❓ Opposition questions Premier about cost-of-living increases for seniors, particularly regarding utility tariffs and the adequacy of the cost-of-living rebate. Premier defends government's actions, blaming previous Labor government's financial mismanagement for the need to raise prices.
AnsweredQoN 417Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
SENIORS — COST-OF-LIVING INCREASES
I note that there are seniors in the public gallery today, and I thank them for their attendance. I also note the outrageous fact that their cost of living has increased by nearly $700 during the two years of this Liberal–National government. In their presence, I ask — (1) Will the Premier now apologise for his dismissive comments about being able to survive on a pension? (2) Will the Premier now commit to these people that he will not increase water and electricity tariffs in coming years? (3) Does the Premier honestly consider that the delayed cost-of-living rebate—which is $140.80 for a single Seniors Card holder, $157.22 for a couple with Seniors Cards, or a measly $78.61 if only one member of the couple is a Seniors Card holder—adequately assists seniors, given the Premier’s savage increases to their household bills? Mr C.J. BARNETT
I note that there are seniors in the public gallery today, and I thank them for their attendance. I also note the outrageous fact that their cost of living has increased by nearly $700 during the two years of this Liberal–National government. In their presence, I ask — (1) Will the Premier now apologise for his dismissive comments about being able to survive on a pension? (2) Will the Premier now commit to these people that he will not increase water and electricity tariffs in coming years? (3) Does the Premier honestly consider that the delayed cost-of-living rebate—which is $140.80 for a single Seniors Card holder, $157.22 for a couple with Seniors Cards, or a measly $78.61 if only one member of the couple is a Seniors Card holder—adequately assists seniors, given the Premier’s savage increases to their household bills? Mr C.J. BARNETT
AnswerView source ↗
(1)–(3) I also welcome the group of seniors to the Parliament. As I have said publicly, I very much regret the fact that the state government has increased electricity prices very substantially over two successive years and that we had an effective 12 per cent increase in overall water charges this year. I recognise that that adds to the cost-of-living pressures on seniors and, indeed, on other members of our community. What the Leader of the Opposition neglected to say was that when the Liberal–National government came to power, it inherited Verve Energy facing $1 billion in losses, which the Labor Party tried to conceal by the so-called glide path. Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That was a crash path to cover up the Leader of the Opposition’s personal incompetency when he brought in a series of measures that he publicly stated would lower the price of electricity. Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The report from the Western Australian Office of Energy when the Leader of the Opposition was the responsible minister called for a 57 per cent increase and he tried to conceal it from the public. Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition cannot — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. Leader of the Opposition, you have asked a question and you are getting an answer. It might not be the answer that you want to hear, but your persistent interjecting is not helping in this process. Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition has found a sympathetic ear among seniors and others who are finding it tough — Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Likewise, the member for Midland might interpret the comments that I made to the Leader of the Opposition to apply to her. I formally call the member for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I was saying, the Leader of the Opposition has found a sympathetic ear with people who are struggling to make ends meet. I understand that. However, the Leader of the Opposition does not gain any credibility by trying to rewrite history and absolve himself and the Labor government of their responsibility for the $1 billion debt. In his time as Minister for Energy, the now Leader of the Opposition took a profitable, well-functioning utility, with services of around $250 million a year, and turned it into a $1 billion loss. The result—and I apologise for it—is very large increases in electricity prices. I have given assurances publicly since the time of the budget that, while the community has taken the pain of the significant increase—the government made that decision—there will not be increases anywhere near that scale in subsequent years. We have been honest. It might make us unpopular, but this side of politics is honest. We did not try to conceal the reality from the public of Western Australia. Members opposite can carry on, but there is no substitute for telling the people the truth. We told them the truth and they understand it. Of course it hurts and they find it difficult to make ends meet. This government has tried to help. We introduced a cost-of-living rebate for seniors. The opposition mocks it and makes fun of it. The seniors whom I have talked to appreciate the fact that they can get at least $100 or $150. Opposition members make fun of it. They should talk to some seniors. That actually does make a difference. It makes a difference when seniors in country areas have a $500 fuel card and it also makes a difference when seniors in the metropolitan area have free public transport seven days a week, which is worth from anywhere between $300 and $600 a week. It does not cover everything—I am not suggesting that—but we are providing significant benefits to seniors. It is a pity that the Labor Party did not manage better when it was in government because its mismanagement has left us with the problem. We were honest with the public. We made a difficult and unpopular decision—it is unpopular—but the vast majority of Western Australians understand that. They are not happy about it, but they understand it.
(1) Will the Premier now apologise for his dismissive comments about being able to survive on a pension? (2) Will the Premier now commit to these people that he will not increase water and electricity tariffs in coming years? (3) Does the Premier honestly consider that the delayed cost-of-living rebate—which is $140.80 for a single Seniors Card holder, $157.22 for a couple with Seniors Cards, or a measly $78.61 if only one member of the couple is a Seniors Card holder—adequately assists seniors, given the Premier’s savage increases to their household bills? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(3) I also welcome the group of seniors to the Parliament. As I have said publicly, I very much regret the fact that the state government has increased electricity prices very substantially over two successive years and that we had an effective 12 per cent increase in overall water charges this year. I recognise that that adds to the cost-of-living pressures on seniors and, indeed, on other members of our community. What the Leader of the Opposition neglected to say was that when the Liberal–National government came to power, it inherited Verve Energy facing $1 billion in losses, which the Labor Party tried to conceal by the so-called glide path. Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That was a crash path to cover up the Leader of the Opposition’s personal incompetency when he brought in a series of measures that he publicly stated would lower the price of electricity. Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The report from the Western Australian Office of Energy when the Leader of the Opposition was the responsible minister called for a 57 per cent increase and he tried to conceal it from the public. Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition cannot — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. Leader of the Opposition, you have asked a question and you are getting an answer. It might not be the answer that you want to hear, but your persistent interjecting is not helping in this process. Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition has found a sympathetic ear among seniors and others who are finding it tough — Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Likewise, the member for Midland might interpret the comments that I made to the Leader of the Opposition to apply to her. I formally call the member for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I was saying, the Leader of the Opposition has found a sympathetic ear with people who are struggling to make ends meet. I understand that. However, the Leader of the Opposition does not gain any credibility by trying to rewrite history and absolve himself and the Labor government of their responsibility for the $1 billion debt. In his time as Minister for Energy, the now Leader of the Opposition took a profitable, well-functioning utility, with services of around $250 million a year, and turned it into a $1 billion loss. The result—and I apologise for it—is very large increases in electricity prices. I have given assurances publicly since the time of the budget that, while the community has taken the pain of the significant increase—the government made that decision—there will not be increases anywhere near that scale in subsequent years. We have been honest. It might make us unpopular, but this side of politics is honest. We did not try to conceal the reality from the public of Western Australia. Members opposite can carry on, but there is no substitute for telling the people the truth. We told them the truth and they understand it. Of course it hurts and they find it difficult to make ends meet. This government has tried to help. We introduced a cost-of-living rebate for seniors. The opposition mocks it and makes fun of it. The seniors whom I have talked to appreciate the fact that they can get at least $100 or $150. Opposition members make fun of it. They should talk to some seniors. That actually does make a difference. It makes a difference when seniors in country areas have a $500 fuel card and it also makes a difference when seniors in the metropolitan area have free public transport seven days a week, which is worth from anywhere between $300 and $600 a week. It does not cover everything—I am not suggesting that—but we are providing significant benefits to seniors. It is a pity that the Labor Party did not manage better when it was in government because its mismanagement has left us with the problem. We were honest with the public. We made a difficult and unpopular decision—it is unpopular—but the vast majority of Western Australians understand that. They are not happy about it, but they understand it.
(2) Will the Premier now commit to these people that he will not increase water and electricity tariffs in coming years? (3) Does the Premier honestly consider that the delayed cost-of-living rebate—which is $140.80 for a single Seniors Card holder, $157.22 for a couple with Seniors Cards, or a measly $78.61 if only one member of the couple is a Seniors Card holder—adequately assists seniors, given the Premier’s savage increases to their household bills? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(3) I also welcome the group of seniors to the Parliament. As I have said publicly, I very much regret the fact that the state government has increased electricity prices very substantially over two successive years and that we had an effective 12 per cent increase in overall water charges this year. I recognise that that adds to the cost-of-living pressures on seniors and, indeed, on other members of our community. What the Leader of the Opposition neglected to say was that when the Liberal–National government came to power, it inherited Verve Energy facing $1 billion in losses, which the Labor Party tried to conceal by the so-called glide path. Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That was a crash path to cover up the Leader of the Opposition’s personal incompetency when he brought in a series of measures that he publicly stated would lower the price of electricity. Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The report from the Western Australian Office of Energy when the Leader of the Opposition was the responsible minister called for a 57 per cent increase and he tried to conceal it from the public. Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition cannot — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. Leader of the Opposition, you have asked a question and you are getting an answer. It might not be the answer that you want to hear, but your persistent interjecting is not helping in this process. Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition has found a sympathetic ear among seniors and others who are finding it tough — Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Likewise, the member for Midland might interpret the comments that I made to the Leader of the Opposition to apply to her. I formally call the member for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I was saying, the Leader of the Opposition has found a sympathetic ear with people who are struggling to make ends meet. I understand that. However, the Leader of the Opposition does not gain any credibility by trying to rewrite history and absolve himself and the Labor government of their responsibility for the $1 billion debt. In his time as Minister for Energy, the now Leader of the Opposition took a profitable, well-functioning utility, with services of around $250 million a year, and turned it into a $1 billion loss. The result—and I apologise for it—is very large increases in electricity prices. I have given assurances publicly since the time of the budget that, while the community has taken the pain of the significant increase—the government made that decision—there will not be increases anywhere near that scale in subsequent years. We have been honest. It might make us unpopular, but this side of politics is honest. We did not try to conceal the reality from the public of Western Australia. Members opposite can carry on, but there is no substitute for telling the people the truth. We told them the truth and they understand it. Of course it hurts and they find it difficult to make ends meet. This government has tried to help. We introduced a cost-of-living rebate for seniors. The opposition mocks it and makes fun of it. The seniors whom I have talked to appreciate the fact that they can get at least $100 or $150. Opposition members make fun of it. They should talk to some seniors. That actually does make a difference. It makes a difference when seniors in country areas have a $500 fuel card and it also makes a difference when seniors in the metropolitan area have free public transport seven days a week, which is worth from anywhere between $300 and $600 a week. It does not cover everything—I am not suggesting that—but we are providing significant benefits to seniors. It is a pity that the Labor Party did not manage better when it was in government because its mismanagement has left us with the problem. We were honest with the public. We made a difficult and unpopular decision—it is unpopular—but the vast majority of Western Australians understand that. They are not happy about it, but they understand it.
(3) Does the Premier honestly consider that the delayed cost-of-living rebate—which is $140.80 for a single Seniors Card holder, $157.22 for a couple with Seniors Cards, or a measly $78.61 if only one member of the couple is a Seniors Card holder—adequately assists seniors, given the Premier’s savage increases to their household bills? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(3) I also welcome the group of seniors to the Parliament. As I have said publicly, I very much regret the fact that the state government has increased electricity prices very substantially over two successive years and that we had an effective 12 per cent increase in overall water charges this year. I recognise that that adds to the cost-of-living pressures on seniors and, indeed, on other members of our community. What the Leader of the Opposition neglected to say was that when the Liberal–National government came to power, it inherited Verve Energy facing $1 billion in losses, which the Labor Party tried to conceal by the so-called glide path. Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That was a crash path to cover up the Leader of the Opposition’s personal incompetency when he brought in a series of measures that he publicly stated would lower the price of electricity. Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The report from the Western Australian Office of Energy when the Leader of the Opposition was the responsible minister called for a 57 per cent increase and he tried to conceal it from the public. Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition cannot — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. Leader of the Opposition, you have asked a question and you are getting an answer. It might not be the answer that you want to hear, but your persistent interjecting is not helping in this process. Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition has found a sympathetic ear among seniors and others who are finding it tough — Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Likewise, the member for Midland might interpret the comments that I made to the Leader of the Opposition to apply to her. I formally call the member for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I was saying, the Leader of the Opposition has found a sympathetic ear with people who are struggling to make ends meet. I understand that. However, the Leader of the Opposition does not gain any credibility by trying to rewrite history and absolve himself and the Labor government of their responsibility for the $1 billion debt. In his time as Minister for Energy, the now Leader of the Opposition took a profitable, well-functioning utility, with services of around $250 million a year, and turned it into a $1 billion loss. The result—and I apologise for it—is very large increases in electricity prices. I have given assurances publicly since the time of the budget that, while the community has taken the pain of the significant increase—the government made that decision—there will not be increases anywhere near that scale in subsequent years. We have been honest. It might make us unpopular, but this side of politics is honest. We did not try to conceal the reality from the public of Western Australia. Members opposite can carry on, but there is no substitute for telling the people the truth. We told them the truth and they understand it. Of course it hurts and they find it difficult to make ends meet. This government has tried to help. We introduced a cost-of-living rebate for seniors. The opposition mocks it and makes fun of it. The seniors whom I have talked to appreciate the fact that they can get at least $100 or $150. Opposition members make fun of it. They should talk to some seniors. That actually does make a difference. It makes a difference when seniors in country areas have a $500 fuel card and it also makes a difference when seniors in the metropolitan area have free public transport seven days a week, which is worth from anywhere between $300 and $600 a week. It does not cover everything—I am not suggesting that—but we are providing significant benefits to seniors. It is a pity that the Labor Party did not manage better when it was in government because its mismanagement has left us with the problem. We were honest with the public. We made a difficult and unpopular decision—it is unpopular—but the vast majority of Western Australians understand that. They are not happy about it, but they understand it.
Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(3) I also welcome the group of seniors to the Parliament. As I have said publicly, I very much regret the fact that the state government has increased electricity prices very substantially over two successive years and that we had an effective 12 per cent increase in overall water charges this year. I recognise that that adds to the cost-of-living pressures on seniors and, indeed, on other members of our community. What the Leader of the Opposition neglected to say was that when the Liberal–National government came to power, it inherited Verve Energy facing $1 billion in losses, which the Labor Party tried to conceal by the so-called glide path. Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That was a crash path to cover up the Leader of the Opposition’s personal incompetency when he brought in a series of measures that he publicly stated would lower the price of electricity. Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The report from the Western Australian Office of Energy when the Leader of the Opposition was the responsible minister called for a 57 per cent increase and he tried to conceal it from the public. Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition cannot — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. Leader of the Opposition, you have asked a question and you are getting an answer. It might not be the answer that you want to hear, but your persistent interjecting is not helping in this process. Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition has found a sympathetic ear among seniors and others who are finding it tough — Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Likewise, the member for Midland might interpret the comments that I made to the Leader of the Opposition to apply to her. I formally call the member for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I was saying, the Leader of the Opposition has found a sympathetic ear with people who are struggling to make ends meet. I understand that. However, the Leader of the Opposition does not gain any credibility by trying to rewrite history and absolve himself and the Labor government of their responsibility for the $1 billion debt. In his time as Minister for Energy, the now Leader of the Opposition took a profitable, well-functioning utility, with services of around $250 million a year, and turned it into a $1 billion loss. The result—and I apologise for it—is very large increases in electricity prices. I have given assurances publicly since the time of the budget that, while the community has taken the pain of the significant increase—the government made that decision—there will not be increases anywhere near that scale in subsequent years. We have been honest. It might make us unpopular, but this side of politics is honest. We did not try to conceal the reality from the public of Western Australia. Members opposite can carry on, but there is no substitute for telling the people the truth. We told them the truth and they understand it. Of course it hurts and they find it difficult to make ends meet. This government has tried to help. We introduced a cost-of-living rebate for seniors. The opposition mocks it and makes fun of it. The seniors whom I have talked to appreciate the fact that they can get at least $100 or $150. Opposition members make fun of it. They should talk to some seniors. That actually does make a difference. It makes a difference when seniors in country areas have a $500 fuel card and it also makes a difference when seniors in the metropolitan area have free public transport seven days a week, which is worth from anywhere between $300 and $600 a week. It does not cover everything—I am not suggesting that—but we are providing significant benefits to seniors. It is a pity that the Labor Party did not manage better when it was in government because its mismanagement has left us with the problem. We were honest with the public. We made a difficult and unpopular decision—it is unpopular—but the vast majority of Western Australians understand that. They are not happy about it, but they understand it.
(1)–(3) I also welcome the group of seniors to the Parliament. As I have said publicly, I very much regret the fact that the state government has increased electricity prices very substantially over two successive years and that we had an effective 12 per cent increase in overall water charges this year. I recognise that that adds to the cost-of-living pressures on seniors and, indeed, on other members of our community. What the Leader of the Opposition neglected to say was that when the Liberal–National government came to power, it inherited Verve Energy facing $1 billion in losses, which the Labor Party tried to conceal by the so-called glide path. Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That was a crash path to cover up the Leader of the Opposition’s personal incompetency when he brought in a series of measures that he publicly stated would lower the price of electricity. Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The report from the Western Australian Office of Energy when the Leader of the Opposition was the responsible minister called for a 57 per cent increase and he tried to conceal it from the public. Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition cannot — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. Leader of the Opposition, you have asked a question and you are getting an answer. It might not be the answer that you want to hear, but your persistent interjecting is not helping in this process. Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition has found a sympathetic ear among seniors and others who are finding it tough — Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Likewise, the member for Midland might interpret the comments that I made to the Leader of the Opposition to apply to her. I formally call the member for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I was saying, the Leader of the Opposition has found a sympathetic ear with people who are struggling to make ends meet. I understand that. However, the Leader of the Opposition does not gain any credibility by trying to rewrite history and absolve himself and the Labor government of their responsibility for the $1 billion debt. In his time as Minister for Energy, the now Leader of the Opposition took a profitable, well-functioning utility, with services of around $250 million a year, and turned it into a $1 billion loss. The result—and I apologise for it—is very large increases in electricity prices. I have given assurances publicly since the time of the budget that, while the community has taken the pain of the significant increase—the government made that decision—there will not be increases anywhere near that scale in subsequent years. We have been honest. It might make us unpopular, but this side of politics is honest. We did not try to conceal the reality from the public of Western Australia. Members opposite can carry on, but there is no substitute for telling the people the truth. We told them the truth and they understand it. Of course it hurts and they find it difficult to make ends meet. This government has tried to help. We introduced a cost-of-living rebate for seniors. The opposition mocks it and makes fun of it. The seniors whom I have talked to appreciate the fact that they can get at least $100 or $150. Opposition members make fun of it. They should talk to some seniors. That actually does make a difference. It makes a difference when seniors in country areas have a $500 fuel card and it also makes a difference when seniors in the metropolitan area have free public transport seven days a week, which is worth from anywhere between $300 and $600 a week. It does not cover everything—I am not suggesting that—but we are providing significant benefits to seniors. It is a pity that the Labor Party did not manage better when it was in government because its mismanagement has left us with the problem. We were honest with the public. We made a difficult and unpopular decision—it is unpopular—but the vast majority of Western Australians understand that. They are not happy about it, but they understand it.
Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That was a crash path to cover up the Leader of the Opposition’s personal incompetency when he brought in a series of measures that he publicly stated would lower the price of electricity. Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The report from the Western Australian Office of Energy when the Leader of the Opposition was the responsible minister called for a 57 per cent increase and he tried to conceal it from the public. Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition cannot — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. Leader of the Opposition, you have asked a question and you are getting an answer. It might not be the answer that you want to hear, but your persistent interjecting is not helping in this process. Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition has found a sympathetic ear among seniors and others who are finding it tough — Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Likewise, the member for Midland might interpret the comments that I made to the Leader of the Opposition to apply to her. I formally call the member for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I was saying, the Leader of the Opposition has found a sympathetic ear with people who are struggling to make ends meet. I understand that. However, the Leader of the Opposition does not gain any credibility by trying to rewrite history and absolve himself and the Labor government of their responsibility for the $1 billion debt. In his time as Minister for Energy, the now Leader of the Opposition took a profitable, well-functioning utility, with services of around $250 million a year, and turned it into a $1 billion loss. The result—and I apologise for it—is very large increases in electricity prices. I have given assurances publicly since the time of the budget that, while the community has taken the pain of the significant increase—the government made that decision—there will not be increases anywhere near that scale in subsequent years. We have been honest. It might make us unpopular, but this side of politics is honest. We did not try to conceal the reality from the public of Western Australia. Members opposite can carry on, but there is no substitute for telling the people the truth. We told them the truth and they understand it. Of course it hurts and they find it difficult to make ends meet. This government has tried to help. We introduced a cost-of-living rebate for seniors. The opposition mocks it and makes fun of it. The seniors whom I have talked to appreciate the fact that they can get at least $100 or $150. Opposition members make fun of it. They should talk to some seniors. That actually does make a difference. It makes a difference when seniors in country areas have a $500 fuel card and it also makes a difference when seniors in the metropolitan area have free public transport seven days a week, which is worth from anywhere between $300 and $600 a week. It does not cover everything—I am not suggesting that—but we are providing significant benefits to seniors. It is a pity that the Labor Party did not manage better when it was in government because its mismanagement has left us with the problem. We were honest with the public. We made a difficult and unpopular decision—it is unpopular—but the vast majority of Western Australians understand that. They are not happy about it, but they understand it.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : That was a crash path to cover up the Leader of the Opposition’s personal incompetency when he brought in a series of measures that he publicly stated would lower the price of electricity. Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The report from the Western Australian Office of Energy when the Leader of the Opposition was the responsible minister called for a 57 per cent increase and he tried to conceal it from the public. Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition cannot — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. Leader of the Opposition, you have asked a question and you are getting an answer. It might not be the answer that you want to hear, but your persistent interjecting is not helping in this process. Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition has found a sympathetic ear among seniors and others who are finding it tough — Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Likewise, the member for Midland might interpret the comments that I made to the Leader of the Opposition to apply to her. I formally call the member for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I was saying, the Leader of the Opposition has found a sympathetic ear with people who are struggling to make ends meet. I understand that. However, the Leader of the Opposition does not gain any credibility by trying to rewrite history and absolve himself and the Labor government of their responsibility for the $1 billion debt. In his time as Minister for Energy, the now Leader of the Opposition took a profitable, well-functioning utility, with services of around $250 million a year, and turned it into a $1 billion loss. The result—and I apologise for it—is very large increases in electricity prices. I have given assurances publicly since the time of the budget that, while the community has taken the pain of the significant increase—the government made that decision—there will not be increases anywhere near that scale in subsequent years. We have been honest. It might make us unpopular, but this side of politics is honest. We did not try to conceal the reality from the public of Western Australia. Members opposite can carry on, but there is no substitute for telling the people the truth. We told them the truth and they understand it. Of course it hurts and they find it difficult to make ends meet. This government has tried to help. We introduced a cost-of-living rebate for seniors. The opposition mocks it and makes fun of it. The seniors whom I have talked to appreciate the fact that they can get at least $100 or $150. Opposition members make fun of it. They should talk to some seniors. That actually does make a difference. It makes a difference when seniors in country areas have a $500 fuel card and it also makes a difference when seniors in the metropolitan area have free public transport seven days a week, which is worth from anywhere between $300 and $600 a week. It does not cover everything—I am not suggesting that—but we are providing significant benefits to seniors. It is a pity that the Labor Party did not manage better when it was in government because its mismanagement has left us with the problem. We were honest with the public. We made a difficult and unpopular decision—it is unpopular—but the vast majority of Western Australians understand that. They are not happy about it, but they understand it.
Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The report from the Western Australian Office of Energy when the Leader of the Opposition was the responsible minister called for a 57 per cent increase and he tried to conceal it from the public. Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition cannot — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. Leader of the Opposition, you have asked a question and you are getting an answer. It might not be the answer that you want to hear, but your persistent interjecting is not helping in this process. Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition has found a sympathetic ear among seniors and others who are finding it tough — Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Likewise, the member for Midland might interpret the comments that I made to the Leader of the Opposition to apply to her. I formally call the member for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I was saying, the Leader of the Opposition has found a sympathetic ear with people who are struggling to make ends meet. I understand that. However, the Leader of the Opposition does not gain any credibility by trying to rewrite history and absolve himself and the Labor government of their responsibility for the $1 billion debt. In his time as Minister for Energy, the now Leader of the Opposition took a profitable, well-functioning utility, with services of around $250 million a year, and turned it into a $1 billion loss. The result—and I apologise for it—is very large increases in electricity prices. I have given assurances publicly since the time of the budget that, while the community has taken the pain of the significant increase—the government made that decision—there will not be increases anywhere near that scale in subsequent years. We have been honest. It might make us unpopular, but this side of politics is honest. We did not try to conceal the reality from the public of Western Australia. Members opposite can carry on, but there is no substitute for telling the people the truth. We told them the truth and they understand it. Of course it hurts and they find it difficult to make ends meet. This government has tried to help. We introduced a cost-of-living rebate for seniors. The opposition mocks it and makes fun of it. The seniors whom I have talked to appreciate the fact that they can get at least $100 or $150. Opposition members make fun of it. They should talk to some seniors. That actually does make a difference. It makes a difference when seniors in country areas have a $500 fuel card and it also makes a difference when seniors in the metropolitan area have free public transport seven days a week, which is worth from anywhere between $300 and $600 a week. It does not cover everything—I am not suggesting that—but we are providing significant benefits to seniors. It is a pity that the Labor Party did not manage better when it was in government because its mismanagement has left us with the problem. We were honest with the public. We made a difficult and unpopular decision—it is unpopular—but the vast majority of Western Australians understand that. They are not happy about it, but they understand it.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : The report from the Western Australian Office of Energy when the Leader of the Opposition was the responsible minister called for a 57 per cent increase and he tried to conceal it from the public. Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition cannot — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. Leader of the Opposition, you have asked a question and you are getting an answer. It might not be the answer that you want to hear, but your persistent interjecting is not helping in this process. Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition has found a sympathetic ear among seniors and others who are finding it tough — Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Likewise, the member for Midland might interpret the comments that I made to the Leader of the Opposition to apply to her. I formally call the member for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I was saying, the Leader of the Opposition has found a sympathetic ear with people who are struggling to make ends meet. I understand that. However, the Leader of the Opposition does not gain any credibility by trying to rewrite history and absolve himself and the Labor government of their responsibility for the $1 billion debt. In his time as Minister for Energy, the now Leader of the Opposition took a profitable, well-functioning utility, with services of around $250 million a year, and turned it into a $1 billion loss. The result—and I apologise for it—is very large increases in electricity prices. I have given assurances publicly since the time of the budget that, while the community has taken the pain of the significant increase—the government made that decision—there will not be increases anywhere near that scale in subsequent years. We have been honest. It might make us unpopular, but this side of politics is honest. We did not try to conceal the reality from the public of Western Australia. Members opposite can carry on, but there is no substitute for telling the people the truth. We told them the truth and they understand it. Of course it hurts and they find it difficult to make ends meet. This government has tried to help. We introduced a cost-of-living rebate for seniors. The opposition mocks it and makes fun of it. The seniors whom I have talked to appreciate the fact that they can get at least $100 or $150. Opposition members make fun of it. They should talk to some seniors. That actually does make a difference. It makes a difference when seniors in country areas have a $500 fuel card and it also makes a difference when seniors in the metropolitan area have free public transport seven days a week, which is worth from anywhere between $300 and $600 a week. It does not cover everything—I am not suggesting that—but we are providing significant benefits to seniors. It is a pity that the Labor Party did not manage better when it was in government because its mismanagement has left us with the problem. We were honest with the public. We made a difficult and unpopular decision—it is unpopular—but the vast majority of Western Australians understand that. They are not happy about it, but they understand it.
Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition cannot — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. Leader of the Opposition, you have asked a question and you are getting an answer. It might not be the answer that you want to hear, but your persistent interjecting is not helping in this process. Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition has found a sympathetic ear among seniors and others who are finding it tough — Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Likewise, the member for Midland might interpret the comments that I made to the Leader of the Opposition to apply to her. I formally call the member for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I was saying, the Leader of the Opposition has found a sympathetic ear with people who are struggling to make ends meet. I understand that. However, the Leader of the Opposition does not gain any credibility by trying to rewrite history and absolve himself and the Labor government of their responsibility for the $1 billion debt. In his time as Minister for Energy, the now Leader of the Opposition took a profitable, well-functioning utility, with services of around $250 million a year, and turned it into a $1 billion loss. The result—and I apologise for it—is very large increases in electricity prices. I have given assurances publicly since the time of the budget that, while the community has taken the pain of the significant increase—the government made that decision—there will not be increases anywhere near that scale in subsequent years. We have been honest. It might make us unpopular, but this side of politics is honest. We did not try to conceal the reality from the public of Western Australia. Members opposite can carry on, but there is no substitute for telling the people the truth. We told them the truth and they understand it. Of course it hurts and they find it difficult to make ends meet. This government has tried to help. We introduced a cost-of-living rebate for seniors. The opposition mocks it and makes fun of it. The seniors whom I have talked to appreciate the fact that they can get at least $100 or $150. Opposition members make fun of it. They should talk to some seniors. That actually does make a difference. It makes a difference when seniors in country areas have a $500 fuel card and it also makes a difference when seniors in the metropolitan area have free public transport seven days a week, which is worth from anywhere between $300 and $600 a week. It does not cover everything—I am not suggesting that—but we are providing significant benefits to seniors. It is a pity that the Labor Party did not manage better when it was in government because its mismanagement has left us with the problem. We were honest with the public. We made a difficult and unpopular decision—it is unpopular—but the vast majority of Western Australians understand that. They are not happy about it, but they understand it.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition cannot — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. Leader of the Opposition, you have asked a question and you are getting an answer. It might not be the answer that you want to hear, but your persistent interjecting is not helping in this process. Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition has found a sympathetic ear among seniors and others who are finding it tough — Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Likewise, the member for Midland might interpret the comments that I made to the Leader of the Opposition to apply to her. I formally call the member for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I was saying, the Leader of the Opposition has found a sympathetic ear with people who are struggling to make ends meet. I understand that. However, the Leader of the Opposition does not gain any credibility by trying to rewrite history and absolve himself and the Labor government of their responsibility for the $1 billion debt. In his time as Minister for Energy, the now Leader of the Opposition took a profitable, well-functioning utility, with services of around $250 million a year, and turned it into a $1 billion loss. The result—and I apologise for it—is very large increases in electricity prices. I have given assurances publicly since the time of the budget that, while the community has taken the pain of the significant increase—the government made that decision—there will not be increases anywhere near that scale in subsequent years. We have been honest. It might make us unpopular, but this side of politics is honest. We did not try to conceal the reality from the public of Western Australia. Members opposite can carry on, but there is no substitute for telling the people the truth. We told them the truth and they understand it. Of course it hurts and they find it difficult to make ends meet. This government has tried to help. We introduced a cost-of-living rebate for seniors. The opposition mocks it and makes fun of it. The seniors whom I have talked to appreciate the fact that they can get at least $100 or $150. Opposition members make fun of it. They should talk to some seniors. That actually does make a difference. It makes a difference when seniors in country areas have a $500 fuel card and it also makes a difference when seniors in the metropolitan area have free public transport seven days a week, which is worth from anywhere between $300 and $600 a week. It does not cover everything—I am not suggesting that—but we are providing significant benefits to seniors. It is a pity that the Labor Party did not manage better when it was in government because its mismanagement has left us with the problem. We were honest with the public. We made a difficult and unpopular decision—it is unpopular—but the vast majority of Western Australians understand that. They are not happy about it, but they understand it.
The SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. Leader of the Opposition, you have asked a question and you are getting an answer. It might not be the answer that you want to hear, but your persistent interjecting is not helping in this process. Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition has found a sympathetic ear among seniors and others who are finding it tough — Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Likewise, the member for Midland might interpret the comments that I made to the Leader of the Opposition to apply to her. I formally call the member for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I was saying, the Leader of the Opposition has found a sympathetic ear with people who are struggling to make ends meet. I understand that. However, the Leader of the Opposition does not gain any credibility by trying to rewrite history and absolve himself and the Labor government of their responsibility for the $1 billion debt. In his time as Minister for Energy, the now Leader of the Opposition took a profitable, well-functioning utility, with services of around $250 million a year, and turned it into a $1 billion loss. The result—and I apologise for it—is very large increases in electricity prices. I have given assurances publicly since the time of the budget that, while the community has taken the pain of the significant increase—the government made that decision—there will not be increases anywhere near that scale in subsequent years. We have been honest. It might make us unpopular, but this side of politics is honest. We did not try to conceal the reality from the public of Western Australia. Members opposite can carry on, but there is no substitute for telling the people the truth. We told them the truth and they understand it. Of course it hurts and they find it difficult to make ends meet. This government has tried to help. We introduced a cost-of-living rebate for seniors. The opposition mocks it and makes fun of it. The seniors whom I have talked to appreciate the fact that they can get at least $100 or $150. Opposition members make fun of it. They should talk to some seniors. That actually does make a difference. It makes a difference when seniors in country areas have a $500 fuel card and it also makes a difference when seniors in the metropolitan area have free public transport seven days a week, which is worth from anywhere between $300 and $600 a week. It does not cover everything—I am not suggesting that—but we are providing significant benefits to seniors. It is a pity that the Labor Party did not manage better when it was in government because its mismanagement has left us with the problem. We were honest with the public. We made a difficult and unpopular decision—it is unpopular—but the vast majority of Western Australians understand that. They are not happy about it, but they understand it.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition has found a sympathetic ear among seniors and others who are finding it tough — Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Likewise, the member for Midland might interpret the comments that I made to the Leader of the Opposition to apply to her. I formally call the member for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I was saying, the Leader of the Opposition has found a sympathetic ear with people who are struggling to make ends meet. I understand that. However, the Leader of the Opposition does not gain any credibility by trying to rewrite history and absolve himself and the Labor government of their responsibility for the $1 billion debt. In his time as Minister for Energy, the now Leader of the Opposition took a profitable, well-functioning utility, with services of around $250 million a year, and turned it into a $1 billion loss. The result—and I apologise for it—is very large increases in electricity prices. I have given assurances publicly since the time of the budget that, while the community has taken the pain of the significant increase—the government made that decision—there will not be increases anywhere near that scale in subsequent years. We have been honest. It might make us unpopular, but this side of politics is honest. We did not try to conceal the reality from the public of Western Australia. Members opposite can carry on, but there is no substitute for telling the people the truth. We told them the truth and they understand it. Of course it hurts and they find it difficult to make ends meet. This government has tried to help. We introduced a cost-of-living rebate for seniors. The opposition mocks it and makes fun of it. The seniors whom I have talked to appreciate the fact that they can get at least $100 or $150. Opposition members make fun of it. They should talk to some seniors. That actually does make a difference. It makes a difference when seniors in country areas have a $500 fuel card and it also makes a difference when seniors in the metropolitan area have free public transport seven days a week, which is worth from anywhere between $300 and $600 a week. It does not cover everything—I am not suggesting that—but we are providing significant benefits to seniors. It is a pity that the Labor Party did not manage better when it was in government because its mismanagement has left us with the problem. We were honest with the public. We made a difficult and unpopular decision—it is unpopular—but the vast majority of Western Australians understand that. They are not happy about it, but they understand it.
Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Likewise, the member for Midland might interpret the comments that I made to the Leader of the Opposition to apply to her. I formally call the member for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I was saying, the Leader of the Opposition has found a sympathetic ear with people who are struggling to make ends meet. I understand that. However, the Leader of the Opposition does not gain any credibility by trying to rewrite history and absolve himself and the Labor government of their responsibility for the $1 billion debt. In his time as Minister for Energy, the now Leader of the Opposition took a profitable, well-functioning utility, with services of around $250 million a year, and turned it into a $1 billion loss. The result—and I apologise for it—is very large increases in electricity prices. I have given assurances publicly since the time of the budget that, while the community has taken the pain of the significant increase—the government made that decision—there will not be increases anywhere near that scale in subsequent years. We have been honest. It might make us unpopular, but this side of politics is honest. We did not try to conceal the reality from the public of Western Australia. Members opposite can carry on, but there is no substitute for telling the people the truth. We told them the truth and they understand it. Of course it hurts and they find it difficult to make ends meet. This government has tried to help. We introduced a cost-of-living rebate for seniors. The opposition mocks it and makes fun of it. The seniors whom I have talked to appreciate the fact that they can get at least $100 or $150. Opposition members make fun of it. They should talk to some seniors. That actually does make a difference. It makes a difference when seniors in country areas have a $500 fuel card and it also makes a difference when seniors in the metropolitan area have free public transport seven days a week, which is worth from anywhere between $300 and $600 a week. It does not cover everything—I am not suggesting that—but we are providing significant benefits to seniors. It is a pity that the Labor Party did not manage better when it was in government because its mismanagement has left us with the problem. We were honest with the public. We made a difficult and unpopular decision—it is unpopular—but the vast majority of Western Australians understand that. They are not happy about it, but they understand it.
The SPEAKER : Likewise, the member for Midland might interpret the comments that I made to the Leader of the Opposition to apply to her. I formally call the member for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I was saying, the Leader of the Opposition has found a sympathetic ear with people who are struggling to make ends meet. I understand that. However, the Leader of the Opposition does not gain any credibility by trying to rewrite history and absolve himself and the Labor government of their responsibility for the $1 billion debt. In his time as Minister for Energy, the now Leader of the Opposition took a profitable, well-functioning utility, with services of around $250 million a year, and turned it into a $1 billion loss. The result—and I apologise for it—is very large increases in electricity prices. I have given assurances publicly since the time of the budget that, while the community has taken the pain of the significant increase—the government made that decision—there will not be increases anywhere near that scale in subsequent years. We have been honest. It might make us unpopular, but this side of politics is honest. We did not try to conceal the reality from the public of Western Australia. Members opposite can carry on, but there is no substitute for telling the people the truth. We told them the truth and they understand it. Of course it hurts and they find it difficult to make ends meet. This government has tried to help. We introduced a cost-of-living rebate for seniors. The opposition mocks it and makes fun of it. The seniors whom I have talked to appreciate the fact that they can get at least $100 or $150. Opposition members make fun of it. They should talk to some seniors. That actually does make a difference. It makes a difference when seniors in country areas have a $500 fuel card and it also makes a difference when seniors in the metropolitan area have free public transport seven days a week, which is worth from anywhere between $300 and $600 a week. It does not cover everything—I am not suggesting that—but we are providing significant benefits to seniors. It is a pity that the Labor Party did not manage better when it was in government because its mismanagement has left us with the problem. We were honest with the public. We made a difficult and unpopular decision—it is unpopular—but the vast majority of Western Australians understand that. They are not happy about it, but they understand it.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I was saying, the Leader of the Opposition has found a sympathetic ear with people who are struggling to make ends meet. I understand that. However, the Leader of the Opposition does not gain any credibility by trying to rewrite history and absolve himself and the Labor government of their responsibility for the $1 billion debt. In his time as Minister for Energy, the now Leader of the Opposition took a profitable, well-functioning utility, with services of around $250 million a year, and turned it into a $1 billion loss. The result—and I apologise for it—is very large increases in electricity prices. I have given assurances publicly since the time of the budget that, while the community has taken the pain of the significant increase—the government made that decision—there will not be increases anywhere near that scale in subsequent years. We have been honest. It might make us unpopular, but this side of politics is honest. We did not try to conceal the reality from the public of Western Australia. Members opposite can carry on, but there is no substitute for telling the people the truth. We told them the truth and they understand it. Of course it hurts and they find it difficult to make ends meet. This government has tried to help. We introduced a cost-of-living rebate for seniors. The opposition mocks it and makes fun of it. The seniors whom I have talked to appreciate the fact that they can get at least $100 or $150. Opposition members make fun of it. They should talk to some seniors. That actually does make a difference. It makes a difference when seniors in country areas have a $500 fuel card and it also makes a difference when seniors in the metropolitan area have free public transport seven days a week, which is worth from anywhere between $300 and $600 a week. It does not cover everything—I am not suggesting that—but we are providing significant benefits to seniors. It is a pity that the Labor Party did not manage better when it was in government because its mismanagement has left us with the problem. We were honest with the public. We made a difficult and unpopular decision—it is unpopular—but the vast majority of Western Australians understand that. They are not happy about it, but they understand it.
(1) Will the Premier now apologise for his dismissive comments about being able to survive on a pension? (2) Will the Premier now commit to these people that he will not increase water and electricity tariffs in coming years? (3) Does the Premier honestly consider that the delayed cost-of-living rebate—which is $140.80 for a single Seniors Card holder, $157.22 for a couple with Seniors Cards, or a measly $78.61 if only one member of the couple is a Seniors Card holder—adequately assists seniors, given the Premier’s savage increases to their household bills? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(3) I also welcome the group of seniors to the Parliament. As I have said publicly, I very much regret the fact that the state government has increased electricity prices very substantially over two successive years and that we had an effective 12 per cent increase in overall water charges this year. I recognise that that adds to the cost-of-living pressures on seniors and, indeed, on other members of our community. What the Leader of the Opposition neglected to say was that when the Liberal–National government came to power, it inherited Verve Energy facing $1 billion in losses, which the Labor Party tried to conceal by the so-called glide path. Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That was a crash path to cover up the Leader of the Opposition’s personal incompetency when he brought in a series of measures that he publicly stated would lower the price of electricity. Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The report from the Western Australian Office of Energy when the Leader of the Opposition was the responsible minister called for a 57 per cent increase and he tried to conceal it from the public. Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition cannot — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. Leader of the Opposition, you have asked a question and you are getting an answer. It might not be the answer that you want to hear, but your persistent interjecting is not helping in this process. Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition has found a sympathetic ear among seniors and others who are finding it tough — Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Likewise, the member for Midland might interpret the comments that I made to the Leader of the Opposition to apply to her. I formally call the member for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I was saying, the Leader of the Opposition has found a sympathetic ear with people who are struggling to make ends meet. I understand that. However, the Leader of the Opposition does not gain any credibility by trying to rewrite history and absolve himself and the Labor government of their responsibility for the $1 billion debt. In his time as Minister for Energy, the now Leader of the Opposition took a profitable, well-functioning utility, with services of around $250 million a year, and turned it into a $1 billion loss. The result—and I apologise for it—is very large increases in electricity prices. I have given assurances publicly since the time of the budget that, while the community has taken the pain of the significant increase—the government made that decision—there will not be increases anywhere near that scale in subsequent years. We have been honest. It might make us unpopular, but this side of politics is honest. We did not try to conceal the reality from the public of Western Australia. Members opposite can carry on, but there is no substitute for telling the people the truth. We told them the truth and they understand it. Of course it hurts and they find it difficult to make ends meet. This government has tried to help. We introduced a cost-of-living rebate for seniors. The opposition mocks it and makes fun of it. The seniors whom I have talked to appreciate the fact that they can get at least $100 or $150. Opposition members make fun of it. They should talk to some seniors. That actually does make a difference. It makes a difference when seniors in country areas have a $500 fuel card and it also makes a difference when seniors in the metropolitan area have free public transport seven days a week, which is worth from anywhere between $300 and $600 a week. It does not cover everything—I am not suggesting that—but we are providing significant benefits to seniors. It is a pity that the Labor Party did not manage better when it was in government because its mismanagement has left us with the problem. We were honest with the public. We made a difficult and unpopular decision—it is unpopular—but the vast majority of Western Australians understand that. They are not happy about it, but they understand it.
(2) Will the Premier now commit to these people that he will not increase water and electricity tariffs in coming years? (3) Does the Premier honestly consider that the delayed cost-of-living rebate—which is $140.80 for a single Seniors Card holder, $157.22 for a couple with Seniors Cards, or a measly $78.61 if only one member of the couple is a Seniors Card holder—adequately assists seniors, given the Premier’s savage increases to their household bills? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(3) I also welcome the group of seniors to the Parliament. As I have said publicly, I very much regret the fact that the state government has increased electricity prices very substantially over two successive years and that we had an effective 12 per cent increase in overall water charges this year. I recognise that that adds to the cost-of-living pressures on seniors and, indeed, on other members of our community. What the Leader of the Opposition neglected to say was that when the Liberal–National government came to power, it inherited Verve Energy facing $1 billion in losses, which the Labor Party tried to conceal by the so-called glide path. Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That was a crash path to cover up the Leader of the Opposition’s personal incompetency when he brought in a series of measures that he publicly stated would lower the price of electricity. Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The report from the Western Australian Office of Energy when the Leader of the Opposition was the responsible minister called for a 57 per cent increase and he tried to conceal it from the public. Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition cannot — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. Leader of the Opposition, you have asked a question and you are getting an answer. It might not be the answer that you want to hear, but your persistent interjecting is not helping in this process. Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition has found a sympathetic ear among seniors and others who are finding it tough — Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Likewise, the member for Midland might interpret the comments that I made to the Leader of the Opposition to apply to her. I formally call the member for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I was saying, the Leader of the Opposition has found a sympathetic ear with people who are struggling to make ends meet. I understand that. However, the Leader of the Opposition does not gain any credibility by trying to rewrite history and absolve himself and the Labor government of their responsibility for the $1 billion debt. In his time as Minister for Energy, the now Leader of the Opposition took a profitable, well-functioning utility, with services of around $250 million a year, and turned it into a $1 billion loss. The result—and I apologise for it—is very large increases in electricity prices. I have given assurances publicly since the time of the budget that, while the community has taken the pain of the significant increase—the government made that decision—there will not be increases anywhere near that scale in subsequent years. We have been honest. It might make us unpopular, but this side of politics is honest. We did not try to conceal the reality from the public of Western Australia. Members opposite can carry on, but there is no substitute for telling the people the truth. We told them the truth and they understand it. Of course it hurts and they find it difficult to make ends meet. This government has tried to help. We introduced a cost-of-living rebate for seniors. The opposition mocks it and makes fun of it. The seniors whom I have talked to appreciate the fact that they can get at least $100 or $150. Opposition members make fun of it. They should talk to some seniors. That actually does make a difference. It makes a difference when seniors in country areas have a $500 fuel card and it also makes a difference when seniors in the metropolitan area have free public transport seven days a week, which is worth from anywhere between $300 and $600 a week. It does not cover everything—I am not suggesting that—but we are providing significant benefits to seniors. It is a pity that the Labor Party did not manage better when it was in government because its mismanagement has left us with the problem. We were honest with the public. We made a difficult and unpopular decision—it is unpopular—but the vast majority of Western Australians understand that. They are not happy about it, but they understand it.
(3) Does the Premier honestly consider that the delayed cost-of-living rebate—which is $140.80 for a single Seniors Card holder, $157.22 for a couple with Seniors Cards, or a measly $78.61 if only one member of the couple is a Seniors Card holder—adequately assists seniors, given the Premier’s savage increases to their household bills? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(3) I also welcome the group of seniors to the Parliament. As I have said publicly, I very much regret the fact that the state government has increased electricity prices very substantially over two successive years and that we had an effective 12 per cent increase in overall water charges this year. I recognise that that adds to the cost-of-living pressures on seniors and, indeed, on other members of our community. What the Leader of the Opposition neglected to say was that when the Liberal–National government came to power, it inherited Verve Energy facing $1 billion in losses, which the Labor Party tried to conceal by the so-called glide path. Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That was a crash path to cover up the Leader of the Opposition’s personal incompetency when he brought in a series of measures that he publicly stated would lower the price of electricity. Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The report from the Western Australian Office of Energy when the Leader of the Opposition was the responsible minister called for a 57 per cent increase and he tried to conceal it from the public. Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition cannot — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. Leader of the Opposition, you have asked a question and you are getting an answer. It might not be the answer that you want to hear, but your persistent interjecting is not helping in this process. Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition has found a sympathetic ear among seniors and others who are finding it tough — Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Likewise, the member for Midland might interpret the comments that I made to the Leader of the Opposition to apply to her. I formally call the member for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I was saying, the Leader of the Opposition has found a sympathetic ear with people who are struggling to make ends meet. I understand that. However, the Leader of the Opposition does not gain any credibility by trying to rewrite history and absolve himself and the Labor government of their responsibility for the $1 billion debt. In his time as Minister for Energy, the now Leader of the Opposition took a profitable, well-functioning utility, with services of around $250 million a year, and turned it into a $1 billion loss. The result—and I apologise for it—is very large increases in electricity prices. I have given assurances publicly since the time of the budget that, while the community has taken the pain of the significant increase—the government made that decision—there will not be increases anywhere near that scale in subsequent years. We have been honest. It might make us unpopular, but this side of politics is honest. We did not try to conceal the reality from the public of Western Australia. Members opposite can carry on, but there is no substitute for telling the people the truth. We told them the truth and they understand it. Of course it hurts and they find it difficult to make ends meet. This government has tried to help. We introduced a cost-of-living rebate for seniors. The opposition mocks it and makes fun of it. The seniors whom I have talked to appreciate the fact that they can get at least $100 or $150. Opposition members make fun of it. They should talk to some seniors. That actually does make a difference. It makes a difference when seniors in country areas have a $500 fuel card and it also makes a difference when seniors in the metropolitan area have free public transport seven days a week, which is worth from anywhere between $300 and $600 a week. It does not cover everything—I am not suggesting that—but we are providing significant benefits to seniors. It is a pity that the Labor Party did not manage better when it was in government because its mismanagement has left us with the problem. We were honest with the public. We made a difficult and unpopular decision—it is unpopular—but the vast majority of Western Australians understand that. They are not happy about it, but they understand it.
Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(3) I also welcome the group of seniors to the Parliament. As I have said publicly, I very much regret the fact that the state government has increased electricity prices very substantially over two successive years and that we had an effective 12 per cent increase in overall water charges this year. I recognise that that adds to the cost-of-living pressures on seniors and, indeed, on other members of our community. What the Leader of the Opposition neglected to say was that when the Liberal–National government came to power, it inherited Verve Energy facing $1 billion in losses, which the Labor Party tried to conceal by the so-called glide path. Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That was a crash path to cover up the Leader of the Opposition’s personal incompetency when he brought in a series of measures that he publicly stated would lower the price of electricity. Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The report from the Western Australian Office of Energy when the Leader of the Opposition was the responsible minister called for a 57 per cent increase and he tried to conceal it from the public. Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition cannot — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. Leader of the Opposition, you have asked a question and you are getting an answer. It might not be the answer that you want to hear, but your persistent interjecting is not helping in this process. Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition has found a sympathetic ear among seniors and others who are finding it tough — Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Likewise, the member for Midland might interpret the comments that I made to the Leader of the Opposition to apply to her. I formally call the member for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I was saying, the Leader of the Opposition has found a sympathetic ear with people who are struggling to make ends meet. I understand that. However, the Leader of the Opposition does not gain any credibility by trying to rewrite history and absolve himself and the Labor government of their responsibility for the $1 billion debt. In his time as Minister for Energy, the now Leader of the Opposition took a profitable, well-functioning utility, with services of around $250 million a year, and turned it into a $1 billion loss. The result—and I apologise for it—is very large increases in electricity prices. I have given assurances publicly since the time of the budget that, while the community has taken the pain of the significant increase—the government made that decision—there will not be increases anywhere near that scale in subsequent years. We have been honest. It might make us unpopular, but this side of politics is honest. We did not try to conceal the reality from the public of Western Australia. Members opposite can carry on, but there is no substitute for telling the people the truth. We told them the truth and they understand it. Of course it hurts and they find it difficult to make ends meet. This government has tried to help. We introduced a cost-of-living rebate for seniors. The opposition mocks it and makes fun of it. The seniors whom I have talked to appreciate the fact that they can get at least $100 or $150. Opposition members make fun of it. They should talk to some seniors. That actually does make a difference. It makes a difference when seniors in country areas have a $500 fuel card and it also makes a difference when seniors in the metropolitan area have free public transport seven days a week, which is worth from anywhere between $300 and $600 a week. It does not cover everything—I am not suggesting that—but we are providing significant benefits to seniors. It is a pity that the Labor Party did not manage better when it was in government because its mismanagement has left us with the problem. We were honest with the public. We made a difficult and unpopular decision—it is unpopular—but the vast majority of Western Australians understand that. They are not happy about it, but they understand it.
(1)–(3) I also welcome the group of seniors to the Parliament. As I have said publicly, I very much regret the fact that the state government has increased electricity prices very substantially over two successive years and that we had an effective 12 per cent increase in overall water charges this year. I recognise that that adds to the cost-of-living pressures on seniors and, indeed, on other members of our community. What the Leader of the Opposition neglected to say was that when the Liberal–National government came to power, it inherited Verve Energy facing $1 billion in losses, which the Labor Party tried to conceal by the so-called glide path. Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That was a crash path to cover up the Leader of the Opposition’s personal incompetency when he brought in a series of measures that he publicly stated would lower the price of electricity. Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The report from the Western Australian Office of Energy when the Leader of the Opposition was the responsible minister called for a 57 per cent increase and he tried to conceal it from the public. Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition cannot — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. Leader of the Opposition, you have asked a question and you are getting an answer. It might not be the answer that you want to hear, but your persistent interjecting is not helping in this process. Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition has found a sympathetic ear among seniors and others who are finding it tough — Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Likewise, the member for Midland might interpret the comments that I made to the Leader of the Opposition to apply to her. I formally call the member for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I was saying, the Leader of the Opposition has found a sympathetic ear with people who are struggling to make ends meet. I understand that. However, the Leader of the Opposition does not gain any credibility by trying to rewrite history and absolve himself and the Labor government of their responsibility for the $1 billion debt. In his time as Minister for Energy, the now Leader of the Opposition took a profitable, well-functioning utility, with services of around $250 million a year, and turned it into a $1 billion loss. The result—and I apologise for it—is very large increases in electricity prices. I have given assurances publicly since the time of the budget that, while the community has taken the pain of the significant increase—the government made that decision—there will not be increases anywhere near that scale in subsequent years. We have been honest. It might make us unpopular, but this side of politics is honest. We did not try to conceal the reality from the public of Western Australia. Members opposite can carry on, but there is no substitute for telling the people the truth. We told them the truth and they understand it. Of course it hurts and they find it difficult to make ends meet. This government has tried to help. We introduced a cost-of-living rebate for seniors. The opposition mocks it and makes fun of it. The seniors whom I have talked to appreciate the fact that they can get at least $100 or $150. Opposition members make fun of it. They should talk to some seniors. That actually does make a difference. It makes a difference when seniors in country areas have a $500 fuel card and it also makes a difference when seniors in the metropolitan area have free public transport seven days a week, which is worth from anywhere between $300 and $600 a week. It does not cover everything—I am not suggesting that—but we are providing significant benefits to seniors. It is a pity that the Labor Party did not manage better when it was in government because its mismanagement has left us with the problem. We were honest with the public. We made a difficult and unpopular decision—it is unpopular—but the vast majority of Western Australians understand that. They are not happy about it, but they understand it.
Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That was a crash path to cover up the Leader of the Opposition’s personal incompetency when he brought in a series of measures that he publicly stated would lower the price of electricity. Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The report from the Western Australian Office of Energy when the Leader of the Opposition was the responsible minister called for a 57 per cent increase and he tried to conceal it from the public. Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition cannot — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. Leader of the Opposition, you have asked a question and you are getting an answer. It might not be the answer that you want to hear, but your persistent interjecting is not helping in this process. Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition has found a sympathetic ear among seniors and others who are finding it tough — Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Likewise, the member for Midland might interpret the comments that I made to the Leader of the Opposition to apply to her. I formally call the member for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I was saying, the Leader of the Opposition has found a sympathetic ear with people who are struggling to make ends meet. I understand that. However, the Leader of the Opposition does not gain any credibility by trying to rewrite history and absolve himself and the Labor government of their responsibility for the $1 billion debt. In his time as Minister for Energy, the now Leader of the Opposition took a profitable, well-functioning utility, with services of around $250 million a year, and turned it into a $1 billion loss. The result—and I apologise for it—is very large increases in electricity prices. I have given assurances publicly since the time of the budget that, while the community has taken the pain of the significant increase—the government made that decision—there will not be increases anywhere near that scale in subsequent years. We have been honest. It might make us unpopular, but this side of politics is honest. We did not try to conceal the reality from the public of Western Australia. Members opposite can carry on, but there is no substitute for telling the people the truth. We told them the truth and they understand it. Of course it hurts and they find it difficult to make ends meet. This government has tried to help. We introduced a cost-of-living rebate for seniors. The opposition mocks it and makes fun of it. The seniors whom I have talked to appreciate the fact that they can get at least $100 or $150. Opposition members make fun of it. They should talk to some seniors. That actually does make a difference. It makes a difference when seniors in country areas have a $500 fuel card and it also makes a difference when seniors in the metropolitan area have free public transport seven days a week, which is worth from anywhere between $300 and $600 a week. It does not cover everything—I am not suggesting that—but we are providing significant benefits to seniors. It is a pity that the Labor Party did not manage better when it was in government because its mismanagement has left us with the problem. We were honest with the public. We made a difficult and unpopular decision—it is unpopular—but the vast majority of Western Australians understand that. They are not happy about it, but they understand it.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : That was a crash path to cover up the Leader of the Opposition’s personal incompetency when he brought in a series of measures that he publicly stated would lower the price of electricity. Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The report from the Western Australian Office of Energy when the Leader of the Opposition was the responsible minister called for a 57 per cent increase and he tried to conceal it from the public. Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition cannot — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. Leader of the Opposition, you have asked a question and you are getting an answer. It might not be the answer that you want to hear, but your persistent interjecting is not helping in this process. Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition has found a sympathetic ear among seniors and others who are finding it tough — Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Likewise, the member for Midland might interpret the comments that I made to the Leader of the Opposition to apply to her. I formally call the member for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I was saying, the Leader of the Opposition has found a sympathetic ear with people who are struggling to make ends meet. I understand that. However, the Leader of the Opposition does not gain any credibility by trying to rewrite history and absolve himself and the Labor government of their responsibility for the $1 billion debt. In his time as Minister for Energy, the now Leader of the Opposition took a profitable, well-functioning utility, with services of around $250 million a year, and turned it into a $1 billion loss. The result—and I apologise for it—is very large increases in electricity prices. I have given assurances publicly since the time of the budget that, while the community has taken the pain of the significant increase—the government made that decision—there will not be increases anywhere near that scale in subsequent years. We have been honest. It might make us unpopular, but this side of politics is honest. We did not try to conceal the reality from the public of Western Australia. Members opposite can carry on, but there is no substitute for telling the people the truth. We told them the truth and they understand it. Of course it hurts and they find it difficult to make ends meet. This government has tried to help. We introduced a cost-of-living rebate for seniors. The opposition mocks it and makes fun of it. The seniors whom I have talked to appreciate the fact that they can get at least $100 or $150. Opposition members make fun of it. They should talk to some seniors. That actually does make a difference. It makes a difference when seniors in country areas have a $500 fuel card and it also makes a difference when seniors in the metropolitan area have free public transport seven days a week, which is worth from anywhere between $300 and $600 a week. It does not cover everything—I am not suggesting that—but we are providing significant benefits to seniors. It is a pity that the Labor Party did not manage better when it was in government because its mismanagement has left us with the problem. We were honest with the public. We made a difficult and unpopular decision—it is unpopular—but the vast majority of Western Australians understand that. They are not happy about it, but they understand it.
Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The report from the Western Australian Office of Energy when the Leader of the Opposition was the responsible minister called for a 57 per cent increase and he tried to conceal it from the public. Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition cannot — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. Leader of the Opposition, you have asked a question and you are getting an answer. It might not be the answer that you want to hear, but your persistent interjecting is not helping in this process. Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition has found a sympathetic ear among seniors and others who are finding it tough — Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Likewise, the member for Midland might interpret the comments that I made to the Leader of the Opposition to apply to her. I formally call the member for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I was saying, the Leader of the Opposition has found a sympathetic ear with people who are struggling to make ends meet. I understand that. However, the Leader of the Opposition does not gain any credibility by trying to rewrite history and absolve himself and the Labor government of their responsibility for the $1 billion debt. In his time as Minister for Energy, the now Leader of the Opposition took a profitable, well-functioning utility, with services of around $250 million a year, and turned it into a $1 billion loss. The result—and I apologise for it—is very large increases in electricity prices. I have given assurances publicly since the time of the budget that, while the community has taken the pain of the significant increase—the government made that decision—there will not be increases anywhere near that scale in subsequent years. We have been honest. It might make us unpopular, but this side of politics is honest. We did not try to conceal the reality from the public of Western Australia. Members opposite can carry on, but there is no substitute for telling the people the truth. We told them the truth and they understand it. Of course it hurts and they find it difficult to make ends meet. This government has tried to help. We introduced a cost-of-living rebate for seniors. The opposition mocks it and makes fun of it. The seniors whom I have talked to appreciate the fact that they can get at least $100 or $150. Opposition members make fun of it. They should talk to some seniors. That actually does make a difference. It makes a difference when seniors in country areas have a $500 fuel card and it also makes a difference when seniors in the metropolitan area have free public transport seven days a week, which is worth from anywhere between $300 and $600 a week. It does not cover everything—I am not suggesting that—but we are providing significant benefits to seniors. It is a pity that the Labor Party did not manage better when it was in government because its mismanagement has left us with the problem. We were honest with the public. We made a difficult and unpopular decision—it is unpopular—but the vast majority of Western Australians understand that. They are not happy about it, but they understand it.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : The report from the Western Australian Office of Energy when the Leader of the Opposition was the responsible minister called for a 57 per cent increase and he tried to conceal it from the public. Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition cannot — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. Leader of the Opposition, you have asked a question and you are getting an answer. It might not be the answer that you want to hear, but your persistent interjecting is not helping in this process. Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition has found a sympathetic ear among seniors and others who are finding it tough — Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Likewise, the member for Midland might interpret the comments that I made to the Leader of the Opposition to apply to her. I formally call the member for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I was saying, the Leader of the Opposition has found a sympathetic ear with people who are struggling to make ends meet. I understand that. However, the Leader of the Opposition does not gain any credibility by trying to rewrite history and absolve himself and the Labor government of their responsibility for the $1 billion debt. In his time as Minister for Energy, the now Leader of the Opposition took a profitable, well-functioning utility, with services of around $250 million a year, and turned it into a $1 billion loss. The result—and I apologise for it—is very large increases in electricity prices. I have given assurances publicly since the time of the budget that, while the community has taken the pain of the significant increase—the government made that decision—there will not be increases anywhere near that scale in subsequent years. We have been honest. It might make us unpopular, but this side of politics is honest. We did not try to conceal the reality from the public of Western Australia. Members opposite can carry on, but there is no substitute for telling the people the truth. We told them the truth and they understand it. Of course it hurts and they find it difficult to make ends meet. This government has tried to help. We introduced a cost-of-living rebate for seniors. The opposition mocks it and makes fun of it. The seniors whom I have talked to appreciate the fact that they can get at least $100 or $150. Opposition members make fun of it. They should talk to some seniors. That actually does make a difference. It makes a difference when seniors in country areas have a $500 fuel card and it also makes a difference when seniors in the metropolitan area have free public transport seven days a week, which is worth from anywhere between $300 and $600 a week. It does not cover everything—I am not suggesting that—but we are providing significant benefits to seniors. It is a pity that the Labor Party did not manage better when it was in government because its mismanagement has left us with the problem. We were honest with the public. We made a difficult and unpopular decision—it is unpopular—but the vast majority of Western Australians understand that. They are not happy about it, but they understand it.
Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition cannot — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. Leader of the Opposition, you have asked a question and you are getting an answer. It might not be the answer that you want to hear, but your persistent interjecting is not helping in this process. Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition has found a sympathetic ear among seniors and others who are finding it tough — Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Likewise, the member for Midland might interpret the comments that I made to the Leader of the Opposition to apply to her. I formally call the member for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I was saying, the Leader of the Opposition has found a sympathetic ear with people who are struggling to make ends meet. I understand that. However, the Leader of the Opposition does not gain any credibility by trying to rewrite history and absolve himself and the Labor government of their responsibility for the $1 billion debt. In his time as Minister for Energy, the now Leader of the Opposition took a profitable, well-functioning utility, with services of around $250 million a year, and turned it into a $1 billion loss. The result—and I apologise for it—is very large increases in electricity prices. I have given assurances publicly since the time of the budget that, while the community has taken the pain of the significant increase—the government made that decision—there will not be increases anywhere near that scale in subsequent years. We have been honest. It might make us unpopular, but this side of politics is honest. We did not try to conceal the reality from the public of Western Australia. Members opposite can carry on, but there is no substitute for telling the people the truth. We told them the truth and they understand it. Of course it hurts and they find it difficult to make ends meet. This government has tried to help. We introduced a cost-of-living rebate for seniors. The opposition mocks it and makes fun of it. The seniors whom I have talked to appreciate the fact that they can get at least $100 or $150. Opposition members make fun of it. They should talk to some seniors. That actually does make a difference. It makes a difference when seniors in country areas have a $500 fuel card and it also makes a difference when seniors in the metropolitan area have free public transport seven days a week, which is worth from anywhere between $300 and $600 a week. It does not cover everything—I am not suggesting that—but we are providing significant benefits to seniors. It is a pity that the Labor Party did not manage better when it was in government because its mismanagement has left us with the problem. We were honest with the public. We made a difficult and unpopular decision—it is unpopular—but the vast majority of Western Australians understand that. They are not happy about it, but they understand it.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition cannot — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. Leader of the Opposition, you have asked a question and you are getting an answer. It might not be the answer that you want to hear, but your persistent interjecting is not helping in this process. Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition has found a sympathetic ear among seniors and others who are finding it tough — Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Likewise, the member for Midland might interpret the comments that I made to the Leader of the Opposition to apply to her. I formally call the member for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I was saying, the Leader of the Opposition has found a sympathetic ear with people who are struggling to make ends meet. I understand that. However, the Leader of the Opposition does not gain any credibility by trying to rewrite history and absolve himself and the Labor government of their responsibility for the $1 billion debt. In his time as Minister for Energy, the now Leader of the Opposition took a profitable, well-functioning utility, with services of around $250 million a year, and turned it into a $1 billion loss. The result—and I apologise for it—is very large increases in electricity prices. I have given assurances publicly since the time of the budget that, while the community has taken the pain of the significant increase—the government made that decision—there will not be increases anywhere near that scale in subsequent years. We have been honest. It might make us unpopular, but this side of politics is honest. We did not try to conceal the reality from the public of Western Australia. Members opposite can carry on, but there is no substitute for telling the people the truth. We told them the truth and they understand it. Of course it hurts and they find it difficult to make ends meet. This government has tried to help. We introduced a cost-of-living rebate for seniors. The opposition mocks it and makes fun of it. The seniors whom I have talked to appreciate the fact that they can get at least $100 or $150. Opposition members make fun of it. They should talk to some seniors. That actually does make a difference. It makes a difference when seniors in country areas have a $500 fuel card and it also makes a difference when seniors in the metropolitan area have free public transport seven days a week, which is worth from anywhere between $300 and $600 a week. It does not cover everything—I am not suggesting that—but we are providing significant benefits to seniors. It is a pity that the Labor Party did not manage better when it was in government because its mismanagement has left us with the problem. We were honest with the public. We made a difficult and unpopular decision—it is unpopular—but the vast majority of Western Australians understand that. They are not happy about it, but they understand it.
The SPEAKER : Take a seat, Premier. Leader of the Opposition, you have asked a question and you are getting an answer. It might not be the answer that you want to hear, but your persistent interjecting is not helping in this process. Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition has found a sympathetic ear among seniors and others who are finding it tough — Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Likewise, the member for Midland might interpret the comments that I made to the Leader of the Opposition to apply to her. I formally call the member for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I was saying, the Leader of the Opposition has found a sympathetic ear with people who are struggling to make ends meet. I understand that. However, the Leader of the Opposition does not gain any credibility by trying to rewrite history and absolve himself and the Labor government of their responsibility for the $1 billion debt. In his time as Minister for Energy, the now Leader of the Opposition took a profitable, well-functioning utility, with services of around $250 million a year, and turned it into a $1 billion loss. The result—and I apologise for it—is very large increases in electricity prices. I have given assurances publicly since the time of the budget that, while the community has taken the pain of the significant increase—the government made that decision—there will not be increases anywhere near that scale in subsequent years. We have been honest. It might make us unpopular, but this side of politics is honest. We did not try to conceal the reality from the public of Western Australia. Members opposite can carry on, but there is no substitute for telling the people the truth. We told them the truth and they understand it. Of course it hurts and they find it difficult to make ends meet. This government has tried to help. We introduced a cost-of-living rebate for seniors. The opposition mocks it and makes fun of it. The seniors whom I have talked to appreciate the fact that they can get at least $100 or $150. Opposition members make fun of it. They should talk to some seniors. That actually does make a difference. It makes a difference when seniors in country areas have a $500 fuel card and it also makes a difference when seniors in the metropolitan area have free public transport seven days a week, which is worth from anywhere between $300 and $600 a week. It does not cover everything—I am not suggesting that—but we are providing significant benefits to seniors. It is a pity that the Labor Party did not manage better when it was in government because its mismanagement has left us with the problem. We were honest with the public. We made a difficult and unpopular decision—it is unpopular—but the vast majority of Western Australians understand that. They are not happy about it, but they understand it.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition has found a sympathetic ear among seniors and others who are finding it tough — Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Likewise, the member for Midland might interpret the comments that I made to the Leader of the Opposition to apply to her. I formally call the member for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I was saying, the Leader of the Opposition has found a sympathetic ear with people who are struggling to make ends meet. I understand that. However, the Leader of the Opposition does not gain any credibility by trying to rewrite history and absolve himself and the Labor government of their responsibility for the $1 billion debt. In his time as Minister for Energy, the now Leader of the Opposition took a profitable, well-functioning utility, with services of around $250 million a year, and turned it into a $1 billion loss. The result—and I apologise for it—is very large increases in electricity prices. I have given assurances publicly since the time of the budget that, while the community has taken the pain of the significant increase—the government made that decision—there will not be increases anywhere near that scale in subsequent years. We have been honest. It might make us unpopular, but this side of politics is honest. We did not try to conceal the reality from the public of Western Australia. Members opposite can carry on, but there is no substitute for telling the people the truth. We told them the truth and they understand it. Of course it hurts and they find it difficult to make ends meet. This government has tried to help. We introduced a cost-of-living rebate for seniors. The opposition mocks it and makes fun of it. The seniors whom I have talked to appreciate the fact that they can get at least $100 or $150. Opposition members make fun of it. They should talk to some seniors. That actually does make a difference. It makes a difference when seniors in country areas have a $500 fuel card and it also makes a difference when seniors in the metropolitan area have free public transport seven days a week, which is worth from anywhere between $300 and $600 a week. It does not cover everything—I am not suggesting that—but we are providing significant benefits to seniors. It is a pity that the Labor Party did not manage better when it was in government because its mismanagement has left us with the problem. We were honest with the public. We made a difficult and unpopular decision—it is unpopular—but the vast majority of Western Australians understand that. They are not happy about it, but they understand it.
Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Likewise, the member for Midland might interpret the comments that I made to the Leader of the Opposition to apply to her. I formally call the member for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I was saying, the Leader of the Opposition has found a sympathetic ear with people who are struggling to make ends meet. I understand that. However, the Leader of the Opposition does not gain any credibility by trying to rewrite history and absolve himself and the Labor government of their responsibility for the $1 billion debt. In his time as Minister for Energy, the now Leader of the Opposition took a profitable, well-functioning utility, with services of around $250 million a year, and turned it into a $1 billion loss. The result—and I apologise for it—is very large increases in electricity prices. I have given assurances publicly since the time of the budget that, while the community has taken the pain of the significant increase—the government made that decision—there will not be increases anywhere near that scale in subsequent years. We have been honest. It might make us unpopular, but this side of politics is honest. We did not try to conceal the reality from the public of Western Australia. Members opposite can carry on, but there is no substitute for telling the people the truth. We told them the truth and they understand it. Of course it hurts and they find it difficult to make ends meet. This government has tried to help. We introduced a cost-of-living rebate for seniors. The opposition mocks it and makes fun of it. The seniors whom I have talked to appreciate the fact that they can get at least $100 or $150. Opposition members make fun of it. They should talk to some seniors. That actually does make a difference. It makes a difference when seniors in country areas have a $500 fuel card and it also makes a difference when seniors in the metropolitan area have free public transport seven days a week, which is worth from anywhere between $300 and $600 a week. It does not cover everything—I am not suggesting that—but we are providing significant benefits to seniors. It is a pity that the Labor Party did not manage better when it was in government because its mismanagement has left us with the problem. We were honest with the public. We made a difficult and unpopular decision—it is unpopular—but the vast majority of Western Australians understand that. They are not happy about it, but they understand it.
The SPEAKER : Likewise, the member for Midland might interpret the comments that I made to the Leader of the Opposition to apply to her. I formally call the member for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I was saying, the Leader of the Opposition has found a sympathetic ear with people who are struggling to make ends meet. I understand that. However, the Leader of the Opposition does not gain any credibility by trying to rewrite history and absolve himself and the Labor government of their responsibility for the $1 billion debt. In his time as Minister for Energy, the now Leader of the Opposition took a profitable, well-functioning utility, with services of around $250 million a year, and turned it into a $1 billion loss. The result—and I apologise for it—is very large increases in electricity prices. I have given assurances publicly since the time of the budget that, while the community has taken the pain of the significant increase—the government made that decision—there will not be increases anywhere near that scale in subsequent years. We have been honest. It might make us unpopular, but this side of politics is honest. We did not try to conceal the reality from the public of Western Australia. Members opposite can carry on, but there is no substitute for telling the people the truth. We told them the truth and they understand it. Of course it hurts and they find it difficult to make ends meet. This government has tried to help. We introduced a cost-of-living rebate for seniors. The opposition mocks it and makes fun of it. The seniors whom I have talked to appreciate the fact that they can get at least $100 or $150. Opposition members make fun of it. They should talk to some seniors. That actually does make a difference. It makes a difference when seniors in country areas have a $500 fuel card and it also makes a difference when seniors in the metropolitan area have free public transport seven days a week, which is worth from anywhere between $300 and $600 a week. It does not cover everything—I am not suggesting that—but we are providing significant benefits to seniors. It is a pity that the Labor Party did not manage better when it was in government because its mismanagement has left us with the problem. We were honest with the public. We made a difficult and unpopular decision—it is unpopular—but the vast majority of Western Australians understand that. They are not happy about it, but they understand it.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : As I was saying, the Leader of the Opposition has found a sympathetic ear with people who are struggling to make ends meet. I understand that. However, the Leader of the Opposition does not gain any credibility by trying to rewrite history and absolve himself and the Labor government of their responsibility for the $1 billion debt. In his time as Minister for Energy, the now Leader of the Opposition took a profitable, well-functioning utility, with services of around $250 million a year, and turned it into a $1 billion loss. The result—and I apologise for it—is very large increases in electricity prices. I have given assurances publicly since the time of the budget that, while the community has taken the pain of the significant increase—the government made that decision—there will not be increases anywhere near that scale in subsequent years. We have been honest. It might make us unpopular, but this side of politics is honest. We did not try to conceal the reality from the public of Western Australia. Members opposite can carry on, but there is no substitute for telling the people the truth. We told them the truth and they understand it. Of course it hurts and they find it difficult to make ends meet. This government has tried to help. We introduced a cost-of-living rebate for seniors. The opposition mocks it and makes fun of it. The seniors whom I have talked to appreciate the fact that they can get at least $100 or $150. Opposition members make fun of it. They should talk to some seniors. That actually does make a difference. It makes a difference when seniors in country areas have a $500 fuel card and it also makes a difference when seniors in the metropolitan area have free public transport seven days a week, which is worth from anywhere between $300 and $600 a week. It does not cover everything—I am not suggesting that—but we are providing significant benefits to seniors. It is a pity that the Labor Party did not manage better when it was in government because its mismanagement has left us with the problem. We were honest with the public. We made a difficult and unpopular decision—it is unpopular—but the vast majority of Western Australians understand that. They are not happy about it, but they understand it.
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