A question regarding local government rate increases and the government's response to protecting families during tough economic times. The Minister's answer deflects, criticizes the questioner's past record, and highlights local government reforms.

AnsweredQoN 529Legislative Assembly
Asked
26 June 2019
Portfolio
Local Government

QuestionView source ↗

LOCAL GOVERNMENT —
COUNCIL RATE INCREASES
529. Mr A. KRSTICEVIC to the Minister for Local Government:
I have a supplementary question.
Why has the mean-spirited McGowan Labor government failed families in Western Australia
by not protecting them from these local government rate increases during tough
economic times?

AnswerView source ↗

Is it not ironic that we have
someone lecturing us on budgets and how costs should be kept to a minimum when
that person, when he was in government, under the Liberal–National government,
oversaw appalling increases in debt and deficit and skyrocketing costs?
Electricity charges went through the roof. It is very ironic that the member
has asked that question when he was a part of that. The member is an
accountant, for goodness sake. Goodness me; the member is an accountant by
trade. I would not go there for my tax! No! No! He is from the bottom of the
harbour; I am sure it.
The SPEAKER : Minister!
Mr D.A. TEMPLEMAN : The fact
of the matter is that we are reforming local government. We have put through
three pieces of legislation in just over two years, but members opposite did
nothing when they were in power—not a thing. All the former government
did was mumble about some amalgamations, and even that fell over. That fell
over like a big piece of—but anyway. Let us just say this: we are
reforming local government and we are very keen to make sure that we have a robust
local government system because we believe in a strong local government sector.
You do not, you did not and you will not!

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