when it approaches the issue of taxation on the one hand and expenditure on the other. Let us go back a couple of years to when we first came to government. There was no doubt that as a result of the very poor economic growth that existed in Western Australia - Mr C.J. Barnett: Rubbish! Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was negative growth. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! I am sure members want to hear what the Premier says, not what the Leader of the Opposition says and not what members on my right wish to add. The Premier. Dr G.I. GALLOP: When we came to government and framed our first budget, there was negative growth in Western Australia. Secondly, we had to deal with the fact that certain commitments had been entered into by the previous Government, yet it had not managed to include them in the budget papers. That was known as the Barnett black hole at the time. Thirdly, and very importantly, there was a very high rate of growth of costs in the health system, for which we were not being properly compensated by the federal agreement that was in place at the time. Yes, we did take taxation initiatives in our first years in government. We did that in order to make sure that our commitments on health, education and police services were met. Last year there started to be a turnaround in the State’s economic fortune, as a result of good work by our Government. There was a turnaround in the economy. As a result of events that, frankly, are not within our control but nevertheless have an influence on our budget, there were high oil prices, and extra revenue. In our last budget, we cut taxes. We did that because we had the capacity to do it; and we needed to do it, because there was pressure on first - Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: There was pressure on the housing market, particularly for first home buyers, and we relieved some of that pressure with our tax initiatives. Our approach is obviously dependent upon the capacity of the economy to pay; and, secondly, it is devoted to making sure we deal with our priorities as a Government. I am also pleased to note that we have met, and in fact bettered, the promise that we gave to make sure that the household charges that are imposed upon the public each year by the Government are at or below the rate of inflation. In our case, they are below the rate of inflation. Therefore, there has been a real reduction in household charges under the Labor Government. There has been an $86 real reduction in household charges under the Labor Government, so we have met that commitment. What criteria will we use to look at our current situation? First of all, we will make sure we can sustain economic growth in Western Australia. Secondly, we will make sure that we balance our State’s budget and achieve the financial targets we have set. We have made it clear that those two objectives are always foremost in our mind. Thirdly, when it comes to expenditure, we will go to the priority areas. Earlier today the Minister for Health mentioned a magnificent contribution that we are now making to the mental health system in Western Australia. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I am sure we will be able to get through this answer eventually if the interjections cease. Dr G.I. GALLOP: As a result of our good finances, we have been able to devote those dollars to the mental health system, which puts Western Australia right in front with what it is delivering compared with what the other States are delivering. I say to the Leader of the Opposition that when it comes to the issue of taxes on the one side and expenditure on the other, we will do what we have done since we have been in government; that is, be responsible, get the priorities right and, most importantly, make sure that our economy, and its growth, is sustainable into the future. That is what we will do when we look at these issues. That is the way we have governed Western Australia, and that is the way I intend to govern. In fact, we have not adopted a short-run political approach to these issues. We have always looked to the medium and the long term in the measures we have taken. Who would say that the decision we made to increase taxes in those early years to make sure our health system stays intact was a bad decision? It had to be done, and we did it to achieve the objective we had set to build our health system, get those extra police and turn around the education system. They are the criteria: sustainable growth into the future, responsible financial management and getting the priorities right.
(2) Does the Premier really expect Western Australians to trust a Government that delivers tax cuts just a few months or a few weeks before an election merely to ensure its own political survival? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) The public of Western Australia is in a good position to know what criteria my Government uses when it approaches the issue of taxation on the one hand and expenditure on the other. Let us go back a couple of years to when we first came to government. There was no doubt that as a result of the very poor economic growth that existed in Western Australia - Mr C.J. Barnett: Rubbish! Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was negative growth. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! I am sure members want to hear what the Premier says, not what the Leader of the Opposition says and not what members on my right wish to add. The Premier. Dr G.I. GALLOP: When we came to government and framed our first budget, there was negative growth in Western Australia. Secondly, we had to deal with the fact that certain commitments had been entered into by the previous Government, yet it had not managed to include them in the budget papers. That was known as the Barnett black hole at the time. Thirdly, and very importantly, there was a very high rate of growth of costs in the health system, for which we were not being properly compensated by the federal agreement that was in place at the time. Yes, we did take taxation initiatives in our first years in government. We did that in order to make sure that our commitments on health, education and police services were met. Last year there started to be a turnaround in the State’s economic fortune, as a result of good work by our Government. There was a turnaround in the economy. As a result of events that, frankly, are not within our control but nevertheless have an influence on our budget, there were high oil prices, and extra revenue. In our last budget, we cut taxes. We did that because we had the capacity to do it; and we needed to do it, because there was pressure on first - Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: There was pressure on the housing market, particularly for first home buyers, and we relieved some of that pressure with our tax initiatives. Our approach is obviously dependent upon the capacity of the economy to pay; and, secondly, it is devoted to making sure we deal with our priorities as a Government. I am also pleased to note that we have met, and in fact bettered, the promise that we gave to make sure that the household charges that are imposed upon the public each year by the Government are at or below the rate of inflation. In our case, they are below the rate of inflation. Therefore, there has been a real reduction in household charges under the Labor Government. There has been an $86 real reduction in household charges under the Labor Government, so we have met that commitment. What criteria will we use to look at our current situation? First of all, we will make sure we can sustain economic growth in Western Australia. Secondly, we will make sure that we balance our State’s budget and achieve the financial targets we have set. We have made it clear that those two objectives are always foremost in our mind. Thirdly, when it comes to expenditure, we will go to the priority areas. Earlier today the Minister for Health mentioned a magnificent contribution that we are now making to the mental health system in Western Australia. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I am sure we will be able to get through this answer eventually if the interjections cease. Dr G.I. GALLOP: As a result of our good finances, we have been able to devote those dollars to the mental health system, which puts Western Australia right in front with what it is delivering compared with what the other States are delivering. I say to the Leader of the Opposition that when it comes to the issue of taxes on the one side and expenditure on the other, we will do what we have done since we have been in government; that is, be responsible, get the priorities right and, most importantly, make sure that our economy, and its growth, is sustainable into the future. That is what we will do when we look at these issues. That is the way we have governed Western Australia, and that is the way I intend to govern. In fact, we have not adopted a short-run political approach to these issues. We have always looked to the medium and the long term in the measures we have taken. Who would say that the decision we made to increase taxes in those early years to make sure our health system stays intact was a bad decision? It had to be done, and we did it to achieve the objective we had set to build our health system, get those extra police and turn around the education system. They are the criteria: sustainable growth into the future, responsible financial management and getting the priorities right.
Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) The public of Western Australia is in a good position to know what criteria my Government uses when it approaches the issue of taxation on the one hand and expenditure on the other. Let us go back a couple of years to when we first came to government. There was no doubt that as a result of the very poor economic growth that existed in Western Australia - Mr C.J. Barnett: Rubbish! Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was negative growth. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! I am sure members want to hear what the Premier says, not what the Leader of the Opposition says and not what members on my right wish to add. The Premier. Dr G.I. GALLOP: When we came to government and framed our first budget, there was negative growth in Western Australia. Secondly, we had to deal with the fact that certain commitments had been entered into by the previous Government, yet it had not managed to include them in the budget papers. That was known as the Barnett black hole at the time. Thirdly, and very importantly, there was a very high rate of growth of costs in the health system, for which we were not being properly compensated by the federal agreement that was in place at the time. Yes, we did take taxation initiatives in our first years in government. We did that in order to make sure that our commitments on health, education and police services were met. Last year there started to be a turnaround in the State’s economic fortune, as a result of good work by our Government. There was a turnaround in the economy. As a result of events that, frankly, are not within our control but nevertheless have an influence on our budget, there were high oil prices, and extra revenue. In our last budget, we cut taxes. We did that because we had the capacity to do it; and we needed to do it, because there was pressure on first - Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: There was pressure on the housing market, particularly for first home buyers, and we relieved some of that pressure with our tax initiatives. Our approach is obviously dependent upon the capacity of the economy to pay; and, secondly, it is devoted to making sure we deal with our priorities as a Government. I am also pleased to note that we have met, and in fact bettered, the promise that we gave to make sure that the household charges that are imposed upon the public each year by the Government are at or below the rate of inflation. In our case, they are below the rate of inflation. Therefore, there has been a real reduction in household charges under the Labor Government. There has been an $86 real reduction in household charges under the Labor Government, so we have met that commitment. What criteria will we use to look at our current situation? First of all, we will make sure we can sustain economic growth in Western Australia. Secondly, we will make sure that we balance our State’s budget and achieve the financial targets we have set. We have made it clear that those two objectives are always foremost in our mind. Thirdly, when it comes to expenditure, we will go to the priority areas. Earlier today the Minister for Health mentioned a magnificent contribution that we are now making to the mental health system in Western Australia. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I am sure we will be able to get through this answer eventually if the interjections cease. Dr G.I. GALLOP: As a result of our good finances, we have been able to devote those dollars to the mental health system, which puts Western Australia right in front with what it is delivering compared with what the other States are delivering. I say to the Leader of the Opposition that when it comes to the issue of taxes on the one side and expenditure on the other, we will do what we have done since we have been in government; that is, be responsible, get the priorities right and, most importantly, make sure that our economy, and its growth, is sustainable into the future. That is what we will do when we look at these issues. That is the way we have governed Western Australia, and that is the way I intend to govern. In fact, we have not adopted a short-run political approach to these issues. We have always looked to the medium and the long term in the measures we have taken. Who would say that the decision we made to increase taxes in those early years to make sure our health system stays intact was a bad decision? It had to be done, and we did it to achieve the objective we had set to build our health system, get those extra police and turn around the education system. They are the criteria: sustainable growth into the future, responsible financial management and getting the priorities right.
(1)-(2) The public of Western Australia is in a good position to know what criteria my Government uses when it approaches the issue of taxation on the one hand and expenditure on the other. Let us go back a couple of years to when we first came to government. There was no doubt that as a result of the very poor economic growth that existed in Western Australia - Mr C.J. Barnett: Rubbish! Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was negative growth. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! I am sure members want to hear what the Premier says, not what the Leader of the Opposition says and not what members on my right wish to add. The Premier. Dr G.I. GALLOP: When we came to government and framed our first budget, there was negative growth in Western Australia. Secondly, we had to deal with the fact that certain commitments had been entered into by the previous Government, yet it had not managed to include them in the budget papers. That was known as the Barnett black hole at the time. Thirdly, and very importantly, there was a very high rate of growth of costs in the health system, for which we were not being properly compensated by the federal agreement that was in place at the time. Yes, we did take taxation initiatives in our first years in government. We did that in order to make sure that our commitments on health, education and police services were met. Last year there started to be a turnaround in the State’s economic fortune, as a result of good work by our Government. There was a turnaround in the economy. As a result of events that, frankly, are not within our control but nevertheless have an influence on our budget, there were high oil prices, and extra revenue. In our last budget, we cut taxes. We did that because we had the capacity to do it; and we needed to do it, because there was pressure on first - Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: There was pressure on the housing market, particularly for first home buyers, and we relieved some of that pressure with our tax initiatives. Our approach is obviously dependent upon the capacity of the economy to pay; and, secondly, it is devoted to making sure we deal with our priorities as a Government. I am also pleased to note that we have met, and in fact bettered, the promise that we gave to make sure that the household charges that are imposed upon the public each year by the Government are at or below the rate of inflation. In our case, they are below the rate of inflation. Therefore, there has been a real reduction in household charges under the Labor Government. There has been an $86 real reduction in household charges under the Labor Government, so we have met that commitment. What criteria will we use to look at our current situation? First of all, we will make sure we can sustain economic growth in Western Australia. Secondly, we will make sure that we balance our State’s budget and achieve the financial targets we have set. We have made it clear that those two objectives are always foremost in our mind. Thirdly, when it comes to expenditure, we will go to the priority areas. Earlier today the Minister for Health mentioned a magnificent contribution that we are now making to the mental health system in Western Australia. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I am sure we will be able to get through this answer eventually if the interjections cease. Dr G.I. GALLOP: As a result of our good finances, we have been able to devote those dollars to the mental health system, which puts Western Australia right in front with what it is delivering compared with what the other States are delivering. I say to the Leader of the Opposition that when it comes to the issue of taxes on the one side and expenditure on the other, we will do what we have done since we have been in government; that is, be responsible, get the priorities right and, most importantly, make sure that our economy, and its growth, is sustainable into the future. That is what we will do when we look at these issues. That is the way we have governed Western Australia, and that is the way I intend to govern. In fact, we have not adopted a short-run political approach to these issues. We have always looked to the medium and the long term in the measures we have taken. Who would say that the decision we made to increase taxes in those early years to make sure our health system stays intact was a bad decision? It had to be done, and we did it to achieve the objective we had set to build our health system, get those extra police and turn around the education system. They are the criteria: sustainable growth into the future, responsible financial management and getting the priorities right.
Mr C.J. Barnett: Rubbish! Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was negative growth. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! I am sure members want to hear what the Premier says, not what the Leader of the Opposition says and not what members on my right wish to add. The Premier. Dr G.I. GALLOP: When we came to government and framed our first budget, there was negative growth in Western Australia. Secondly, we had to deal with the fact that certain commitments had been entered into by the previous Government, yet it had not managed to include them in the budget papers. That was known as the Barnett black hole at the time. Thirdly, and very importantly, there was a very high rate of growth of costs in the health system, for which we were not being properly compensated by the federal agreement that was in place at the time. Yes, we did take taxation initiatives in our first years in government. We did that in order to make sure that our commitments on health, education and police services were met. Last year there started to be a turnaround in the State’s economic fortune, as a result of good work by our Government. There was a turnaround in the economy. As a result of events that, frankly, are not within our control but nevertheless have an influence on our budget, there were high oil prices, and extra revenue. In our last budget, we cut taxes. We did that because we had the capacity to do it; and we needed to do it, because there was pressure on first - Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: There was pressure on the housing market, particularly for first home buyers, and we relieved some of that pressure with our tax initiatives. Our approach is obviously dependent upon the capacity of the economy to pay; and, secondly, it is devoted to making sure we deal with our priorities as a Government. I am also pleased to note that we have met, and in fact bettered, the promise that we gave to make sure that the household charges that are imposed upon the public each year by the Government are at or below the rate of inflation. In our case, they are below the rate of inflation. Therefore, there has been a real reduction in household charges under the Labor Government. There has been an $86 real reduction in household charges under the Labor Government, so we have met that commitment. What criteria will we use to look at our current situation? First of all, we will make sure we can sustain economic growth in Western Australia. Secondly, we will make sure that we balance our State’s budget and achieve the financial targets we have set. We have made it clear that those two objectives are always foremost in our mind. Thirdly, when it comes to expenditure, we will go to the priority areas. Earlier today the Minister for Health mentioned a magnificent contribution that we are now making to the mental health system in Western Australia. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I am sure we will be able to get through this answer eventually if the interjections cease. Dr G.I. GALLOP: As a result of our good finances, we have been able to devote those dollars to the mental health system, which puts Western Australia right in front with what it is delivering compared with what the other States are delivering. I say to the Leader of the Opposition that when it comes to the issue of taxes on the one side and expenditure on the other, we will do what we have done since we have been in government; that is, be responsible, get the priorities right and, most importantly, make sure that our economy, and its growth, is sustainable into the future. That is what we will do when we look at these issues. That is the way we have governed Western Australia, and that is the way I intend to govern. In fact, we have not adopted a short-run political approach to these issues. We have always looked to the medium and the long term in the measures we have taken. Who would say that the decision we made to increase taxes in those early years to make sure our health system stays intact was a bad decision? It had to be done, and we did it to achieve the objective we had set to build our health system, get those extra police and turn around the education system. They are the criteria: sustainable growth into the future, responsible financial management and getting the priorities right.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was negative growth. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! I am sure members want to hear what the Premier says, not what the Leader of the Opposition says and not what members on my right wish to add. The Premier. Dr G.I. GALLOP: When we came to government and framed our first budget, there was negative growth in Western Australia. Secondly, we had to deal with the fact that certain commitments had been entered into by the previous Government, yet it had not managed to include them in the budget papers. That was known as the Barnett black hole at the time. Thirdly, and very importantly, there was a very high rate of growth of costs in the health system, for which we were not being properly compensated by the federal agreement that was in place at the time. Yes, we did take taxation initiatives in our first years in government. We did that in order to make sure that our commitments on health, education and police services were met. Last year there started to be a turnaround in the State’s economic fortune, as a result of good work by our Government. There was a turnaround in the economy. As a result of events that, frankly, are not within our control but nevertheless have an influence on our budget, there were high oil prices, and extra revenue. In our last budget, we cut taxes. We did that because we had the capacity to do it; and we needed to do it, because there was pressure on first - Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: There was pressure on the housing market, particularly for first home buyers, and we relieved some of that pressure with our tax initiatives. Our approach is obviously dependent upon the capacity of the economy to pay; and, secondly, it is devoted to making sure we deal with our priorities as a Government. I am also pleased to note that we have met, and in fact bettered, the promise that we gave to make sure that the household charges that are imposed upon the public each year by the Government are at or below the rate of inflation. In our case, they are below the rate of inflation. Therefore, there has been a real reduction in household charges under the Labor Government. There has been an $86 real reduction in household charges under the Labor Government, so we have met that commitment. What criteria will we use to look at our current situation? First of all, we will make sure we can sustain economic growth in Western Australia. Secondly, we will make sure that we balance our State’s budget and achieve the financial targets we have set. We have made it clear that those two objectives are always foremost in our mind. Thirdly, when it comes to expenditure, we will go to the priority areas. Earlier today the Minister for Health mentioned a magnificent contribution that we are now making to the mental health system in Western Australia. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I am sure we will be able to get through this answer eventually if the interjections cease. Dr G.I. GALLOP: As a result of our good finances, we have been able to devote those dollars to the mental health system, which puts Western Australia right in front with what it is delivering compared with what the other States are delivering. I say to the Leader of the Opposition that when it comes to the issue of taxes on the one side and expenditure on the other, we will do what we have done since we have been in government; that is, be responsible, get the priorities right and, most importantly, make sure that our economy, and its growth, is sustainable into the future. That is what we will do when we look at these issues. That is the way we have governed Western Australia, and that is the way I intend to govern. In fact, we have not adopted a short-run political approach to these issues. We have always looked to the medium and the long term in the measures we have taken. Who would say that the decision we made to increase taxes in those early years to make sure our health system stays intact was a bad decision? It had to be done, and we did it to achieve the objective we had set to build our health system, get those extra police and turn around the education system. They are the criteria: sustainable growth into the future, responsible financial management and getting the priorities right.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! I am sure members want to hear what the Premier says, not what the Leader of the Opposition says and not what members on my right wish to add. The Premier. Dr G.I. GALLOP: When we came to government and framed our first budget, there was negative growth in Western Australia. Secondly, we had to deal with the fact that certain commitments had been entered into by the previous Government, yet it had not managed to include them in the budget papers. That was known as the Barnett black hole at the time. Thirdly, and very importantly, there was a very high rate of growth of costs in the health system, for which we were not being properly compensated by the federal agreement that was in place at the time. Yes, we did take taxation initiatives in our first years in government. We did that in order to make sure that our commitments on health, education and police services were met. Last year there started to be a turnaround in the State’s economic fortune, as a result of good work by our Government. There was a turnaround in the economy. As a result of events that, frankly, are not within our control but nevertheless have an influence on our budget, there were high oil prices, and extra revenue. In our last budget, we cut taxes. We did that because we had the capacity to do it; and we needed to do it, because there was pressure on first - Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: There was pressure on the housing market, particularly for first home buyers, and we relieved some of that pressure with our tax initiatives. Our approach is obviously dependent upon the capacity of the economy to pay; and, secondly, it is devoted to making sure we deal with our priorities as a Government. I am also pleased to note that we have met, and in fact bettered, the promise that we gave to make sure that the household charges that are imposed upon the public each year by the Government are at or below the rate of inflation. In our case, they are below the rate of inflation. Therefore, there has been a real reduction in household charges under the Labor Government. There has been an $86 real reduction in household charges under the Labor Government, so we have met that commitment. What criteria will we use to look at our current situation? First of all, we will make sure we can sustain economic growth in Western Australia. Secondly, we will make sure that we balance our State’s budget and achieve the financial targets we have set. We have made it clear that those two objectives are always foremost in our mind. Thirdly, when it comes to expenditure, we will go to the priority areas. Earlier today the Minister for Health mentioned a magnificent contribution that we are now making to the mental health system in Western Australia. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I am sure we will be able to get through this answer eventually if the interjections cease. Dr G.I. GALLOP: As a result of our good finances, we have been able to devote those dollars to the mental health system, which puts Western Australia right in front with what it is delivering compared with what the other States are delivering. I say to the Leader of the Opposition that when it comes to the issue of taxes on the one side and expenditure on the other, we will do what we have done since we have been in government; that is, be responsible, get the priorities right and, most importantly, make sure that our economy, and its growth, is sustainable into the future. That is what we will do when we look at these issues. That is the way we have governed Western Australia, and that is the way I intend to govern. In fact, we have not adopted a short-run political approach to these issues. We have always looked to the medium and the long term in the measures we have taken. Who would say that the decision we made to increase taxes in those early years to make sure our health system stays intact was a bad decision? It had to be done, and we did it to achieve the objective we had set to build our health system, get those extra police and turn around the education system. They are the criteria: sustainable growth into the future, responsible financial management and getting the priorities right.
The SPEAKER: Order! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! I am sure members want to hear what the Premier says, not what the Leader of the Opposition says and not what members on my right wish to add. The Premier. Dr G.I. GALLOP: When we came to government and framed our first budget, there was negative growth in Western Australia. Secondly, we had to deal with the fact that certain commitments had been entered into by the previous Government, yet it had not managed to include them in the budget papers. That was known as the Barnett black hole at the time. Thirdly, and very importantly, there was a very high rate of growth of costs in the health system, for which we were not being properly compensated by the federal agreement that was in place at the time. Yes, we did take taxation initiatives in our first years in government. We did that in order to make sure that our commitments on health, education and police services were met. Last year there started to be a turnaround in the State’s economic fortune, as a result of good work by our Government. There was a turnaround in the economy. As a result of events that, frankly, are not within our control but nevertheless have an influence on our budget, there were high oil prices, and extra revenue. In our last budget, we cut taxes. We did that because we had the capacity to do it; and we needed to do it, because there was pressure on first - Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: There was pressure on the housing market, particularly for first home buyers, and we relieved some of that pressure with our tax initiatives. Our approach is obviously dependent upon the capacity of the economy to pay; and, secondly, it is devoted to making sure we deal with our priorities as a Government. I am also pleased to note that we have met, and in fact bettered, the promise that we gave to make sure that the household charges that are imposed upon the public each year by the Government are at or below the rate of inflation. In our case, they are below the rate of inflation. Therefore, there has been a real reduction in household charges under the Labor Government. There has been an $86 real reduction in household charges under the Labor Government, so we have met that commitment. What criteria will we use to look at our current situation? First of all, we will make sure we can sustain economic growth in Western Australia. Secondly, we will make sure that we balance our State’s budget and achieve the financial targets we have set. We have made it clear that those two objectives are always foremost in our mind. Thirdly, when it comes to expenditure, we will go to the priority areas. Earlier today the Minister for Health mentioned a magnificent contribution that we are now making to the mental health system in Western Australia. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I am sure we will be able to get through this answer eventually if the interjections cease. Dr G.I. GALLOP: As a result of our good finances, we have been able to devote those dollars to the mental health system, which puts Western Australia right in front with what it is delivering compared with what the other States are delivering. I say to the Leader of the Opposition that when it comes to the issue of taxes on the one side and expenditure on the other, we will do what we have done since we have been in government; that is, be responsible, get the priorities right and, most importantly, make sure that our economy, and its growth, is sustainable into the future. That is what we will do when we look at these issues. That is the way we have governed Western Australia, and that is the way I intend to govern. In fact, we have not adopted a short-run political approach to these issues. We have always looked to the medium and the long term in the measures we have taken. Who would say that the decision we made to increase taxes in those early years to make sure our health system stays intact was a bad decision? It had to be done, and we did it to achieve the objective we had set to build our health system, get those extra police and turn around the education system. They are the criteria: sustainable growth into the future, responsible financial management and getting the priorities right.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! I am sure members want to hear what the Premier says, not what the Leader of the Opposition says and not what members on my right wish to add. The Premier. Dr G.I. GALLOP: When we came to government and framed our first budget, there was negative growth in Western Australia. Secondly, we had to deal with the fact that certain commitments had been entered into by the previous Government, yet it had not managed to include them in the budget papers. That was known as the Barnett black hole at the time. Thirdly, and very importantly, there was a very high rate of growth of costs in the health system, for which we were not being properly compensated by the federal agreement that was in place at the time. Yes, we did take taxation initiatives in our first years in government. We did that in order to make sure that our commitments on health, education and police services were met. Last year there started to be a turnaround in the State’s economic fortune, as a result of good work by our Government. There was a turnaround in the economy. As a result of events that, frankly, are not within our control but nevertheless have an influence on our budget, there were high oil prices, and extra revenue. In our last budget, we cut taxes. We did that because we had the capacity to do it; and we needed to do it, because there was pressure on first - Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: There was pressure on the housing market, particularly for first home buyers, and we relieved some of that pressure with our tax initiatives. Our approach is obviously dependent upon the capacity of the economy to pay; and, secondly, it is devoted to making sure we deal with our priorities as a Government. I am also pleased to note that we have met, and in fact bettered, the promise that we gave to make sure that the household charges that are imposed upon the public each year by the Government are at or below the rate of inflation. In our case, they are below the rate of inflation. Therefore, there has been a real reduction in household charges under the Labor Government. There has been an $86 real reduction in household charges under the Labor Government, so we have met that commitment. What criteria will we use to look at our current situation? First of all, we will make sure we can sustain economic growth in Western Australia. Secondly, we will make sure that we balance our State’s budget and achieve the financial targets we have set. We have made it clear that those two objectives are always foremost in our mind. Thirdly, when it comes to expenditure, we will go to the priority areas. Earlier today the Minister for Health mentioned a magnificent contribution that we are now making to the mental health system in Western Australia. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I am sure we will be able to get through this answer eventually if the interjections cease. Dr G.I. GALLOP: As a result of our good finances, we have been able to devote those dollars to the mental health system, which puts Western Australia right in front with what it is delivering compared with what the other States are delivering. I say to the Leader of the Opposition that when it comes to the issue of taxes on the one side and expenditure on the other, we will do what we have done since we have been in government; that is, be responsible, get the priorities right and, most importantly, make sure that our economy, and its growth, is sustainable into the future. That is what we will do when we look at these issues. That is the way we have governed Western Australia, and that is the way I intend to govern. In fact, we have not adopted a short-run political approach to these issues. We have always looked to the medium and the long term in the measures we have taken. Who would say that the decision we made to increase taxes in those early years to make sure our health system stays intact was a bad decision? It had to be done, and we did it to achieve the objective we had set to build our health system, get those extra police and turn around the education system. They are the criteria: sustainable growth into the future, responsible financial management and getting the priorities right.
The SPEAKER: Order, members! I am sure members want to hear what the Premier says, not what the Leader of the Opposition says and not what members on my right wish to add. The Premier. Dr G.I. GALLOP: When we came to government and framed our first budget, there was negative growth in Western Australia. Secondly, we had to deal with the fact that certain commitments had been entered into by the previous Government, yet it had not managed to include them in the budget papers. That was known as the Barnett black hole at the time. Thirdly, and very importantly, there was a very high rate of growth of costs in the health system, for which we were not being properly compensated by the federal agreement that was in place at the time. Yes, we did take taxation initiatives in our first years in government. We did that in order to make sure that our commitments on health, education and police services were met. Last year there started to be a turnaround in the State’s economic fortune, as a result of good work by our Government. There was a turnaround in the economy. As a result of events that, frankly, are not within our control but nevertheless have an influence on our budget, there were high oil prices, and extra revenue. In our last budget, we cut taxes. We did that because we had the capacity to do it; and we needed to do it, because there was pressure on first - Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: There was pressure on the housing market, particularly for first home buyers, and we relieved some of that pressure with our tax initiatives. Our approach is obviously dependent upon the capacity of the economy to pay; and, secondly, it is devoted to making sure we deal with our priorities as a Government. I am also pleased to note that we have met, and in fact bettered, the promise that we gave to make sure that the household charges that are imposed upon the public each year by the Government are at or below the rate of inflation. In our case, they are below the rate of inflation. Therefore, there has been a real reduction in household charges under the Labor Government. There has been an $86 real reduction in household charges under the Labor Government, so we have met that commitment. What criteria will we use to look at our current situation? First of all, we will make sure we can sustain economic growth in Western Australia. Secondly, we will make sure that we balance our State’s budget and achieve the financial targets we have set. We have made it clear that those two objectives are always foremost in our mind. Thirdly, when it comes to expenditure, we will go to the priority areas. Earlier today the Minister for Health mentioned a magnificent contribution that we are now making to the mental health system in Western Australia. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I am sure we will be able to get through this answer eventually if the interjections cease. Dr G.I. GALLOP: As a result of our good finances, we have been able to devote those dollars to the mental health system, which puts Western Australia right in front with what it is delivering compared with what the other States are delivering. I say to the Leader of the Opposition that when it comes to the issue of taxes on the one side and expenditure on the other, we will do what we have done since we have been in government; that is, be responsible, get the priorities right and, most importantly, make sure that our economy, and its growth, is sustainable into the future. That is what we will do when we look at these issues. That is the way we have governed Western Australia, and that is the way I intend to govern. In fact, we have not adopted a short-run political approach to these issues. We have always looked to the medium and the long term in the measures we have taken. Who would say that the decision we made to increase taxes in those early years to make sure our health system stays intact was a bad decision? It had to be done, and we did it to achieve the objective we had set to build our health system, get those extra police and turn around the education system. They are the criteria: sustainable growth into the future, responsible financial management and getting the priorities right.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: When we came to government and framed our first budget, there was negative growth in Western Australia. Secondly, we had to deal with the fact that certain commitments had been entered into by the previous Government, yet it had not managed to include them in the budget papers. That was known as the Barnett black hole at the time. Thirdly, and very importantly, there was a very high rate of growth of costs in the health system, for which we were not being properly compensated by the federal agreement that was in place at the time. Yes, we did take taxation initiatives in our first years in government. We did that in order to make sure that our commitments on health, education and police services were met. Last year there started to be a turnaround in the State’s economic fortune, as a result of good work by our Government. There was a turnaround in the economy. As a result of events that, frankly, are not within our control but nevertheless have an influence on our budget, there were high oil prices, and extra revenue. In our last budget, we cut taxes. We did that because we had the capacity to do it; and we needed to do it, because there was pressure on first - Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: There was pressure on the housing market, particularly for first home buyers, and we relieved some of that pressure with our tax initiatives. Our approach is obviously dependent upon the capacity of the economy to pay; and, secondly, it is devoted to making sure we deal with our priorities as a Government. I am also pleased to note that we have met, and in fact bettered, the promise that we gave to make sure that the household charges that are imposed upon the public each year by the Government are at or below the rate of inflation. In our case, they are below the rate of inflation. Therefore, there has been a real reduction in household charges under the Labor Government. There has been an $86 real reduction in household charges under the Labor Government, so we have met that commitment. What criteria will we use to look at our current situation? First of all, we will make sure we can sustain economic growth in Western Australia. Secondly, we will make sure that we balance our State’s budget and achieve the financial targets we have set. We have made it clear that those two objectives are always foremost in our mind. Thirdly, when it comes to expenditure, we will go to the priority areas. Earlier today the Minister for Health mentioned a magnificent contribution that we are now making to the mental health system in Western Australia. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I am sure we will be able to get through this answer eventually if the interjections cease. Dr G.I. GALLOP: As a result of our good finances, we have been able to devote those dollars to the mental health system, which puts Western Australia right in front with what it is delivering compared with what the other States are delivering. I say to the Leader of the Opposition that when it comes to the issue of taxes on the one side and expenditure on the other, we will do what we have done since we have been in government; that is, be responsible, get the priorities right and, most importantly, make sure that our economy, and its growth, is sustainable into the future. That is what we will do when we look at these issues. That is the way we have governed Western Australia, and that is the way I intend to govern. In fact, we have not adopted a short-run political approach to these issues. We have always looked to the medium and the long term in the measures we have taken. Who would say that the decision we made to increase taxes in those early years to make sure our health system stays intact was a bad decision? It had to be done, and we did it to achieve the objective we had set to build our health system, get those extra police and turn around the education system. They are the criteria: sustainable growth into the future, responsible financial management and getting the priorities right.
Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: There was pressure on the housing market, particularly for first home buyers, and we relieved some of that pressure with our tax initiatives. Our approach is obviously dependent upon the capacity of the economy to pay; and, secondly, it is devoted to making sure we deal with our priorities as a Government. I am also pleased to note that we have met, and in fact bettered, the promise that we gave to make sure that the household charges that are imposed upon the public each year by the Government are at or below the rate of inflation. In our case, they are below the rate of inflation. Therefore, there has been a real reduction in household charges under the Labor Government. There has been an $86 real reduction in household charges under the Labor Government, so we have met that commitment. What criteria will we use to look at our current situation? First of all, we will make sure we can sustain economic growth in Western Australia. Secondly, we will make sure that we balance our State’s budget and achieve the financial targets we have set. We have made it clear that those two objectives are always foremost in our mind. Thirdly, when it comes to expenditure, we will go to the priority areas. Earlier today the Minister for Health mentioned a magnificent contribution that we are now making to the mental health system in Western Australia. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I am sure we will be able to get through this answer eventually if the interjections cease. Dr G.I. GALLOP: As a result of our good finances, we have been able to devote those dollars to the mental health system, which puts Western Australia right in front with what it is delivering compared with what the other States are delivering. I say to the Leader of the Opposition that when it comes to the issue of taxes on the one side and expenditure on the other, we will do what we have done since we have been in government; that is, be responsible, get the priorities right and, most importantly, make sure that our economy, and its growth, is sustainable into the future. That is what we will do when we look at these issues. That is the way we have governed Western Australia, and that is the way I intend to govern. In fact, we have not adopted a short-run political approach to these issues. We have always looked to the medium and the long term in the measures we have taken. Who would say that the decision we made to increase taxes in those early years to make sure our health system stays intact was a bad decision? It had to be done, and we did it to achieve the objective we had set to build our health system, get those extra police and turn around the education system. They are the criteria: sustainable growth into the future, responsible financial management and getting the priorities right.
The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: There was pressure on the housing market, particularly for first home buyers, and we relieved some of that pressure with our tax initiatives. Our approach is obviously dependent upon the capacity of the economy to pay; and, secondly, it is devoted to making sure we deal with our priorities as a Government. I am also pleased to note that we have met, and in fact bettered, the promise that we gave to make sure that the household charges that are imposed upon the public each year by the Government are at or below the rate of inflation. In our case, they are below the rate of inflation. Therefore, there has been a real reduction in household charges under the Labor Government. There has been an $86 real reduction in household charges under the Labor Government, so we have met that commitment. What criteria will we use to look at our current situation? First of all, we will make sure we can sustain economic growth in Western Australia. Secondly, we will make sure that we balance our State’s budget and achieve the financial targets we have set. We have made it clear that those two objectives are always foremost in our mind. Thirdly, when it comes to expenditure, we will go to the priority areas. Earlier today the Minister for Health mentioned a magnificent contribution that we are now making to the mental health system in Western Australia. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I am sure we will be able to get through this answer eventually if the interjections cease. Dr G.I. GALLOP: As a result of our good finances, we have been able to devote those dollars to the mental health system, which puts Western Australia right in front with what it is delivering compared with what the other States are delivering. I say to the Leader of the Opposition that when it comes to the issue of taxes on the one side and expenditure on the other, we will do what we have done since we have been in government; that is, be responsible, get the priorities right and, most importantly, make sure that our economy, and its growth, is sustainable into the future. That is what we will do when we look at these issues. That is the way we have governed Western Australia, and that is the way I intend to govern. In fact, we have not adopted a short-run political approach to these issues. We have always looked to the medium and the long term in the measures we have taken. Who would say that the decision we made to increase taxes in those early years to make sure our health system stays intact was a bad decision? It had to be done, and we did it to achieve the objective we had set to build our health system, get those extra police and turn around the education system. They are the criteria: sustainable growth into the future, responsible financial management and getting the priorities right.
Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: There was pressure on the housing market, particularly for first home buyers, and we relieved some of that pressure with our tax initiatives. Our approach is obviously dependent upon the capacity of the economy to pay; and, secondly, it is devoted to making sure we deal with our priorities as a Government. I am also pleased to note that we have met, and in fact bettered, the promise that we gave to make sure that the household charges that are imposed upon the public each year by the Government are at or below the rate of inflation. In our case, they are below the rate of inflation. Therefore, there has been a real reduction in household charges under the Labor Government. There has been an $86 real reduction in household charges under the Labor Government, so we have met that commitment. What criteria will we use to look at our current situation? First of all, we will make sure we can sustain economic growth in Western Australia. Secondly, we will make sure that we balance our State’s budget and achieve the financial targets we have set. We have made it clear that those two objectives are always foremost in our mind. Thirdly, when it comes to expenditure, we will go to the priority areas. Earlier today the Minister for Health mentioned a magnificent contribution that we are now making to the mental health system in Western Australia. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I am sure we will be able to get through this answer eventually if the interjections cease. Dr G.I. GALLOP: As a result of our good finances, we have been able to devote those dollars to the mental health system, which puts Western Australia right in front with what it is delivering compared with what the other States are delivering. I say to the Leader of the Opposition that when it comes to the issue of taxes on the one side and expenditure on the other, we will do what we have done since we have been in government; that is, be responsible, get the priorities right and, most importantly, make sure that our economy, and its growth, is sustainable into the future. That is what we will do when we look at these issues. That is the way we have governed Western Australia, and that is the way I intend to govern. In fact, we have not adopted a short-run political approach to these issues. We have always looked to the medium and the long term in the measures we have taken. Who would say that the decision we made to increase taxes in those early years to make sure our health system stays intact was a bad decision? It had to be done, and we did it to achieve the objective we had set to build our health system, get those extra police and turn around the education system. They are the criteria: sustainable growth into the future, responsible financial management and getting the priorities right.
The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: There was pressure on the housing market, particularly for first home buyers, and we relieved some of that pressure with our tax initiatives. Our approach is obviously dependent upon the capacity of the economy to pay; and, secondly, it is devoted to making sure we deal with our priorities as a Government. I am also pleased to note that we have met, and in fact bettered, the promise that we gave to make sure that the household charges that are imposed upon the public each year by the Government are at or below the rate of inflation. In our case, they are below the rate of inflation. Therefore, there has been a real reduction in household charges under the Labor Government. There has been an $86 real reduction in household charges under the Labor Government, so we have met that commitment. What criteria will we use to look at our current situation? First of all, we will make sure we can sustain economic growth in Western Australia. Secondly, we will make sure that we balance our State’s budget and achieve the financial targets we have set. We have made it clear that those two objectives are always foremost in our mind. Thirdly, when it comes to expenditure, we will go to the priority areas. Earlier today the Minister for Health mentioned a magnificent contribution that we are now making to the mental health system in Western Australia. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I am sure we will be able to get through this answer eventually if the interjections cease. Dr G.I. GALLOP: As a result of our good finances, we have been able to devote those dollars to the mental health system, which puts Western Australia right in front with what it is delivering compared with what the other States are delivering. I say to the Leader of the Opposition that when it comes to the issue of taxes on the one side and expenditure on the other, we will do what we have done since we have been in government; that is, be responsible, get the priorities right and, most importantly, make sure that our economy, and its growth, is sustainable into the future. That is what we will do when we look at these issues. That is the way we have governed Western Australia, and that is the way I intend to govern. In fact, we have not adopted a short-run political approach to these issues. We have always looked to the medium and the long term in the measures we have taken. Who would say that the decision we made to increase taxes in those early years to make sure our health system stays intact was a bad decision? It had to be done, and we did it to achieve the objective we had set to build our health system, get those extra police and turn around the education system. They are the criteria: sustainable growth into the future, responsible financial management and getting the priorities right.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: There was pressure on the housing market, particularly for first home buyers, and we relieved some of that pressure with our tax initiatives. Our approach is obviously dependent upon the capacity of the economy to pay; and, secondly, it is devoted to making sure we deal with our priorities as a Government. I am also pleased to note that we have met, and in fact bettered, the promise that we gave to make sure that the household charges that are imposed upon the public each year by the Government are at or below the rate of inflation. In our case, they are below the rate of inflation. Therefore, there has been a real reduction in household charges under the Labor Government. There has been an $86 real reduction in household charges under the Labor Government, so we have met that commitment. What criteria will we use to look at our current situation? First of all, we will make sure we can sustain economic growth in Western Australia. Secondly, we will make sure that we balance our State’s budget and achieve the financial targets we have set. We have made it clear that those two objectives are always foremost in our mind. Thirdly, when it comes to expenditure, we will go to the priority areas. Earlier today the Minister for Health mentioned a magnificent contribution that we are now making to the mental health system in Western Australia. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I am sure we will be able to get through this answer eventually if the interjections cease. Dr G.I. GALLOP: As a result of our good finances, we have been able to devote those dollars to the mental health system, which puts Western Australia right in front with what it is delivering compared with what the other States are delivering. I say to the Leader of the Opposition that when it comes to the issue of taxes on the one side and expenditure on the other, we will do what we have done since we have been in government; that is, be responsible, get the priorities right and, most importantly, make sure that our economy, and its growth, is sustainable into the future. That is what we will do when we look at these issues. That is the way we have governed Western Australia, and that is the way I intend to govern. In fact, we have not adopted a short-run political approach to these issues. We have always looked to the medium and the long term in the measures we have taken. Who would say that the decision we made to increase taxes in those early years to make sure our health system stays intact was a bad decision? It had to be done, and we did it to achieve the objective we had set to build our health system, get those extra police and turn around the education system. They are the criteria: sustainable growth into the future, responsible financial management and getting the priorities right.
I am also pleased to note that we have met, and in fact bettered, the promise that we gave to make sure that the household charges that are imposed upon the public each year by the Government are at or below the rate of inflation. In our case, they are below the rate of inflation. Therefore, there has been a real reduction in household charges under the Labor Government. There has been an $86 real reduction in household charges under the Labor Government, so we have met that commitment. What criteria will we use to look at our current situation? First of all, we will make sure we can sustain economic growth in Western Australia. Secondly, we will make sure that we balance our State’s budget and achieve the financial targets we have set. We have made it clear that those two objectives are always foremost in our mind. Thirdly, when it comes to expenditure, we will go to the priority areas. Earlier today the Minister for Health mentioned a magnificent contribution that we are now making to the mental health system in Western Australia. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I am sure we will be able to get through this answer eventually if the interjections cease. Dr G.I. GALLOP: As a result of our good finances, we have been able to devote those dollars to the mental health system, which puts Western Australia right in front with what it is delivering compared with what the other States are delivering. I say to the Leader of the Opposition that when it comes to the issue of taxes on the one side and expenditure on the other, we will do what we have done since we have been in government; that is, be responsible, get the priorities right and, most importantly, make sure that our economy, and its growth, is sustainable into the future. That is what we will do when we look at these issues. That is the way we have governed Western Australia, and that is the way I intend to govern. In fact, we have not adopted a short-run political approach to these issues. We have always looked to the medium and the long term in the measures we have taken. Who would say that the decision we made to increase taxes in those early years to make sure our health system stays intact was a bad decision? It had to be done, and we did it to achieve the objective we had set to build our health system, get those extra police and turn around the education system. They are the criteria: sustainable growth into the future, responsible financial management and getting the priorities right.
What criteria will we use to look at our current situation? First of all, we will make sure we can sustain economic growth in Western Australia. Secondly, we will make sure that we balance our State’s budget and achieve the financial targets we have set. We have made it clear that those two objectives are always foremost in our mind. Thirdly, when it comes to expenditure, we will go to the priority areas. Earlier today the Minister for Health mentioned a magnificent contribution that we are now making to the mental health system in Western Australia. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I am sure we will be able to get through this answer eventually if the interjections cease. Dr G.I. GALLOP: As a result of our good finances, we have been able to devote those dollars to the mental health system, which puts Western Australia right in front with what it is delivering compared with what the other States are delivering. I say to the Leader of the Opposition that when it comes to the issue of taxes on the one side and expenditure on the other, we will do what we have done since we have been in government; that is, be responsible, get the priorities right and, most importantly, make sure that our economy, and its growth, is sustainable into the future. That is what we will do when we look at these issues. That is the way we have governed Western Australia, and that is the way I intend to govern. In fact, we have not adopted a short-run political approach to these issues. We have always looked to the medium and the long term in the measures we have taken. Who would say that the decision we made to increase taxes in those early years to make sure our health system stays intact was a bad decision? It had to be done, and we did it to achieve the objective we had set to build our health system, get those extra police and turn around the education system. They are the criteria: sustainable growth into the future, responsible financial management and getting the priorities right.
Earlier today the Minister for Health mentioned a magnificent contribution that we are now making to the mental health system in Western Australia. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I am sure we will be able to get through this answer eventually if the interjections cease. Dr G.I. GALLOP: As a result of our good finances, we have been able to devote those dollars to the mental health system, which puts Western Australia right in front with what it is delivering compared with what the other States are delivering. I say to the Leader of the Opposition that when it comes to the issue of taxes on the one side and expenditure on the other, we will do what we have done since we have been in government; that is, be responsible, get the priorities right and, most importantly, make sure that our economy, and its growth, is sustainable into the future. That is what we will do when we look at these issues. That is the way we have governed Western Australia, and that is the way I intend to govern. In fact, we have not adopted a short-run political approach to these issues. We have always looked to the medium and the long term in the measures we have taken. Who would say that the decision we made to increase taxes in those early years to make sure our health system stays intact was a bad decision? It had to be done, and we did it to achieve the objective we had set to build our health system, get those extra police and turn around the education system. They are the criteria: sustainable growth into the future, responsible financial management and getting the priorities right.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I am sure we will be able to get through this answer eventually if the interjections cease. Dr G.I. GALLOP: As a result of our good finances, we have been able to devote those dollars to the mental health system, which puts Western Australia right in front with what it is delivering compared with what the other States are delivering. I say to the Leader of the Opposition that when it comes to the issue of taxes on the one side and expenditure on the other, we will do what we have done since we have been in government; that is, be responsible, get the priorities right and, most importantly, make sure that our economy, and its growth, is sustainable into the future. That is what we will do when we look at these issues. That is the way we have governed Western Australia, and that is the way I intend to govern. In fact, we have not adopted a short-run political approach to these issues. We have always looked to the medium and the long term in the measures we have taken. Who would say that the decision we made to increase taxes in those early years to make sure our health system stays intact was a bad decision? It had to be done, and we did it to achieve the objective we had set to build our health system, get those extra police and turn around the education system. They are the criteria: sustainable growth into the future, responsible financial management and getting the priorities right.
The SPEAKER: I am sure we will be able to get through this answer eventually if the interjections cease. Dr G.I. GALLOP: As a result of our good finances, we have been able to devote those dollars to the mental health system, which puts Western Australia right in front with what it is delivering compared with what the other States are delivering. I say to the Leader of the Opposition that when it comes to the issue of taxes on the one side and expenditure on the other, we will do what we have done since we have been in government; that is, be responsible, get the priorities right and, most importantly, make sure that our economy, and its growth, is sustainable into the future. That is what we will do when we look at these issues. That is the way we have governed Western Australia, and that is the way I intend to govern. In fact, we have not adopted a short-run political approach to these issues. We have always looked to the medium and the long term in the measures we have taken. Who would say that the decision we made to increase taxes in those early years to make sure our health system stays intact was a bad decision? It had to be done, and we did it to achieve the objective we had set to build our health system, get those extra police and turn around the education system. They are the criteria: sustainable growth into the future, responsible financial management and getting the priorities right.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: As a result of our good finances, we have been able to devote those dollars to the mental health system, which puts Western Australia right in front with what it is delivering compared with what the other States are delivering. I say to the Leader of the Opposition that when it comes to the issue of taxes on the one side and expenditure on the other, we will do what we have done since we have been in government; that is, be responsible, get the priorities right and, most importantly, make sure that our economy, and its growth, is sustainable into the future. That is what we will do when we look at these issues. That is the way we have governed Western Australia, and that is the way I intend to govern. In fact, we have not adopted a short-run political approach to these issues. We have always looked to the medium and the long term in the measures we have taken. Who would say that the decision we made to increase taxes in those early years to make sure our health system stays intact was a bad decision? It had to be done, and we did it to achieve the objective we had set to build our health system, get those extra police and turn around the education system. They are the criteria: sustainable growth into the future, responsible financial management and getting the priorities right.
I say to the Leader of the Opposition that when it comes to the issue of taxes on the one side and expenditure on the other, we will do what we have done since we have been in government; that is, be responsible, get the priorities right and, most importantly, make sure that our economy, and its growth, is sustainable into the future. That is what we will do when we look at these issues. That is the way we have governed Western Australia, and that is the way I intend to govern. In fact, we have not adopted a short-run political approach to these issues. We have always looked to the medium and the long term in the measures we have taken. Who would say that the decision we made to increase taxes in those early years to make sure our health system stays intact was a bad decision? It had to be done, and we did it to achieve the objective we had set to build our health system, get those extra police and turn around the education system. They are the criteria: sustainable growth into the future, responsible financial management and getting the priorities right.
(2) Does the Premier really expect Western Australians to trust a Government that delivers tax cuts just a few months or a few weeks before an election merely to ensure its own political survival? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) The public of Western Australia is in a good position to know what criteria my Government uses when it approaches the issue of taxation on the one hand and expenditure on the other. Let us go back a couple of years to when we first came to government. There was no doubt that as a result of the very poor economic growth that existed in Western Australia - Mr C.J. Barnett: Rubbish! Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was negative growth. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! I am sure members want to hear what the Premier says, not what the Leader of the Opposition says and not what members on my right wish to add. The Premier. Dr G.I. GALLOP: When we came to government and framed our first budget, there was negative growth in Western Australia. Secondly, we had to deal with the fact that certain commitments had been entered into by the previous Government, yet it had not managed to include them in the budget papers. That was known as the Barnett black hole at the time. Thirdly, and very importantly, there was a very high rate of growth of costs in the health system, for which we were not being properly compensated by the federal agreement that was in place at the time. Yes, we did take taxation initiatives in our first years in government. We did that in order to make sure that our commitments on health, education and police services were met. Last year there started to be a turnaround in the State’s economic fortune, as a result of good work by our Government. There was a turnaround in the economy. As a result of events that, frankly, are not within our control but nevertheless have an influence on our budget, there were high oil prices, and extra revenue. In our last budget, we cut taxes. We did that because we had the capacity to do it; and we needed to do it, because there was pressure on first - Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: There was pressure on the housing market, particularly for first home buyers, and we relieved some of that pressure with our tax initiatives. Our approach is obviously dependent upon the capacity of the economy to pay; and, secondly, it is devoted to making sure we deal with our priorities as a Government. I am also pleased to note that we have met, and in fact bettered, the promise that we gave to make sure that the household charges that are imposed upon the public each year by the Government are at or below the rate of inflation. In our case, they are below the rate of inflation. Therefore, there has been a real reduction in household charges under the Labor Government. There has been an $86 real reduction in household charges under the Labor Government, so we have met that commitment. What criteria will we use to look at our current situation? First of all, we will make sure we can sustain economic growth in Western Australia. Secondly, we will make sure that we balance our State’s budget and achieve the financial targets we have set. We have made it clear that those two objectives are always foremost in our mind. Thirdly, when it comes to expenditure, we will go to the priority areas. Earlier today the Minister for Health mentioned a magnificent contribution that we are now making to the mental health system in Western Australia. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I am sure we will be able to get through this answer eventually if the interjections cease. Dr G.I. GALLOP: As a result of our good finances, we have been able to devote those dollars to the mental health system, which puts Western Australia right in front with what it is delivering compared with what the other States are delivering. I say to the Leader of the Opposition that when it comes to the issue of taxes on the one side and expenditure on the other, we will do what we have done since we have been in government; that is, be responsible, get the priorities right and, most importantly, make sure that our economy, and its growth, is sustainable into the future. That is what we will do when we look at these issues. That is the way we have governed Western Australia, and that is the way I intend to govern. In fact, we have not adopted a short-run political approach to these issues. We have always looked to the medium and the long term in the measures we have taken. Who would say that the decision we made to increase taxes in those early years to make sure our health system stays intact was a bad decision? It had to be done, and we did it to achieve the objective we had set to build our health system, get those extra police and turn around the education system. They are the criteria: sustainable growth into the future, responsible financial management and getting the priorities right.
Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) The public of Western Australia is in a good position to know what criteria my Government uses when it approaches the issue of taxation on the one hand and expenditure on the other. Let us go back a couple of years to when we first came to government. There was no doubt that as a result of the very poor economic growth that existed in Western Australia - Mr C.J. Barnett: Rubbish! Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was negative growth. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! I am sure members want to hear what the Premier says, not what the Leader of the Opposition says and not what members on my right wish to add. The Premier. Dr G.I. GALLOP: When we came to government and framed our first budget, there was negative growth in Western Australia. Secondly, we had to deal with the fact that certain commitments had been entered into by the previous Government, yet it had not managed to include them in the budget papers. That was known as the Barnett black hole at the time. Thirdly, and very importantly, there was a very high rate of growth of costs in the health system, for which we were not being properly compensated by the federal agreement that was in place at the time. Yes, we did take taxation initiatives in our first years in government. We did that in order to make sure that our commitments on health, education and police services were met. Last year there started to be a turnaround in the State’s economic fortune, as a result of good work by our Government. There was a turnaround in the economy. As a result of events that, frankly, are not within our control but nevertheless have an influence on our budget, there were high oil prices, and extra revenue. In our last budget, we cut taxes. We did that because we had the capacity to do it; and we needed to do it, because there was pressure on first - Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: There was pressure on the housing market, particularly for first home buyers, and we relieved some of that pressure with our tax initiatives. Our approach is obviously dependent upon the capacity of the economy to pay; and, secondly, it is devoted to making sure we deal with our priorities as a Government. I am also pleased to note that we have met, and in fact bettered, the promise that we gave to make sure that the household charges that are imposed upon the public each year by the Government are at or below the rate of inflation. In our case, they are below the rate of inflation. Therefore, there has been a real reduction in household charges under the Labor Government. There has been an $86 real reduction in household charges under the Labor Government, so we have met that commitment. What criteria will we use to look at our current situation? First of all, we will make sure we can sustain economic growth in Western Australia. Secondly, we will make sure that we balance our State’s budget and achieve the financial targets we have set. We have made it clear that those two objectives are always foremost in our mind. Thirdly, when it comes to expenditure, we will go to the priority areas. Earlier today the Minister for Health mentioned a magnificent contribution that we are now making to the mental health system in Western Australia. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I am sure we will be able to get through this answer eventually if the interjections cease. Dr G.I. GALLOP: As a result of our good finances, we have been able to devote those dollars to the mental health system, which puts Western Australia right in front with what it is delivering compared with what the other States are delivering. I say to the Leader of the Opposition that when it comes to the issue of taxes on the one side and expenditure on the other, we will do what we have done since we have been in government; that is, be responsible, get the priorities right and, most importantly, make sure that our economy, and its growth, is sustainable into the future. That is what we will do when we look at these issues. That is the way we have governed Western Australia, and that is the way I intend to govern. In fact, we have not adopted a short-run political approach to these issues. We have always looked to the medium and the long term in the measures we have taken. Who would say that the decision we made to increase taxes in those early years to make sure our health system stays intact was a bad decision? It had to be done, and we did it to achieve the objective we had set to build our health system, get those extra police and turn around the education system. They are the criteria: sustainable growth into the future, responsible financial management and getting the priorities right.
(1)-(2) The public of Western Australia is in a good position to know what criteria my Government uses when it approaches the issue of taxation on the one hand and expenditure on the other. Let us go back a couple of years to when we first came to government. There was no doubt that as a result of the very poor economic growth that existed in Western Australia - Mr C.J. Barnett: Rubbish! Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was negative growth. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! I am sure members want to hear what the Premier says, not what the Leader of the Opposition says and not what members on my right wish to add. The Premier. Dr G.I. GALLOP: When we came to government and framed our first budget, there was negative growth in Western Australia. Secondly, we had to deal with the fact that certain commitments had been entered into by the previous Government, yet it had not managed to include them in the budget papers. That was known as the Barnett black hole at the time. Thirdly, and very importantly, there was a very high rate of growth of costs in the health system, for which we were not being properly compensated by the federal agreement that was in place at the time. Yes, we did take taxation initiatives in our first years in government. We did that in order to make sure that our commitments on health, education and police services were met. Last year there started to be a turnaround in the State’s economic fortune, as a result of good work by our Government. There was a turnaround in the economy. As a result of events that, frankly, are not within our control but nevertheless have an influence on our budget, there were high oil prices, and extra revenue. In our last budget, we cut taxes. We did that because we had the capacity to do it; and we needed to do it, because there was pressure on first - Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: There was pressure on the housing market, particularly for first home buyers, and we relieved some of that pressure with our tax initiatives. Our approach is obviously dependent upon the capacity of the economy to pay; and, secondly, it is devoted to making sure we deal with our priorities as a Government. I am also pleased to note that we have met, and in fact bettered, the promise that we gave to make sure that the household charges that are imposed upon the public each year by the Government are at or below the rate of inflation. In our case, they are below the rate of inflation. Therefore, there has been a real reduction in household charges under the Labor Government. There has been an $86 real reduction in household charges under the Labor Government, so we have met that commitment. What criteria will we use to look at our current situation? First of all, we will make sure we can sustain economic growth in Western Australia. Secondly, we will make sure that we balance our State’s budget and achieve the financial targets we have set. We have made it clear that those two objectives are always foremost in our mind. Thirdly, when it comes to expenditure, we will go to the priority areas. Earlier today the Minister for Health mentioned a magnificent contribution that we are now making to the mental health system in Western Australia. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I am sure we will be able to get through this answer eventually if the interjections cease. Dr G.I. GALLOP: As a result of our good finances, we have been able to devote those dollars to the mental health system, which puts Western Australia right in front with what it is delivering compared with what the other States are delivering. I say to the Leader of the Opposition that when it comes to the issue of taxes on the one side and expenditure on the other, we will do what we have done since we have been in government; that is, be responsible, get the priorities right and, most importantly, make sure that our economy, and its growth, is sustainable into the future. That is what we will do when we look at these issues. That is the way we have governed Western Australia, and that is the way I intend to govern. In fact, we have not adopted a short-run political approach to these issues. We have always looked to the medium and the long term in the measures we have taken. Who would say that the decision we made to increase taxes in those early years to make sure our health system stays intact was a bad decision? It had to be done, and we did it to achieve the objective we had set to build our health system, get those extra police and turn around the education system. They are the criteria: sustainable growth into the future, responsible financial management and getting the priorities right.
Mr C.J. Barnett: Rubbish! Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was negative growth. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! I am sure members want to hear what the Premier says, not what the Leader of the Opposition says and not what members on my right wish to add. The Premier. Dr G.I. GALLOP: When we came to government and framed our first budget, there was negative growth in Western Australia. Secondly, we had to deal with the fact that certain commitments had been entered into by the previous Government, yet it had not managed to include them in the budget papers. That was known as the Barnett black hole at the time. Thirdly, and very importantly, there was a very high rate of growth of costs in the health system, for which we were not being properly compensated by the federal agreement that was in place at the time. Yes, we did take taxation initiatives in our first years in government. We did that in order to make sure that our commitments on health, education and police services were met. Last year there started to be a turnaround in the State’s economic fortune, as a result of good work by our Government. There was a turnaround in the economy. As a result of events that, frankly, are not within our control but nevertheless have an influence on our budget, there were high oil prices, and extra revenue. In our last budget, we cut taxes. We did that because we had the capacity to do it; and we needed to do it, because there was pressure on first - Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: There was pressure on the housing market, particularly for first home buyers, and we relieved some of that pressure with our tax initiatives. Our approach is obviously dependent upon the capacity of the economy to pay; and, secondly, it is devoted to making sure we deal with our priorities as a Government. I am also pleased to note that we have met, and in fact bettered, the promise that we gave to make sure that the household charges that are imposed upon the public each year by the Government are at or below the rate of inflation. In our case, they are below the rate of inflation. Therefore, there has been a real reduction in household charges under the Labor Government. There has been an $86 real reduction in household charges under the Labor Government, so we have met that commitment. What criteria will we use to look at our current situation? First of all, we will make sure we can sustain economic growth in Western Australia. Secondly, we will make sure that we balance our State’s budget and achieve the financial targets we have set. We have made it clear that those two objectives are always foremost in our mind. Thirdly, when it comes to expenditure, we will go to the priority areas. Earlier today the Minister for Health mentioned a magnificent contribution that we are now making to the mental health system in Western Australia. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I am sure we will be able to get through this answer eventually if the interjections cease. Dr G.I. GALLOP: As a result of our good finances, we have been able to devote those dollars to the mental health system, which puts Western Australia right in front with what it is delivering compared with what the other States are delivering. I say to the Leader of the Opposition that when it comes to the issue of taxes on the one side and expenditure on the other, we will do what we have done since we have been in government; that is, be responsible, get the priorities right and, most importantly, make sure that our economy, and its growth, is sustainable into the future. That is what we will do when we look at these issues. That is the way we have governed Western Australia, and that is the way I intend to govern. In fact, we have not adopted a short-run political approach to these issues. We have always looked to the medium and the long term in the measures we have taken. Who would say that the decision we made to increase taxes in those early years to make sure our health system stays intact was a bad decision? It had to be done, and we did it to achieve the objective we had set to build our health system, get those extra police and turn around the education system. They are the criteria: sustainable growth into the future, responsible financial management and getting the priorities right.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was negative growth. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! I am sure members want to hear what the Premier says, not what the Leader of the Opposition says and not what members on my right wish to add. The Premier. Dr G.I. GALLOP: When we came to government and framed our first budget, there was negative growth in Western Australia. Secondly, we had to deal with the fact that certain commitments had been entered into by the previous Government, yet it had not managed to include them in the budget papers. That was known as the Barnett black hole at the time. Thirdly, and very importantly, there was a very high rate of growth of costs in the health system, for which we were not being properly compensated by the federal agreement that was in place at the time. Yes, we did take taxation initiatives in our first years in government. We did that in order to make sure that our commitments on health, education and police services were met. Last year there started to be a turnaround in the State’s economic fortune, as a result of good work by our Government. There was a turnaround in the economy. As a result of events that, frankly, are not within our control but nevertheless have an influence on our budget, there were high oil prices, and extra revenue. In our last budget, we cut taxes. We did that because we had the capacity to do it; and we needed to do it, because there was pressure on first - Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: There was pressure on the housing market, particularly for first home buyers, and we relieved some of that pressure with our tax initiatives. Our approach is obviously dependent upon the capacity of the economy to pay; and, secondly, it is devoted to making sure we deal with our priorities as a Government. I am also pleased to note that we have met, and in fact bettered, the promise that we gave to make sure that the household charges that are imposed upon the public each year by the Government are at or below the rate of inflation. In our case, they are below the rate of inflation. Therefore, there has been a real reduction in household charges under the Labor Government. There has been an $86 real reduction in household charges under the Labor Government, so we have met that commitment. What criteria will we use to look at our current situation? First of all, we will make sure we can sustain economic growth in Western Australia. Secondly, we will make sure that we balance our State’s budget and achieve the financial targets we have set. We have made it clear that those two objectives are always foremost in our mind. Thirdly, when it comes to expenditure, we will go to the priority areas. Earlier today the Minister for Health mentioned a magnificent contribution that we are now making to the mental health system in Western Australia. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I am sure we will be able to get through this answer eventually if the interjections cease. Dr G.I. GALLOP: As a result of our good finances, we have been able to devote those dollars to the mental health system, which puts Western Australia right in front with what it is delivering compared with what the other States are delivering. I say to the Leader of the Opposition that when it comes to the issue of taxes on the one side and expenditure on the other, we will do what we have done since we have been in government; that is, be responsible, get the priorities right and, most importantly, make sure that our economy, and its growth, is sustainable into the future. That is what we will do when we look at these issues. That is the way we have governed Western Australia, and that is the way I intend to govern. In fact, we have not adopted a short-run political approach to these issues. We have always looked to the medium and the long term in the measures we have taken. Who would say that the decision we made to increase taxes in those early years to make sure our health system stays intact was a bad decision? It had to be done, and we did it to achieve the objective we had set to build our health system, get those extra police and turn around the education system. They are the criteria: sustainable growth into the future, responsible financial management and getting the priorities right.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! I am sure members want to hear what the Premier says, not what the Leader of the Opposition says and not what members on my right wish to add. The Premier. Dr G.I. GALLOP: When we came to government and framed our first budget, there was negative growth in Western Australia. Secondly, we had to deal with the fact that certain commitments had been entered into by the previous Government, yet it had not managed to include them in the budget papers. That was known as the Barnett black hole at the time. Thirdly, and very importantly, there was a very high rate of growth of costs in the health system, for which we were not being properly compensated by the federal agreement that was in place at the time. Yes, we did take taxation initiatives in our first years in government. We did that in order to make sure that our commitments on health, education and police services were met. Last year there started to be a turnaround in the State’s economic fortune, as a result of good work by our Government. There was a turnaround in the economy. As a result of events that, frankly, are not within our control but nevertheless have an influence on our budget, there were high oil prices, and extra revenue. In our last budget, we cut taxes. We did that because we had the capacity to do it; and we needed to do it, because there was pressure on first - Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: There was pressure on the housing market, particularly for first home buyers, and we relieved some of that pressure with our tax initiatives. Our approach is obviously dependent upon the capacity of the economy to pay; and, secondly, it is devoted to making sure we deal with our priorities as a Government. I am also pleased to note that we have met, and in fact bettered, the promise that we gave to make sure that the household charges that are imposed upon the public each year by the Government are at or below the rate of inflation. In our case, they are below the rate of inflation. Therefore, there has been a real reduction in household charges under the Labor Government. There has been an $86 real reduction in household charges under the Labor Government, so we have met that commitment. What criteria will we use to look at our current situation? First of all, we will make sure we can sustain economic growth in Western Australia. Secondly, we will make sure that we balance our State’s budget and achieve the financial targets we have set. We have made it clear that those two objectives are always foremost in our mind. Thirdly, when it comes to expenditure, we will go to the priority areas. Earlier today the Minister for Health mentioned a magnificent contribution that we are now making to the mental health system in Western Australia. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I am sure we will be able to get through this answer eventually if the interjections cease. Dr G.I. GALLOP: As a result of our good finances, we have been able to devote those dollars to the mental health system, which puts Western Australia right in front with what it is delivering compared with what the other States are delivering. I say to the Leader of the Opposition that when it comes to the issue of taxes on the one side and expenditure on the other, we will do what we have done since we have been in government; that is, be responsible, get the priorities right and, most importantly, make sure that our economy, and its growth, is sustainable into the future. That is what we will do when we look at these issues. That is the way we have governed Western Australia, and that is the way I intend to govern. In fact, we have not adopted a short-run political approach to these issues. We have always looked to the medium and the long term in the measures we have taken. Who would say that the decision we made to increase taxes in those early years to make sure our health system stays intact was a bad decision? It had to be done, and we did it to achieve the objective we had set to build our health system, get those extra police and turn around the education system. They are the criteria: sustainable growth into the future, responsible financial management and getting the priorities right.
The SPEAKER: Order! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! I am sure members want to hear what the Premier says, not what the Leader of the Opposition says and not what members on my right wish to add. The Premier. Dr G.I. GALLOP: When we came to government and framed our first budget, there was negative growth in Western Australia. Secondly, we had to deal with the fact that certain commitments had been entered into by the previous Government, yet it had not managed to include them in the budget papers. That was known as the Barnett black hole at the time. Thirdly, and very importantly, there was a very high rate of growth of costs in the health system, for which we were not being properly compensated by the federal agreement that was in place at the time. Yes, we did take taxation initiatives in our first years in government. We did that in order to make sure that our commitments on health, education and police services were met. Last year there started to be a turnaround in the State’s economic fortune, as a result of good work by our Government. There was a turnaround in the economy. As a result of events that, frankly, are not within our control but nevertheless have an influence on our budget, there were high oil prices, and extra revenue. In our last budget, we cut taxes. We did that because we had the capacity to do it; and we needed to do it, because there was pressure on first - Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: There was pressure on the housing market, particularly for first home buyers, and we relieved some of that pressure with our tax initiatives. Our approach is obviously dependent upon the capacity of the economy to pay; and, secondly, it is devoted to making sure we deal with our priorities as a Government. I am also pleased to note that we have met, and in fact bettered, the promise that we gave to make sure that the household charges that are imposed upon the public each year by the Government are at or below the rate of inflation. In our case, they are below the rate of inflation. Therefore, there has been a real reduction in household charges under the Labor Government. There has been an $86 real reduction in household charges under the Labor Government, so we have met that commitment. What criteria will we use to look at our current situation? First of all, we will make sure we can sustain economic growth in Western Australia. Secondly, we will make sure that we balance our State’s budget and achieve the financial targets we have set. We have made it clear that those two objectives are always foremost in our mind. Thirdly, when it comes to expenditure, we will go to the priority areas. Earlier today the Minister for Health mentioned a magnificent contribution that we are now making to the mental health system in Western Australia. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I am sure we will be able to get through this answer eventually if the interjections cease. Dr G.I. GALLOP: As a result of our good finances, we have been able to devote those dollars to the mental health system, which puts Western Australia right in front with what it is delivering compared with what the other States are delivering. I say to the Leader of the Opposition that when it comes to the issue of taxes on the one side and expenditure on the other, we will do what we have done since we have been in government; that is, be responsible, get the priorities right and, most importantly, make sure that our economy, and its growth, is sustainable into the future. That is what we will do when we look at these issues. That is the way we have governed Western Australia, and that is the way I intend to govern. In fact, we have not adopted a short-run political approach to these issues. We have always looked to the medium and the long term in the measures we have taken. Who would say that the decision we made to increase taxes in those early years to make sure our health system stays intact was a bad decision? It had to be done, and we did it to achieve the objective we had set to build our health system, get those extra police and turn around the education system. They are the criteria: sustainable growth into the future, responsible financial management and getting the priorities right.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! I am sure members want to hear what the Premier says, not what the Leader of the Opposition says and not what members on my right wish to add. The Premier. Dr G.I. GALLOP: When we came to government and framed our first budget, there was negative growth in Western Australia. Secondly, we had to deal with the fact that certain commitments had been entered into by the previous Government, yet it had not managed to include them in the budget papers. That was known as the Barnett black hole at the time. Thirdly, and very importantly, there was a very high rate of growth of costs in the health system, for which we were not being properly compensated by the federal agreement that was in place at the time. Yes, we did take taxation initiatives in our first years in government. We did that in order to make sure that our commitments on health, education and police services were met. Last year there started to be a turnaround in the State’s economic fortune, as a result of good work by our Government. There was a turnaround in the economy. As a result of events that, frankly, are not within our control but nevertheless have an influence on our budget, there were high oil prices, and extra revenue. In our last budget, we cut taxes. We did that because we had the capacity to do it; and we needed to do it, because there was pressure on first - Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: There was pressure on the housing market, particularly for first home buyers, and we relieved some of that pressure with our tax initiatives. Our approach is obviously dependent upon the capacity of the economy to pay; and, secondly, it is devoted to making sure we deal with our priorities as a Government. I am also pleased to note that we have met, and in fact bettered, the promise that we gave to make sure that the household charges that are imposed upon the public each year by the Government are at or below the rate of inflation. In our case, they are below the rate of inflation. Therefore, there has been a real reduction in household charges under the Labor Government. There has been an $86 real reduction in household charges under the Labor Government, so we have met that commitment. What criteria will we use to look at our current situation? First of all, we will make sure we can sustain economic growth in Western Australia. Secondly, we will make sure that we balance our State’s budget and achieve the financial targets we have set. We have made it clear that those two objectives are always foremost in our mind. Thirdly, when it comes to expenditure, we will go to the priority areas. Earlier today the Minister for Health mentioned a magnificent contribution that we are now making to the mental health system in Western Australia. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I am sure we will be able to get through this answer eventually if the interjections cease. Dr G.I. GALLOP: As a result of our good finances, we have been able to devote those dollars to the mental health system, which puts Western Australia right in front with what it is delivering compared with what the other States are delivering. I say to the Leader of the Opposition that when it comes to the issue of taxes on the one side and expenditure on the other, we will do what we have done since we have been in government; that is, be responsible, get the priorities right and, most importantly, make sure that our economy, and its growth, is sustainable into the future. That is what we will do when we look at these issues. That is the way we have governed Western Australia, and that is the way I intend to govern. In fact, we have not adopted a short-run political approach to these issues. We have always looked to the medium and the long term in the measures we have taken. Who would say that the decision we made to increase taxes in those early years to make sure our health system stays intact was a bad decision? It had to be done, and we did it to achieve the objective we had set to build our health system, get those extra police and turn around the education system. They are the criteria: sustainable growth into the future, responsible financial management and getting the priorities right.
The SPEAKER: Order, members! I am sure members want to hear what the Premier says, not what the Leader of the Opposition says and not what members on my right wish to add. The Premier. Dr G.I. GALLOP: When we came to government and framed our first budget, there was negative growth in Western Australia. Secondly, we had to deal with the fact that certain commitments had been entered into by the previous Government, yet it had not managed to include them in the budget papers. That was known as the Barnett black hole at the time. Thirdly, and very importantly, there was a very high rate of growth of costs in the health system, for which we were not being properly compensated by the federal agreement that was in place at the time. Yes, we did take taxation initiatives in our first years in government. We did that in order to make sure that our commitments on health, education and police services were met. Last year there started to be a turnaround in the State’s economic fortune, as a result of good work by our Government. There was a turnaround in the economy. As a result of events that, frankly, are not within our control but nevertheless have an influence on our budget, there were high oil prices, and extra revenue. In our last budget, we cut taxes. We did that because we had the capacity to do it; and we needed to do it, because there was pressure on first - Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: There was pressure on the housing market, particularly for first home buyers, and we relieved some of that pressure with our tax initiatives. Our approach is obviously dependent upon the capacity of the economy to pay; and, secondly, it is devoted to making sure we deal with our priorities as a Government. I am also pleased to note that we have met, and in fact bettered, the promise that we gave to make sure that the household charges that are imposed upon the public each year by the Government are at or below the rate of inflation. In our case, they are below the rate of inflation. Therefore, there has been a real reduction in household charges under the Labor Government. There has been an $86 real reduction in household charges under the Labor Government, so we have met that commitment. What criteria will we use to look at our current situation? First of all, we will make sure we can sustain economic growth in Western Australia. Secondly, we will make sure that we balance our State’s budget and achieve the financial targets we have set. We have made it clear that those two objectives are always foremost in our mind. Thirdly, when it comes to expenditure, we will go to the priority areas. Earlier today the Minister for Health mentioned a magnificent contribution that we are now making to the mental health system in Western Australia. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I am sure we will be able to get through this answer eventually if the interjections cease. Dr G.I. GALLOP: As a result of our good finances, we have been able to devote those dollars to the mental health system, which puts Western Australia right in front with what it is delivering compared with what the other States are delivering. I say to the Leader of the Opposition that when it comes to the issue of taxes on the one side and expenditure on the other, we will do what we have done since we have been in government; that is, be responsible, get the priorities right and, most importantly, make sure that our economy, and its growth, is sustainable into the future. That is what we will do when we look at these issues. That is the way we have governed Western Australia, and that is the way I intend to govern. In fact, we have not adopted a short-run political approach to these issues. We have always looked to the medium and the long term in the measures we have taken. Who would say that the decision we made to increase taxes in those early years to make sure our health system stays intact was a bad decision? It had to be done, and we did it to achieve the objective we had set to build our health system, get those extra police and turn around the education system. They are the criteria: sustainable growth into the future, responsible financial management and getting the priorities right.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: When we came to government and framed our first budget, there was negative growth in Western Australia. Secondly, we had to deal with the fact that certain commitments had been entered into by the previous Government, yet it had not managed to include them in the budget papers. That was known as the Barnett black hole at the time. Thirdly, and very importantly, there was a very high rate of growth of costs in the health system, for which we were not being properly compensated by the federal agreement that was in place at the time. Yes, we did take taxation initiatives in our first years in government. We did that in order to make sure that our commitments on health, education and police services were met. Last year there started to be a turnaround in the State’s economic fortune, as a result of good work by our Government. There was a turnaround in the economy. As a result of events that, frankly, are not within our control but nevertheless have an influence on our budget, there were high oil prices, and extra revenue. In our last budget, we cut taxes. We did that because we had the capacity to do it; and we needed to do it, because there was pressure on first - Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: There was pressure on the housing market, particularly for first home buyers, and we relieved some of that pressure with our tax initiatives. Our approach is obviously dependent upon the capacity of the economy to pay; and, secondly, it is devoted to making sure we deal with our priorities as a Government. I am also pleased to note that we have met, and in fact bettered, the promise that we gave to make sure that the household charges that are imposed upon the public each year by the Government are at or below the rate of inflation. In our case, they are below the rate of inflation. Therefore, there has been a real reduction in household charges under the Labor Government. There has been an $86 real reduction in household charges under the Labor Government, so we have met that commitment. What criteria will we use to look at our current situation? First of all, we will make sure we can sustain economic growth in Western Australia. Secondly, we will make sure that we balance our State’s budget and achieve the financial targets we have set. We have made it clear that those two objectives are always foremost in our mind. Thirdly, when it comes to expenditure, we will go to the priority areas. Earlier today the Minister for Health mentioned a magnificent contribution that we are now making to the mental health system in Western Australia. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I am sure we will be able to get through this answer eventually if the interjections cease. Dr G.I. GALLOP: As a result of our good finances, we have been able to devote those dollars to the mental health system, which puts Western Australia right in front with what it is delivering compared with what the other States are delivering. I say to the Leader of the Opposition that when it comes to the issue of taxes on the one side and expenditure on the other, we will do what we have done since we have been in government; that is, be responsible, get the priorities right and, most importantly, make sure that our economy, and its growth, is sustainable into the future. That is what we will do when we look at these issues. That is the way we have governed Western Australia, and that is the way I intend to govern. In fact, we have not adopted a short-run political approach to these issues. We have always looked to the medium and the long term in the measures we have taken. Who would say that the decision we made to increase taxes in those early years to make sure our health system stays intact was a bad decision? It had to be done, and we did it to achieve the objective we had set to build our health system, get those extra police and turn around the education system. They are the criteria: sustainable growth into the future, responsible financial management and getting the priorities right.
Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: There was pressure on the housing market, particularly for first home buyers, and we relieved some of that pressure with our tax initiatives. Our approach is obviously dependent upon the capacity of the economy to pay; and, secondly, it is devoted to making sure we deal with our priorities as a Government. I am also pleased to note that we have met, and in fact bettered, the promise that we gave to make sure that the household charges that are imposed upon the public each year by the Government are at or below the rate of inflation. In our case, they are below the rate of inflation. Therefore, there has been a real reduction in household charges under the Labor Government. There has been an $86 real reduction in household charges under the Labor Government, so we have met that commitment. What criteria will we use to look at our current situation? First of all, we will make sure we can sustain economic growth in Western Australia. Secondly, we will make sure that we balance our State’s budget and achieve the financial targets we have set. We have made it clear that those two objectives are always foremost in our mind. Thirdly, when it comes to expenditure, we will go to the priority areas. Earlier today the Minister for Health mentioned a magnificent contribution that we are now making to the mental health system in Western Australia. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I am sure we will be able to get through this answer eventually if the interjections cease. Dr G.I. GALLOP: As a result of our good finances, we have been able to devote those dollars to the mental health system, which puts Western Australia right in front with what it is delivering compared with what the other States are delivering. I say to the Leader of the Opposition that when it comes to the issue of taxes on the one side and expenditure on the other, we will do what we have done since we have been in government; that is, be responsible, get the priorities right and, most importantly, make sure that our economy, and its growth, is sustainable into the future. That is what we will do when we look at these issues. That is the way we have governed Western Australia, and that is the way I intend to govern. In fact, we have not adopted a short-run political approach to these issues. We have always looked to the medium and the long term in the measures we have taken. Who would say that the decision we made to increase taxes in those early years to make sure our health system stays intact was a bad decision? It had to be done, and we did it to achieve the objective we had set to build our health system, get those extra police and turn around the education system. They are the criteria: sustainable growth into the future, responsible financial management and getting the priorities right.
The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: There was pressure on the housing market, particularly for first home buyers, and we relieved some of that pressure with our tax initiatives. Our approach is obviously dependent upon the capacity of the economy to pay; and, secondly, it is devoted to making sure we deal with our priorities as a Government. I am also pleased to note that we have met, and in fact bettered, the promise that we gave to make sure that the household charges that are imposed upon the public each year by the Government are at or below the rate of inflation. In our case, they are below the rate of inflation. Therefore, there has been a real reduction in household charges under the Labor Government. There has been an $86 real reduction in household charges under the Labor Government, so we have met that commitment. What criteria will we use to look at our current situation? First of all, we will make sure we can sustain economic growth in Western Australia. Secondly, we will make sure that we balance our State’s budget and achieve the financial targets we have set. We have made it clear that those two objectives are always foremost in our mind. Thirdly, when it comes to expenditure, we will go to the priority areas. Earlier today the Minister for Health mentioned a magnificent contribution that we are now making to the mental health system in Western Australia. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I am sure we will be able to get through this answer eventually if the interjections cease. Dr G.I. GALLOP: As a result of our good finances, we have been able to devote those dollars to the mental health system, which puts Western Australia right in front with what it is delivering compared with what the other States are delivering. I say to the Leader of the Opposition that when it comes to the issue of taxes on the one side and expenditure on the other, we will do what we have done since we have been in government; that is, be responsible, get the priorities right and, most importantly, make sure that our economy, and its growth, is sustainable into the future. That is what we will do when we look at these issues. That is the way we have governed Western Australia, and that is the way I intend to govern. In fact, we have not adopted a short-run political approach to these issues. We have always looked to the medium and the long term in the measures we have taken. Who would say that the decision we made to increase taxes in those early years to make sure our health system stays intact was a bad decision? It had to be done, and we did it to achieve the objective we had set to build our health system, get those extra police and turn around the education system. They are the criteria: sustainable growth into the future, responsible financial management and getting the priorities right.
Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: There was pressure on the housing market, particularly for first home buyers, and we relieved some of that pressure with our tax initiatives. Our approach is obviously dependent upon the capacity of the economy to pay; and, secondly, it is devoted to making sure we deal with our priorities as a Government. I am also pleased to note that we have met, and in fact bettered, the promise that we gave to make sure that the household charges that are imposed upon the public each year by the Government are at or below the rate of inflation. In our case, they are below the rate of inflation. Therefore, there has been a real reduction in household charges under the Labor Government. There has been an $86 real reduction in household charges under the Labor Government, so we have met that commitment. What criteria will we use to look at our current situation? First of all, we will make sure we can sustain economic growth in Western Australia. Secondly, we will make sure that we balance our State’s budget and achieve the financial targets we have set. We have made it clear that those two objectives are always foremost in our mind. Thirdly, when it comes to expenditure, we will go to the priority areas. Earlier today the Minister for Health mentioned a magnificent contribution that we are now making to the mental health system in Western Australia. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I am sure we will be able to get through this answer eventually if the interjections cease. Dr G.I. GALLOP: As a result of our good finances, we have been able to devote those dollars to the mental health system, which puts Western Australia right in front with what it is delivering compared with what the other States are delivering. I say to the Leader of the Opposition that when it comes to the issue of taxes on the one side and expenditure on the other, we will do what we have done since we have been in government; that is, be responsible, get the priorities right and, most importantly, make sure that our economy, and its growth, is sustainable into the future. That is what we will do when we look at these issues. That is the way we have governed Western Australia, and that is the way I intend to govern. In fact, we have not adopted a short-run political approach to these issues. We have always looked to the medium and the long term in the measures we have taken. Who would say that the decision we made to increase taxes in those early years to make sure our health system stays intact was a bad decision? It had to be done, and we did it to achieve the objective we had set to build our health system, get those extra police and turn around the education system. They are the criteria: sustainable growth into the future, responsible financial management and getting the priorities right.
The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: There was pressure on the housing market, particularly for first home buyers, and we relieved some of that pressure with our tax initiatives. Our approach is obviously dependent upon the capacity of the economy to pay; and, secondly, it is devoted to making sure we deal with our priorities as a Government. I am also pleased to note that we have met, and in fact bettered, the promise that we gave to make sure that the household charges that are imposed upon the public each year by the Government are at or below the rate of inflation. In our case, they are below the rate of inflation. Therefore, there has been a real reduction in household charges under the Labor Government. There has been an $86 real reduction in household charges under the Labor Government, so we have met that commitment. What criteria will we use to look at our current situation? First of all, we will make sure we can sustain economic growth in Western Australia. Secondly, we will make sure that we balance our State’s budget and achieve the financial targets we have set. We have made it clear that those two objectives are always foremost in our mind. Thirdly, when it comes to expenditure, we will go to the priority areas. Earlier today the Minister for Health mentioned a magnificent contribution that we are now making to the mental health system in Western Australia. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I am sure we will be able to get through this answer eventually if the interjections cease. Dr G.I. GALLOP: As a result of our good finances, we have been able to devote those dollars to the mental health system, which puts Western Australia right in front with what it is delivering compared with what the other States are delivering. I say to the Leader of the Opposition that when it comes to the issue of taxes on the one side and expenditure on the other, we will do what we have done since we have been in government; that is, be responsible, get the priorities right and, most importantly, make sure that our economy, and its growth, is sustainable into the future. That is what we will do when we look at these issues. That is the way we have governed Western Australia, and that is the way I intend to govern. In fact, we have not adopted a short-run political approach to these issues. We have always looked to the medium and the long term in the measures we have taken. Who would say that the decision we made to increase taxes in those early years to make sure our health system stays intact was a bad decision? It had to be done, and we did it to achieve the objective we had set to build our health system, get those extra police and turn around the education system. They are the criteria: sustainable growth into the future, responsible financial management and getting the priorities right.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: There was pressure on the housing market, particularly for first home buyers, and we relieved some of that pressure with our tax initiatives. Our approach is obviously dependent upon the capacity of the economy to pay; and, secondly, it is devoted to making sure we deal with our priorities as a Government. I am also pleased to note that we have met, and in fact bettered, the promise that we gave to make sure that the household charges that are imposed upon the public each year by the Government are at or below the rate of inflation. In our case, they are below the rate of inflation. Therefore, there has been a real reduction in household charges under the Labor Government. There has been an $86 real reduction in household charges under the Labor Government, so we have met that commitment. What criteria will we use to look at our current situation? First of all, we will make sure we can sustain economic growth in Western Australia. Secondly, we will make sure that we balance our State’s budget and achieve the financial targets we have set. We have made it clear that those two objectives are always foremost in our mind. Thirdly, when it comes to expenditure, we will go to the priority areas. Earlier today the Minister for Health mentioned a magnificent contribution that we are now making to the mental health system in Western Australia. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I am sure we will be able to get through this answer eventually if the interjections cease. Dr G.I. GALLOP: As a result of our good finances, we have been able to devote those dollars to the mental health system, which puts Western Australia right in front with what it is delivering compared with what the other States are delivering. I say to the Leader of the Opposition that when it comes to the issue of taxes on the one side and expenditure on the other, we will do what we have done since we have been in government; that is, be responsible, get the priorities right and, most importantly, make sure that our economy, and its growth, is sustainable into the future. That is what we will do when we look at these issues. That is the way we have governed Western Australia, and that is the way I intend to govern. In fact, we have not adopted a short-run political approach to these issues. We have always looked to the medium and the long term in the measures we have taken. Who would say that the decision we made to increase taxes in those early years to make sure our health system stays intact was a bad decision? It had to be done, and we did it to achieve the objective we had set to build our health system, get those extra police and turn around the education system. They are the criteria: sustainable growth into the future, responsible financial management and getting the priorities right.
I am also pleased to note that we have met, and in fact bettered, the promise that we gave to make sure that the household charges that are imposed upon the public each year by the Government are at or below the rate of inflation. In our case, they are below the rate of inflation. Therefore, there has been a real reduction in household charges under the Labor Government. There has been an $86 real reduction in household charges under the Labor Government, so we have met that commitment. What criteria will we use to look at our current situation? First of all, we will make sure we can sustain economic growth in Western Australia. Secondly, we will make sure that we balance our State’s budget and achieve the financial targets we have set. We have made it clear that those two objectives are always foremost in our mind. Thirdly, when it comes to expenditure, we will go to the priority areas. Earlier today the Minister for Health mentioned a magnificent contribution that we are now making to the mental health system in Western Australia. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I am sure we will be able to get through this answer eventually if the interjections cease. Dr G.I. GALLOP: As a result of our good finances, we have been able to devote those dollars to the mental health system, which puts Western Australia right in front with what it is delivering compared with what the other States are delivering. I say to the Leader of the Opposition that when it comes to the issue of taxes on the one side and expenditure on the other, we will do what we have done since we have been in government; that is, be responsible, get the priorities right and, most importantly, make sure that our economy, and its growth, is sustainable into the future. That is what we will do when we look at these issues. That is the way we have governed Western Australia, and that is the way I intend to govern. In fact, we have not adopted a short-run political approach to these issues. We have always looked to the medium and the long term in the measures we have taken. Who would say that the decision we made to increase taxes in those early years to make sure our health system stays intact was a bad decision? It had to be done, and we did it to achieve the objective we had set to build our health system, get those extra police and turn around the education system. They are the criteria: sustainable growth into the future, responsible financial management and getting the priorities right.
What criteria will we use to look at our current situation? First of all, we will make sure we can sustain economic growth in Western Australia. Secondly, we will make sure that we balance our State’s budget and achieve the financial targets we have set. We have made it clear that those two objectives are always foremost in our mind. Thirdly, when it comes to expenditure, we will go to the priority areas. Earlier today the Minister for Health mentioned a magnificent contribution that we are now making to the mental health system in Western Australia. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I am sure we will be able to get through this answer eventually if the interjections cease. Dr G.I. GALLOP: As a result of our good finances, we have been able to devote those dollars to the mental health system, which puts Western Australia right in front with what it is delivering compared with what the other States are delivering. I say to the Leader of the Opposition that when it comes to the issue of taxes on the one side and expenditure on the other, we will do what we have done since we have been in government; that is, be responsible, get the priorities right and, most importantly, make sure that our economy, and its growth, is sustainable into the future. That is what we will do when we look at these issues. That is the way we have governed Western Australia, and that is the way I intend to govern. In fact, we have not adopted a short-run political approach to these issues. We have always looked to the medium and the long term in the measures we have taken. Who would say that the decision we made to increase taxes in those early years to make sure our health system stays intact was a bad decision? It had to be done, and we did it to achieve the objective we had set to build our health system, get those extra police and turn around the education system. They are the criteria: sustainable growth into the future, responsible financial management and getting the priorities right.
Earlier today the Minister for Health mentioned a magnificent contribution that we are now making to the mental health system in Western Australia. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I am sure we will be able to get through this answer eventually if the interjections cease. Dr G.I. GALLOP: As a result of our good finances, we have been able to devote those dollars to the mental health system, which puts Western Australia right in front with what it is delivering compared with what the other States are delivering. I say to the Leader of the Opposition that when it comes to the issue of taxes on the one side and expenditure on the other, we will do what we have done since we have been in government; that is, be responsible, get the priorities right and, most importantly, make sure that our economy, and its growth, is sustainable into the future. That is what we will do when we look at these issues. That is the way we have governed Western Australia, and that is the way I intend to govern. In fact, we have not adopted a short-run political approach to these issues. We have always looked to the medium and the long term in the measures we have taken. Who would say that the decision we made to increase taxes in those early years to make sure our health system stays intact was a bad decision? It had to be done, and we did it to achieve the objective we had set to build our health system, get those extra police and turn around the education system. They are the criteria: sustainable growth into the future, responsible financial management and getting the priorities right.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I am sure we will be able to get through this answer eventually if the interjections cease. Dr G.I. GALLOP: As a result of our good finances, we have been able to devote those dollars to the mental health system, which puts Western Australia right in front with what it is delivering compared with what the other States are delivering. I say to the Leader of the Opposition that when it comes to the issue of taxes on the one side and expenditure on the other, we will do what we have done since we have been in government; that is, be responsible, get the priorities right and, most importantly, make sure that our economy, and its growth, is sustainable into the future. That is what we will do when we look at these issues. That is the way we have governed Western Australia, and that is the way I intend to govern. In fact, we have not adopted a short-run political approach to these issues. We have always looked to the medium and the long term in the measures we have taken. Who would say that the decision we made to increase taxes in those early years to make sure our health system stays intact was a bad decision? It had to be done, and we did it to achieve the objective we had set to build our health system, get those extra police and turn around the education system. They are the criteria: sustainable growth into the future, responsible financial management and getting the priorities right.
The SPEAKER: I am sure we will be able to get through this answer eventually if the interjections cease. Dr G.I. GALLOP: As a result of our good finances, we have been able to devote those dollars to the mental health system, which puts Western Australia right in front with what it is delivering compared with what the other States are delivering. I say to the Leader of the Opposition that when it comes to the issue of taxes on the one side and expenditure on the other, we will do what we have done since we have been in government; that is, be responsible, get the priorities right and, most importantly, make sure that our economy, and its growth, is sustainable into the future. That is what we will do when we look at these issues. That is the way we have governed Western Australia, and that is the way I intend to govern. In fact, we have not adopted a short-run political approach to these issues. We have always looked to the medium and the long term in the measures we have taken. Who would say that the decision we made to increase taxes in those early years to make sure our health system stays intact was a bad decision? It had to be done, and we did it to achieve the objective we had set to build our health system, get those extra police and turn around the education system. They are the criteria: sustainable growth into the future, responsible financial management and getting the priorities right.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: As a result of our good finances, we have been able to devote those dollars to the mental health system, which puts Western Australia right in front with what it is delivering compared with what the other States are delivering. I say to the Leader of the Opposition that when it comes to the issue of taxes on the one side and expenditure on the other, we will do what we have done since we have been in government; that is, be responsible, get the priorities right and, most importantly, make sure that our economy, and its growth, is sustainable into the future. That is what we will do when we look at these issues. That is the way we have governed Western Australia, and that is the way I intend to govern. In fact, we have not adopted a short-run political approach to these issues. We have always looked to the medium and the long term in the measures we have taken. Who would say that the decision we made to increase taxes in those early years to make sure our health system stays intact was a bad decision? It had to be done, and we did it to achieve the objective we had set to build our health system, get those extra police and turn around the education system. They are the criteria: sustainable growth into the future, responsible financial management and getting the priorities right.
I say to the Leader of the Opposition that when it comes to the issue of taxes on the one side and expenditure on the other, we will do what we have done since we have been in government; that is, be responsible, get the priorities right and, most importantly, make sure that our economy, and its growth, is sustainable into the future. That is what we will do when we look at these issues. That is the way we have governed Western Australia, and that is the way I intend to govern. In fact, we have not adopted a short-run political approach to these issues. We have always looked to the medium and the long term in the measures we have taken. Who would say that the decision we made to increase taxes in those early years to make sure our health system stays intact was a bad decision? It had to be done, and we did it to achieve the objective we had set to build our health system, get those extra police and turn around the education system. They are the criteria: sustainable growth into the future, responsible financial management and getting the priorities right.
Explore WA Government Data
Search the full archive in the free dashboard, or query programmatically via API.
Explore more
Government Gazette
Appointments, regulatory notices, planning changes.
Hansard
Debates, questions, speeches and sentiment.
Tabled Papers
Reports and documents tabled in Parliament.
Committees
Committee profiles and recent reports.
Regulations
Subsidiary legislation with filters and summaries.
Bills
Proposed laws and parliamentary progress.
Acts
Current WA legislation and summaries.
Explanatory Memoranda
Bills with EMs (text/PDF) available.
Members
MP profiles, party breakdown and rankings.
Pollie Rankings
Data-driven rankings across 19 categories.
Amendment Chains
Track how schemes and regulations evolve over time.