❓ Opposition questions the Premier's statement on electricity price increases, citing budget papers that project further increases. The Premier deflects by explaining forward estimates are not definitive and highlighting the positive aspects of the current budget.
AnsweredQoN 245Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
STATE BUDGET 2010–11 — ELECTRICITY COSTS
I refer to the Premier’s comments made on ABC radio last week when he said, “I regret that those increases have been so large, but can I just say to the people of Western Australia, that is it; we’ve basically taken the medicine now. As a community, we’ve shared the burden.” (1) Does the Premier concede that either he is wrong or his budget papers are dishonest when on page 233 of budget paper No 3, electricity costs are identified as increasing by 22.3 per cent in 2011–12 and by a combined total of 37 per cent by 2013–14? (2) In light of this, why has the Premier misled the people of Western Australia about further increases to their bills? Mr C.J. BARNETT
I refer to the Premier’s comments made on ABC radio last week when he said, “I regret that those increases have been so large, but can I just say to the people of Western Australia, that is it; we’ve basically taken the medicine now. As a community, we’ve shared the burden.” (1) Does the Premier concede that either he is wrong or his budget papers are dishonest when on page 233 of budget paper No 3, electricity costs are identified as increasing by 22.3 per cent in 2011–12 and by a combined total of 37 per cent by 2013–14? (2) In light of this, why has the Premier misled the people of Western Australia about further increases to their bills? Mr C.J. BARNETT
AnswerView source ↗
(1)–(2) Once more can I explain the nature of forward estimates? Mr B.S. Wyatt : Please, say it again. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Can I remind members that we are never actually in the year of a forward estimate; we are only ever in the current year and the current year’s budget has been presented. Mr E.S. Ripper : Why do we have forward estimates? Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is a good question. It is an indication of what Treasury projects forward. Before next year comes around, the cabinet will make a decision on the cost of electricity, water and transport and the increases will be announced. Mr E.S. Ripper : You have made a decision to endorse the forward estimates. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The forward estimates are for the future years. They are out there in never–never land; we never, ever get there. What a wonderful budget was delivered for 2010–11 with a strong surplus, new ambulances and new services across the state, including for child care. It was a wonderful, wonderful budget. Yes, this year consumers have been hit with big increases in electricity and water charges, but they will not experience similar big increases in future years.
(1) Does the Premier concede that either he is wrong or his budget papers are dishonest when on page 233 of budget paper No 3, electricity costs are identified as increasing by 22.3 per cent in 2011–12 and by a combined total of 37 per cent by 2013–14? (2) In light of this, why has the Premier misled the people of Western Australia about further increases to their bills? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(2) Once more can I explain the nature of forward estimates? Mr B.S. Wyatt : Please, say it again. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Can I remind members that we are never actually in the year of a forward estimate; we are only ever in the current year and the current year’s budget has been presented. Mr E.S. Ripper : Why do we have forward estimates? Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is a good question. It is an indication of what Treasury projects forward. Before next year comes around, the cabinet will make a decision on the cost of electricity, water and transport and the increases will be announced. Mr E.S. Ripper : You have made a decision to endorse the forward estimates. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The forward estimates are for the future years. They are out there in never–never land; we never, ever get there. What a wonderful budget was delivered for 2010–11 with a strong surplus, new ambulances and new services across the state, including for child care. It was a wonderful, wonderful budget. Yes, this year consumers have been hit with big increases in electricity and water charges, but they will not experience similar big increases in future years.
(2) In light of this, why has the Premier misled the people of Western Australia about further increases to their bills? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(2) Once more can I explain the nature of forward estimates? Mr B.S. Wyatt : Please, say it again. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Can I remind members that we are never actually in the year of a forward estimate; we are only ever in the current year and the current year’s budget has been presented. Mr E.S. Ripper : Why do we have forward estimates? Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is a good question. It is an indication of what Treasury projects forward. Before next year comes around, the cabinet will make a decision on the cost of electricity, water and transport and the increases will be announced. Mr E.S. Ripper : You have made a decision to endorse the forward estimates. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The forward estimates are for the future years. They are out there in never–never land; we never, ever get there. What a wonderful budget was delivered for 2010–11 with a strong surplus, new ambulances and new services across the state, including for child care. It was a wonderful, wonderful budget. Yes, this year consumers have been hit with big increases in electricity and water charges, but they will not experience similar big increases in future years.
Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(2) Once more can I explain the nature of forward estimates? Mr B.S. Wyatt : Please, say it again. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Can I remind members that we are never actually in the year of a forward estimate; we are only ever in the current year and the current year’s budget has been presented. Mr E.S. Ripper : Why do we have forward estimates? Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is a good question. It is an indication of what Treasury projects forward. Before next year comes around, the cabinet will make a decision on the cost of electricity, water and transport and the increases will be announced. Mr E.S. Ripper : You have made a decision to endorse the forward estimates. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The forward estimates are for the future years. They are out there in never–never land; we never, ever get there. What a wonderful budget was delivered for 2010–11 with a strong surplus, new ambulances and new services across the state, including for child care. It was a wonderful, wonderful budget. Yes, this year consumers have been hit with big increases in electricity and water charges, but they will not experience similar big increases in future years.
(1)–(2) Once more can I explain the nature of forward estimates? Mr B.S. Wyatt : Please, say it again. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Can I remind members that we are never actually in the year of a forward estimate; we are only ever in the current year and the current year’s budget has been presented. Mr E.S. Ripper : Why do we have forward estimates? Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is a good question. It is an indication of what Treasury projects forward. Before next year comes around, the cabinet will make a decision on the cost of electricity, water and transport and the increases will be announced. Mr E.S. Ripper : You have made a decision to endorse the forward estimates. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The forward estimates are for the future years. They are out there in never–never land; we never, ever get there. What a wonderful budget was delivered for 2010–11 with a strong surplus, new ambulances and new services across the state, including for child care. It was a wonderful, wonderful budget. Yes, this year consumers have been hit with big increases in electricity and water charges, but they will not experience similar big increases in future years.
Mr B.S. Wyatt : Please, say it again. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Can I remind members that we are never actually in the year of a forward estimate; we are only ever in the current year and the current year’s budget has been presented. Mr E.S. Ripper : Why do we have forward estimates? Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is a good question. It is an indication of what Treasury projects forward. Before next year comes around, the cabinet will make a decision on the cost of electricity, water and transport and the increases will be announced. Mr E.S. Ripper : You have made a decision to endorse the forward estimates. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The forward estimates are for the future years. They are out there in never–never land; we never, ever get there. What a wonderful budget was delivered for 2010–11 with a strong surplus, new ambulances and new services across the state, including for child care. It was a wonderful, wonderful budget. Yes, this year consumers have been hit with big increases in electricity and water charges, but they will not experience similar big increases in future years.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : Can I remind members that we are never actually in the year of a forward estimate; we are only ever in the current year and the current year’s budget has been presented. Mr E.S. Ripper : Why do we have forward estimates? Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is a good question. It is an indication of what Treasury projects forward. Before next year comes around, the cabinet will make a decision on the cost of electricity, water and transport and the increases will be announced. Mr E.S. Ripper : You have made a decision to endorse the forward estimates. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The forward estimates are for the future years. They are out there in never–never land; we never, ever get there. What a wonderful budget was delivered for 2010–11 with a strong surplus, new ambulances and new services across the state, including for child care. It was a wonderful, wonderful budget. Yes, this year consumers have been hit with big increases in electricity and water charges, but they will not experience similar big increases in future years.
Mr E.S. Ripper : Why do we have forward estimates? Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is a good question. It is an indication of what Treasury projects forward. Before next year comes around, the cabinet will make a decision on the cost of electricity, water and transport and the increases will be announced. Mr E.S. Ripper : You have made a decision to endorse the forward estimates. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The forward estimates are for the future years. They are out there in never–never land; we never, ever get there. What a wonderful budget was delivered for 2010–11 with a strong surplus, new ambulances and new services across the state, including for child care. It was a wonderful, wonderful budget. Yes, this year consumers have been hit with big increases in electricity and water charges, but they will not experience similar big increases in future years.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is a good question. It is an indication of what Treasury projects forward. Before next year comes around, the cabinet will make a decision on the cost of electricity, water and transport and the increases will be announced. Mr E.S. Ripper : You have made a decision to endorse the forward estimates. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The forward estimates are for the future years. They are out there in never–never land; we never, ever get there. What a wonderful budget was delivered for 2010–11 with a strong surplus, new ambulances and new services across the state, including for child care. It was a wonderful, wonderful budget. Yes, this year consumers have been hit with big increases in electricity and water charges, but they will not experience similar big increases in future years.
Mr E.S. Ripper : You have made a decision to endorse the forward estimates. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The forward estimates are for the future years. They are out there in never–never land; we never, ever get there. What a wonderful budget was delivered for 2010–11 with a strong surplus, new ambulances and new services across the state, including for child care. It was a wonderful, wonderful budget. Yes, this year consumers have been hit with big increases in electricity and water charges, but they will not experience similar big increases in future years.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : The forward estimates are for the future years. They are out there in never–never land; we never, ever get there. What a wonderful budget was delivered for 2010–11 with a strong surplus, new ambulances and new services across the state, including for child care. It was a wonderful, wonderful budget. Yes, this year consumers have been hit with big increases in electricity and water charges, but they will not experience similar big increases in future years.
(1) Does the Premier concede that either he is wrong or his budget papers are dishonest when on page 233 of budget paper No 3, electricity costs are identified as increasing by 22.3 per cent in 2011–12 and by a combined total of 37 per cent by 2013–14? (2) In light of this, why has the Premier misled the people of Western Australia about further increases to their bills? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(2) Once more can I explain the nature of forward estimates? Mr B.S. Wyatt : Please, say it again. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Can I remind members that we are never actually in the year of a forward estimate; we are only ever in the current year and the current year’s budget has been presented. Mr E.S. Ripper : Why do we have forward estimates? Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is a good question. It is an indication of what Treasury projects forward. Before next year comes around, the cabinet will make a decision on the cost of electricity, water and transport and the increases will be announced. Mr E.S. Ripper : You have made a decision to endorse the forward estimates. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The forward estimates are for the future years. They are out there in never–never land; we never, ever get there. What a wonderful budget was delivered for 2010–11 with a strong surplus, new ambulances and new services across the state, including for child care. It was a wonderful, wonderful budget. Yes, this year consumers have been hit with big increases in electricity and water charges, but they will not experience similar big increases in future years.
(2) In light of this, why has the Premier misled the people of Western Australia about further increases to their bills? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(2) Once more can I explain the nature of forward estimates? Mr B.S. Wyatt : Please, say it again. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Can I remind members that we are never actually in the year of a forward estimate; we are only ever in the current year and the current year’s budget has been presented. Mr E.S. Ripper : Why do we have forward estimates? Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is a good question. It is an indication of what Treasury projects forward. Before next year comes around, the cabinet will make a decision on the cost of electricity, water and transport and the increases will be announced. Mr E.S. Ripper : You have made a decision to endorse the forward estimates. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The forward estimates are for the future years. They are out there in never–never land; we never, ever get there. What a wonderful budget was delivered for 2010–11 with a strong surplus, new ambulances and new services across the state, including for child care. It was a wonderful, wonderful budget. Yes, this year consumers have been hit with big increases in electricity and water charges, but they will not experience similar big increases in future years.
Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(2) Once more can I explain the nature of forward estimates? Mr B.S. Wyatt : Please, say it again. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Can I remind members that we are never actually in the year of a forward estimate; we are only ever in the current year and the current year’s budget has been presented. Mr E.S. Ripper : Why do we have forward estimates? Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is a good question. It is an indication of what Treasury projects forward. Before next year comes around, the cabinet will make a decision on the cost of electricity, water and transport and the increases will be announced. Mr E.S. Ripper : You have made a decision to endorse the forward estimates. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The forward estimates are for the future years. They are out there in never–never land; we never, ever get there. What a wonderful budget was delivered for 2010–11 with a strong surplus, new ambulances and new services across the state, including for child care. It was a wonderful, wonderful budget. Yes, this year consumers have been hit with big increases in electricity and water charges, but they will not experience similar big increases in future years.
(1)–(2) Once more can I explain the nature of forward estimates? Mr B.S. Wyatt : Please, say it again. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Can I remind members that we are never actually in the year of a forward estimate; we are only ever in the current year and the current year’s budget has been presented. Mr E.S. Ripper : Why do we have forward estimates? Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is a good question. It is an indication of what Treasury projects forward. Before next year comes around, the cabinet will make a decision on the cost of electricity, water and transport and the increases will be announced. Mr E.S. Ripper : You have made a decision to endorse the forward estimates. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The forward estimates are for the future years. They are out there in never–never land; we never, ever get there. What a wonderful budget was delivered for 2010–11 with a strong surplus, new ambulances and new services across the state, including for child care. It was a wonderful, wonderful budget. Yes, this year consumers have been hit with big increases in electricity and water charges, but they will not experience similar big increases in future years.
Mr B.S. Wyatt : Please, say it again. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Can I remind members that we are never actually in the year of a forward estimate; we are only ever in the current year and the current year’s budget has been presented. Mr E.S. Ripper : Why do we have forward estimates? Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is a good question. It is an indication of what Treasury projects forward. Before next year comes around, the cabinet will make a decision on the cost of electricity, water and transport and the increases will be announced. Mr E.S. Ripper : You have made a decision to endorse the forward estimates. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The forward estimates are for the future years. They are out there in never–never land; we never, ever get there. What a wonderful budget was delivered for 2010–11 with a strong surplus, new ambulances and new services across the state, including for child care. It was a wonderful, wonderful budget. Yes, this year consumers have been hit with big increases in electricity and water charges, but they will not experience similar big increases in future years.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : Can I remind members that we are never actually in the year of a forward estimate; we are only ever in the current year and the current year’s budget has been presented. Mr E.S. Ripper : Why do we have forward estimates? Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is a good question. It is an indication of what Treasury projects forward. Before next year comes around, the cabinet will make a decision on the cost of electricity, water and transport and the increases will be announced. Mr E.S. Ripper : You have made a decision to endorse the forward estimates. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The forward estimates are for the future years. They are out there in never–never land; we never, ever get there. What a wonderful budget was delivered for 2010–11 with a strong surplus, new ambulances and new services across the state, including for child care. It was a wonderful, wonderful budget. Yes, this year consumers have been hit with big increases in electricity and water charges, but they will not experience similar big increases in future years.
Mr E.S. Ripper : Why do we have forward estimates? Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is a good question. It is an indication of what Treasury projects forward. Before next year comes around, the cabinet will make a decision on the cost of electricity, water and transport and the increases will be announced. Mr E.S. Ripper : You have made a decision to endorse the forward estimates. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The forward estimates are for the future years. They are out there in never–never land; we never, ever get there. What a wonderful budget was delivered for 2010–11 with a strong surplus, new ambulances and new services across the state, including for child care. It was a wonderful, wonderful budget. Yes, this year consumers have been hit with big increases in electricity and water charges, but they will not experience similar big increases in future years.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is a good question. It is an indication of what Treasury projects forward. Before next year comes around, the cabinet will make a decision on the cost of electricity, water and transport and the increases will be announced. Mr E.S. Ripper : You have made a decision to endorse the forward estimates. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The forward estimates are for the future years. They are out there in never–never land; we never, ever get there. What a wonderful budget was delivered for 2010–11 with a strong surplus, new ambulances and new services across the state, including for child care. It was a wonderful, wonderful budget. Yes, this year consumers have been hit with big increases in electricity and water charges, but they will not experience similar big increases in future years.
Mr E.S. Ripper : You have made a decision to endorse the forward estimates. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The forward estimates are for the future years. They are out there in never–never land; we never, ever get there. What a wonderful budget was delivered for 2010–11 with a strong surplus, new ambulances and new services across the state, including for child care. It was a wonderful, wonderful budget. Yes, this year consumers have been hit with big increases in electricity and water charges, but they will not experience similar big increases in future years.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : The forward estimates are for the future years. They are out there in never–never land; we never, ever get there. What a wonderful budget was delivered for 2010–11 with a strong surplus, new ambulances and new services across the state, including for child care. It was a wonderful, wonderful budget. Yes, this year consumers have been hit with big increases in electricity and water charges, but they will not experience similar big increases in future years.
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