Mr. Ripper questions how the Premier will deliver benefits to Western Australians from economic prosperity. Mr. Barnett details increased royalties and a one-off payment designated for a new children's hospital.

AnsweredQoN 329Legislative Assembly
Asked
22 June 2010
Portfolio
Premier

QuestionView source ↗

BHP BILLITON AND RIO TINTO — REMOVAL OF CONCESSIONAL ROYALTY RATE
I have a supplementary question. How will the Premier deliver benefits to Western Australians from Western Australia’s economic prosperity? Mr C.J. BARNETT

AnswerView source ↗

A very tangible benefit will come from this agreement; not only the increase in the royalties, which will generate $340 million in the first year, which will be applied across all areas of government expenditure, but also the one-off payment of $350 million which, as the Leader of the Opposition is aware, has been designated—will be quarantined, if we like—for the construction of the new children’s hospital. Hopefully, the state can add to that over the years until its completion in 2015, and the children’s hospital will be fully funded. I think the people of Western Australia would see that as a very tangible benefit of the deal that has been struck over the past few days. Indeed, it creates that very clear line, or nexus, if we like, between the state ownership of the resources, private sector development of the resources and proceeds coming back to the state and being put into a long-term benefit for the community. What could be more beneficial than a children’s hospital?
Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: A very tangible benefit will come from this agreement; not only the increase in the royalties, which will generate $340 million in the first year, which will be applied across all areas of government expenditure, but also the one-off payment of $350 million which, as the Leader of the Opposition is aware, has been designated—will be quarantined, if we like—for the construction of the new children’s hospital. Hopefully, the state can add to that over the years until its completion in 2015, and the children’s hospital will be fully funded. I think the people of Western Australia would see that as a very tangible benefit of the deal that has been struck over the past few days. Indeed, it creates that very clear line, or nexus, if we like, between the state ownership of the resources, private sector development of the resources and proceeds coming back to the state and being put into a long-term benefit for the community. What could be more beneficial than a children’s hospital?
A very tangible benefit will come from this agreement; not only the increase in the royalties, which will generate $340 million in the first year, which will be applied across all areas of government expenditure, but also the one-off payment of $350 million which, as the Leader of the Opposition is aware, has been designated—will be quarantined, if we like—for the construction of the new children’s hospital. Hopefully, the state can add to that over the years until its completion in 2015, and the children’s hospital will be fully funded. I think the people of Western Australia would see that as a very tangible benefit of the deal that has been struck over the past few days. Indeed, it creates that very clear line, or nexus, if we like, between the state ownership of the resources, private sector development of the resources and proceeds coming back to the state and being put into a long-term benefit for the community. What could be more beneficial than a children’s hospital?

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