❓ Treasurer Ripper updates the WA parliament on the state's finances, highlighting a surplus and contrasting it with past deficits under the coalition government. He attributes the surplus to responsible financial management and infrastructure investment.
AnsweredQoN 919Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
STATE FINANCES
Will the Treasurer - Mr T.R. Sprigg : This will be a pearl of wisdom! The SPEAKER : Order, member for Murdoch! Mr J.N. HYDE : Will the Treasurer update the house on the state of Western Australia’s finances? Mr E.S. RIPPER
Will the Treasurer - Mr T.R. Sprigg : This will be a pearl of wisdom! The SPEAKER : Order, member for Murdoch! Mr J.N. HYDE : Will the Treasurer update the house on the state of Western Australia’s finances? Mr E.S. RIPPER
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for his question. I know he has a deep interest in the finances of this state. It is my great pleasure, and indeed privilege, to table the quarterly financial results report for September 2006. [See paper 2241.] Mr E.S. RIPPER : The report shows that the government is on track to record its sixth surplus in a row. That should be contrasted with the dark days of the coalition in government, when there were five budget deficits out of eight, the state’s finances were in the red and the state’s economy was going backwards. The coalition carried out privatisations, like the privatisation of Westrail freight, which my colleague the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure has been talking about. That was a dumb privatisation, and the state will unfortunately pay for that in the future. Let us come back to the finances of this government. The operating surplus for the first three months of 2006-07 was $295 million, down from the $518 million recorded for the same period last year. Commonwealth grants were up by $120 million, conveyance duty receipts were up by $199 million and payroll tax receipts were up by $68 million. Mr P.D. Omodei : What about goods and services tax revenue? Mr E.S. RIPPER : I mentioned commonwealth grants. The lower surplus outcome for the quarter was due to timing differences associated with the issue of land tax assessment and apparent expense growth of 11.2 per cent. I say “apparent” because the level of expense growth has been boosted by underspending in 2005-06. That has two effects: it lowers the base on which expense growth is calculated and, to the extent that money is carried over and spent in this financial year, it has the second effect of increasing the apparent level of expense growth. Other factors included higher salaries for teachers, which I support; increased hospital staff numbers, which I support; and increased direct patient costs in the health sector, including higher prices for food, drug supplies and medical equipment, which it is necessary to procure. The important point about the surplus is that every single cent of the surplus is used to build infrastructure for the future or to pay off debt. In using the surplus in that way we are able to build much more infrastructure than has been built in the past and we are able to have simultaneously record low debt levels. That is because the government is making decisions for tomorrow, not just for today; the government is budgeting for tomorrow, not just for today. I will mention the debt reduction strategy, because the Deputy Leader of the Opposition seems to be, at least on the surface but a day before he talks to Noel Crichton-Browne, interested in savings in the public sector. Our debt reduction strategy is saving taxpayers $150 million a year in interest payments. That is money that we can spend in important electorates in this state and on key community services, such as health, education, and law and order. Dr K.D. Hames : There was more debt when we came to power. Mr E.S. RIPPER : Our debt is lower. We have record low debt compared with the coalition government’s debt. The quarterly results will be factored into the midyear review of state finances, which is due to be released by the end of December. That will reveal once again very strong finances in this state, a very strong economy and a bright future.
Mr T.R. Sprigg : This will be a pearl of wisdom! The SPEAKER : Order, member for Murdoch! Mr J.N. HYDE : Will the Treasurer update the house on the state of Western Australia’s finances? Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: I thank the member for his question. I know he has a deep interest in the finances of this state. It is my great pleasure, and indeed privilege, to table the quarterly financial results report for September 2006. [See paper 2241.] Mr E.S. RIPPER : The report shows that the government is on track to record its sixth surplus in a row. That should be contrasted with the dark days of the coalition in government, when there were five budget deficits out of eight, the state’s finances were in the red and the state’s economy was going backwards. The coalition carried out privatisations, like the privatisation of Westrail freight, which my colleague the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure has been talking about. That was a dumb privatisation, and the state will unfortunately pay for that in the future. Let us come back to the finances of this government. The operating surplus for the first three months of 2006-07 was $295 million, down from the $518 million recorded for the same period last year. Commonwealth grants were up by $120 million, conveyance duty receipts were up by $199 million and payroll tax receipts were up by $68 million. Mr P.D. Omodei : What about goods and services tax revenue? Mr E.S. RIPPER : I mentioned commonwealth grants. The lower surplus outcome for the quarter was due to timing differences associated with the issue of land tax assessment and apparent expense growth of 11.2 per cent. I say “apparent” because the level of expense growth has been boosted by underspending in 2005-06. That has two effects: it lowers the base on which expense growth is calculated and, to the extent that money is carried over and spent in this financial year, it has the second effect of increasing the apparent level of expense growth. Other factors included higher salaries for teachers, which I support; increased hospital staff numbers, which I support; and increased direct patient costs in the health sector, including higher prices for food, drug supplies and medical equipment, which it is necessary to procure. The important point about the surplus is that every single cent of the surplus is used to build infrastructure for the future or to pay off debt. In using the surplus in that way we are able to build much more infrastructure than has been built in the past and we are able to have simultaneously record low debt levels. That is because the government is making decisions for tomorrow, not just for today; the government is budgeting for tomorrow, not just for today. I will mention the debt reduction strategy, because the Deputy Leader of the Opposition seems to be, at least on the surface but a day before he talks to Noel Crichton-Browne, interested in savings in the public sector. Our debt reduction strategy is saving taxpayers $150 million a year in interest payments. That is money that we can spend in important electorates in this state and on key community services, such as health, education, and law and order. Dr K.D. Hames : There was more debt when we came to power. Mr E.S. RIPPER : Our debt is lower. We have record low debt compared with the coalition government’s debt. The quarterly results will be factored into the midyear review of state finances, which is due to be released by the end of December. That will reveal once again very strong finances in this state, a very strong economy and a bright future.
The SPEAKER : Order, member for Murdoch! Mr J.N. HYDE : Will the Treasurer update the house on the state of Western Australia’s finances? Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: I thank the member for his question. I know he has a deep interest in the finances of this state. It is my great pleasure, and indeed privilege, to table the quarterly financial results report for September 2006. [See paper 2241.] Mr E.S. RIPPER : The report shows that the government is on track to record its sixth surplus in a row. That should be contrasted with the dark days of the coalition in government, when there were five budget deficits out of eight, the state’s finances were in the red and the state’s economy was going backwards. The coalition carried out privatisations, like the privatisation of Westrail freight, which my colleague the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure has been talking about. That was a dumb privatisation, and the state will unfortunately pay for that in the future. Let us come back to the finances of this government. The operating surplus for the first three months of 2006-07 was $295 million, down from the $518 million recorded for the same period last year. Commonwealth grants were up by $120 million, conveyance duty receipts were up by $199 million and payroll tax receipts were up by $68 million. Mr P.D. Omodei : What about goods and services tax revenue? Mr E.S. RIPPER : I mentioned commonwealth grants. The lower surplus outcome for the quarter was due to timing differences associated with the issue of land tax assessment and apparent expense growth of 11.2 per cent. I say “apparent” because the level of expense growth has been boosted by underspending in 2005-06. That has two effects: it lowers the base on which expense growth is calculated and, to the extent that money is carried over and spent in this financial year, it has the second effect of increasing the apparent level of expense growth. Other factors included higher salaries for teachers, which I support; increased hospital staff numbers, which I support; and increased direct patient costs in the health sector, including higher prices for food, drug supplies and medical equipment, which it is necessary to procure. The important point about the surplus is that every single cent of the surplus is used to build infrastructure for the future or to pay off debt. In using the surplus in that way we are able to build much more infrastructure than has been built in the past and we are able to have simultaneously record low debt levels. That is because the government is making decisions for tomorrow, not just for today; the government is budgeting for tomorrow, not just for today. I will mention the debt reduction strategy, because the Deputy Leader of the Opposition seems to be, at least on the surface but a day before he talks to Noel Crichton-Browne, interested in savings in the public sector. Our debt reduction strategy is saving taxpayers $150 million a year in interest payments. That is money that we can spend in important electorates in this state and on key community services, such as health, education, and law and order. Dr K.D. Hames : There was more debt when we came to power. Mr E.S. RIPPER : Our debt is lower. We have record low debt compared with the coalition government’s debt. The quarterly results will be factored into the midyear review of state finances, which is due to be released by the end of December. That will reveal once again very strong finances in this state, a very strong economy and a bright future.
Mr J.N. HYDE : Will the Treasurer update the house on the state of Western Australia’s finances? Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: I thank the member for his question. I know he has a deep interest in the finances of this state. It is my great pleasure, and indeed privilege, to table the quarterly financial results report for September 2006. [See paper 2241.] Mr E.S. RIPPER : The report shows that the government is on track to record its sixth surplus in a row. That should be contrasted with the dark days of the coalition in government, when there were five budget deficits out of eight, the state’s finances were in the red and the state’s economy was going backwards. The coalition carried out privatisations, like the privatisation of Westrail freight, which my colleague the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure has been talking about. That was a dumb privatisation, and the state will unfortunately pay for that in the future. Let us come back to the finances of this government. The operating surplus for the first three months of 2006-07 was $295 million, down from the $518 million recorded for the same period last year. Commonwealth grants were up by $120 million, conveyance duty receipts were up by $199 million and payroll tax receipts were up by $68 million. Mr P.D. Omodei : What about goods and services tax revenue? Mr E.S. RIPPER : I mentioned commonwealth grants. The lower surplus outcome for the quarter was due to timing differences associated with the issue of land tax assessment and apparent expense growth of 11.2 per cent. I say “apparent” because the level of expense growth has been boosted by underspending in 2005-06. That has two effects: it lowers the base on which expense growth is calculated and, to the extent that money is carried over and spent in this financial year, it has the second effect of increasing the apparent level of expense growth. Other factors included higher salaries for teachers, which I support; increased hospital staff numbers, which I support; and increased direct patient costs in the health sector, including higher prices for food, drug supplies and medical equipment, which it is necessary to procure. The important point about the surplus is that every single cent of the surplus is used to build infrastructure for the future or to pay off debt. In using the surplus in that way we are able to build much more infrastructure than has been built in the past and we are able to have simultaneously record low debt levels. That is because the government is making decisions for tomorrow, not just for today; the government is budgeting for tomorrow, not just for today. I will mention the debt reduction strategy, because the Deputy Leader of the Opposition seems to be, at least on the surface but a day before he talks to Noel Crichton-Browne, interested in savings in the public sector. Our debt reduction strategy is saving taxpayers $150 million a year in interest payments. That is money that we can spend in important electorates in this state and on key community services, such as health, education, and law and order. Dr K.D. Hames : There was more debt when we came to power. Mr E.S. RIPPER : Our debt is lower. We have record low debt compared with the coalition government’s debt. The quarterly results will be factored into the midyear review of state finances, which is due to be released by the end of December. That will reveal once again very strong finances in this state, a very strong economy and a bright future.
Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: I thank the member for his question. I know he has a deep interest in the finances of this state. It is my great pleasure, and indeed privilege, to table the quarterly financial results report for September 2006. [See paper 2241.] Mr E.S. RIPPER : The report shows that the government is on track to record its sixth surplus in a row. That should be contrasted with the dark days of the coalition in government, when there were five budget deficits out of eight, the state’s finances were in the red and the state’s economy was going backwards. The coalition carried out privatisations, like the privatisation of Westrail freight, which my colleague the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure has been talking about. That was a dumb privatisation, and the state will unfortunately pay for that in the future. Let us come back to the finances of this government. The operating surplus for the first three months of 2006-07 was $295 million, down from the $518 million recorded for the same period last year. Commonwealth grants were up by $120 million, conveyance duty receipts were up by $199 million and payroll tax receipts were up by $68 million. Mr P.D. Omodei : What about goods and services tax revenue? Mr E.S. RIPPER : I mentioned commonwealth grants. The lower surplus outcome for the quarter was due to timing differences associated with the issue of land tax assessment and apparent expense growth of 11.2 per cent. I say “apparent” because the level of expense growth has been boosted by underspending in 2005-06. That has two effects: it lowers the base on which expense growth is calculated and, to the extent that money is carried over and spent in this financial year, it has the second effect of increasing the apparent level of expense growth. Other factors included higher salaries for teachers, which I support; increased hospital staff numbers, which I support; and increased direct patient costs in the health sector, including higher prices for food, drug supplies and medical equipment, which it is necessary to procure. The important point about the surplus is that every single cent of the surplus is used to build infrastructure for the future or to pay off debt. In using the surplus in that way we are able to build much more infrastructure than has been built in the past and we are able to have simultaneously record low debt levels. That is because the government is making decisions for tomorrow, not just for today; the government is budgeting for tomorrow, not just for today. I will mention the debt reduction strategy, because the Deputy Leader of the Opposition seems to be, at least on the surface but a day before he talks to Noel Crichton-Browne, interested in savings in the public sector. Our debt reduction strategy is saving taxpayers $150 million a year in interest payments. That is money that we can spend in important electorates in this state and on key community services, such as health, education, and law and order. Dr K.D. Hames : There was more debt when we came to power. Mr E.S. RIPPER : Our debt is lower. We have record low debt compared with the coalition government’s debt. The quarterly results will be factored into the midyear review of state finances, which is due to be released by the end of December. That will reveal once again very strong finances in this state, a very strong economy and a bright future.
I thank the member for his question. I know he has a deep interest in the finances of this state. It is my great pleasure, and indeed privilege, to table the quarterly financial results report for September 2006. [See paper 2241.] Mr E.S. RIPPER : The report shows that the government is on track to record its sixth surplus in a row. That should be contrasted with the dark days of the coalition in government, when there were five budget deficits out of eight, the state’s finances were in the red and the state’s economy was going backwards. The coalition carried out privatisations, like the privatisation of Westrail freight, which my colleague the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure has been talking about. That was a dumb privatisation, and the state will unfortunately pay for that in the future. Let us come back to the finances of this government. The operating surplus for the first three months of 2006-07 was $295 million, down from the $518 million recorded for the same period last year. Commonwealth grants were up by $120 million, conveyance duty receipts were up by $199 million and payroll tax receipts were up by $68 million. Mr P.D. Omodei : What about goods and services tax revenue? Mr E.S. RIPPER : I mentioned commonwealth grants. The lower surplus outcome for the quarter was due to timing differences associated with the issue of land tax assessment and apparent expense growth of 11.2 per cent. I say “apparent” because the level of expense growth has been boosted by underspending in 2005-06. That has two effects: it lowers the base on which expense growth is calculated and, to the extent that money is carried over and spent in this financial year, it has the second effect of increasing the apparent level of expense growth. Other factors included higher salaries for teachers, which I support; increased hospital staff numbers, which I support; and increased direct patient costs in the health sector, including higher prices for food, drug supplies and medical equipment, which it is necessary to procure. The important point about the surplus is that every single cent of the surplus is used to build infrastructure for the future or to pay off debt. In using the surplus in that way we are able to build much more infrastructure than has been built in the past and we are able to have simultaneously record low debt levels. That is because the government is making decisions for tomorrow, not just for today; the government is budgeting for tomorrow, not just for today. I will mention the debt reduction strategy, because the Deputy Leader of the Opposition seems to be, at least on the surface but a day before he talks to Noel Crichton-Browne, interested in savings in the public sector. Our debt reduction strategy is saving taxpayers $150 million a year in interest payments. That is money that we can spend in important electorates in this state and on key community services, such as health, education, and law and order. Dr K.D. Hames : There was more debt when we came to power. Mr E.S. RIPPER : Our debt is lower. We have record low debt compared with the coalition government’s debt. The quarterly results will be factored into the midyear review of state finances, which is due to be released by the end of December. That will reveal once again very strong finances in this state, a very strong economy and a bright future.
[See paper 2241.] Mr E.S. RIPPER : The report shows that the government is on track to record its sixth surplus in a row. That should be contrasted with the dark days of the coalition in government, when there were five budget deficits out of eight, the state’s finances were in the red and the state’s economy was going backwards. The coalition carried out privatisations, like the privatisation of Westrail freight, which my colleague the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure has been talking about. That was a dumb privatisation, and the state will unfortunately pay for that in the future. Let us come back to the finances of this government. The operating surplus for the first three months of 2006-07 was $295 million, down from the $518 million recorded for the same period last year. Commonwealth grants were up by $120 million, conveyance duty receipts were up by $199 million and payroll tax receipts were up by $68 million. Mr P.D. Omodei : What about goods and services tax revenue? Mr E.S. RIPPER : I mentioned commonwealth grants. The lower surplus outcome for the quarter was due to timing differences associated with the issue of land tax assessment and apparent expense growth of 11.2 per cent. I say “apparent” because the level of expense growth has been boosted by underspending in 2005-06. That has two effects: it lowers the base on which expense growth is calculated and, to the extent that money is carried over and spent in this financial year, it has the second effect of increasing the apparent level of expense growth. Other factors included higher salaries for teachers, which I support; increased hospital staff numbers, which I support; and increased direct patient costs in the health sector, including higher prices for food, drug supplies and medical equipment, which it is necessary to procure. The important point about the surplus is that every single cent of the surplus is used to build infrastructure for the future or to pay off debt. In using the surplus in that way we are able to build much more infrastructure than has been built in the past and we are able to have simultaneously record low debt levels. That is because the government is making decisions for tomorrow, not just for today; the government is budgeting for tomorrow, not just for today. I will mention the debt reduction strategy, because the Deputy Leader of the Opposition seems to be, at least on the surface but a day before he talks to Noel Crichton-Browne, interested in savings in the public sector. Our debt reduction strategy is saving taxpayers $150 million a year in interest payments. That is money that we can spend in important electorates in this state and on key community services, such as health, education, and law and order. Dr K.D. Hames : There was more debt when we came to power. Mr E.S. RIPPER : Our debt is lower. We have record low debt compared with the coalition government’s debt. The quarterly results will be factored into the midyear review of state finances, which is due to be released by the end of December. That will reveal once again very strong finances in this state, a very strong economy and a bright future.
Mr E.S. RIPPER : The report shows that the government is on track to record its sixth surplus in a row. That should be contrasted with the dark days of the coalition in government, when there were five budget deficits out of eight, the state’s finances were in the red and the state’s economy was going backwards. The coalition carried out privatisations, like the privatisation of Westrail freight, which my colleague the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure has been talking about. That was a dumb privatisation, and the state will unfortunately pay for that in the future. Let us come back to the finances of this government. The operating surplus for the first three months of 2006-07 was $295 million, down from the $518 million recorded for the same period last year. Commonwealth grants were up by $120 million, conveyance duty receipts were up by $199 million and payroll tax receipts were up by $68 million. Mr P.D. Omodei : What about goods and services tax revenue? Mr E.S. RIPPER : I mentioned commonwealth grants. The lower surplus outcome for the quarter was due to timing differences associated with the issue of land tax assessment and apparent expense growth of 11.2 per cent. I say “apparent” because the level of expense growth has been boosted by underspending in 2005-06. That has two effects: it lowers the base on which expense growth is calculated and, to the extent that money is carried over and spent in this financial year, it has the second effect of increasing the apparent level of expense growth. Other factors included higher salaries for teachers, which I support; increased hospital staff numbers, which I support; and increased direct patient costs in the health sector, including higher prices for food, drug supplies and medical equipment, which it is necessary to procure. The important point about the surplus is that every single cent of the surplus is used to build infrastructure for the future or to pay off debt. In using the surplus in that way we are able to build much more infrastructure than has been built in the past and we are able to have simultaneously record low debt levels. That is because the government is making decisions for tomorrow, not just for today; the government is budgeting for tomorrow, not just for today. I will mention the debt reduction strategy, because the Deputy Leader of the Opposition seems to be, at least on the surface but a day before he talks to Noel Crichton-Browne, interested in savings in the public sector. Our debt reduction strategy is saving taxpayers $150 million a year in interest payments. That is money that we can spend in important electorates in this state and on key community services, such as health, education, and law and order. Dr K.D. Hames : There was more debt when we came to power. Mr E.S. RIPPER : Our debt is lower. We have record low debt compared with the coalition government’s debt. The quarterly results will be factored into the midyear review of state finances, which is due to be released by the end of December. That will reveal once again very strong finances in this state, a very strong economy and a bright future.
Mr P.D. Omodei : What about goods and services tax revenue? Mr E.S. RIPPER : I mentioned commonwealth grants. The lower surplus outcome for the quarter was due to timing differences associated with the issue of land tax assessment and apparent expense growth of 11.2 per cent. I say “apparent” because the level of expense growth has been boosted by underspending in 2005-06. That has two effects: it lowers the base on which expense growth is calculated and, to the extent that money is carried over and spent in this financial year, it has the second effect of increasing the apparent level of expense growth. Other factors included higher salaries for teachers, which I support; increased hospital staff numbers, which I support; and increased direct patient costs in the health sector, including higher prices for food, drug supplies and medical equipment, which it is necessary to procure. The important point about the surplus is that every single cent of the surplus is used to build infrastructure for the future or to pay off debt. In using the surplus in that way we are able to build much more infrastructure than has been built in the past and we are able to have simultaneously record low debt levels. That is because the government is making decisions for tomorrow, not just for today; the government is budgeting for tomorrow, not just for today. I will mention the debt reduction strategy, because the Deputy Leader of the Opposition seems to be, at least on the surface but a day before he talks to Noel Crichton-Browne, interested in savings in the public sector. Our debt reduction strategy is saving taxpayers $150 million a year in interest payments. That is money that we can spend in important electorates in this state and on key community services, such as health, education, and law and order. Dr K.D. Hames : There was more debt when we came to power. Mr E.S. RIPPER : Our debt is lower. We have record low debt compared with the coalition government’s debt. The quarterly results will be factored into the midyear review of state finances, which is due to be released by the end of December. That will reveal once again very strong finances in this state, a very strong economy and a bright future.
Mr E.S. RIPPER : I mentioned commonwealth grants. The lower surplus outcome for the quarter was due to timing differences associated with the issue of land tax assessment and apparent expense growth of 11.2 per cent. I say “apparent” because the level of expense growth has been boosted by underspending in 2005-06. That has two effects: it lowers the base on which expense growth is calculated and, to the extent that money is carried over and spent in this financial year, it has the second effect of increasing the apparent level of expense growth. Other factors included higher salaries for teachers, which I support; increased hospital staff numbers, which I support; and increased direct patient costs in the health sector, including higher prices for food, drug supplies and medical equipment, which it is necessary to procure. The important point about the surplus is that every single cent of the surplus is used to build infrastructure for the future or to pay off debt. In using the surplus in that way we are able to build much more infrastructure than has been built in the past and we are able to have simultaneously record low debt levels. That is because the government is making decisions for tomorrow, not just for today; the government is budgeting for tomorrow, not just for today. I will mention the debt reduction strategy, because the Deputy Leader of the Opposition seems to be, at least on the surface but a day before he talks to Noel Crichton-Browne, interested in savings in the public sector. Our debt reduction strategy is saving taxpayers $150 million a year in interest payments. That is money that we can spend in important electorates in this state and on key community services, such as health, education, and law and order. Dr K.D. Hames : There was more debt when we came to power. Mr E.S. RIPPER : Our debt is lower. We have record low debt compared with the coalition government’s debt. The quarterly results will be factored into the midyear review of state finances, which is due to be released by the end of December. That will reveal once again very strong finances in this state, a very strong economy and a bright future.
Dr K.D. Hames : There was more debt when we came to power. Mr E.S. RIPPER : Our debt is lower. We have record low debt compared with the coalition government’s debt. The quarterly results will be factored into the midyear review of state finances, which is due to be released by the end of December. That will reveal once again very strong finances in this state, a very strong economy and a bright future.
Mr E.S. RIPPER : Our debt is lower. We have record low debt compared with the coalition government’s debt. The quarterly results will be factored into the midyear review of state finances, which is due to be released by the end of December. That will reveal once again very strong finances in this state, a very strong economy and a bright future.
Mr T.R. Sprigg : This will be a pearl of wisdom! The SPEAKER : Order, member for Murdoch! Mr J.N. HYDE : Will the Treasurer update the house on the state of Western Australia’s finances? Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: I thank the member for his question. I know he has a deep interest in the finances of this state. It is my great pleasure, and indeed privilege, to table the quarterly financial results report for September 2006. [See paper 2241.] Mr E.S. RIPPER : The report shows that the government is on track to record its sixth surplus in a row. That should be contrasted with the dark days of the coalition in government, when there were five budget deficits out of eight, the state’s finances were in the red and the state’s economy was going backwards. The coalition carried out privatisations, like the privatisation of Westrail freight, which my colleague the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure has been talking about. That was a dumb privatisation, and the state will unfortunately pay for that in the future. Let us come back to the finances of this government. The operating surplus for the first three months of 2006-07 was $295 million, down from the $518 million recorded for the same period last year. Commonwealth grants were up by $120 million, conveyance duty receipts were up by $199 million and payroll tax receipts were up by $68 million. Mr P.D. Omodei : What about goods and services tax revenue? Mr E.S. RIPPER : I mentioned commonwealth grants. The lower surplus outcome for the quarter was due to timing differences associated with the issue of land tax assessment and apparent expense growth of 11.2 per cent. I say “apparent” because the level of expense growth has been boosted by underspending in 2005-06. That has two effects: it lowers the base on which expense growth is calculated and, to the extent that money is carried over and spent in this financial year, it has the second effect of increasing the apparent level of expense growth. Other factors included higher salaries for teachers, which I support; increased hospital staff numbers, which I support; and increased direct patient costs in the health sector, including higher prices for food, drug supplies and medical equipment, which it is necessary to procure. The important point about the surplus is that every single cent of the surplus is used to build infrastructure for the future or to pay off debt. In using the surplus in that way we are able to build much more infrastructure than has been built in the past and we are able to have simultaneously record low debt levels. That is because the government is making decisions for tomorrow, not just for today; the government is budgeting for tomorrow, not just for today. I will mention the debt reduction strategy, because the Deputy Leader of the Opposition seems to be, at least on the surface but a day before he talks to Noel Crichton-Browne, interested in savings in the public sector. Our debt reduction strategy is saving taxpayers $150 million a year in interest payments. That is money that we can spend in important electorates in this state and on key community services, such as health, education, and law and order. Dr K.D. Hames : There was more debt when we came to power. Mr E.S. RIPPER : Our debt is lower. We have record low debt compared with the coalition government’s debt. The quarterly results will be factored into the midyear review of state finances, which is due to be released by the end of December. That will reveal once again very strong finances in this state, a very strong economy and a bright future.
The SPEAKER : Order, member for Murdoch! Mr J.N. HYDE : Will the Treasurer update the house on the state of Western Australia’s finances? Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: I thank the member for his question. I know he has a deep interest in the finances of this state. It is my great pleasure, and indeed privilege, to table the quarterly financial results report for September 2006. [See paper 2241.] Mr E.S. RIPPER : The report shows that the government is on track to record its sixth surplus in a row. That should be contrasted with the dark days of the coalition in government, when there were five budget deficits out of eight, the state’s finances were in the red and the state’s economy was going backwards. The coalition carried out privatisations, like the privatisation of Westrail freight, which my colleague the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure has been talking about. That was a dumb privatisation, and the state will unfortunately pay for that in the future. Let us come back to the finances of this government. The operating surplus for the first three months of 2006-07 was $295 million, down from the $518 million recorded for the same period last year. Commonwealth grants were up by $120 million, conveyance duty receipts were up by $199 million and payroll tax receipts were up by $68 million. Mr P.D. Omodei : What about goods and services tax revenue? Mr E.S. RIPPER : I mentioned commonwealth grants. The lower surplus outcome for the quarter was due to timing differences associated with the issue of land tax assessment and apparent expense growth of 11.2 per cent. I say “apparent” because the level of expense growth has been boosted by underspending in 2005-06. That has two effects: it lowers the base on which expense growth is calculated and, to the extent that money is carried over and spent in this financial year, it has the second effect of increasing the apparent level of expense growth. Other factors included higher salaries for teachers, which I support; increased hospital staff numbers, which I support; and increased direct patient costs in the health sector, including higher prices for food, drug supplies and medical equipment, which it is necessary to procure. The important point about the surplus is that every single cent of the surplus is used to build infrastructure for the future or to pay off debt. In using the surplus in that way we are able to build much more infrastructure than has been built in the past and we are able to have simultaneously record low debt levels. That is because the government is making decisions for tomorrow, not just for today; the government is budgeting for tomorrow, not just for today. I will mention the debt reduction strategy, because the Deputy Leader of the Opposition seems to be, at least on the surface but a day before he talks to Noel Crichton-Browne, interested in savings in the public sector. Our debt reduction strategy is saving taxpayers $150 million a year in interest payments. That is money that we can spend in important electorates in this state and on key community services, such as health, education, and law and order. Dr K.D. Hames : There was more debt when we came to power. Mr E.S. RIPPER : Our debt is lower. We have record low debt compared with the coalition government’s debt. The quarterly results will be factored into the midyear review of state finances, which is due to be released by the end of December. That will reveal once again very strong finances in this state, a very strong economy and a bright future.
Mr J.N. HYDE : Will the Treasurer update the house on the state of Western Australia’s finances? Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: I thank the member for his question. I know he has a deep interest in the finances of this state. It is my great pleasure, and indeed privilege, to table the quarterly financial results report for September 2006. [See paper 2241.] Mr E.S. RIPPER : The report shows that the government is on track to record its sixth surplus in a row. That should be contrasted with the dark days of the coalition in government, when there were five budget deficits out of eight, the state’s finances were in the red and the state’s economy was going backwards. The coalition carried out privatisations, like the privatisation of Westrail freight, which my colleague the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure has been talking about. That was a dumb privatisation, and the state will unfortunately pay for that in the future. Let us come back to the finances of this government. The operating surplus for the first three months of 2006-07 was $295 million, down from the $518 million recorded for the same period last year. Commonwealth grants were up by $120 million, conveyance duty receipts were up by $199 million and payroll tax receipts were up by $68 million. Mr P.D. Omodei : What about goods and services tax revenue? Mr E.S. RIPPER : I mentioned commonwealth grants. The lower surplus outcome for the quarter was due to timing differences associated with the issue of land tax assessment and apparent expense growth of 11.2 per cent. I say “apparent” because the level of expense growth has been boosted by underspending in 2005-06. That has two effects: it lowers the base on which expense growth is calculated and, to the extent that money is carried over and spent in this financial year, it has the second effect of increasing the apparent level of expense growth. Other factors included higher salaries for teachers, which I support; increased hospital staff numbers, which I support; and increased direct patient costs in the health sector, including higher prices for food, drug supplies and medical equipment, which it is necessary to procure. The important point about the surplus is that every single cent of the surplus is used to build infrastructure for the future or to pay off debt. In using the surplus in that way we are able to build much more infrastructure than has been built in the past and we are able to have simultaneously record low debt levels. That is because the government is making decisions for tomorrow, not just for today; the government is budgeting for tomorrow, not just for today. I will mention the debt reduction strategy, because the Deputy Leader of the Opposition seems to be, at least on the surface but a day before he talks to Noel Crichton-Browne, interested in savings in the public sector. Our debt reduction strategy is saving taxpayers $150 million a year in interest payments. That is money that we can spend in important electorates in this state and on key community services, such as health, education, and law and order. Dr K.D. Hames : There was more debt when we came to power. Mr E.S. RIPPER : Our debt is lower. We have record low debt compared with the coalition government’s debt. The quarterly results will be factored into the midyear review of state finances, which is due to be released by the end of December. That will reveal once again very strong finances in this state, a very strong economy and a bright future.
Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: I thank the member for his question. I know he has a deep interest in the finances of this state. It is my great pleasure, and indeed privilege, to table the quarterly financial results report for September 2006. [See paper 2241.] Mr E.S. RIPPER : The report shows that the government is on track to record its sixth surplus in a row. That should be contrasted with the dark days of the coalition in government, when there were five budget deficits out of eight, the state’s finances were in the red and the state’s economy was going backwards. The coalition carried out privatisations, like the privatisation of Westrail freight, which my colleague the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure has been talking about. That was a dumb privatisation, and the state will unfortunately pay for that in the future. Let us come back to the finances of this government. The operating surplus for the first three months of 2006-07 was $295 million, down from the $518 million recorded for the same period last year. Commonwealth grants were up by $120 million, conveyance duty receipts were up by $199 million and payroll tax receipts were up by $68 million. Mr P.D. Omodei : What about goods and services tax revenue? Mr E.S. RIPPER : I mentioned commonwealth grants. The lower surplus outcome for the quarter was due to timing differences associated with the issue of land tax assessment and apparent expense growth of 11.2 per cent. I say “apparent” because the level of expense growth has been boosted by underspending in 2005-06. That has two effects: it lowers the base on which expense growth is calculated and, to the extent that money is carried over and spent in this financial year, it has the second effect of increasing the apparent level of expense growth. Other factors included higher salaries for teachers, which I support; increased hospital staff numbers, which I support; and increased direct patient costs in the health sector, including higher prices for food, drug supplies and medical equipment, which it is necessary to procure. The important point about the surplus is that every single cent of the surplus is used to build infrastructure for the future or to pay off debt. In using the surplus in that way we are able to build much more infrastructure than has been built in the past and we are able to have simultaneously record low debt levels. That is because the government is making decisions for tomorrow, not just for today; the government is budgeting for tomorrow, not just for today. I will mention the debt reduction strategy, because the Deputy Leader of the Opposition seems to be, at least on the surface but a day before he talks to Noel Crichton-Browne, interested in savings in the public sector. Our debt reduction strategy is saving taxpayers $150 million a year in interest payments. That is money that we can spend in important electorates in this state and on key community services, such as health, education, and law and order. Dr K.D. Hames : There was more debt when we came to power. Mr E.S. RIPPER : Our debt is lower. We have record low debt compared with the coalition government’s debt. The quarterly results will be factored into the midyear review of state finances, which is due to be released by the end of December. That will reveal once again very strong finances in this state, a very strong economy and a bright future.
I thank the member for his question. I know he has a deep interest in the finances of this state. It is my great pleasure, and indeed privilege, to table the quarterly financial results report for September 2006. [See paper 2241.] Mr E.S. RIPPER : The report shows that the government is on track to record its sixth surplus in a row. That should be contrasted with the dark days of the coalition in government, when there were five budget deficits out of eight, the state’s finances were in the red and the state’s economy was going backwards. The coalition carried out privatisations, like the privatisation of Westrail freight, which my colleague the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure has been talking about. That was a dumb privatisation, and the state will unfortunately pay for that in the future. Let us come back to the finances of this government. The operating surplus for the first three months of 2006-07 was $295 million, down from the $518 million recorded for the same period last year. Commonwealth grants were up by $120 million, conveyance duty receipts were up by $199 million and payroll tax receipts were up by $68 million. Mr P.D. Omodei : What about goods and services tax revenue? Mr E.S. RIPPER : I mentioned commonwealth grants. The lower surplus outcome for the quarter was due to timing differences associated with the issue of land tax assessment and apparent expense growth of 11.2 per cent. I say “apparent” because the level of expense growth has been boosted by underspending in 2005-06. That has two effects: it lowers the base on which expense growth is calculated and, to the extent that money is carried over and spent in this financial year, it has the second effect of increasing the apparent level of expense growth. Other factors included higher salaries for teachers, which I support; increased hospital staff numbers, which I support; and increased direct patient costs in the health sector, including higher prices for food, drug supplies and medical equipment, which it is necessary to procure. The important point about the surplus is that every single cent of the surplus is used to build infrastructure for the future or to pay off debt. In using the surplus in that way we are able to build much more infrastructure than has been built in the past and we are able to have simultaneously record low debt levels. That is because the government is making decisions for tomorrow, not just for today; the government is budgeting for tomorrow, not just for today. I will mention the debt reduction strategy, because the Deputy Leader of the Opposition seems to be, at least on the surface but a day before he talks to Noel Crichton-Browne, interested in savings in the public sector. Our debt reduction strategy is saving taxpayers $150 million a year in interest payments. That is money that we can spend in important electorates in this state and on key community services, such as health, education, and law and order. Dr K.D. Hames : There was more debt when we came to power. Mr E.S. RIPPER : Our debt is lower. We have record low debt compared with the coalition government’s debt. The quarterly results will be factored into the midyear review of state finances, which is due to be released by the end of December. That will reveal once again very strong finances in this state, a very strong economy and a bright future.
[See paper 2241.] Mr E.S. RIPPER : The report shows that the government is on track to record its sixth surplus in a row. That should be contrasted with the dark days of the coalition in government, when there were five budget deficits out of eight, the state’s finances were in the red and the state’s economy was going backwards. The coalition carried out privatisations, like the privatisation of Westrail freight, which my colleague the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure has been talking about. That was a dumb privatisation, and the state will unfortunately pay for that in the future. Let us come back to the finances of this government. The operating surplus for the first three months of 2006-07 was $295 million, down from the $518 million recorded for the same period last year. Commonwealth grants were up by $120 million, conveyance duty receipts were up by $199 million and payroll tax receipts were up by $68 million. Mr P.D. Omodei : What about goods and services tax revenue? Mr E.S. RIPPER : I mentioned commonwealth grants. The lower surplus outcome for the quarter was due to timing differences associated with the issue of land tax assessment and apparent expense growth of 11.2 per cent. I say “apparent” because the level of expense growth has been boosted by underspending in 2005-06. That has two effects: it lowers the base on which expense growth is calculated and, to the extent that money is carried over and spent in this financial year, it has the second effect of increasing the apparent level of expense growth. Other factors included higher salaries for teachers, which I support; increased hospital staff numbers, which I support; and increased direct patient costs in the health sector, including higher prices for food, drug supplies and medical equipment, which it is necessary to procure. The important point about the surplus is that every single cent of the surplus is used to build infrastructure for the future or to pay off debt. In using the surplus in that way we are able to build much more infrastructure than has been built in the past and we are able to have simultaneously record low debt levels. That is because the government is making decisions for tomorrow, not just for today; the government is budgeting for tomorrow, not just for today. I will mention the debt reduction strategy, because the Deputy Leader of the Opposition seems to be, at least on the surface but a day before he talks to Noel Crichton-Browne, interested in savings in the public sector. Our debt reduction strategy is saving taxpayers $150 million a year in interest payments. That is money that we can spend in important electorates in this state and on key community services, such as health, education, and law and order. Dr K.D. Hames : There was more debt when we came to power. Mr E.S. RIPPER : Our debt is lower. We have record low debt compared with the coalition government’s debt. The quarterly results will be factored into the midyear review of state finances, which is due to be released by the end of December. That will reveal once again very strong finances in this state, a very strong economy and a bright future.
Mr E.S. RIPPER : The report shows that the government is on track to record its sixth surplus in a row. That should be contrasted with the dark days of the coalition in government, when there were five budget deficits out of eight, the state’s finances were in the red and the state’s economy was going backwards. The coalition carried out privatisations, like the privatisation of Westrail freight, which my colleague the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure has been talking about. That was a dumb privatisation, and the state will unfortunately pay for that in the future. Let us come back to the finances of this government. The operating surplus for the first three months of 2006-07 was $295 million, down from the $518 million recorded for the same period last year. Commonwealth grants were up by $120 million, conveyance duty receipts were up by $199 million and payroll tax receipts were up by $68 million. Mr P.D. Omodei : What about goods and services tax revenue? Mr E.S. RIPPER : I mentioned commonwealth grants. The lower surplus outcome for the quarter was due to timing differences associated with the issue of land tax assessment and apparent expense growth of 11.2 per cent. I say “apparent” because the level of expense growth has been boosted by underspending in 2005-06. That has two effects: it lowers the base on which expense growth is calculated and, to the extent that money is carried over and spent in this financial year, it has the second effect of increasing the apparent level of expense growth. Other factors included higher salaries for teachers, which I support; increased hospital staff numbers, which I support; and increased direct patient costs in the health sector, including higher prices for food, drug supplies and medical equipment, which it is necessary to procure. The important point about the surplus is that every single cent of the surplus is used to build infrastructure for the future or to pay off debt. In using the surplus in that way we are able to build much more infrastructure than has been built in the past and we are able to have simultaneously record low debt levels. That is because the government is making decisions for tomorrow, not just for today; the government is budgeting for tomorrow, not just for today. I will mention the debt reduction strategy, because the Deputy Leader of the Opposition seems to be, at least on the surface but a day before he talks to Noel Crichton-Browne, interested in savings in the public sector. Our debt reduction strategy is saving taxpayers $150 million a year in interest payments. That is money that we can spend in important electorates in this state and on key community services, such as health, education, and law and order. Dr K.D. Hames : There was more debt when we came to power. Mr E.S. RIPPER : Our debt is lower. We have record low debt compared with the coalition government’s debt. The quarterly results will be factored into the midyear review of state finances, which is due to be released by the end of December. That will reveal once again very strong finances in this state, a very strong economy and a bright future.
Mr P.D. Omodei : What about goods and services tax revenue? Mr E.S. RIPPER : I mentioned commonwealth grants. The lower surplus outcome for the quarter was due to timing differences associated with the issue of land tax assessment and apparent expense growth of 11.2 per cent. I say “apparent” because the level of expense growth has been boosted by underspending in 2005-06. That has two effects: it lowers the base on which expense growth is calculated and, to the extent that money is carried over and spent in this financial year, it has the second effect of increasing the apparent level of expense growth. Other factors included higher salaries for teachers, which I support; increased hospital staff numbers, which I support; and increased direct patient costs in the health sector, including higher prices for food, drug supplies and medical equipment, which it is necessary to procure. The important point about the surplus is that every single cent of the surplus is used to build infrastructure for the future or to pay off debt. In using the surplus in that way we are able to build much more infrastructure than has been built in the past and we are able to have simultaneously record low debt levels. That is because the government is making decisions for tomorrow, not just for today; the government is budgeting for tomorrow, not just for today. I will mention the debt reduction strategy, because the Deputy Leader of the Opposition seems to be, at least on the surface but a day before he talks to Noel Crichton-Browne, interested in savings in the public sector. Our debt reduction strategy is saving taxpayers $150 million a year in interest payments. That is money that we can spend in important electorates in this state and on key community services, such as health, education, and law and order. Dr K.D. Hames : There was more debt when we came to power. Mr E.S. RIPPER : Our debt is lower. We have record low debt compared with the coalition government’s debt. The quarterly results will be factored into the midyear review of state finances, which is due to be released by the end of December. That will reveal once again very strong finances in this state, a very strong economy and a bright future.
Mr E.S. RIPPER : I mentioned commonwealth grants. The lower surplus outcome for the quarter was due to timing differences associated with the issue of land tax assessment and apparent expense growth of 11.2 per cent. I say “apparent” because the level of expense growth has been boosted by underspending in 2005-06. That has two effects: it lowers the base on which expense growth is calculated and, to the extent that money is carried over and spent in this financial year, it has the second effect of increasing the apparent level of expense growth. Other factors included higher salaries for teachers, which I support; increased hospital staff numbers, which I support; and increased direct patient costs in the health sector, including higher prices for food, drug supplies and medical equipment, which it is necessary to procure. The important point about the surplus is that every single cent of the surplus is used to build infrastructure for the future or to pay off debt. In using the surplus in that way we are able to build much more infrastructure than has been built in the past and we are able to have simultaneously record low debt levels. That is because the government is making decisions for tomorrow, not just for today; the government is budgeting for tomorrow, not just for today. I will mention the debt reduction strategy, because the Deputy Leader of the Opposition seems to be, at least on the surface but a day before he talks to Noel Crichton-Browne, interested in savings in the public sector. Our debt reduction strategy is saving taxpayers $150 million a year in interest payments. That is money that we can spend in important electorates in this state and on key community services, such as health, education, and law and order. Dr K.D. Hames : There was more debt when we came to power. Mr E.S. RIPPER : Our debt is lower. We have record low debt compared with the coalition government’s debt. The quarterly results will be factored into the midyear review of state finances, which is due to be released by the end of December. That will reveal once again very strong finances in this state, a very strong economy and a bright future.
Dr K.D. Hames : There was more debt when we came to power. Mr E.S. RIPPER : Our debt is lower. We have record low debt compared with the coalition government’s debt. The quarterly results will be factored into the midyear review of state finances, which is due to be released by the end of December. That will reveal once again very strong finances in this state, a very strong economy and a bright future.
Mr E.S. RIPPER : Our debt is lower. We have record low debt compared with the coalition government’s debt. The quarterly results will be factored into the midyear review of state finances, which is due to be released by the end of December. That will reveal once again very strong finances in this state, a very strong economy and a bright future.
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