❓ Mrs Roberts questions Minister Buswell about discrepancies in the stated cost of new railcars, suggesting a potential budget black hole or misleading information. Buswell defends the lower cost, attributing it to efficient spending and separate ancillary investments.
AnsweredQoN 334Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
STATE BUDGET 2011–12 — NEW RAILCARS
I refer to the minister’s claims in this house on 24 March this year that 30 railcars would cost $330 million. (1) Is the minister aware that at this cost, 45 railcars would cost $495 million? (2) Is the minister confident that the claim in his media release on Monday that the government would invest $164 million to buy 45 railcars is correct? (3) Does the cash flow for this program mean that at least one-third of the 45 railcars will not arrive until after 2015? (4) Is the conflict between the minister’s claim in March and his statement on Monday a massive budget black hole, or was he not telling the truth in the Parliament on 24 March? Mr T.R. BUSWELL
I refer to the minister’s claims in this house on 24 March this year that 30 railcars would cost $330 million. (1) Is the minister aware that at this cost, 45 railcars would cost $495 million? (2) Is the minister confident that the claim in his media release on Monday that the government would invest $164 million to buy 45 railcars is correct? (3) Does the cash flow for this program mean that at least one-third of the 45 railcars will not arrive until after 2015? (4) Is the conflict between the minister’s claim in March and his statement on Monday a massive budget black hole, or was he not telling the truth in the Parliament on 24 March? Mr T.R. BUSWELL
AnswerView source ↗
(1)–(4) Seriously, Mr Speaker, it is very rare that a government gets criticised for delivering by spending less. It is one of the most bizarre arguments I have ever heard. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr T.R. BUSWELL : We will deliver 45 railcars for $164 million, which is a very, very good deal for the public of Western Australia. And we get criticised because they are too cheap! Mrs M.H. Roberts : Why did you — Mr T.R. BUSWELL : I will get to that. I cannot understand the basis of the member’s argument. I met the other day with the representatives from Downer EDI and Bombardier Transportation, who will supply the railcars, and I can tell the member that is the cost to deliver 15 three-car sets. Fifteen times three is 45 railcars. The cost will be $164 million. I want to clear up one other issue. I saw a comment in the paper from the shadow Minister for Transport, Hon Ken Travers, that a lead time of two to two and a half years means that these railcars will be delivered in 2015. The last time I added two to 11, I came up with 13. Several members interjected. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : I can tell members that 11 plus two is 13. Delivery of these railcars will commence in September or possibly October of 2013. Mrs M.H. Roberts : Did you mislead the house in March or not? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : In relation to the larger sum, the Public Transport Authority had put forward a business case, which included, effectively, two components. One was for the you-beaut railcars, which will be delivered at a cost of $164 million, and the other was for ancillary investments required to support those railcars. Mr E.S. Ripper : Why do they count for the opposition’s policy but not for the government’s policy? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : There are two issues in relation to that ancillary investment. First, I want to make sure that we have to spend every dollar that the PTA is saying to me we have to. I think that is incumbent on me. Ms R. Saffioti : It’s underfunded. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not underfunded at all. Call it a bad habit, trying to save money and deliver good value to taxpayers, but that is what we are doing. We are therefore having a look at that. Secondly, member for Midland, there is the potential to realise some significant savings from other operating areas of the PTA, which will again deliver better value for money for taxpayers. I will be instructing the PTA to use those savings to help contribute to that ancillary investment program. Mr E.S. Ripper : It’s not a lie; it’s a budget black hole. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not a budget black hole; it is actually good governance. It is ridiculous that the member for Midland would come into this place and criticise us for delivering more railcars for less money. That is a good outcome for the taxpayers of Western Australia. I shudder with fear if, with that approach, the member for Midland ever gets back over to this side and attains the position of Treasurer.
(1) Is the minister aware that at this cost, 45 railcars would cost $495 million? (2) Is the minister confident that the claim in his media release on Monday that the government would invest $164 million to buy 45 railcars is correct? (3) Does the cash flow for this program mean that at least one-third of the 45 railcars will not arrive until after 2015? (4) Is the conflict between the minister’s claim in March and his statement on Monday a massive budget black hole, or was he not telling the truth in the Parliament on 24 March? Mr T.R. BUSWELL replied: (1)–(4) Seriously, Mr Speaker, it is very rare that a government gets criticised for delivering by spending less. It is one of the most bizarre arguments I have ever heard. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr T.R. BUSWELL : We will deliver 45 railcars for $164 million, which is a very, very good deal for the public of Western Australia. And we get criticised because they are too cheap! Mrs M.H. Roberts : Why did you — Mr T.R. BUSWELL : I will get to that. I cannot understand the basis of the member’s argument. I met the other day with the representatives from Downer EDI and Bombardier Transportation, who will supply the railcars, and I can tell the member that is the cost to deliver 15 three-car sets. Fifteen times three is 45 railcars. The cost will be $164 million. I want to clear up one other issue. I saw a comment in the paper from the shadow Minister for Transport, Hon Ken Travers, that a lead time of two to two and a half years means that these railcars will be delivered in 2015. The last time I added two to 11, I came up with 13. Several members interjected. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : I can tell members that 11 plus two is 13. Delivery of these railcars will commence in September or possibly October of 2013. Mrs M.H. Roberts : Did you mislead the house in March or not? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : In relation to the larger sum, the Public Transport Authority had put forward a business case, which included, effectively, two components. One was for the you-beaut railcars, which will be delivered at a cost of $164 million, and the other was for ancillary investments required to support those railcars. Mr E.S. Ripper : Why do they count for the opposition’s policy but not for the government’s policy? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : There are two issues in relation to that ancillary investment. First, I want to make sure that we have to spend every dollar that the PTA is saying to me we have to. I think that is incumbent on me. Ms R. Saffioti : It’s underfunded. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not underfunded at all. Call it a bad habit, trying to save money and deliver good value to taxpayers, but that is what we are doing. We are therefore having a look at that. Secondly, member for Midland, there is the potential to realise some significant savings from other operating areas of the PTA, which will again deliver better value for money for taxpayers. I will be instructing the PTA to use those savings to help contribute to that ancillary investment program. Mr E.S. Ripper : It’s not a lie; it’s a budget black hole. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not a budget black hole; it is actually good governance. It is ridiculous that the member for Midland would come into this place and criticise us for delivering more railcars for less money. That is a good outcome for the taxpayers of Western Australia. I shudder with fear if, with that approach, the member for Midland ever gets back over to this side and attains the position of Treasurer.
(2) Is the minister confident that the claim in his media release on Monday that the government would invest $164 million to buy 45 railcars is correct? (3) Does the cash flow for this program mean that at least one-third of the 45 railcars will not arrive until after 2015? (4) Is the conflict between the minister’s claim in March and his statement on Monday a massive budget black hole, or was he not telling the truth in the Parliament on 24 March? Mr T.R. BUSWELL replied: (1)–(4) Seriously, Mr Speaker, it is very rare that a government gets criticised for delivering by spending less. It is one of the most bizarre arguments I have ever heard. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr T.R. BUSWELL : We will deliver 45 railcars for $164 million, which is a very, very good deal for the public of Western Australia. And we get criticised because they are too cheap! Mrs M.H. Roberts : Why did you — Mr T.R. BUSWELL : I will get to that. I cannot understand the basis of the member’s argument. I met the other day with the representatives from Downer EDI and Bombardier Transportation, who will supply the railcars, and I can tell the member that is the cost to deliver 15 three-car sets. Fifteen times three is 45 railcars. The cost will be $164 million. I want to clear up one other issue. I saw a comment in the paper from the shadow Minister for Transport, Hon Ken Travers, that a lead time of two to two and a half years means that these railcars will be delivered in 2015. The last time I added two to 11, I came up with 13. Several members interjected. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : I can tell members that 11 plus two is 13. Delivery of these railcars will commence in September or possibly October of 2013. Mrs M.H. Roberts : Did you mislead the house in March or not? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : In relation to the larger sum, the Public Transport Authority had put forward a business case, which included, effectively, two components. One was for the you-beaut railcars, which will be delivered at a cost of $164 million, and the other was for ancillary investments required to support those railcars. Mr E.S. Ripper : Why do they count for the opposition’s policy but not for the government’s policy? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : There are two issues in relation to that ancillary investment. First, I want to make sure that we have to spend every dollar that the PTA is saying to me we have to. I think that is incumbent on me. Ms R. Saffioti : It’s underfunded. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not underfunded at all. Call it a bad habit, trying to save money and deliver good value to taxpayers, but that is what we are doing. We are therefore having a look at that. Secondly, member for Midland, there is the potential to realise some significant savings from other operating areas of the PTA, which will again deliver better value for money for taxpayers. I will be instructing the PTA to use those savings to help contribute to that ancillary investment program. Mr E.S. Ripper : It’s not a lie; it’s a budget black hole. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not a budget black hole; it is actually good governance. It is ridiculous that the member for Midland would come into this place and criticise us for delivering more railcars for less money. That is a good outcome for the taxpayers of Western Australia. I shudder with fear if, with that approach, the member for Midland ever gets back over to this side and attains the position of Treasurer.
(3) Does the cash flow for this program mean that at least one-third of the 45 railcars will not arrive until after 2015? (4) Is the conflict between the minister’s claim in March and his statement on Monday a massive budget black hole, or was he not telling the truth in the Parliament on 24 March? Mr T.R. BUSWELL replied: (1)–(4) Seriously, Mr Speaker, it is very rare that a government gets criticised for delivering by spending less. It is one of the most bizarre arguments I have ever heard. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr T.R. BUSWELL : We will deliver 45 railcars for $164 million, which is a very, very good deal for the public of Western Australia. And we get criticised because they are too cheap! Mrs M.H. Roberts : Why did you — Mr T.R. BUSWELL : I will get to that. I cannot understand the basis of the member’s argument. I met the other day with the representatives from Downer EDI and Bombardier Transportation, who will supply the railcars, and I can tell the member that is the cost to deliver 15 three-car sets. Fifteen times three is 45 railcars. The cost will be $164 million. I want to clear up one other issue. I saw a comment in the paper from the shadow Minister for Transport, Hon Ken Travers, that a lead time of two to two and a half years means that these railcars will be delivered in 2015. The last time I added two to 11, I came up with 13. Several members interjected. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : I can tell members that 11 plus two is 13. Delivery of these railcars will commence in September or possibly October of 2013. Mrs M.H. Roberts : Did you mislead the house in March or not? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : In relation to the larger sum, the Public Transport Authority had put forward a business case, which included, effectively, two components. One was for the you-beaut railcars, which will be delivered at a cost of $164 million, and the other was for ancillary investments required to support those railcars. Mr E.S. Ripper : Why do they count for the opposition’s policy but not for the government’s policy? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : There are two issues in relation to that ancillary investment. First, I want to make sure that we have to spend every dollar that the PTA is saying to me we have to. I think that is incumbent on me. Ms R. Saffioti : It’s underfunded. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not underfunded at all. Call it a bad habit, trying to save money and deliver good value to taxpayers, but that is what we are doing. We are therefore having a look at that. Secondly, member for Midland, there is the potential to realise some significant savings from other operating areas of the PTA, which will again deliver better value for money for taxpayers. I will be instructing the PTA to use those savings to help contribute to that ancillary investment program. Mr E.S. Ripper : It’s not a lie; it’s a budget black hole. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not a budget black hole; it is actually good governance. It is ridiculous that the member for Midland would come into this place and criticise us for delivering more railcars for less money. That is a good outcome for the taxpayers of Western Australia. I shudder with fear if, with that approach, the member for Midland ever gets back over to this side and attains the position of Treasurer.
(4) Is the conflict between the minister’s claim in March and his statement on Monday a massive budget black hole, or was he not telling the truth in the Parliament on 24 March? Mr T.R. BUSWELL replied: (1)–(4) Seriously, Mr Speaker, it is very rare that a government gets criticised for delivering by spending less. It is one of the most bizarre arguments I have ever heard. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr T.R. BUSWELL : We will deliver 45 railcars for $164 million, which is a very, very good deal for the public of Western Australia. And we get criticised because they are too cheap! Mrs M.H. Roberts : Why did you — Mr T.R. BUSWELL : I will get to that. I cannot understand the basis of the member’s argument. I met the other day with the representatives from Downer EDI and Bombardier Transportation, who will supply the railcars, and I can tell the member that is the cost to deliver 15 three-car sets. Fifteen times three is 45 railcars. The cost will be $164 million. I want to clear up one other issue. I saw a comment in the paper from the shadow Minister for Transport, Hon Ken Travers, that a lead time of two to two and a half years means that these railcars will be delivered in 2015. The last time I added two to 11, I came up with 13. Several members interjected. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : I can tell members that 11 plus two is 13. Delivery of these railcars will commence in September or possibly October of 2013. Mrs M.H. Roberts : Did you mislead the house in March or not? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : In relation to the larger sum, the Public Transport Authority had put forward a business case, which included, effectively, two components. One was for the you-beaut railcars, which will be delivered at a cost of $164 million, and the other was for ancillary investments required to support those railcars. Mr E.S. Ripper : Why do they count for the opposition’s policy but not for the government’s policy? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : There are two issues in relation to that ancillary investment. First, I want to make sure that we have to spend every dollar that the PTA is saying to me we have to. I think that is incumbent on me. Ms R. Saffioti : It’s underfunded. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not underfunded at all. Call it a bad habit, trying to save money and deliver good value to taxpayers, but that is what we are doing. We are therefore having a look at that. Secondly, member for Midland, there is the potential to realise some significant savings from other operating areas of the PTA, which will again deliver better value for money for taxpayers. I will be instructing the PTA to use those savings to help contribute to that ancillary investment program. Mr E.S. Ripper : It’s not a lie; it’s a budget black hole. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not a budget black hole; it is actually good governance. It is ridiculous that the member for Midland would come into this place and criticise us for delivering more railcars for less money. That is a good outcome for the taxpayers of Western Australia. I shudder with fear if, with that approach, the member for Midland ever gets back over to this side and attains the position of Treasurer.
Mr T.R. BUSWELL replied: (1)–(4) Seriously, Mr Speaker, it is very rare that a government gets criticised for delivering by spending less. It is one of the most bizarre arguments I have ever heard. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr T.R. BUSWELL : We will deliver 45 railcars for $164 million, which is a very, very good deal for the public of Western Australia. And we get criticised because they are too cheap! Mrs M.H. Roberts : Why did you — Mr T.R. BUSWELL : I will get to that. I cannot understand the basis of the member’s argument. I met the other day with the representatives from Downer EDI and Bombardier Transportation, who will supply the railcars, and I can tell the member that is the cost to deliver 15 three-car sets. Fifteen times three is 45 railcars. The cost will be $164 million. I want to clear up one other issue. I saw a comment in the paper from the shadow Minister for Transport, Hon Ken Travers, that a lead time of two to two and a half years means that these railcars will be delivered in 2015. The last time I added two to 11, I came up with 13. Several members interjected. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : I can tell members that 11 plus two is 13. Delivery of these railcars will commence in September or possibly October of 2013. Mrs M.H. Roberts : Did you mislead the house in March or not? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : In relation to the larger sum, the Public Transport Authority had put forward a business case, which included, effectively, two components. One was for the you-beaut railcars, which will be delivered at a cost of $164 million, and the other was for ancillary investments required to support those railcars. Mr E.S. Ripper : Why do they count for the opposition’s policy but not for the government’s policy? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : There are two issues in relation to that ancillary investment. First, I want to make sure that we have to spend every dollar that the PTA is saying to me we have to. I think that is incumbent on me. Ms R. Saffioti : It’s underfunded. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not underfunded at all. Call it a bad habit, trying to save money and deliver good value to taxpayers, but that is what we are doing. We are therefore having a look at that. Secondly, member for Midland, there is the potential to realise some significant savings from other operating areas of the PTA, which will again deliver better value for money for taxpayers. I will be instructing the PTA to use those savings to help contribute to that ancillary investment program. Mr E.S. Ripper : It’s not a lie; it’s a budget black hole. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not a budget black hole; it is actually good governance. It is ridiculous that the member for Midland would come into this place and criticise us for delivering more railcars for less money. That is a good outcome for the taxpayers of Western Australia. I shudder with fear if, with that approach, the member for Midland ever gets back over to this side and attains the position of Treasurer.
(1)–(4) Seriously, Mr Speaker, it is very rare that a government gets criticised for delivering by spending less. It is one of the most bizarre arguments I have ever heard. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr T.R. BUSWELL : We will deliver 45 railcars for $164 million, which is a very, very good deal for the public of Western Australia. And we get criticised because they are too cheap! Mrs M.H. Roberts : Why did you — Mr T.R. BUSWELL : I will get to that. I cannot understand the basis of the member’s argument. I met the other day with the representatives from Downer EDI and Bombardier Transportation, who will supply the railcars, and I can tell the member that is the cost to deliver 15 three-car sets. Fifteen times three is 45 railcars. The cost will be $164 million. I want to clear up one other issue. I saw a comment in the paper from the shadow Minister for Transport, Hon Ken Travers, that a lead time of two to two and a half years means that these railcars will be delivered in 2015. The last time I added two to 11, I came up with 13. Several members interjected. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : I can tell members that 11 plus two is 13. Delivery of these railcars will commence in September or possibly October of 2013. Mrs M.H. Roberts : Did you mislead the house in March or not? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : In relation to the larger sum, the Public Transport Authority had put forward a business case, which included, effectively, two components. One was for the you-beaut railcars, which will be delivered at a cost of $164 million, and the other was for ancillary investments required to support those railcars. Mr E.S. Ripper : Why do they count for the opposition’s policy but not for the government’s policy? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : There are two issues in relation to that ancillary investment. First, I want to make sure that we have to spend every dollar that the PTA is saying to me we have to. I think that is incumbent on me. Ms R. Saffioti : It’s underfunded. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not underfunded at all. Call it a bad habit, trying to save money and deliver good value to taxpayers, but that is what we are doing. We are therefore having a look at that. Secondly, member for Midland, there is the potential to realise some significant savings from other operating areas of the PTA, which will again deliver better value for money for taxpayers. I will be instructing the PTA to use those savings to help contribute to that ancillary investment program. Mr E.S. Ripper : It’s not a lie; it’s a budget black hole. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not a budget black hole; it is actually good governance. It is ridiculous that the member for Midland would come into this place and criticise us for delivering more railcars for less money. That is a good outcome for the taxpayers of Western Australia. I shudder with fear if, with that approach, the member for Midland ever gets back over to this side and attains the position of Treasurer.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr T.R. BUSWELL : We will deliver 45 railcars for $164 million, which is a very, very good deal for the public of Western Australia. And we get criticised because they are too cheap! Mrs M.H. Roberts : Why did you — Mr T.R. BUSWELL : I will get to that. I cannot understand the basis of the member’s argument. I met the other day with the representatives from Downer EDI and Bombardier Transportation, who will supply the railcars, and I can tell the member that is the cost to deliver 15 three-car sets. Fifteen times three is 45 railcars. The cost will be $164 million. I want to clear up one other issue. I saw a comment in the paper from the shadow Minister for Transport, Hon Ken Travers, that a lead time of two to two and a half years means that these railcars will be delivered in 2015. The last time I added two to 11, I came up with 13. Several members interjected. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : I can tell members that 11 plus two is 13. Delivery of these railcars will commence in September or possibly October of 2013. Mrs M.H. Roberts : Did you mislead the house in March or not? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : In relation to the larger sum, the Public Transport Authority had put forward a business case, which included, effectively, two components. One was for the you-beaut railcars, which will be delivered at a cost of $164 million, and the other was for ancillary investments required to support those railcars. Mr E.S. Ripper : Why do they count for the opposition’s policy but not for the government’s policy? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : There are two issues in relation to that ancillary investment. First, I want to make sure that we have to spend every dollar that the PTA is saying to me we have to. I think that is incumbent on me. Ms R. Saffioti : It’s underfunded. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not underfunded at all. Call it a bad habit, trying to save money and deliver good value to taxpayers, but that is what we are doing. We are therefore having a look at that. Secondly, member for Midland, there is the potential to realise some significant savings from other operating areas of the PTA, which will again deliver better value for money for taxpayers. I will be instructing the PTA to use those savings to help contribute to that ancillary investment program. Mr E.S. Ripper : It’s not a lie; it’s a budget black hole. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not a budget black hole; it is actually good governance. It is ridiculous that the member for Midland would come into this place and criticise us for delivering more railcars for less money. That is a good outcome for the taxpayers of Western Australia. I shudder with fear if, with that approach, the member for Midland ever gets back over to this side and attains the position of Treasurer.
The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr T.R. BUSWELL : We will deliver 45 railcars for $164 million, which is a very, very good deal for the public of Western Australia. And we get criticised because they are too cheap! Mrs M.H. Roberts : Why did you — Mr T.R. BUSWELL : I will get to that. I cannot understand the basis of the member’s argument. I met the other day with the representatives from Downer EDI and Bombardier Transportation, who will supply the railcars, and I can tell the member that is the cost to deliver 15 three-car sets. Fifteen times three is 45 railcars. The cost will be $164 million. I want to clear up one other issue. I saw a comment in the paper from the shadow Minister for Transport, Hon Ken Travers, that a lead time of two to two and a half years means that these railcars will be delivered in 2015. The last time I added two to 11, I came up with 13. Several members interjected. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : I can tell members that 11 plus two is 13. Delivery of these railcars will commence in September or possibly October of 2013. Mrs M.H. Roberts : Did you mislead the house in March or not? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : In relation to the larger sum, the Public Transport Authority had put forward a business case, which included, effectively, two components. One was for the you-beaut railcars, which will be delivered at a cost of $164 million, and the other was for ancillary investments required to support those railcars. Mr E.S. Ripper : Why do they count for the opposition’s policy but not for the government’s policy? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : There are two issues in relation to that ancillary investment. First, I want to make sure that we have to spend every dollar that the PTA is saying to me we have to. I think that is incumbent on me. Ms R. Saffioti : It’s underfunded. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not underfunded at all. Call it a bad habit, trying to save money and deliver good value to taxpayers, but that is what we are doing. We are therefore having a look at that. Secondly, member for Midland, there is the potential to realise some significant savings from other operating areas of the PTA, which will again deliver better value for money for taxpayers. I will be instructing the PTA to use those savings to help contribute to that ancillary investment program. Mr E.S. Ripper : It’s not a lie; it’s a budget black hole. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not a budget black hole; it is actually good governance. It is ridiculous that the member for Midland would come into this place and criticise us for delivering more railcars for less money. That is a good outcome for the taxpayers of Western Australia. I shudder with fear if, with that approach, the member for Midland ever gets back over to this side and attains the position of Treasurer.
Mr T.R. BUSWELL : We will deliver 45 railcars for $164 million, which is a very, very good deal for the public of Western Australia. And we get criticised because they are too cheap! Mrs M.H. Roberts : Why did you — Mr T.R. BUSWELL : I will get to that. I cannot understand the basis of the member’s argument. I met the other day with the representatives from Downer EDI and Bombardier Transportation, who will supply the railcars, and I can tell the member that is the cost to deliver 15 three-car sets. Fifteen times three is 45 railcars. The cost will be $164 million. I want to clear up one other issue. I saw a comment in the paper from the shadow Minister for Transport, Hon Ken Travers, that a lead time of two to two and a half years means that these railcars will be delivered in 2015. The last time I added two to 11, I came up with 13. Several members interjected. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : I can tell members that 11 plus two is 13. Delivery of these railcars will commence in September or possibly October of 2013. Mrs M.H. Roberts : Did you mislead the house in March or not? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : In relation to the larger sum, the Public Transport Authority had put forward a business case, which included, effectively, two components. One was for the you-beaut railcars, which will be delivered at a cost of $164 million, and the other was for ancillary investments required to support those railcars. Mr E.S. Ripper : Why do they count for the opposition’s policy but not for the government’s policy? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : There are two issues in relation to that ancillary investment. First, I want to make sure that we have to spend every dollar that the PTA is saying to me we have to. I think that is incumbent on me. Ms R. Saffioti : It’s underfunded. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not underfunded at all. Call it a bad habit, trying to save money and deliver good value to taxpayers, but that is what we are doing. We are therefore having a look at that. Secondly, member for Midland, there is the potential to realise some significant savings from other operating areas of the PTA, which will again deliver better value for money for taxpayers. I will be instructing the PTA to use those savings to help contribute to that ancillary investment program. Mr E.S. Ripper : It’s not a lie; it’s a budget black hole. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not a budget black hole; it is actually good governance. It is ridiculous that the member for Midland would come into this place and criticise us for delivering more railcars for less money. That is a good outcome for the taxpayers of Western Australia. I shudder with fear if, with that approach, the member for Midland ever gets back over to this side and attains the position of Treasurer.
Mrs M.H. Roberts : Why did you — Mr T.R. BUSWELL : I will get to that. I cannot understand the basis of the member’s argument. I met the other day with the representatives from Downer EDI and Bombardier Transportation, who will supply the railcars, and I can tell the member that is the cost to deliver 15 three-car sets. Fifteen times three is 45 railcars. The cost will be $164 million. I want to clear up one other issue. I saw a comment in the paper from the shadow Minister for Transport, Hon Ken Travers, that a lead time of two to two and a half years means that these railcars will be delivered in 2015. The last time I added two to 11, I came up with 13. Several members interjected. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : I can tell members that 11 plus two is 13. Delivery of these railcars will commence in September or possibly October of 2013. Mrs M.H. Roberts : Did you mislead the house in March or not? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : In relation to the larger sum, the Public Transport Authority had put forward a business case, which included, effectively, two components. One was for the you-beaut railcars, which will be delivered at a cost of $164 million, and the other was for ancillary investments required to support those railcars. Mr E.S. Ripper : Why do they count for the opposition’s policy but not for the government’s policy? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : There are two issues in relation to that ancillary investment. First, I want to make sure that we have to spend every dollar that the PTA is saying to me we have to. I think that is incumbent on me. Ms R. Saffioti : It’s underfunded. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not underfunded at all. Call it a bad habit, trying to save money and deliver good value to taxpayers, but that is what we are doing. We are therefore having a look at that. Secondly, member for Midland, there is the potential to realise some significant savings from other operating areas of the PTA, which will again deliver better value for money for taxpayers. I will be instructing the PTA to use those savings to help contribute to that ancillary investment program. Mr E.S. Ripper : It’s not a lie; it’s a budget black hole. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not a budget black hole; it is actually good governance. It is ridiculous that the member for Midland would come into this place and criticise us for delivering more railcars for less money. That is a good outcome for the taxpayers of Western Australia. I shudder with fear if, with that approach, the member for Midland ever gets back over to this side and attains the position of Treasurer.
Mr T.R. BUSWELL : I will get to that. I cannot understand the basis of the member’s argument. I met the other day with the representatives from Downer EDI and Bombardier Transportation, who will supply the railcars, and I can tell the member that is the cost to deliver 15 three-car sets. Fifteen times three is 45 railcars. The cost will be $164 million. I want to clear up one other issue. I saw a comment in the paper from the shadow Minister for Transport, Hon Ken Travers, that a lead time of two to two and a half years means that these railcars will be delivered in 2015. The last time I added two to 11, I came up with 13. Several members interjected. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : I can tell members that 11 plus two is 13. Delivery of these railcars will commence in September or possibly October of 2013. Mrs M.H. Roberts : Did you mislead the house in March or not? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : In relation to the larger sum, the Public Transport Authority had put forward a business case, which included, effectively, two components. One was for the you-beaut railcars, which will be delivered at a cost of $164 million, and the other was for ancillary investments required to support those railcars. Mr E.S. Ripper : Why do they count for the opposition’s policy but not for the government’s policy? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : There are two issues in relation to that ancillary investment. First, I want to make sure that we have to spend every dollar that the PTA is saying to me we have to. I think that is incumbent on me. Ms R. Saffioti : It’s underfunded. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not underfunded at all. Call it a bad habit, trying to save money and deliver good value to taxpayers, but that is what we are doing. We are therefore having a look at that. Secondly, member for Midland, there is the potential to realise some significant savings from other operating areas of the PTA, which will again deliver better value for money for taxpayers. I will be instructing the PTA to use those savings to help contribute to that ancillary investment program. Mr E.S. Ripper : It’s not a lie; it’s a budget black hole. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not a budget black hole; it is actually good governance. It is ridiculous that the member for Midland would come into this place and criticise us for delivering more railcars for less money. That is a good outcome for the taxpayers of Western Australia. I shudder with fear if, with that approach, the member for Midland ever gets back over to this side and attains the position of Treasurer.
I cannot understand the basis of the member’s argument. I met the other day with the representatives from Downer EDI and Bombardier Transportation, who will supply the railcars, and I can tell the member that is the cost to deliver 15 three-car sets. Fifteen times three is 45 railcars. The cost will be $164 million. I want to clear up one other issue. I saw a comment in the paper from the shadow Minister for Transport, Hon Ken Travers, that a lead time of two to two and a half years means that these railcars will be delivered in 2015. The last time I added two to 11, I came up with 13. Several members interjected. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : I can tell members that 11 plus two is 13. Delivery of these railcars will commence in September or possibly October of 2013. Mrs M.H. Roberts : Did you mislead the house in March or not? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : In relation to the larger sum, the Public Transport Authority had put forward a business case, which included, effectively, two components. One was for the you-beaut railcars, which will be delivered at a cost of $164 million, and the other was for ancillary investments required to support those railcars. Mr E.S. Ripper : Why do they count for the opposition’s policy but not for the government’s policy? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : There are two issues in relation to that ancillary investment. First, I want to make sure that we have to spend every dollar that the PTA is saying to me we have to. I think that is incumbent on me. Ms R. Saffioti : It’s underfunded. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not underfunded at all. Call it a bad habit, trying to save money and deliver good value to taxpayers, but that is what we are doing. We are therefore having a look at that. Secondly, member for Midland, there is the potential to realise some significant savings from other operating areas of the PTA, which will again deliver better value for money for taxpayers. I will be instructing the PTA to use those savings to help contribute to that ancillary investment program. Mr E.S. Ripper : It’s not a lie; it’s a budget black hole. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not a budget black hole; it is actually good governance. It is ridiculous that the member for Midland would come into this place and criticise us for delivering more railcars for less money. That is a good outcome for the taxpayers of Western Australia. I shudder with fear if, with that approach, the member for Midland ever gets back over to this side and attains the position of Treasurer.
I want to clear up one other issue. I saw a comment in the paper from the shadow Minister for Transport, Hon Ken Travers, that a lead time of two to two and a half years means that these railcars will be delivered in 2015. The last time I added two to 11, I came up with 13. Several members interjected. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : I can tell members that 11 plus two is 13. Delivery of these railcars will commence in September or possibly October of 2013. Mrs M.H. Roberts : Did you mislead the house in March or not? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : In relation to the larger sum, the Public Transport Authority had put forward a business case, which included, effectively, two components. One was for the you-beaut railcars, which will be delivered at a cost of $164 million, and the other was for ancillary investments required to support those railcars. Mr E.S. Ripper : Why do they count for the opposition’s policy but not for the government’s policy? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : There are two issues in relation to that ancillary investment. First, I want to make sure that we have to spend every dollar that the PTA is saying to me we have to. I think that is incumbent on me. Ms R. Saffioti : It’s underfunded. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not underfunded at all. Call it a bad habit, trying to save money and deliver good value to taxpayers, but that is what we are doing. We are therefore having a look at that. Secondly, member for Midland, there is the potential to realise some significant savings from other operating areas of the PTA, which will again deliver better value for money for taxpayers. I will be instructing the PTA to use those savings to help contribute to that ancillary investment program. Mr E.S. Ripper : It’s not a lie; it’s a budget black hole. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not a budget black hole; it is actually good governance. It is ridiculous that the member for Midland would come into this place and criticise us for delivering more railcars for less money. That is a good outcome for the taxpayers of Western Australia. I shudder with fear if, with that approach, the member for Midland ever gets back over to this side and attains the position of Treasurer.
Several members interjected. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : I can tell members that 11 plus two is 13. Delivery of these railcars will commence in September or possibly October of 2013. Mrs M.H. Roberts : Did you mislead the house in March or not? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : In relation to the larger sum, the Public Transport Authority had put forward a business case, which included, effectively, two components. One was for the you-beaut railcars, which will be delivered at a cost of $164 million, and the other was for ancillary investments required to support those railcars. Mr E.S. Ripper : Why do they count for the opposition’s policy but not for the government’s policy? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : There are two issues in relation to that ancillary investment. First, I want to make sure that we have to spend every dollar that the PTA is saying to me we have to. I think that is incumbent on me. Ms R. Saffioti : It’s underfunded. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not underfunded at all. Call it a bad habit, trying to save money and deliver good value to taxpayers, but that is what we are doing. We are therefore having a look at that. Secondly, member for Midland, there is the potential to realise some significant savings from other operating areas of the PTA, which will again deliver better value for money for taxpayers. I will be instructing the PTA to use those savings to help contribute to that ancillary investment program. Mr E.S. Ripper : It’s not a lie; it’s a budget black hole. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not a budget black hole; it is actually good governance. It is ridiculous that the member for Midland would come into this place and criticise us for delivering more railcars for less money. That is a good outcome for the taxpayers of Western Australia. I shudder with fear if, with that approach, the member for Midland ever gets back over to this side and attains the position of Treasurer.
Mr T.R. BUSWELL : I can tell members that 11 plus two is 13. Delivery of these railcars will commence in September or possibly October of 2013. Mrs M.H. Roberts : Did you mislead the house in March or not? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : In relation to the larger sum, the Public Transport Authority had put forward a business case, which included, effectively, two components. One was for the you-beaut railcars, which will be delivered at a cost of $164 million, and the other was for ancillary investments required to support those railcars. Mr E.S. Ripper : Why do they count for the opposition’s policy but not for the government’s policy? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : There are two issues in relation to that ancillary investment. First, I want to make sure that we have to spend every dollar that the PTA is saying to me we have to. I think that is incumbent on me. Ms R. Saffioti : It’s underfunded. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not underfunded at all. Call it a bad habit, trying to save money and deliver good value to taxpayers, but that is what we are doing. We are therefore having a look at that. Secondly, member for Midland, there is the potential to realise some significant savings from other operating areas of the PTA, which will again deliver better value for money for taxpayers. I will be instructing the PTA to use those savings to help contribute to that ancillary investment program. Mr E.S. Ripper : It’s not a lie; it’s a budget black hole. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not a budget black hole; it is actually good governance. It is ridiculous that the member for Midland would come into this place and criticise us for delivering more railcars for less money. That is a good outcome for the taxpayers of Western Australia. I shudder with fear if, with that approach, the member for Midland ever gets back over to this side and attains the position of Treasurer.
Mrs M.H. Roberts : Did you mislead the house in March or not? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : In relation to the larger sum, the Public Transport Authority had put forward a business case, which included, effectively, two components. One was for the you-beaut railcars, which will be delivered at a cost of $164 million, and the other was for ancillary investments required to support those railcars. Mr E.S. Ripper : Why do they count for the opposition’s policy but not for the government’s policy? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : There are two issues in relation to that ancillary investment. First, I want to make sure that we have to spend every dollar that the PTA is saying to me we have to. I think that is incumbent on me. Ms R. Saffioti : It’s underfunded. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not underfunded at all. Call it a bad habit, trying to save money and deliver good value to taxpayers, but that is what we are doing. We are therefore having a look at that. Secondly, member for Midland, there is the potential to realise some significant savings from other operating areas of the PTA, which will again deliver better value for money for taxpayers. I will be instructing the PTA to use those savings to help contribute to that ancillary investment program. Mr E.S. Ripper : It’s not a lie; it’s a budget black hole. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not a budget black hole; it is actually good governance. It is ridiculous that the member for Midland would come into this place and criticise us for delivering more railcars for less money. That is a good outcome for the taxpayers of Western Australia. I shudder with fear if, with that approach, the member for Midland ever gets back over to this side and attains the position of Treasurer.
Mr T.R. BUSWELL : In relation to the larger sum, the Public Transport Authority had put forward a business case, which included, effectively, two components. One was for the you-beaut railcars, which will be delivered at a cost of $164 million, and the other was for ancillary investments required to support those railcars. Mr E.S. Ripper : Why do they count for the opposition’s policy but not for the government’s policy? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : There are two issues in relation to that ancillary investment. First, I want to make sure that we have to spend every dollar that the PTA is saying to me we have to. I think that is incumbent on me. Ms R. Saffioti : It’s underfunded. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not underfunded at all. Call it a bad habit, trying to save money and deliver good value to taxpayers, but that is what we are doing. We are therefore having a look at that. Secondly, member for Midland, there is the potential to realise some significant savings from other operating areas of the PTA, which will again deliver better value for money for taxpayers. I will be instructing the PTA to use those savings to help contribute to that ancillary investment program. Mr E.S. Ripper : It’s not a lie; it’s a budget black hole. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not a budget black hole; it is actually good governance. It is ridiculous that the member for Midland would come into this place and criticise us for delivering more railcars for less money. That is a good outcome for the taxpayers of Western Australia. I shudder with fear if, with that approach, the member for Midland ever gets back over to this side and attains the position of Treasurer.
Mr E.S. Ripper : Why do they count for the opposition’s policy but not for the government’s policy? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : There are two issues in relation to that ancillary investment. First, I want to make sure that we have to spend every dollar that the PTA is saying to me we have to. I think that is incumbent on me. Ms R. Saffioti : It’s underfunded. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not underfunded at all. Call it a bad habit, trying to save money and deliver good value to taxpayers, but that is what we are doing. We are therefore having a look at that. Secondly, member for Midland, there is the potential to realise some significant savings from other operating areas of the PTA, which will again deliver better value for money for taxpayers. I will be instructing the PTA to use those savings to help contribute to that ancillary investment program. Mr E.S. Ripper : It’s not a lie; it’s a budget black hole. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not a budget black hole; it is actually good governance. It is ridiculous that the member for Midland would come into this place and criticise us for delivering more railcars for less money. That is a good outcome for the taxpayers of Western Australia. I shudder with fear if, with that approach, the member for Midland ever gets back over to this side and attains the position of Treasurer.
Mr T.R. BUSWELL : There are two issues in relation to that ancillary investment. First, I want to make sure that we have to spend every dollar that the PTA is saying to me we have to. I think that is incumbent on me. Ms R. Saffioti : It’s underfunded. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not underfunded at all. Call it a bad habit, trying to save money and deliver good value to taxpayers, but that is what we are doing. We are therefore having a look at that. Secondly, member for Midland, there is the potential to realise some significant savings from other operating areas of the PTA, which will again deliver better value for money for taxpayers. I will be instructing the PTA to use those savings to help contribute to that ancillary investment program. Mr E.S. Ripper : It’s not a lie; it’s a budget black hole. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not a budget black hole; it is actually good governance. It is ridiculous that the member for Midland would come into this place and criticise us for delivering more railcars for less money. That is a good outcome for the taxpayers of Western Australia. I shudder with fear if, with that approach, the member for Midland ever gets back over to this side and attains the position of Treasurer.
Ms R. Saffioti : It’s underfunded. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not underfunded at all. Call it a bad habit, trying to save money and deliver good value to taxpayers, but that is what we are doing. We are therefore having a look at that. Secondly, member for Midland, there is the potential to realise some significant savings from other operating areas of the PTA, which will again deliver better value for money for taxpayers. I will be instructing the PTA to use those savings to help contribute to that ancillary investment program. Mr E.S. Ripper : It’s not a lie; it’s a budget black hole. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not a budget black hole; it is actually good governance. It is ridiculous that the member for Midland would come into this place and criticise us for delivering more railcars for less money. That is a good outcome for the taxpayers of Western Australia. I shudder with fear if, with that approach, the member for Midland ever gets back over to this side and attains the position of Treasurer.
Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not underfunded at all. Call it a bad habit, trying to save money and deliver good value to taxpayers, but that is what we are doing. We are therefore having a look at that. Secondly, member for Midland, there is the potential to realise some significant savings from other operating areas of the PTA, which will again deliver better value for money for taxpayers. I will be instructing the PTA to use those savings to help contribute to that ancillary investment program. Mr E.S. Ripper : It’s not a lie; it’s a budget black hole. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not a budget black hole; it is actually good governance. It is ridiculous that the member for Midland would come into this place and criticise us for delivering more railcars for less money. That is a good outcome for the taxpayers of Western Australia. I shudder with fear if, with that approach, the member for Midland ever gets back over to this side and attains the position of Treasurer.
Secondly, member for Midland, there is the potential to realise some significant savings from other operating areas of the PTA, which will again deliver better value for money for taxpayers. I will be instructing the PTA to use those savings to help contribute to that ancillary investment program. Mr E.S. Ripper : It’s not a lie; it’s a budget black hole. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not a budget black hole; it is actually good governance. It is ridiculous that the member for Midland would come into this place and criticise us for delivering more railcars for less money. That is a good outcome for the taxpayers of Western Australia. I shudder with fear if, with that approach, the member for Midland ever gets back over to this side and attains the position of Treasurer.
Mr E.S. Ripper : It’s not a lie; it’s a budget black hole. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not a budget black hole; it is actually good governance. It is ridiculous that the member for Midland would come into this place and criticise us for delivering more railcars for less money. That is a good outcome for the taxpayers of Western Australia. I shudder with fear if, with that approach, the member for Midland ever gets back over to this side and attains the position of Treasurer.
Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not a budget black hole; it is actually good governance. It is ridiculous that the member for Midland would come into this place and criticise us for delivering more railcars for less money. That is a good outcome for the taxpayers of Western Australia. I shudder with fear if, with that approach, the member for Midland ever gets back over to this side and attains the position of Treasurer.
(1) Is the minister aware that at this cost, 45 railcars would cost $495 million? (2) Is the minister confident that the claim in his media release on Monday that the government would invest $164 million to buy 45 railcars is correct? (3) Does the cash flow for this program mean that at least one-third of the 45 railcars will not arrive until after 2015? (4) Is the conflict between the minister’s claim in March and his statement on Monday a massive budget black hole, or was he not telling the truth in the Parliament on 24 March? Mr T.R. BUSWELL replied: (1)–(4) Seriously, Mr Speaker, it is very rare that a government gets criticised for delivering by spending less. It is one of the most bizarre arguments I have ever heard. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr T.R. BUSWELL : We will deliver 45 railcars for $164 million, which is a very, very good deal for the public of Western Australia. And we get criticised because they are too cheap! Mrs M.H. Roberts : Why did you — Mr T.R. BUSWELL : I will get to that. I cannot understand the basis of the member’s argument. I met the other day with the representatives from Downer EDI and Bombardier Transportation, who will supply the railcars, and I can tell the member that is the cost to deliver 15 three-car sets. Fifteen times three is 45 railcars. The cost will be $164 million. I want to clear up one other issue. I saw a comment in the paper from the shadow Minister for Transport, Hon Ken Travers, that a lead time of two to two and a half years means that these railcars will be delivered in 2015. The last time I added two to 11, I came up with 13. Several members interjected. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : I can tell members that 11 plus two is 13. Delivery of these railcars will commence in September or possibly October of 2013. Mrs M.H. Roberts : Did you mislead the house in March or not? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : In relation to the larger sum, the Public Transport Authority had put forward a business case, which included, effectively, two components. One was for the you-beaut railcars, which will be delivered at a cost of $164 million, and the other was for ancillary investments required to support those railcars. Mr E.S. Ripper : Why do they count for the opposition’s policy but not for the government’s policy? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : There are two issues in relation to that ancillary investment. First, I want to make sure that we have to spend every dollar that the PTA is saying to me we have to. I think that is incumbent on me. Ms R. Saffioti : It’s underfunded. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not underfunded at all. Call it a bad habit, trying to save money and deliver good value to taxpayers, but that is what we are doing. We are therefore having a look at that. Secondly, member for Midland, there is the potential to realise some significant savings from other operating areas of the PTA, which will again deliver better value for money for taxpayers. I will be instructing the PTA to use those savings to help contribute to that ancillary investment program. Mr E.S. Ripper : It’s not a lie; it’s a budget black hole. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not a budget black hole; it is actually good governance. It is ridiculous that the member for Midland would come into this place and criticise us for delivering more railcars for less money. That is a good outcome for the taxpayers of Western Australia. I shudder with fear if, with that approach, the member for Midland ever gets back over to this side and attains the position of Treasurer.
(2) Is the minister confident that the claim in his media release on Monday that the government would invest $164 million to buy 45 railcars is correct? (3) Does the cash flow for this program mean that at least one-third of the 45 railcars will not arrive until after 2015? (4) Is the conflict between the minister’s claim in March and his statement on Monday a massive budget black hole, or was he not telling the truth in the Parliament on 24 March? Mr T.R. BUSWELL replied: (1)–(4) Seriously, Mr Speaker, it is very rare that a government gets criticised for delivering by spending less. It is one of the most bizarre arguments I have ever heard. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr T.R. BUSWELL : We will deliver 45 railcars for $164 million, which is a very, very good deal for the public of Western Australia. And we get criticised because they are too cheap! Mrs M.H. Roberts : Why did you — Mr T.R. BUSWELL : I will get to that. I cannot understand the basis of the member’s argument. I met the other day with the representatives from Downer EDI and Bombardier Transportation, who will supply the railcars, and I can tell the member that is the cost to deliver 15 three-car sets. Fifteen times three is 45 railcars. The cost will be $164 million. I want to clear up one other issue. I saw a comment in the paper from the shadow Minister for Transport, Hon Ken Travers, that a lead time of two to two and a half years means that these railcars will be delivered in 2015. The last time I added two to 11, I came up with 13. Several members interjected. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : I can tell members that 11 plus two is 13. Delivery of these railcars will commence in September or possibly October of 2013. Mrs M.H. Roberts : Did you mislead the house in March or not? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : In relation to the larger sum, the Public Transport Authority had put forward a business case, which included, effectively, two components. One was for the you-beaut railcars, which will be delivered at a cost of $164 million, and the other was for ancillary investments required to support those railcars. Mr E.S. Ripper : Why do they count for the opposition’s policy but not for the government’s policy? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : There are two issues in relation to that ancillary investment. First, I want to make sure that we have to spend every dollar that the PTA is saying to me we have to. I think that is incumbent on me. Ms R. Saffioti : It’s underfunded. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not underfunded at all. Call it a bad habit, trying to save money and deliver good value to taxpayers, but that is what we are doing. We are therefore having a look at that. Secondly, member for Midland, there is the potential to realise some significant savings from other operating areas of the PTA, which will again deliver better value for money for taxpayers. I will be instructing the PTA to use those savings to help contribute to that ancillary investment program. Mr E.S. Ripper : It’s not a lie; it’s a budget black hole. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not a budget black hole; it is actually good governance. It is ridiculous that the member for Midland would come into this place and criticise us for delivering more railcars for less money. That is a good outcome for the taxpayers of Western Australia. I shudder with fear if, with that approach, the member for Midland ever gets back over to this side and attains the position of Treasurer.
(3) Does the cash flow for this program mean that at least one-third of the 45 railcars will not arrive until after 2015? (4) Is the conflict between the minister’s claim in March and his statement on Monday a massive budget black hole, or was he not telling the truth in the Parliament on 24 March? Mr T.R. BUSWELL replied: (1)–(4) Seriously, Mr Speaker, it is very rare that a government gets criticised for delivering by spending less. It is one of the most bizarre arguments I have ever heard. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr T.R. BUSWELL : We will deliver 45 railcars for $164 million, which is a very, very good deal for the public of Western Australia. And we get criticised because they are too cheap! Mrs M.H. Roberts : Why did you — Mr T.R. BUSWELL : I will get to that. I cannot understand the basis of the member’s argument. I met the other day with the representatives from Downer EDI and Bombardier Transportation, who will supply the railcars, and I can tell the member that is the cost to deliver 15 three-car sets. Fifteen times three is 45 railcars. The cost will be $164 million. I want to clear up one other issue. I saw a comment in the paper from the shadow Minister for Transport, Hon Ken Travers, that a lead time of two to two and a half years means that these railcars will be delivered in 2015. The last time I added two to 11, I came up with 13. Several members interjected. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : I can tell members that 11 plus two is 13. Delivery of these railcars will commence in September or possibly October of 2013. Mrs M.H. Roberts : Did you mislead the house in March or not? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : In relation to the larger sum, the Public Transport Authority had put forward a business case, which included, effectively, two components. One was for the you-beaut railcars, which will be delivered at a cost of $164 million, and the other was for ancillary investments required to support those railcars. Mr E.S. Ripper : Why do they count for the opposition’s policy but not for the government’s policy? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : There are two issues in relation to that ancillary investment. First, I want to make sure that we have to spend every dollar that the PTA is saying to me we have to. I think that is incumbent on me. Ms R. Saffioti : It’s underfunded. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not underfunded at all. Call it a bad habit, trying to save money and deliver good value to taxpayers, but that is what we are doing. We are therefore having a look at that. Secondly, member for Midland, there is the potential to realise some significant savings from other operating areas of the PTA, which will again deliver better value for money for taxpayers. I will be instructing the PTA to use those savings to help contribute to that ancillary investment program. Mr E.S. Ripper : It’s not a lie; it’s a budget black hole. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not a budget black hole; it is actually good governance. It is ridiculous that the member for Midland would come into this place and criticise us for delivering more railcars for less money. That is a good outcome for the taxpayers of Western Australia. I shudder with fear if, with that approach, the member for Midland ever gets back over to this side and attains the position of Treasurer.
(4) Is the conflict between the minister’s claim in March and his statement on Monday a massive budget black hole, or was he not telling the truth in the Parliament on 24 March? Mr T.R. BUSWELL replied: (1)–(4) Seriously, Mr Speaker, it is very rare that a government gets criticised for delivering by spending less. It is one of the most bizarre arguments I have ever heard. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr T.R. BUSWELL : We will deliver 45 railcars for $164 million, which is a very, very good deal for the public of Western Australia. And we get criticised because they are too cheap! Mrs M.H. Roberts : Why did you — Mr T.R. BUSWELL : I will get to that. I cannot understand the basis of the member’s argument. I met the other day with the representatives from Downer EDI and Bombardier Transportation, who will supply the railcars, and I can tell the member that is the cost to deliver 15 three-car sets. Fifteen times three is 45 railcars. The cost will be $164 million. I want to clear up one other issue. I saw a comment in the paper from the shadow Minister for Transport, Hon Ken Travers, that a lead time of two to two and a half years means that these railcars will be delivered in 2015. The last time I added two to 11, I came up with 13. Several members interjected. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : I can tell members that 11 plus two is 13. Delivery of these railcars will commence in September or possibly October of 2013. Mrs M.H. Roberts : Did you mislead the house in March or not? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : In relation to the larger sum, the Public Transport Authority had put forward a business case, which included, effectively, two components. One was for the you-beaut railcars, which will be delivered at a cost of $164 million, and the other was for ancillary investments required to support those railcars. Mr E.S. Ripper : Why do they count for the opposition’s policy but not for the government’s policy? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : There are two issues in relation to that ancillary investment. First, I want to make sure that we have to spend every dollar that the PTA is saying to me we have to. I think that is incumbent on me. Ms R. Saffioti : It’s underfunded. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not underfunded at all. Call it a bad habit, trying to save money and deliver good value to taxpayers, but that is what we are doing. We are therefore having a look at that. Secondly, member for Midland, there is the potential to realise some significant savings from other operating areas of the PTA, which will again deliver better value for money for taxpayers. I will be instructing the PTA to use those savings to help contribute to that ancillary investment program. Mr E.S. Ripper : It’s not a lie; it’s a budget black hole. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not a budget black hole; it is actually good governance. It is ridiculous that the member for Midland would come into this place and criticise us for delivering more railcars for less money. That is a good outcome for the taxpayers of Western Australia. I shudder with fear if, with that approach, the member for Midland ever gets back over to this side and attains the position of Treasurer.
Mr T.R. BUSWELL replied: (1)–(4) Seriously, Mr Speaker, it is very rare that a government gets criticised for delivering by spending less. It is one of the most bizarre arguments I have ever heard. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr T.R. BUSWELL : We will deliver 45 railcars for $164 million, which is a very, very good deal for the public of Western Australia. And we get criticised because they are too cheap! Mrs M.H. Roberts : Why did you — Mr T.R. BUSWELL : I will get to that. I cannot understand the basis of the member’s argument. I met the other day with the representatives from Downer EDI and Bombardier Transportation, who will supply the railcars, and I can tell the member that is the cost to deliver 15 three-car sets. Fifteen times three is 45 railcars. The cost will be $164 million. I want to clear up one other issue. I saw a comment in the paper from the shadow Minister for Transport, Hon Ken Travers, that a lead time of two to two and a half years means that these railcars will be delivered in 2015. The last time I added two to 11, I came up with 13. Several members interjected. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : I can tell members that 11 plus two is 13. Delivery of these railcars will commence in September or possibly October of 2013. Mrs M.H. Roberts : Did you mislead the house in March or not? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : In relation to the larger sum, the Public Transport Authority had put forward a business case, which included, effectively, two components. One was for the you-beaut railcars, which will be delivered at a cost of $164 million, and the other was for ancillary investments required to support those railcars. Mr E.S. Ripper : Why do they count for the opposition’s policy but not for the government’s policy? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : There are two issues in relation to that ancillary investment. First, I want to make sure that we have to spend every dollar that the PTA is saying to me we have to. I think that is incumbent on me. Ms R. Saffioti : It’s underfunded. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not underfunded at all. Call it a bad habit, trying to save money and deliver good value to taxpayers, but that is what we are doing. We are therefore having a look at that. Secondly, member for Midland, there is the potential to realise some significant savings from other operating areas of the PTA, which will again deliver better value for money for taxpayers. I will be instructing the PTA to use those savings to help contribute to that ancillary investment program. Mr E.S. Ripper : It’s not a lie; it’s a budget black hole. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not a budget black hole; it is actually good governance. It is ridiculous that the member for Midland would come into this place and criticise us for delivering more railcars for less money. That is a good outcome for the taxpayers of Western Australia. I shudder with fear if, with that approach, the member for Midland ever gets back over to this side and attains the position of Treasurer.
(1)–(4) Seriously, Mr Speaker, it is very rare that a government gets criticised for delivering by spending less. It is one of the most bizarre arguments I have ever heard. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr T.R. BUSWELL : We will deliver 45 railcars for $164 million, which is a very, very good deal for the public of Western Australia. And we get criticised because they are too cheap! Mrs M.H. Roberts : Why did you — Mr T.R. BUSWELL : I will get to that. I cannot understand the basis of the member’s argument. I met the other day with the representatives from Downer EDI and Bombardier Transportation, who will supply the railcars, and I can tell the member that is the cost to deliver 15 three-car sets. Fifteen times three is 45 railcars. The cost will be $164 million. I want to clear up one other issue. I saw a comment in the paper from the shadow Minister for Transport, Hon Ken Travers, that a lead time of two to two and a half years means that these railcars will be delivered in 2015. The last time I added two to 11, I came up with 13. Several members interjected. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : I can tell members that 11 plus two is 13. Delivery of these railcars will commence in September or possibly October of 2013. Mrs M.H. Roberts : Did you mislead the house in March or not? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : In relation to the larger sum, the Public Transport Authority had put forward a business case, which included, effectively, two components. One was for the you-beaut railcars, which will be delivered at a cost of $164 million, and the other was for ancillary investments required to support those railcars. Mr E.S. Ripper : Why do they count for the opposition’s policy but not for the government’s policy? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : There are two issues in relation to that ancillary investment. First, I want to make sure that we have to spend every dollar that the PTA is saying to me we have to. I think that is incumbent on me. Ms R. Saffioti : It’s underfunded. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not underfunded at all. Call it a bad habit, trying to save money and deliver good value to taxpayers, but that is what we are doing. We are therefore having a look at that. Secondly, member for Midland, there is the potential to realise some significant savings from other operating areas of the PTA, which will again deliver better value for money for taxpayers. I will be instructing the PTA to use those savings to help contribute to that ancillary investment program. Mr E.S. Ripper : It’s not a lie; it’s a budget black hole. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not a budget black hole; it is actually good governance. It is ridiculous that the member for Midland would come into this place and criticise us for delivering more railcars for less money. That is a good outcome for the taxpayers of Western Australia. I shudder with fear if, with that approach, the member for Midland ever gets back over to this side and attains the position of Treasurer.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr T.R. BUSWELL : We will deliver 45 railcars for $164 million, which is a very, very good deal for the public of Western Australia. And we get criticised because they are too cheap! Mrs M.H. Roberts : Why did you — Mr T.R. BUSWELL : I will get to that. I cannot understand the basis of the member’s argument. I met the other day with the representatives from Downer EDI and Bombardier Transportation, who will supply the railcars, and I can tell the member that is the cost to deliver 15 three-car sets. Fifteen times three is 45 railcars. The cost will be $164 million. I want to clear up one other issue. I saw a comment in the paper from the shadow Minister for Transport, Hon Ken Travers, that a lead time of two to two and a half years means that these railcars will be delivered in 2015. The last time I added two to 11, I came up with 13. Several members interjected. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : I can tell members that 11 plus two is 13. Delivery of these railcars will commence in September or possibly October of 2013. Mrs M.H. Roberts : Did you mislead the house in March or not? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : In relation to the larger sum, the Public Transport Authority had put forward a business case, which included, effectively, two components. One was for the you-beaut railcars, which will be delivered at a cost of $164 million, and the other was for ancillary investments required to support those railcars. Mr E.S. Ripper : Why do they count for the opposition’s policy but not for the government’s policy? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : There are two issues in relation to that ancillary investment. First, I want to make sure that we have to spend every dollar that the PTA is saying to me we have to. I think that is incumbent on me. Ms R. Saffioti : It’s underfunded. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not underfunded at all. Call it a bad habit, trying to save money and deliver good value to taxpayers, but that is what we are doing. We are therefore having a look at that. Secondly, member for Midland, there is the potential to realise some significant savings from other operating areas of the PTA, which will again deliver better value for money for taxpayers. I will be instructing the PTA to use those savings to help contribute to that ancillary investment program. Mr E.S. Ripper : It’s not a lie; it’s a budget black hole. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not a budget black hole; it is actually good governance. It is ridiculous that the member for Midland would come into this place and criticise us for delivering more railcars for less money. That is a good outcome for the taxpayers of Western Australia. I shudder with fear if, with that approach, the member for Midland ever gets back over to this side and attains the position of Treasurer.
The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr T.R. BUSWELL : We will deliver 45 railcars for $164 million, which is a very, very good deal for the public of Western Australia. And we get criticised because they are too cheap! Mrs M.H. Roberts : Why did you — Mr T.R. BUSWELL : I will get to that. I cannot understand the basis of the member’s argument. I met the other day with the representatives from Downer EDI and Bombardier Transportation, who will supply the railcars, and I can tell the member that is the cost to deliver 15 three-car sets. Fifteen times three is 45 railcars. The cost will be $164 million. I want to clear up one other issue. I saw a comment in the paper from the shadow Minister for Transport, Hon Ken Travers, that a lead time of two to two and a half years means that these railcars will be delivered in 2015. The last time I added two to 11, I came up with 13. Several members interjected. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : I can tell members that 11 plus two is 13. Delivery of these railcars will commence in September or possibly October of 2013. Mrs M.H. Roberts : Did you mislead the house in March or not? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : In relation to the larger sum, the Public Transport Authority had put forward a business case, which included, effectively, two components. One was for the you-beaut railcars, which will be delivered at a cost of $164 million, and the other was for ancillary investments required to support those railcars. Mr E.S. Ripper : Why do they count for the opposition’s policy but not for the government’s policy? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : There are two issues in relation to that ancillary investment. First, I want to make sure that we have to spend every dollar that the PTA is saying to me we have to. I think that is incumbent on me. Ms R. Saffioti : It’s underfunded. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not underfunded at all. Call it a bad habit, trying to save money and deliver good value to taxpayers, but that is what we are doing. We are therefore having a look at that. Secondly, member for Midland, there is the potential to realise some significant savings from other operating areas of the PTA, which will again deliver better value for money for taxpayers. I will be instructing the PTA to use those savings to help contribute to that ancillary investment program. Mr E.S. Ripper : It’s not a lie; it’s a budget black hole. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not a budget black hole; it is actually good governance. It is ridiculous that the member for Midland would come into this place and criticise us for delivering more railcars for less money. That is a good outcome for the taxpayers of Western Australia. I shudder with fear if, with that approach, the member for Midland ever gets back over to this side and attains the position of Treasurer.
Mr T.R. BUSWELL : We will deliver 45 railcars for $164 million, which is a very, very good deal for the public of Western Australia. And we get criticised because they are too cheap! Mrs M.H. Roberts : Why did you — Mr T.R. BUSWELL : I will get to that. I cannot understand the basis of the member’s argument. I met the other day with the representatives from Downer EDI and Bombardier Transportation, who will supply the railcars, and I can tell the member that is the cost to deliver 15 three-car sets. Fifteen times three is 45 railcars. The cost will be $164 million. I want to clear up one other issue. I saw a comment in the paper from the shadow Minister for Transport, Hon Ken Travers, that a lead time of two to two and a half years means that these railcars will be delivered in 2015. The last time I added two to 11, I came up with 13. Several members interjected. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : I can tell members that 11 plus two is 13. Delivery of these railcars will commence in September or possibly October of 2013. Mrs M.H. Roberts : Did you mislead the house in March or not? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : In relation to the larger sum, the Public Transport Authority had put forward a business case, which included, effectively, two components. One was for the you-beaut railcars, which will be delivered at a cost of $164 million, and the other was for ancillary investments required to support those railcars. Mr E.S. Ripper : Why do they count for the opposition’s policy but not for the government’s policy? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : There are two issues in relation to that ancillary investment. First, I want to make sure that we have to spend every dollar that the PTA is saying to me we have to. I think that is incumbent on me. Ms R. Saffioti : It’s underfunded. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not underfunded at all. Call it a bad habit, trying to save money and deliver good value to taxpayers, but that is what we are doing. We are therefore having a look at that. Secondly, member for Midland, there is the potential to realise some significant savings from other operating areas of the PTA, which will again deliver better value for money for taxpayers. I will be instructing the PTA to use those savings to help contribute to that ancillary investment program. Mr E.S. Ripper : It’s not a lie; it’s a budget black hole. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not a budget black hole; it is actually good governance. It is ridiculous that the member for Midland would come into this place and criticise us for delivering more railcars for less money. That is a good outcome for the taxpayers of Western Australia. I shudder with fear if, with that approach, the member for Midland ever gets back over to this side and attains the position of Treasurer.
Mrs M.H. Roberts : Why did you — Mr T.R. BUSWELL : I will get to that. I cannot understand the basis of the member’s argument. I met the other day with the representatives from Downer EDI and Bombardier Transportation, who will supply the railcars, and I can tell the member that is the cost to deliver 15 three-car sets. Fifteen times three is 45 railcars. The cost will be $164 million. I want to clear up one other issue. I saw a comment in the paper from the shadow Minister for Transport, Hon Ken Travers, that a lead time of two to two and a half years means that these railcars will be delivered in 2015. The last time I added two to 11, I came up with 13. Several members interjected. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : I can tell members that 11 plus two is 13. Delivery of these railcars will commence in September or possibly October of 2013. Mrs M.H. Roberts : Did you mislead the house in March or not? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : In relation to the larger sum, the Public Transport Authority had put forward a business case, which included, effectively, two components. One was for the you-beaut railcars, which will be delivered at a cost of $164 million, and the other was for ancillary investments required to support those railcars. Mr E.S. Ripper : Why do they count for the opposition’s policy but not for the government’s policy? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : There are two issues in relation to that ancillary investment. First, I want to make sure that we have to spend every dollar that the PTA is saying to me we have to. I think that is incumbent on me. Ms R. Saffioti : It’s underfunded. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not underfunded at all. Call it a bad habit, trying to save money and deliver good value to taxpayers, but that is what we are doing. We are therefore having a look at that. Secondly, member for Midland, there is the potential to realise some significant savings from other operating areas of the PTA, which will again deliver better value for money for taxpayers. I will be instructing the PTA to use those savings to help contribute to that ancillary investment program. Mr E.S. Ripper : It’s not a lie; it’s a budget black hole. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not a budget black hole; it is actually good governance. It is ridiculous that the member for Midland would come into this place and criticise us for delivering more railcars for less money. That is a good outcome for the taxpayers of Western Australia. I shudder with fear if, with that approach, the member for Midland ever gets back over to this side and attains the position of Treasurer.
Mr T.R. BUSWELL : I will get to that. I cannot understand the basis of the member’s argument. I met the other day with the representatives from Downer EDI and Bombardier Transportation, who will supply the railcars, and I can tell the member that is the cost to deliver 15 three-car sets. Fifteen times three is 45 railcars. The cost will be $164 million. I want to clear up one other issue. I saw a comment in the paper from the shadow Minister for Transport, Hon Ken Travers, that a lead time of two to two and a half years means that these railcars will be delivered in 2015. The last time I added two to 11, I came up with 13. Several members interjected. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : I can tell members that 11 plus two is 13. Delivery of these railcars will commence in September or possibly October of 2013. Mrs M.H. Roberts : Did you mislead the house in March or not? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : In relation to the larger sum, the Public Transport Authority had put forward a business case, which included, effectively, two components. One was for the you-beaut railcars, which will be delivered at a cost of $164 million, and the other was for ancillary investments required to support those railcars. Mr E.S. Ripper : Why do they count for the opposition’s policy but not for the government’s policy? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : There are two issues in relation to that ancillary investment. First, I want to make sure that we have to spend every dollar that the PTA is saying to me we have to. I think that is incumbent on me. Ms R. Saffioti : It’s underfunded. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not underfunded at all. Call it a bad habit, trying to save money and deliver good value to taxpayers, but that is what we are doing. We are therefore having a look at that. Secondly, member for Midland, there is the potential to realise some significant savings from other operating areas of the PTA, which will again deliver better value for money for taxpayers. I will be instructing the PTA to use those savings to help contribute to that ancillary investment program. Mr E.S. Ripper : It’s not a lie; it’s a budget black hole. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not a budget black hole; it is actually good governance. It is ridiculous that the member for Midland would come into this place and criticise us for delivering more railcars for less money. That is a good outcome for the taxpayers of Western Australia. I shudder with fear if, with that approach, the member for Midland ever gets back over to this side and attains the position of Treasurer.
I cannot understand the basis of the member’s argument. I met the other day with the representatives from Downer EDI and Bombardier Transportation, who will supply the railcars, and I can tell the member that is the cost to deliver 15 three-car sets. Fifteen times three is 45 railcars. The cost will be $164 million. I want to clear up one other issue. I saw a comment in the paper from the shadow Minister for Transport, Hon Ken Travers, that a lead time of two to two and a half years means that these railcars will be delivered in 2015. The last time I added two to 11, I came up with 13. Several members interjected. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : I can tell members that 11 plus two is 13. Delivery of these railcars will commence in September or possibly October of 2013. Mrs M.H. Roberts : Did you mislead the house in March or not? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : In relation to the larger sum, the Public Transport Authority had put forward a business case, which included, effectively, two components. One was for the you-beaut railcars, which will be delivered at a cost of $164 million, and the other was for ancillary investments required to support those railcars. Mr E.S. Ripper : Why do they count for the opposition’s policy but not for the government’s policy? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : There are two issues in relation to that ancillary investment. First, I want to make sure that we have to spend every dollar that the PTA is saying to me we have to. I think that is incumbent on me. Ms R. Saffioti : It’s underfunded. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not underfunded at all. Call it a bad habit, trying to save money and deliver good value to taxpayers, but that is what we are doing. We are therefore having a look at that. Secondly, member for Midland, there is the potential to realise some significant savings from other operating areas of the PTA, which will again deliver better value for money for taxpayers. I will be instructing the PTA to use those savings to help contribute to that ancillary investment program. Mr E.S. Ripper : It’s not a lie; it’s a budget black hole. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not a budget black hole; it is actually good governance. It is ridiculous that the member for Midland would come into this place and criticise us for delivering more railcars for less money. That is a good outcome for the taxpayers of Western Australia. I shudder with fear if, with that approach, the member for Midland ever gets back over to this side and attains the position of Treasurer.
I want to clear up one other issue. I saw a comment in the paper from the shadow Minister for Transport, Hon Ken Travers, that a lead time of two to two and a half years means that these railcars will be delivered in 2015. The last time I added two to 11, I came up with 13. Several members interjected. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : I can tell members that 11 plus two is 13. Delivery of these railcars will commence in September or possibly October of 2013. Mrs M.H. Roberts : Did you mislead the house in March or not? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : In relation to the larger sum, the Public Transport Authority had put forward a business case, which included, effectively, two components. One was for the you-beaut railcars, which will be delivered at a cost of $164 million, and the other was for ancillary investments required to support those railcars. Mr E.S. Ripper : Why do they count for the opposition’s policy but not for the government’s policy? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : There are two issues in relation to that ancillary investment. First, I want to make sure that we have to spend every dollar that the PTA is saying to me we have to. I think that is incumbent on me. Ms R. Saffioti : It’s underfunded. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not underfunded at all. Call it a bad habit, trying to save money and deliver good value to taxpayers, but that is what we are doing. We are therefore having a look at that. Secondly, member for Midland, there is the potential to realise some significant savings from other operating areas of the PTA, which will again deliver better value for money for taxpayers. I will be instructing the PTA to use those savings to help contribute to that ancillary investment program. Mr E.S. Ripper : It’s not a lie; it’s a budget black hole. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not a budget black hole; it is actually good governance. It is ridiculous that the member for Midland would come into this place and criticise us for delivering more railcars for less money. That is a good outcome for the taxpayers of Western Australia. I shudder with fear if, with that approach, the member for Midland ever gets back over to this side and attains the position of Treasurer.
Several members interjected. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : I can tell members that 11 plus two is 13. Delivery of these railcars will commence in September or possibly October of 2013. Mrs M.H. Roberts : Did you mislead the house in March or not? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : In relation to the larger sum, the Public Transport Authority had put forward a business case, which included, effectively, two components. One was for the you-beaut railcars, which will be delivered at a cost of $164 million, and the other was for ancillary investments required to support those railcars. Mr E.S. Ripper : Why do they count for the opposition’s policy but not for the government’s policy? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : There are two issues in relation to that ancillary investment. First, I want to make sure that we have to spend every dollar that the PTA is saying to me we have to. I think that is incumbent on me. Ms R. Saffioti : It’s underfunded. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not underfunded at all. Call it a bad habit, trying to save money and deliver good value to taxpayers, but that is what we are doing. We are therefore having a look at that. Secondly, member for Midland, there is the potential to realise some significant savings from other operating areas of the PTA, which will again deliver better value for money for taxpayers. I will be instructing the PTA to use those savings to help contribute to that ancillary investment program. Mr E.S. Ripper : It’s not a lie; it’s a budget black hole. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not a budget black hole; it is actually good governance. It is ridiculous that the member for Midland would come into this place and criticise us for delivering more railcars for less money. That is a good outcome for the taxpayers of Western Australia. I shudder with fear if, with that approach, the member for Midland ever gets back over to this side and attains the position of Treasurer.
Mr T.R. BUSWELL : I can tell members that 11 plus two is 13. Delivery of these railcars will commence in September or possibly October of 2013. Mrs M.H. Roberts : Did you mislead the house in March or not? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : In relation to the larger sum, the Public Transport Authority had put forward a business case, which included, effectively, two components. One was for the you-beaut railcars, which will be delivered at a cost of $164 million, and the other was for ancillary investments required to support those railcars. Mr E.S. Ripper : Why do they count for the opposition’s policy but not for the government’s policy? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : There are two issues in relation to that ancillary investment. First, I want to make sure that we have to spend every dollar that the PTA is saying to me we have to. I think that is incumbent on me. Ms R. Saffioti : It’s underfunded. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not underfunded at all. Call it a bad habit, trying to save money and deliver good value to taxpayers, but that is what we are doing. We are therefore having a look at that. Secondly, member for Midland, there is the potential to realise some significant savings from other operating areas of the PTA, which will again deliver better value for money for taxpayers. I will be instructing the PTA to use those savings to help contribute to that ancillary investment program. Mr E.S. Ripper : It’s not a lie; it’s a budget black hole. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not a budget black hole; it is actually good governance. It is ridiculous that the member for Midland would come into this place and criticise us for delivering more railcars for less money. That is a good outcome for the taxpayers of Western Australia. I shudder with fear if, with that approach, the member for Midland ever gets back over to this side and attains the position of Treasurer.
Mrs M.H. Roberts : Did you mislead the house in March or not? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : In relation to the larger sum, the Public Transport Authority had put forward a business case, which included, effectively, two components. One was for the you-beaut railcars, which will be delivered at a cost of $164 million, and the other was for ancillary investments required to support those railcars. Mr E.S. Ripper : Why do they count for the opposition’s policy but not for the government’s policy? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : There are two issues in relation to that ancillary investment. First, I want to make sure that we have to spend every dollar that the PTA is saying to me we have to. I think that is incumbent on me. Ms R. Saffioti : It’s underfunded. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not underfunded at all. Call it a bad habit, trying to save money and deliver good value to taxpayers, but that is what we are doing. We are therefore having a look at that. Secondly, member for Midland, there is the potential to realise some significant savings from other operating areas of the PTA, which will again deliver better value for money for taxpayers. I will be instructing the PTA to use those savings to help contribute to that ancillary investment program. Mr E.S. Ripper : It’s not a lie; it’s a budget black hole. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not a budget black hole; it is actually good governance. It is ridiculous that the member for Midland would come into this place and criticise us for delivering more railcars for less money. That is a good outcome for the taxpayers of Western Australia. I shudder with fear if, with that approach, the member for Midland ever gets back over to this side and attains the position of Treasurer.
Mr T.R. BUSWELL : In relation to the larger sum, the Public Transport Authority had put forward a business case, which included, effectively, two components. One was for the you-beaut railcars, which will be delivered at a cost of $164 million, and the other was for ancillary investments required to support those railcars. Mr E.S. Ripper : Why do they count for the opposition’s policy but not for the government’s policy? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : There are two issues in relation to that ancillary investment. First, I want to make sure that we have to spend every dollar that the PTA is saying to me we have to. I think that is incumbent on me. Ms R. Saffioti : It’s underfunded. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not underfunded at all. Call it a bad habit, trying to save money and deliver good value to taxpayers, but that is what we are doing. We are therefore having a look at that. Secondly, member for Midland, there is the potential to realise some significant savings from other operating areas of the PTA, which will again deliver better value for money for taxpayers. I will be instructing the PTA to use those savings to help contribute to that ancillary investment program. Mr E.S. Ripper : It’s not a lie; it’s a budget black hole. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not a budget black hole; it is actually good governance. It is ridiculous that the member for Midland would come into this place and criticise us for delivering more railcars for less money. That is a good outcome for the taxpayers of Western Australia. I shudder with fear if, with that approach, the member for Midland ever gets back over to this side and attains the position of Treasurer.
Mr E.S. Ripper : Why do they count for the opposition’s policy but not for the government’s policy? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : There are two issues in relation to that ancillary investment. First, I want to make sure that we have to spend every dollar that the PTA is saying to me we have to. I think that is incumbent on me. Ms R. Saffioti : It’s underfunded. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not underfunded at all. Call it a bad habit, trying to save money and deliver good value to taxpayers, but that is what we are doing. We are therefore having a look at that. Secondly, member for Midland, there is the potential to realise some significant savings from other operating areas of the PTA, which will again deliver better value for money for taxpayers. I will be instructing the PTA to use those savings to help contribute to that ancillary investment program. Mr E.S. Ripper : It’s not a lie; it’s a budget black hole. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not a budget black hole; it is actually good governance. It is ridiculous that the member for Midland would come into this place and criticise us for delivering more railcars for less money. That is a good outcome for the taxpayers of Western Australia. I shudder with fear if, with that approach, the member for Midland ever gets back over to this side and attains the position of Treasurer.
Mr T.R. BUSWELL : There are two issues in relation to that ancillary investment. First, I want to make sure that we have to spend every dollar that the PTA is saying to me we have to. I think that is incumbent on me. Ms R. Saffioti : It’s underfunded. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not underfunded at all. Call it a bad habit, trying to save money and deliver good value to taxpayers, but that is what we are doing. We are therefore having a look at that. Secondly, member for Midland, there is the potential to realise some significant savings from other operating areas of the PTA, which will again deliver better value for money for taxpayers. I will be instructing the PTA to use those savings to help contribute to that ancillary investment program. Mr E.S. Ripper : It’s not a lie; it’s a budget black hole. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not a budget black hole; it is actually good governance. It is ridiculous that the member for Midland would come into this place and criticise us for delivering more railcars for less money. That is a good outcome for the taxpayers of Western Australia. I shudder with fear if, with that approach, the member for Midland ever gets back over to this side and attains the position of Treasurer.
Ms R. Saffioti : It’s underfunded. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not underfunded at all. Call it a bad habit, trying to save money and deliver good value to taxpayers, but that is what we are doing. We are therefore having a look at that. Secondly, member for Midland, there is the potential to realise some significant savings from other operating areas of the PTA, which will again deliver better value for money for taxpayers. I will be instructing the PTA to use those savings to help contribute to that ancillary investment program. Mr E.S. Ripper : It’s not a lie; it’s a budget black hole. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not a budget black hole; it is actually good governance. It is ridiculous that the member for Midland would come into this place and criticise us for delivering more railcars for less money. That is a good outcome for the taxpayers of Western Australia. I shudder with fear if, with that approach, the member for Midland ever gets back over to this side and attains the position of Treasurer.
Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not underfunded at all. Call it a bad habit, trying to save money and deliver good value to taxpayers, but that is what we are doing. We are therefore having a look at that. Secondly, member for Midland, there is the potential to realise some significant savings from other operating areas of the PTA, which will again deliver better value for money for taxpayers. I will be instructing the PTA to use those savings to help contribute to that ancillary investment program. Mr E.S. Ripper : It’s not a lie; it’s a budget black hole. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not a budget black hole; it is actually good governance. It is ridiculous that the member for Midland would come into this place and criticise us for delivering more railcars for less money. That is a good outcome for the taxpayers of Western Australia. I shudder with fear if, with that approach, the member for Midland ever gets back over to this side and attains the position of Treasurer.
Secondly, member for Midland, there is the potential to realise some significant savings from other operating areas of the PTA, which will again deliver better value for money for taxpayers. I will be instructing the PTA to use those savings to help contribute to that ancillary investment program. Mr E.S. Ripper : It’s not a lie; it’s a budget black hole. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not a budget black hole; it is actually good governance. It is ridiculous that the member for Midland would come into this place and criticise us for delivering more railcars for less money. That is a good outcome for the taxpayers of Western Australia. I shudder with fear if, with that approach, the member for Midland ever gets back over to this side and attains the position of Treasurer.
Mr E.S. Ripper : It’s not a lie; it’s a budget black hole. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not a budget black hole; it is actually good governance. It is ridiculous that the member for Midland would come into this place and criticise us for delivering more railcars for less money. That is a good outcome for the taxpayers of Western Australia. I shudder with fear if, with that approach, the member for Midland ever gets back over to this side and attains the position of Treasurer.
Mr T.R. BUSWELL : It is not a budget black hole; it is actually good governance. It is ridiculous that the member for Midland would come into this place and criticise us for delivering more railcars for less money. That is a good outcome for the taxpayers of Western Australia. I shudder with fear if, with that approach, the member for Midland ever gets back over to this side and attains the position of Treasurer.
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