❓ Mr. Johnston questions Premier Barnett on his previous statements opposing the sale of Western Power. Barnett acknowledges the statements but cites a changed financial situation, indicating a potential future sale contingent on public endorsement and regulatory safeguards.
AnsweredQoN 106Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the many statements the Premier has made opposing the sale of Western Power, particularly his comments from 2013, and I quote — “And Western Power—the poles and wires—is the natural monopoly. “If the government was to retain any single asset in the energy industry it would be that,” … I refer also to this quote from the Premier — … the energy utilities are major engines of economic growth in this State and only through ownership of utilities can you guarantee supply and reliability of supply … Does the Premier stand by these statements? Mr C.J. BARNETT
AnswerView source ↗
Mr Speaker, one of the plotters! What a start it has been for Labor! It lost its three federal House of Representatives’ members—all retired; it had a senator retire; and it had a challenge. Several members interjected. Point of Order Mr W.J. JOHNSTON : Mr Speaker, I am interested to know whether the Premier is too scared to answer the question and will he get to it. The SPEAKER : The Premier. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : Each day we come in and we wonder whether it is Stephen or Alannah, or still Mark. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : When you get a procession of your colleagues in front of the camera, pledging their allegiance, you have got something to worry about! I have never seen such an insincere group! They all had their fingers crossed behind their backs! The SPEAKER : Thank you. Just come back to the question now, Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are still in their caucus meeting, arguing with each other. Yes, I did make those statements about Western Power. Mr P. Papalia interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Warnbro! Mr C.J. BARNETT : As the Treasurer has just outlined, we face a very different financial situation—a very different and a very difficult financial situation. Both the Treasurer and I have made the point that going into the next election, if we make a decision to sell Western Power, or we propose to do so, we will make that quite explicit during the election campaign, and we would seek the endorsement of the public of Western Australia. After that election, therefore, we would want to have that public endorsement to make a decision, whether it is to sell or not to sell, and we would feel confident in doing that. Western Power is a natural monopoly, and I, and I think everyone, would want to be reassured that there would be no adverse impact on electricity consumers and that the regulatory regime would ensure that it would operate with complete integrity in terms of its performance and the like. If all those conditions can be met, the government may, post-election, decide to privatise Western Power. If we did so, that would allow a significant reduction in state debt, and it would provide capital for other needed projects in Western Australia. That is the process that we will go through. Mr M. McGowan : That’s a pretty damning quote. Mr C.J. BARNETT : A pretty damning quote—from you! From you—damning—the way you have performed in the last few days! What an absolute farce! The SPEAKER : Thank you. Back to the question. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No. It is not over at all, my friend. Stephen Smith has only just begun. Point of Order Mr P.B. WATSON : Mr Speaker, the question was asked of the Premier. If we did that on this side—I have got three calls, and the member for Collie–Preston has got three calls. But nothing happens on that side of the house. The SPEAKER : Back to the question. Have you finished, Premier? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have answered it.
“If the government was to retain any single asset in the energy industry it would be that,” …
Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: Mr Speaker, one of the plotters! What a start it has been for Labor! It lost its three federal House of Representatives’ members—all retired; it had a senator retire; and it had a challenge. Several members interjected. Point of Order Mr W.J. JOHNSTON : Mr Speaker, I am interested to know whether the Premier is too scared to answer the question and will he get to it. The SPEAKER : The Premier. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : Each day we come in and we wonder whether it is Stephen or Alannah, or still Mark. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : When you get a procession of your colleagues in front of the camera, pledging their allegiance, you have got something to worry about! I have never seen such an insincere group! They all had their fingers crossed behind their backs! The SPEAKER : Thank you. Just come back to the question now, Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are still in their caucus meeting, arguing with each other. Yes, I did make those statements about Western Power. Mr P. Papalia interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Warnbro! Mr C.J. BARNETT : As the Treasurer has just outlined, we face a very different financial situation—a very different and a very difficult financial situation. Both the Treasurer and I have made the point that going into the next election, if we make a decision to sell Western Power, or we propose to do so, we will make that quite explicit during the election campaign, and we would seek the endorsement of the public of Western Australia. After that election, therefore, we would want to have that public endorsement to make a decision, whether it is to sell or not to sell, and we would feel confident in doing that. Western Power is a natural monopoly, and I, and I think everyone, would want to be reassured that there would be no adverse impact on electricity consumers and that the regulatory regime would ensure that it would operate with complete integrity in terms of its performance and the like. If all those conditions can be met, the government may, post-election, decide to privatise Western Power. If we did so, that would allow a significant reduction in state debt, and it would provide capital for other needed projects in Western Australia. That is the process that we will go through. Mr M. McGowan : That’s a pretty damning quote. Mr C.J. BARNETT : A pretty damning quote—from you! From you—damning—the way you have performed in the last few days! What an absolute farce! The SPEAKER : Thank you. Back to the question. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No. It is not over at all, my friend. Stephen Smith has only just begun. Point of Order Mr P.B. WATSON : Mr Speaker, the question was asked of the Premier. If we did that on this side—I have got three calls, and the member for Collie–Preston has got three calls. But nothing happens on that side of the house. The SPEAKER : Back to the question. Have you finished, Premier? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have answered it.
Mr Speaker, one of the plotters! What a start it has been for Labor! It lost its three federal House of Representatives’ members—all retired; it had a senator retire; and it had a challenge. Several members interjected. Point of Order Mr W.J. JOHNSTON : Mr Speaker, I am interested to know whether the Premier is too scared to answer the question and will he get to it. The SPEAKER : The Premier. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : Each day we come in and we wonder whether it is Stephen or Alannah, or still Mark. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : When you get a procession of your colleagues in front of the camera, pledging their allegiance, you have got something to worry about! I have never seen such an insincere group! They all had their fingers crossed behind their backs! The SPEAKER : Thank you. Just come back to the question now, Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are still in their caucus meeting, arguing with each other. Yes, I did make those statements about Western Power. Mr P. Papalia interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Warnbro! Mr C.J. BARNETT : As the Treasurer has just outlined, we face a very different financial situation—a very different and a very difficult financial situation. Both the Treasurer and I have made the point that going into the next election, if we make a decision to sell Western Power, or we propose to do so, we will make that quite explicit during the election campaign, and we would seek the endorsement of the public of Western Australia. After that election, therefore, we would want to have that public endorsement to make a decision, whether it is to sell or not to sell, and we would feel confident in doing that. Western Power is a natural monopoly, and I, and I think everyone, would want to be reassured that there would be no adverse impact on electricity consumers and that the regulatory regime would ensure that it would operate with complete integrity in terms of its performance and the like. If all those conditions can be met, the government may, post-election, decide to privatise Western Power. If we did so, that would allow a significant reduction in state debt, and it would provide capital for other needed projects in Western Australia. That is the process that we will go through. Mr M. McGowan : That’s a pretty damning quote. Mr C.J. BARNETT : A pretty damning quote—from you! From you—damning—the way you have performed in the last few days! What an absolute farce! The SPEAKER : Thank you. Back to the question. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No. It is not over at all, my friend. Stephen Smith has only just begun. Point of Order Mr P.B. WATSON : Mr Speaker, the question was asked of the Premier. If we did that on this side—I have got three calls, and the member for Collie–Preston has got three calls. But nothing happens on that side of the house. The SPEAKER : Back to the question. Have you finished, Premier? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have answered it.
Several members interjected. Point of Order Mr W.J. JOHNSTON : Mr Speaker, I am interested to know whether the Premier is too scared to answer the question and will he get to it. The SPEAKER : The Premier. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : Each day we come in and we wonder whether it is Stephen or Alannah, or still Mark. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : When you get a procession of your colleagues in front of the camera, pledging their allegiance, you have got something to worry about! I have never seen such an insincere group! They all had their fingers crossed behind their backs! The SPEAKER : Thank you. Just come back to the question now, Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are still in their caucus meeting, arguing with each other. Yes, I did make those statements about Western Power. Mr P. Papalia interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Warnbro! Mr C.J. BARNETT : As the Treasurer has just outlined, we face a very different financial situation—a very different and a very difficult financial situation. Both the Treasurer and I have made the point that going into the next election, if we make a decision to sell Western Power, or we propose to do so, we will make that quite explicit during the election campaign, and we would seek the endorsement of the public of Western Australia. After that election, therefore, we would want to have that public endorsement to make a decision, whether it is to sell or not to sell, and we would feel confident in doing that. Western Power is a natural monopoly, and I, and I think everyone, would want to be reassured that there would be no adverse impact on electricity consumers and that the regulatory regime would ensure that it would operate with complete integrity in terms of its performance and the like. If all those conditions can be met, the government may, post-election, decide to privatise Western Power. If we did so, that would allow a significant reduction in state debt, and it would provide capital for other needed projects in Western Australia. That is the process that we will go through. Mr M. McGowan : That’s a pretty damning quote. Mr C.J. BARNETT : A pretty damning quote—from you! From you—damning—the way you have performed in the last few days! What an absolute farce! The SPEAKER : Thank you. Back to the question. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No. It is not over at all, my friend. Stephen Smith has only just begun. Point of Order Mr P.B. WATSON : Mr Speaker, the question was asked of the Premier. If we did that on this side—I have got three calls, and the member for Collie–Preston has got three calls. But nothing happens on that side of the house. The SPEAKER : Back to the question. Have you finished, Premier? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have answered it.
The SPEAKER : The Premier. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : Each day we come in and we wonder whether it is Stephen or Alannah, or still Mark. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : When you get a procession of your colleagues in front of the camera, pledging their allegiance, you have got something to worry about! I have never seen such an insincere group! They all had their fingers crossed behind their backs! The SPEAKER : Thank you. Just come back to the question now, Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are still in their caucus meeting, arguing with each other. Yes, I did make those statements about Western Power. Mr P. Papalia interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Warnbro! Mr C.J. BARNETT : As the Treasurer has just outlined, we face a very different financial situation—a very different and a very difficult financial situation. Both the Treasurer and I have made the point that going into the next election, if we make a decision to sell Western Power, or we propose to do so, we will make that quite explicit during the election campaign, and we would seek the endorsement of the public of Western Australia. After that election, therefore, we would want to have that public endorsement to make a decision, whether it is to sell or not to sell, and we would feel confident in doing that. Western Power is a natural monopoly, and I, and I think everyone, would want to be reassured that there would be no adverse impact on electricity consumers and that the regulatory regime would ensure that it would operate with complete integrity in terms of its performance and the like. If all those conditions can be met, the government may, post-election, decide to privatise Western Power. If we did so, that would allow a significant reduction in state debt, and it would provide capital for other needed projects in Western Australia. That is the process that we will go through. Mr M. McGowan : That’s a pretty damning quote. Mr C.J. BARNETT : A pretty damning quote—from you! From you—damning—the way you have performed in the last few days! What an absolute farce! The SPEAKER : Thank you. Back to the question. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No. It is not over at all, my friend. Stephen Smith has only just begun. Point of Order Mr P.B. WATSON : Mr Speaker, the question was asked of the Premier. If we did that on this side—I have got three calls, and the member for Collie–Preston has got three calls. But nothing happens on that side of the house. The SPEAKER : Back to the question. Have you finished, Premier? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have answered it.
Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : When you get a procession of your colleagues in front of the camera, pledging their allegiance, you have got something to worry about! I have never seen such an insincere group! They all had their fingers crossed behind their backs! The SPEAKER : Thank you. Just come back to the question now, Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are still in their caucus meeting, arguing with each other. Yes, I did make those statements about Western Power. Mr P. Papalia interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Warnbro! Mr C.J. BARNETT : As the Treasurer has just outlined, we face a very different financial situation—a very different and a very difficult financial situation. Both the Treasurer and I have made the point that going into the next election, if we make a decision to sell Western Power, or we propose to do so, we will make that quite explicit during the election campaign, and we would seek the endorsement of the public of Western Australia. After that election, therefore, we would want to have that public endorsement to make a decision, whether it is to sell or not to sell, and we would feel confident in doing that. Western Power is a natural monopoly, and I, and I think everyone, would want to be reassured that there would be no adverse impact on electricity consumers and that the regulatory regime would ensure that it would operate with complete integrity in terms of its performance and the like. If all those conditions can be met, the government may, post-election, decide to privatise Western Power. If we did so, that would allow a significant reduction in state debt, and it would provide capital for other needed projects in Western Australia. That is the process that we will go through. Mr M. McGowan : That’s a pretty damning quote. Mr C.J. BARNETT : A pretty damning quote—from you! From you—damning—the way you have performed in the last few days! What an absolute farce! The SPEAKER : Thank you. Back to the question. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No. It is not over at all, my friend. Stephen Smith has only just begun. Point of Order Mr P.B. WATSON : Mr Speaker, the question was asked of the Premier. If we did that on this side—I have got three calls, and the member for Collie–Preston has got three calls. But nothing happens on that side of the house. The SPEAKER : Back to the question. Have you finished, Premier? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have answered it.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : When you get a procession of your colleagues in front of the camera, pledging their allegiance, you have got something to worry about! I have never seen such an insincere group! They all had their fingers crossed behind their backs! The SPEAKER : Thank you. Just come back to the question now, Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are still in their caucus meeting, arguing with each other. Yes, I did make those statements about Western Power. Mr P. Papalia interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Warnbro! Mr C.J. BARNETT : As the Treasurer has just outlined, we face a very different financial situation—a very different and a very difficult financial situation. Both the Treasurer and I have made the point that going into the next election, if we make a decision to sell Western Power, or we propose to do so, we will make that quite explicit during the election campaign, and we would seek the endorsement of the public of Western Australia. After that election, therefore, we would want to have that public endorsement to make a decision, whether it is to sell or not to sell, and we would feel confident in doing that. Western Power is a natural monopoly, and I, and I think everyone, would want to be reassured that there would be no adverse impact on electricity consumers and that the regulatory regime would ensure that it would operate with complete integrity in terms of its performance and the like. If all those conditions can be met, the government may, post-election, decide to privatise Western Power. If we did so, that would allow a significant reduction in state debt, and it would provide capital for other needed projects in Western Australia. That is the process that we will go through. Mr M. McGowan : That’s a pretty damning quote. Mr C.J. BARNETT : A pretty damning quote—from you! From you—damning—the way you have performed in the last few days! What an absolute farce! The SPEAKER : Thank you. Back to the question. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No. It is not over at all, my friend. Stephen Smith has only just begun. Point of Order Mr P.B. WATSON : Mr Speaker, the question was asked of the Premier. If we did that on this side—I have got three calls, and the member for Collie–Preston has got three calls. But nothing happens on that side of the house. The SPEAKER : Back to the question. Have you finished, Premier? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have answered it.
The SPEAKER : Thank you. Just come back to the question now, Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are still in their caucus meeting, arguing with each other. Yes, I did make those statements about Western Power. Mr P. Papalia interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Warnbro! Mr C.J. BARNETT : As the Treasurer has just outlined, we face a very different financial situation—a very different and a very difficult financial situation. Both the Treasurer and I have made the point that going into the next election, if we make a decision to sell Western Power, or we propose to do so, we will make that quite explicit during the election campaign, and we would seek the endorsement of the public of Western Australia. After that election, therefore, we would want to have that public endorsement to make a decision, whether it is to sell or not to sell, and we would feel confident in doing that. Western Power is a natural monopoly, and I, and I think everyone, would want to be reassured that there would be no adverse impact on electricity consumers and that the regulatory regime would ensure that it would operate with complete integrity in terms of its performance and the like. If all those conditions can be met, the government may, post-election, decide to privatise Western Power. If we did so, that would allow a significant reduction in state debt, and it would provide capital for other needed projects in Western Australia. That is the process that we will go through. Mr M. McGowan : That’s a pretty damning quote. Mr C.J. BARNETT : A pretty damning quote—from you! From you—damning—the way you have performed in the last few days! What an absolute farce! The SPEAKER : Thank you. Back to the question. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No. It is not over at all, my friend. Stephen Smith has only just begun. Point of Order Mr P.B. WATSON : Mr Speaker, the question was asked of the Premier. If we did that on this side—I have got three calls, and the member for Collie–Preston has got three calls. But nothing happens on that side of the house. The SPEAKER : Back to the question. Have you finished, Premier? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have answered it.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are still in their caucus meeting, arguing with each other. Yes, I did make those statements about Western Power. Mr P. Papalia interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Warnbro! Mr C.J. BARNETT : As the Treasurer has just outlined, we face a very different financial situation—a very different and a very difficult financial situation. Both the Treasurer and I have made the point that going into the next election, if we make a decision to sell Western Power, or we propose to do so, we will make that quite explicit during the election campaign, and we would seek the endorsement of the public of Western Australia. After that election, therefore, we would want to have that public endorsement to make a decision, whether it is to sell or not to sell, and we would feel confident in doing that. Western Power is a natural monopoly, and I, and I think everyone, would want to be reassured that there would be no adverse impact on electricity consumers and that the regulatory regime would ensure that it would operate with complete integrity in terms of its performance and the like. If all those conditions can be met, the government may, post-election, decide to privatise Western Power. If we did so, that would allow a significant reduction in state debt, and it would provide capital for other needed projects in Western Australia. That is the process that we will go through. Mr M. McGowan : That’s a pretty damning quote. Mr C.J. BARNETT : A pretty damning quote—from you! From you—damning—the way you have performed in the last few days! What an absolute farce! The SPEAKER : Thank you. Back to the question. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No. It is not over at all, my friend. Stephen Smith has only just begun. Point of Order Mr P.B. WATSON : Mr Speaker, the question was asked of the Premier. If we did that on this side—I have got three calls, and the member for Collie–Preston has got three calls. But nothing happens on that side of the house. The SPEAKER : Back to the question. Have you finished, Premier? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have answered it.
Yes, I did make those statements about Western Power. Mr P. Papalia interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Warnbro! Mr C.J. BARNETT : As the Treasurer has just outlined, we face a very different financial situation—a very different and a very difficult financial situation. Both the Treasurer and I have made the point that going into the next election, if we make a decision to sell Western Power, or we propose to do so, we will make that quite explicit during the election campaign, and we would seek the endorsement of the public of Western Australia. After that election, therefore, we would want to have that public endorsement to make a decision, whether it is to sell or not to sell, and we would feel confident in doing that. Western Power is a natural monopoly, and I, and I think everyone, would want to be reassured that there would be no adverse impact on electricity consumers and that the regulatory regime would ensure that it would operate with complete integrity in terms of its performance and the like. If all those conditions can be met, the government may, post-election, decide to privatise Western Power. If we did so, that would allow a significant reduction in state debt, and it would provide capital for other needed projects in Western Australia. That is the process that we will go through. Mr M. McGowan : That’s a pretty damning quote. Mr C.J. BARNETT : A pretty damning quote—from you! From you—damning—the way you have performed in the last few days! What an absolute farce! The SPEAKER : Thank you. Back to the question. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No. It is not over at all, my friend. Stephen Smith has only just begun. Point of Order Mr P.B. WATSON : Mr Speaker, the question was asked of the Premier. If we did that on this side—I have got three calls, and the member for Collie–Preston has got three calls. But nothing happens on that side of the house. The SPEAKER : Back to the question. Have you finished, Premier? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have answered it.
Mr P. Papalia interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Warnbro! Mr C.J. BARNETT : As the Treasurer has just outlined, we face a very different financial situation—a very different and a very difficult financial situation. Both the Treasurer and I have made the point that going into the next election, if we make a decision to sell Western Power, or we propose to do so, we will make that quite explicit during the election campaign, and we would seek the endorsement of the public of Western Australia. After that election, therefore, we would want to have that public endorsement to make a decision, whether it is to sell or not to sell, and we would feel confident in doing that. Western Power is a natural monopoly, and I, and I think everyone, would want to be reassured that there would be no adverse impact on electricity consumers and that the regulatory regime would ensure that it would operate with complete integrity in terms of its performance and the like. If all those conditions can be met, the government may, post-election, decide to privatise Western Power. If we did so, that would allow a significant reduction in state debt, and it would provide capital for other needed projects in Western Australia. That is the process that we will go through. Mr M. McGowan : That’s a pretty damning quote. Mr C.J. BARNETT : A pretty damning quote—from you! From you—damning—the way you have performed in the last few days! What an absolute farce! The SPEAKER : Thank you. Back to the question. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No. It is not over at all, my friend. Stephen Smith has only just begun. Point of Order Mr P.B. WATSON : Mr Speaker, the question was asked of the Premier. If we did that on this side—I have got three calls, and the member for Collie–Preston has got three calls. But nothing happens on that side of the house. The SPEAKER : Back to the question. Have you finished, Premier? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have answered it.
The SPEAKER : Member for Warnbro! Mr C.J. BARNETT : As the Treasurer has just outlined, we face a very different financial situation—a very different and a very difficult financial situation. Both the Treasurer and I have made the point that going into the next election, if we make a decision to sell Western Power, or we propose to do so, we will make that quite explicit during the election campaign, and we would seek the endorsement of the public of Western Australia. After that election, therefore, we would want to have that public endorsement to make a decision, whether it is to sell or not to sell, and we would feel confident in doing that. Western Power is a natural monopoly, and I, and I think everyone, would want to be reassured that there would be no adverse impact on electricity consumers and that the regulatory regime would ensure that it would operate with complete integrity in terms of its performance and the like. If all those conditions can be met, the government may, post-election, decide to privatise Western Power. If we did so, that would allow a significant reduction in state debt, and it would provide capital for other needed projects in Western Australia. That is the process that we will go through. Mr M. McGowan : That’s a pretty damning quote. Mr C.J. BARNETT : A pretty damning quote—from you! From you—damning—the way you have performed in the last few days! What an absolute farce! The SPEAKER : Thank you. Back to the question. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No. It is not over at all, my friend. Stephen Smith has only just begun. Point of Order Mr P.B. WATSON : Mr Speaker, the question was asked of the Premier. If we did that on this side—I have got three calls, and the member for Collie–Preston has got three calls. But nothing happens on that side of the house. The SPEAKER : Back to the question. Have you finished, Premier? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have answered it.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : As the Treasurer has just outlined, we face a very different financial situation—a very different and a very difficult financial situation. Both the Treasurer and I have made the point that going into the next election, if we make a decision to sell Western Power, or we propose to do so, we will make that quite explicit during the election campaign, and we would seek the endorsement of the public of Western Australia. After that election, therefore, we would want to have that public endorsement to make a decision, whether it is to sell or not to sell, and we would feel confident in doing that. Western Power is a natural monopoly, and I, and I think everyone, would want to be reassured that there would be no adverse impact on electricity consumers and that the regulatory regime would ensure that it would operate with complete integrity in terms of its performance and the like. If all those conditions can be met, the government may, post-election, decide to privatise Western Power. If we did so, that would allow a significant reduction in state debt, and it would provide capital for other needed projects in Western Australia. That is the process that we will go through. Mr M. McGowan : That’s a pretty damning quote. Mr C.J. BARNETT : A pretty damning quote—from you! From you—damning—the way you have performed in the last few days! What an absolute farce! The SPEAKER : Thank you. Back to the question. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No. It is not over at all, my friend. Stephen Smith has only just begun. Point of Order Mr P.B. WATSON : Mr Speaker, the question was asked of the Premier. If we did that on this side—I have got three calls, and the member for Collie–Preston has got three calls. But nothing happens on that side of the house. The SPEAKER : Back to the question. Have you finished, Premier? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have answered it.
Mr M. McGowan : That’s a pretty damning quote. Mr C.J. BARNETT : A pretty damning quote—from you! From you—damning—the way you have performed in the last few days! What an absolute farce! The SPEAKER : Thank you. Back to the question. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No. It is not over at all, my friend. Stephen Smith has only just begun. Point of Order Mr P.B. WATSON : Mr Speaker, the question was asked of the Premier. If we did that on this side—I have got three calls, and the member for Collie–Preston has got three calls. But nothing happens on that side of the house. The SPEAKER : Back to the question. Have you finished, Premier? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have answered it.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : A pretty damning quote—from you! From you—damning—the way you have performed in the last few days! What an absolute farce! The SPEAKER : Thank you. Back to the question. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No. It is not over at all, my friend. Stephen Smith has only just begun. Point of Order Mr P.B. WATSON : Mr Speaker, the question was asked of the Premier. If we did that on this side—I have got three calls, and the member for Collie–Preston has got three calls. But nothing happens on that side of the house. The SPEAKER : Back to the question. Have you finished, Premier? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have answered it.
The SPEAKER : Thank you. Back to the question. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No. It is not over at all, my friend. Stephen Smith has only just begun. Point of Order Mr P.B. WATSON : Mr Speaker, the question was asked of the Premier. If we did that on this side—I have got three calls, and the member for Collie–Preston has got three calls. But nothing happens on that side of the house. The SPEAKER : Back to the question. Have you finished, Premier? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have answered it.
Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No. It is not over at all, my friend. Stephen Smith has only just begun. Point of Order Mr P.B. WATSON : Mr Speaker, the question was asked of the Premier. If we did that on this side—I have got three calls, and the member for Collie–Preston has got three calls. But nothing happens on that side of the house. The SPEAKER : Back to the question. Have you finished, Premier? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have answered it.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : No. It is not over at all, my friend. Stephen Smith has only just begun. Point of Order Mr P.B. WATSON : Mr Speaker, the question was asked of the Premier. If we did that on this side—I have got three calls, and the member for Collie–Preston has got three calls. But nothing happens on that side of the house. The SPEAKER : Back to the question. Have you finished, Premier? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have answered it.
The SPEAKER : Back to the question. Have you finished, Premier? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have answered it.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have answered it.
“If the government was to retain any single asset in the energy industry it would be that,” …
Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: Mr Speaker, one of the plotters! What a start it has been for Labor! It lost its three federal House of Representatives’ members—all retired; it had a senator retire; and it had a challenge. Several members interjected. Point of Order Mr W.J. JOHNSTON : Mr Speaker, I am interested to know whether the Premier is too scared to answer the question and will he get to it. The SPEAKER : The Premier. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : Each day we come in and we wonder whether it is Stephen or Alannah, or still Mark. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : When you get a procession of your colleagues in front of the camera, pledging their allegiance, you have got something to worry about! I have never seen such an insincere group! They all had their fingers crossed behind their backs! The SPEAKER : Thank you. Just come back to the question now, Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are still in their caucus meeting, arguing with each other. Yes, I did make those statements about Western Power. Mr P. Papalia interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Warnbro! Mr C.J. BARNETT : As the Treasurer has just outlined, we face a very different financial situation—a very different and a very difficult financial situation. Both the Treasurer and I have made the point that going into the next election, if we make a decision to sell Western Power, or we propose to do so, we will make that quite explicit during the election campaign, and we would seek the endorsement of the public of Western Australia. After that election, therefore, we would want to have that public endorsement to make a decision, whether it is to sell or not to sell, and we would feel confident in doing that. Western Power is a natural monopoly, and I, and I think everyone, would want to be reassured that there would be no adverse impact on electricity consumers and that the regulatory regime would ensure that it would operate with complete integrity in terms of its performance and the like. If all those conditions can be met, the government may, post-election, decide to privatise Western Power. If we did so, that would allow a significant reduction in state debt, and it would provide capital for other needed projects in Western Australia. That is the process that we will go through. Mr M. McGowan : That’s a pretty damning quote. Mr C.J. BARNETT : A pretty damning quote—from you! From you—damning—the way you have performed in the last few days! What an absolute farce! The SPEAKER : Thank you. Back to the question. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No. It is not over at all, my friend. Stephen Smith has only just begun. Point of Order Mr P.B. WATSON : Mr Speaker, the question was asked of the Premier. If we did that on this side—I have got three calls, and the member for Collie–Preston has got three calls. But nothing happens on that side of the house. The SPEAKER : Back to the question. Have you finished, Premier? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have answered it.
Mr Speaker, one of the plotters! What a start it has been for Labor! It lost its three federal House of Representatives’ members—all retired; it had a senator retire; and it had a challenge. Several members interjected. Point of Order Mr W.J. JOHNSTON : Mr Speaker, I am interested to know whether the Premier is too scared to answer the question and will he get to it. The SPEAKER : The Premier. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : Each day we come in and we wonder whether it is Stephen or Alannah, or still Mark. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : When you get a procession of your colleagues in front of the camera, pledging their allegiance, you have got something to worry about! I have never seen such an insincere group! They all had their fingers crossed behind their backs! The SPEAKER : Thank you. Just come back to the question now, Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are still in their caucus meeting, arguing with each other. Yes, I did make those statements about Western Power. Mr P. Papalia interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Warnbro! Mr C.J. BARNETT : As the Treasurer has just outlined, we face a very different financial situation—a very different and a very difficult financial situation. Both the Treasurer and I have made the point that going into the next election, if we make a decision to sell Western Power, or we propose to do so, we will make that quite explicit during the election campaign, and we would seek the endorsement of the public of Western Australia. After that election, therefore, we would want to have that public endorsement to make a decision, whether it is to sell or not to sell, and we would feel confident in doing that. Western Power is a natural monopoly, and I, and I think everyone, would want to be reassured that there would be no adverse impact on electricity consumers and that the regulatory regime would ensure that it would operate with complete integrity in terms of its performance and the like. If all those conditions can be met, the government may, post-election, decide to privatise Western Power. If we did so, that would allow a significant reduction in state debt, and it would provide capital for other needed projects in Western Australia. That is the process that we will go through. Mr M. McGowan : That’s a pretty damning quote. Mr C.J. BARNETT : A pretty damning quote—from you! From you—damning—the way you have performed in the last few days! What an absolute farce! The SPEAKER : Thank you. Back to the question. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No. It is not over at all, my friend. Stephen Smith has only just begun. Point of Order Mr P.B. WATSON : Mr Speaker, the question was asked of the Premier. If we did that on this side—I have got three calls, and the member for Collie–Preston has got three calls. But nothing happens on that side of the house. The SPEAKER : Back to the question. Have you finished, Premier? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have answered it.
Several members interjected. Point of Order Mr W.J. JOHNSTON : Mr Speaker, I am interested to know whether the Premier is too scared to answer the question and will he get to it. The SPEAKER : The Premier. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : Each day we come in and we wonder whether it is Stephen or Alannah, or still Mark. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : When you get a procession of your colleagues in front of the camera, pledging their allegiance, you have got something to worry about! I have never seen such an insincere group! They all had their fingers crossed behind their backs! The SPEAKER : Thank you. Just come back to the question now, Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are still in their caucus meeting, arguing with each other. Yes, I did make those statements about Western Power. Mr P. Papalia interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Warnbro! Mr C.J. BARNETT : As the Treasurer has just outlined, we face a very different financial situation—a very different and a very difficult financial situation. Both the Treasurer and I have made the point that going into the next election, if we make a decision to sell Western Power, or we propose to do so, we will make that quite explicit during the election campaign, and we would seek the endorsement of the public of Western Australia. After that election, therefore, we would want to have that public endorsement to make a decision, whether it is to sell or not to sell, and we would feel confident in doing that. Western Power is a natural monopoly, and I, and I think everyone, would want to be reassured that there would be no adverse impact on electricity consumers and that the regulatory regime would ensure that it would operate with complete integrity in terms of its performance and the like. If all those conditions can be met, the government may, post-election, decide to privatise Western Power. If we did so, that would allow a significant reduction in state debt, and it would provide capital for other needed projects in Western Australia. That is the process that we will go through. Mr M. McGowan : That’s a pretty damning quote. Mr C.J. BARNETT : A pretty damning quote—from you! From you—damning—the way you have performed in the last few days! What an absolute farce! The SPEAKER : Thank you. Back to the question. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No. It is not over at all, my friend. Stephen Smith has only just begun. Point of Order Mr P.B. WATSON : Mr Speaker, the question was asked of the Premier. If we did that on this side—I have got three calls, and the member for Collie–Preston has got three calls. But nothing happens on that side of the house. The SPEAKER : Back to the question. Have you finished, Premier? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have answered it.
The SPEAKER : The Premier. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : Each day we come in and we wonder whether it is Stephen or Alannah, or still Mark. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : When you get a procession of your colleagues in front of the camera, pledging their allegiance, you have got something to worry about! I have never seen such an insincere group! They all had their fingers crossed behind their backs! The SPEAKER : Thank you. Just come back to the question now, Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are still in their caucus meeting, arguing with each other. Yes, I did make those statements about Western Power. Mr P. Papalia interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Warnbro! Mr C.J. BARNETT : As the Treasurer has just outlined, we face a very different financial situation—a very different and a very difficult financial situation. Both the Treasurer and I have made the point that going into the next election, if we make a decision to sell Western Power, or we propose to do so, we will make that quite explicit during the election campaign, and we would seek the endorsement of the public of Western Australia. After that election, therefore, we would want to have that public endorsement to make a decision, whether it is to sell or not to sell, and we would feel confident in doing that. Western Power is a natural monopoly, and I, and I think everyone, would want to be reassured that there would be no adverse impact on electricity consumers and that the regulatory regime would ensure that it would operate with complete integrity in terms of its performance and the like. If all those conditions can be met, the government may, post-election, decide to privatise Western Power. If we did so, that would allow a significant reduction in state debt, and it would provide capital for other needed projects in Western Australia. That is the process that we will go through. Mr M. McGowan : That’s a pretty damning quote. Mr C.J. BARNETT : A pretty damning quote—from you! From you—damning—the way you have performed in the last few days! What an absolute farce! The SPEAKER : Thank you. Back to the question. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No. It is not over at all, my friend. Stephen Smith has only just begun. Point of Order Mr P.B. WATSON : Mr Speaker, the question was asked of the Premier. If we did that on this side—I have got three calls, and the member for Collie–Preston has got three calls. But nothing happens on that side of the house. The SPEAKER : Back to the question. Have you finished, Premier? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have answered it.
Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : When you get a procession of your colleagues in front of the camera, pledging their allegiance, you have got something to worry about! I have never seen such an insincere group! They all had their fingers crossed behind their backs! The SPEAKER : Thank you. Just come back to the question now, Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are still in their caucus meeting, arguing with each other. Yes, I did make those statements about Western Power. Mr P. Papalia interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Warnbro! Mr C.J. BARNETT : As the Treasurer has just outlined, we face a very different financial situation—a very different and a very difficult financial situation. Both the Treasurer and I have made the point that going into the next election, if we make a decision to sell Western Power, or we propose to do so, we will make that quite explicit during the election campaign, and we would seek the endorsement of the public of Western Australia. After that election, therefore, we would want to have that public endorsement to make a decision, whether it is to sell or not to sell, and we would feel confident in doing that. Western Power is a natural monopoly, and I, and I think everyone, would want to be reassured that there would be no adverse impact on electricity consumers and that the regulatory regime would ensure that it would operate with complete integrity in terms of its performance and the like. If all those conditions can be met, the government may, post-election, decide to privatise Western Power. If we did so, that would allow a significant reduction in state debt, and it would provide capital for other needed projects in Western Australia. That is the process that we will go through. Mr M. McGowan : That’s a pretty damning quote. Mr C.J. BARNETT : A pretty damning quote—from you! From you—damning—the way you have performed in the last few days! What an absolute farce! The SPEAKER : Thank you. Back to the question. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No. It is not over at all, my friend. Stephen Smith has only just begun. Point of Order Mr P.B. WATSON : Mr Speaker, the question was asked of the Premier. If we did that on this side—I have got three calls, and the member for Collie–Preston has got three calls. But nothing happens on that side of the house. The SPEAKER : Back to the question. Have you finished, Premier? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have answered it.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : When you get a procession of your colleagues in front of the camera, pledging their allegiance, you have got something to worry about! I have never seen such an insincere group! They all had their fingers crossed behind their backs! The SPEAKER : Thank you. Just come back to the question now, Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are still in their caucus meeting, arguing with each other. Yes, I did make those statements about Western Power. Mr P. Papalia interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Warnbro! Mr C.J. BARNETT : As the Treasurer has just outlined, we face a very different financial situation—a very different and a very difficult financial situation. Both the Treasurer and I have made the point that going into the next election, if we make a decision to sell Western Power, or we propose to do so, we will make that quite explicit during the election campaign, and we would seek the endorsement of the public of Western Australia. After that election, therefore, we would want to have that public endorsement to make a decision, whether it is to sell or not to sell, and we would feel confident in doing that. Western Power is a natural monopoly, and I, and I think everyone, would want to be reassured that there would be no adverse impact on electricity consumers and that the regulatory regime would ensure that it would operate with complete integrity in terms of its performance and the like. If all those conditions can be met, the government may, post-election, decide to privatise Western Power. If we did so, that would allow a significant reduction in state debt, and it would provide capital for other needed projects in Western Australia. That is the process that we will go through. Mr M. McGowan : That’s a pretty damning quote. Mr C.J. BARNETT : A pretty damning quote—from you! From you—damning—the way you have performed in the last few days! What an absolute farce! The SPEAKER : Thank you. Back to the question. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No. It is not over at all, my friend. Stephen Smith has only just begun. Point of Order Mr P.B. WATSON : Mr Speaker, the question was asked of the Premier. If we did that on this side—I have got three calls, and the member for Collie–Preston has got three calls. But nothing happens on that side of the house. The SPEAKER : Back to the question. Have you finished, Premier? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have answered it.
The SPEAKER : Thank you. Just come back to the question now, Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are still in their caucus meeting, arguing with each other. Yes, I did make those statements about Western Power. Mr P. Papalia interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Warnbro! Mr C.J. BARNETT : As the Treasurer has just outlined, we face a very different financial situation—a very different and a very difficult financial situation. Both the Treasurer and I have made the point that going into the next election, if we make a decision to sell Western Power, or we propose to do so, we will make that quite explicit during the election campaign, and we would seek the endorsement of the public of Western Australia. After that election, therefore, we would want to have that public endorsement to make a decision, whether it is to sell or not to sell, and we would feel confident in doing that. Western Power is a natural monopoly, and I, and I think everyone, would want to be reassured that there would be no adverse impact on electricity consumers and that the regulatory regime would ensure that it would operate with complete integrity in terms of its performance and the like. If all those conditions can be met, the government may, post-election, decide to privatise Western Power. If we did so, that would allow a significant reduction in state debt, and it would provide capital for other needed projects in Western Australia. That is the process that we will go through. Mr M. McGowan : That’s a pretty damning quote. Mr C.J. BARNETT : A pretty damning quote—from you! From you—damning—the way you have performed in the last few days! What an absolute farce! The SPEAKER : Thank you. Back to the question. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No. It is not over at all, my friend. Stephen Smith has only just begun. Point of Order Mr P.B. WATSON : Mr Speaker, the question was asked of the Premier. If we did that on this side—I have got three calls, and the member for Collie–Preston has got three calls. But nothing happens on that side of the house. The SPEAKER : Back to the question. Have you finished, Premier? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have answered it.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are still in their caucus meeting, arguing with each other. Yes, I did make those statements about Western Power. Mr P. Papalia interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Warnbro! Mr C.J. BARNETT : As the Treasurer has just outlined, we face a very different financial situation—a very different and a very difficult financial situation. Both the Treasurer and I have made the point that going into the next election, if we make a decision to sell Western Power, or we propose to do so, we will make that quite explicit during the election campaign, and we would seek the endorsement of the public of Western Australia. After that election, therefore, we would want to have that public endorsement to make a decision, whether it is to sell or not to sell, and we would feel confident in doing that. Western Power is a natural monopoly, and I, and I think everyone, would want to be reassured that there would be no adverse impact on electricity consumers and that the regulatory regime would ensure that it would operate with complete integrity in terms of its performance and the like. If all those conditions can be met, the government may, post-election, decide to privatise Western Power. If we did so, that would allow a significant reduction in state debt, and it would provide capital for other needed projects in Western Australia. That is the process that we will go through. Mr M. McGowan : That’s a pretty damning quote. Mr C.J. BARNETT : A pretty damning quote—from you! From you—damning—the way you have performed in the last few days! What an absolute farce! The SPEAKER : Thank you. Back to the question. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No. It is not over at all, my friend. Stephen Smith has only just begun. Point of Order Mr P.B. WATSON : Mr Speaker, the question was asked of the Premier. If we did that on this side—I have got three calls, and the member for Collie–Preston has got three calls. But nothing happens on that side of the house. The SPEAKER : Back to the question. Have you finished, Premier? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have answered it.
Yes, I did make those statements about Western Power. Mr P. Papalia interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Warnbro! Mr C.J. BARNETT : As the Treasurer has just outlined, we face a very different financial situation—a very different and a very difficult financial situation. Both the Treasurer and I have made the point that going into the next election, if we make a decision to sell Western Power, or we propose to do so, we will make that quite explicit during the election campaign, and we would seek the endorsement of the public of Western Australia. After that election, therefore, we would want to have that public endorsement to make a decision, whether it is to sell or not to sell, and we would feel confident in doing that. Western Power is a natural monopoly, and I, and I think everyone, would want to be reassured that there would be no adverse impact on electricity consumers and that the regulatory regime would ensure that it would operate with complete integrity in terms of its performance and the like. If all those conditions can be met, the government may, post-election, decide to privatise Western Power. If we did so, that would allow a significant reduction in state debt, and it would provide capital for other needed projects in Western Australia. That is the process that we will go through. Mr M. McGowan : That’s a pretty damning quote. Mr C.J. BARNETT : A pretty damning quote—from you! From you—damning—the way you have performed in the last few days! What an absolute farce! The SPEAKER : Thank you. Back to the question. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No. It is not over at all, my friend. Stephen Smith has only just begun. Point of Order Mr P.B. WATSON : Mr Speaker, the question was asked of the Premier. If we did that on this side—I have got three calls, and the member for Collie–Preston has got three calls. But nothing happens on that side of the house. The SPEAKER : Back to the question. Have you finished, Premier? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have answered it.
Mr P. Papalia interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Warnbro! Mr C.J. BARNETT : As the Treasurer has just outlined, we face a very different financial situation—a very different and a very difficult financial situation. Both the Treasurer and I have made the point that going into the next election, if we make a decision to sell Western Power, or we propose to do so, we will make that quite explicit during the election campaign, and we would seek the endorsement of the public of Western Australia. After that election, therefore, we would want to have that public endorsement to make a decision, whether it is to sell or not to sell, and we would feel confident in doing that. Western Power is a natural monopoly, and I, and I think everyone, would want to be reassured that there would be no adverse impact on electricity consumers and that the regulatory regime would ensure that it would operate with complete integrity in terms of its performance and the like. If all those conditions can be met, the government may, post-election, decide to privatise Western Power. If we did so, that would allow a significant reduction in state debt, and it would provide capital for other needed projects in Western Australia. That is the process that we will go through. Mr M. McGowan : That’s a pretty damning quote. Mr C.J. BARNETT : A pretty damning quote—from you! From you—damning—the way you have performed in the last few days! What an absolute farce! The SPEAKER : Thank you. Back to the question. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No. It is not over at all, my friend. Stephen Smith has only just begun. Point of Order Mr P.B. WATSON : Mr Speaker, the question was asked of the Premier. If we did that on this side—I have got three calls, and the member for Collie–Preston has got three calls. But nothing happens on that side of the house. The SPEAKER : Back to the question. Have you finished, Premier? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have answered it.
The SPEAKER : Member for Warnbro! Mr C.J. BARNETT : As the Treasurer has just outlined, we face a very different financial situation—a very different and a very difficult financial situation. Both the Treasurer and I have made the point that going into the next election, if we make a decision to sell Western Power, or we propose to do so, we will make that quite explicit during the election campaign, and we would seek the endorsement of the public of Western Australia. After that election, therefore, we would want to have that public endorsement to make a decision, whether it is to sell or not to sell, and we would feel confident in doing that. Western Power is a natural monopoly, and I, and I think everyone, would want to be reassured that there would be no adverse impact on electricity consumers and that the regulatory regime would ensure that it would operate with complete integrity in terms of its performance and the like. If all those conditions can be met, the government may, post-election, decide to privatise Western Power. If we did so, that would allow a significant reduction in state debt, and it would provide capital for other needed projects in Western Australia. That is the process that we will go through. Mr M. McGowan : That’s a pretty damning quote. Mr C.J. BARNETT : A pretty damning quote—from you! From you—damning—the way you have performed in the last few days! What an absolute farce! The SPEAKER : Thank you. Back to the question. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No. It is not over at all, my friend. Stephen Smith has only just begun. Point of Order Mr P.B. WATSON : Mr Speaker, the question was asked of the Premier. If we did that on this side—I have got three calls, and the member for Collie–Preston has got three calls. But nothing happens on that side of the house. The SPEAKER : Back to the question. Have you finished, Premier? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have answered it.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : As the Treasurer has just outlined, we face a very different financial situation—a very different and a very difficult financial situation. Both the Treasurer and I have made the point that going into the next election, if we make a decision to sell Western Power, or we propose to do so, we will make that quite explicit during the election campaign, and we would seek the endorsement of the public of Western Australia. After that election, therefore, we would want to have that public endorsement to make a decision, whether it is to sell or not to sell, and we would feel confident in doing that. Western Power is a natural monopoly, and I, and I think everyone, would want to be reassured that there would be no adverse impact on electricity consumers and that the regulatory regime would ensure that it would operate with complete integrity in terms of its performance and the like. If all those conditions can be met, the government may, post-election, decide to privatise Western Power. If we did so, that would allow a significant reduction in state debt, and it would provide capital for other needed projects in Western Australia. That is the process that we will go through. Mr M. McGowan : That’s a pretty damning quote. Mr C.J. BARNETT : A pretty damning quote—from you! From you—damning—the way you have performed in the last few days! What an absolute farce! The SPEAKER : Thank you. Back to the question. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No. It is not over at all, my friend. Stephen Smith has only just begun. Point of Order Mr P.B. WATSON : Mr Speaker, the question was asked of the Premier. If we did that on this side—I have got three calls, and the member for Collie–Preston has got three calls. But nothing happens on that side of the house. The SPEAKER : Back to the question. Have you finished, Premier? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have answered it.
Mr M. McGowan : That’s a pretty damning quote. Mr C.J. BARNETT : A pretty damning quote—from you! From you—damning—the way you have performed in the last few days! What an absolute farce! The SPEAKER : Thank you. Back to the question. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No. It is not over at all, my friend. Stephen Smith has only just begun. Point of Order Mr P.B. WATSON : Mr Speaker, the question was asked of the Premier. If we did that on this side—I have got three calls, and the member for Collie–Preston has got three calls. But nothing happens on that side of the house. The SPEAKER : Back to the question. Have you finished, Premier? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have answered it.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : A pretty damning quote—from you! From you—damning—the way you have performed in the last few days! What an absolute farce! The SPEAKER : Thank you. Back to the question. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No. It is not over at all, my friend. Stephen Smith has only just begun. Point of Order Mr P.B. WATSON : Mr Speaker, the question was asked of the Premier. If we did that on this side—I have got three calls, and the member for Collie–Preston has got three calls. But nothing happens on that side of the house. The SPEAKER : Back to the question. Have you finished, Premier? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have answered it.
The SPEAKER : Thank you. Back to the question. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No. It is not over at all, my friend. Stephen Smith has only just begun. Point of Order Mr P.B. WATSON : Mr Speaker, the question was asked of the Premier. If we did that on this side—I have got three calls, and the member for Collie–Preston has got three calls. But nothing happens on that side of the house. The SPEAKER : Back to the question. Have you finished, Premier? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have answered it.
Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No. It is not over at all, my friend. Stephen Smith has only just begun. Point of Order Mr P.B. WATSON : Mr Speaker, the question was asked of the Premier. If we did that on this side—I have got three calls, and the member for Collie–Preston has got three calls. But nothing happens on that side of the house. The SPEAKER : Back to the question. Have you finished, Premier? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have answered it.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : No. It is not over at all, my friend. Stephen Smith has only just begun. Point of Order Mr P.B. WATSON : Mr Speaker, the question was asked of the Premier. If we did that on this side—I have got three calls, and the member for Collie–Preston has got three calls. But nothing happens on that side of the house. The SPEAKER : Back to the question. Have you finished, Premier? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have answered it.
The SPEAKER : Back to the question. Have you finished, Premier? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have answered it.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have answered it.
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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.