❓ Mr. Johnston questions the Premier about the Liberal Party's plan to partially privatise Western Power, specifically regarding the sale of 49% and its impact on the budget. The Premier avoids a direct answer, stating no decisions have been made and privatisation won't occur before the next election.
AnsweredQoN 633Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
WESTERN POWER — PRIVATISATION
633. Mr W.J. JOHNSTON to the Premier:
I refer to the Liberal Party's
plan to sell Western Power proposed in this year's budget.
(1) Does the
Premier support selling only 49 per cent of Western Power?
(2) If so, what
impact would selling only 49 per cent of Western Power have on the government's
future budget plans?
(3) What other sale conditions is he
willing to accept?
633. Mr W.J. JOHNSTON to the Premier:
I refer to the Liberal Party's
plan to sell Western Power proposed in this year's budget.
(1) Does the
Premier support selling only 49 per cent of Western Power?
(2) If so, what
impact would selling only 49 per cent of Western Power have on the government's
future budget plans?
(3) What other sale conditions is he
willing to accept?
AnswerView source ↗
(1)–(3) It
is well known, and it was announced in the budget, that the state government
was looking at a number of privatisations and legislation. The report has come
out in the upper house on Utah Point. We hope we can proceed with that. I think
we are very close to getting broad consensus in the racing industry on the sale
of the TAB. I think most people would think it is not appropriate in a modern
world for governments to own betting agencies. There is a difference of opinion
between the Liberal Party and National Party on Fremantle port. We are looking
at some assets. I think the energy sector in the Pilbara is an asset that we
are looking at. Yes, Western Power is something that has been examined. I have
said very clearly that we will not proceed with either the full or part
privatisation of Western Power before the next election. However, we are doing
some work on it and we are examining that. I do not know where the member's
49 per cent figure has come from. I presume it has come from out of the
atmosphere. No such decisions have been made.
is well known, and it was announced in the budget, that the state government
was looking at a number of privatisations and legislation. The report has come
out in the upper house on Utah Point. We hope we can proceed with that. I think
we are very close to getting broad consensus in the racing industry on the sale
of the TAB. I think most people would think it is not appropriate in a modern
world for governments to own betting agencies. There is a difference of opinion
between the Liberal Party and National Party on Fremantle port. We are looking
at some assets. I think the energy sector in the Pilbara is an asset that we
are looking at. Yes, Western Power is something that has been examined. I have
said very clearly that we will not proceed with either the full or part
privatisation of Western Power before the next election. However, we are doing
some work on it and we are examining that. I do not know where the member's
49 per cent figure has come from. I presume it has come from out of the
atmosphere. No such decisions have been made.
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