❓ Opposition Leader Barnett questions Premier Gallop about increases in stamp duty and land tax rates compared to four years prior, accusing the government of breaking promises. The Premier avoids a direct 'yes' or 'no' answer, citing inherited fiscal challenges and highlighting current tax competitiveness.
AnsweredQoN 682Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
I remind the Premier of increases in rates of stamp duty and land tax in Labor’s first three budgets despite his promise that he would not increase taxes and charges. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT: It helps to tell the truth to the public. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Mr C.J. BARNETT: I believe in the truth, so let me ask the question - (1) Does the Premier concede that families and businesses in Western Australia, after changes announced today, will still be paying stamp duty rates on property conveyancing that are up to 10 per cent higher than they were four years ago? (2) Does the Premier also concede that land tax rates payable by businesses on many commercial properties are still 15 to 20 per cent higher than they were four years ago? Yes or no. Try the truth. Dr G.I. GALLOP
AnswerView source ↗
(1)-(2) I made the point in my earlier contribution today - Mr C.J. Barnett: Just answer the question, are they higher; yes or no? Dr G.I. GALLOP: The budget situation and fiscal situation that we inherited - Mr C.J. Barnett: Just answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will come to it. Mr C.J. Barnett: Yes or no? The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the Opposition! I hope the Leader of the Opposition will allow the Premier to answer the question rather than yelling him down. Dr G.I. GALLOP: We inherited an unsustainable fiscal situation. There was no money in the forward estimates for the eight to 10 per cent growth in the health budget. We had a situation in which the AAA credit rating was at risk. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time and the Leader of the Opposition and the Leader of the National Party to order for the second time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: We corrected that situation. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are now in a position to go to the community with tax cuts. Let us look at the situation with stamp duty. On a medium-priced house in Western Australia, stamp duty - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Nedlands. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house in Western Australia is $7 816 - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the third time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house is $7 816. It is lower in only one State, and that is Tasmania. Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, member for Warren-Blackwood! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We must also look at the comparison between Western Australia and the other States, because changes have occurred in those four years in the other States as well. I am now very proud to say that as a result of our initiatives today, when it comes to stamp duty we are very competitive in the Australian context. The maximum rate of stamp duty is lower in Queensland and Tasmania, but, measured against the medium price, only Tasmania has a lower rate. Mr C.J. Barnett: So you cannot answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will repeat the point: the premise of the Leader of the Opposition’s question is false. The position in 2001 cannot be compared with that of 2004, because the 2001 budget position was unsustainable. Mr C.J. Barnett: What a lot of waffle. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was an unsustainable budget situation. We have delivered. The Liberals could not deliver. They had increased household charges, increased taxes and negative growth, which we inherited when we came to power. When it comes to the rates of payroll tax, stamp duty and land tax, I am sure that anything that the Leader of the Opposition says must be carefully considered. Yesterday he would not even acknowledge that marginal rates applied with payroll tax. He would not acknowledge that, under our system, payroll tax is paid only above a certain threshold. Therefore, the payroll tax under us is quite different from the reported figure in the legislation. When it comes to budget honesty, this side of the House tells the truth about the budget situation. The Leader of the Opposition never does. The Liberals’ record on this matter is there for everyone to see. When it comes to stamp duty, we took steps in our early budgets to correct the situation and to make sure that our health system was in gear. We are now in a position to give back to the people $1 billion in tax cuts. No other Government has been able to do that. We have.
Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT: It helps to tell the truth to the public. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Mr C.J. BARNETT: I believe in the truth, so let me ask the question - (1) Does the Premier concede that families and businesses in Western Australia, after changes announced today, will still be paying stamp duty rates on property conveyancing that are up to 10 per cent higher than they were four years ago? (2) Does the Premier also concede that land tax rates payable by businesses on many commercial properties are still 15 to 20 per cent higher than they were four years ago? Yes or no. Try the truth. Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) I made the point in my earlier contribution today - Mr C.J. Barnett: Just answer the question, are they higher; yes or no? Dr G.I. GALLOP: The budget situation and fiscal situation that we inherited - Mr C.J. Barnett: Just answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will come to it. Mr C.J. Barnett: Yes or no? The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the Opposition! I hope the Leader of the Opposition will allow the Premier to answer the question rather than yelling him down. Dr G.I. GALLOP: We inherited an unsustainable fiscal situation. There was no money in the forward estimates for the eight to 10 per cent growth in the health budget. We had a situation in which the AAA credit rating was at risk. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time and the Leader of the Opposition and the Leader of the National Party to order for the second time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: We corrected that situation. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are now in a position to go to the community with tax cuts. Let us look at the situation with stamp duty. On a medium-priced house in Western Australia, stamp duty - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Nedlands. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house in Western Australia is $7 816 - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the third time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house is $7 816. It is lower in only one State, and that is Tasmania. Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, member for Warren-Blackwood! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We must also look at the comparison between Western Australia and the other States, because changes have occurred in those four years in the other States as well. I am now very proud to say that as a result of our initiatives today, when it comes to stamp duty we are very competitive in the Australian context. The maximum rate of stamp duty is lower in Queensland and Tasmania, but, measured against the medium price, only Tasmania has a lower rate. Mr C.J. Barnett: So you cannot answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will repeat the point: the premise of the Leader of the Opposition’s question is false. The position in 2001 cannot be compared with that of 2004, because the 2001 budget position was unsustainable. Mr C.J. Barnett: What a lot of waffle. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was an unsustainable budget situation. We have delivered. The Liberals could not deliver. They had increased household charges, increased taxes and negative growth, which we inherited when we came to power. When it comes to the rates of payroll tax, stamp duty and land tax, I am sure that anything that the Leader of the Opposition says must be carefully considered. Yesterday he would not even acknowledge that marginal rates applied with payroll tax. He would not acknowledge that, under our system, payroll tax is paid only above a certain threshold. Therefore, the payroll tax under us is quite different from the reported figure in the legislation. When it comes to budget honesty, this side of the House tells the truth about the budget situation. The Leader of the Opposition never does. The Liberals’ record on this matter is there for everyone to see. When it comes to stamp duty, we took steps in our early budgets to correct the situation and to make sure that our health system was in gear. We are now in a position to give back to the people $1 billion in tax cuts. No other Government has been able to do that. We have.
Mr C.J. BARNETT: It helps to tell the truth to the public. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Mr C.J. BARNETT: I believe in the truth, so let me ask the question - (1) Does the Premier concede that families and businesses in Western Australia, after changes announced today, will still be paying stamp duty rates on property conveyancing that are up to 10 per cent higher than they were four years ago? (2) Does the Premier also concede that land tax rates payable by businesses on many commercial properties are still 15 to 20 per cent higher than they were four years ago? Yes or no. Try the truth. Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) I made the point in my earlier contribution today - Mr C.J. Barnett: Just answer the question, are they higher; yes or no? Dr G.I. GALLOP: The budget situation and fiscal situation that we inherited - Mr C.J. Barnett: Just answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will come to it. Mr C.J. Barnett: Yes or no? The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the Opposition! I hope the Leader of the Opposition will allow the Premier to answer the question rather than yelling him down. Dr G.I. GALLOP: We inherited an unsustainable fiscal situation. There was no money in the forward estimates for the eight to 10 per cent growth in the health budget. We had a situation in which the AAA credit rating was at risk. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time and the Leader of the Opposition and the Leader of the National Party to order for the second time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: We corrected that situation. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are now in a position to go to the community with tax cuts. Let us look at the situation with stamp duty. On a medium-priced house in Western Australia, stamp duty - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Nedlands. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house in Western Australia is $7 816 - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the third time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house is $7 816. It is lower in only one State, and that is Tasmania. Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, member for Warren-Blackwood! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We must also look at the comparison between Western Australia and the other States, because changes have occurred in those four years in the other States as well. I am now very proud to say that as a result of our initiatives today, when it comes to stamp duty we are very competitive in the Australian context. The maximum rate of stamp duty is lower in Queensland and Tasmania, but, measured against the medium price, only Tasmania has a lower rate. Mr C.J. Barnett: So you cannot answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will repeat the point: the premise of the Leader of the Opposition’s question is false. The position in 2001 cannot be compared with that of 2004, because the 2001 budget position was unsustainable. Mr C.J. Barnett: What a lot of waffle. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was an unsustainable budget situation. We have delivered. The Liberals could not deliver. They had increased household charges, increased taxes and negative growth, which we inherited when we came to power. When it comes to the rates of payroll tax, stamp duty and land tax, I am sure that anything that the Leader of the Opposition says must be carefully considered. Yesterday he would not even acknowledge that marginal rates applied with payroll tax. He would not acknowledge that, under our system, payroll tax is paid only above a certain threshold. Therefore, the payroll tax under us is quite different from the reported figure in the legislation. When it comes to budget honesty, this side of the House tells the truth about the budget situation. The Leader of the Opposition never does. The Liberals’ record on this matter is there for everyone to see. When it comes to stamp duty, we took steps in our early budgets to correct the situation and to make sure that our health system was in gear. We are now in a position to give back to the people $1 billion in tax cuts. No other Government has been able to do that. We have.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Mr C.J. BARNETT: I believe in the truth, so let me ask the question - (1) Does the Premier concede that families and businesses in Western Australia, after changes announced today, will still be paying stamp duty rates on property conveyancing that are up to 10 per cent higher than they were four years ago? (2) Does the Premier also concede that land tax rates payable by businesses on many commercial properties are still 15 to 20 per cent higher than they were four years ago? Yes or no. Try the truth. Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) I made the point in my earlier contribution today - Mr C.J. Barnett: Just answer the question, are they higher; yes or no? Dr G.I. GALLOP: The budget situation and fiscal situation that we inherited - Mr C.J. Barnett: Just answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will come to it. Mr C.J. Barnett: Yes or no? The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the Opposition! I hope the Leader of the Opposition will allow the Premier to answer the question rather than yelling him down. Dr G.I. GALLOP: We inherited an unsustainable fiscal situation. There was no money in the forward estimates for the eight to 10 per cent growth in the health budget. We had a situation in which the AAA credit rating was at risk. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time and the Leader of the Opposition and the Leader of the National Party to order for the second time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: We corrected that situation. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are now in a position to go to the community with tax cuts. Let us look at the situation with stamp duty. On a medium-priced house in Western Australia, stamp duty - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Nedlands. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house in Western Australia is $7 816 - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the third time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house is $7 816. It is lower in only one State, and that is Tasmania. Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, member for Warren-Blackwood! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We must also look at the comparison between Western Australia and the other States, because changes have occurred in those four years in the other States as well. I am now very proud to say that as a result of our initiatives today, when it comes to stamp duty we are very competitive in the Australian context. The maximum rate of stamp duty is lower in Queensland and Tasmania, but, measured against the medium price, only Tasmania has a lower rate. Mr C.J. Barnett: So you cannot answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will repeat the point: the premise of the Leader of the Opposition’s question is false. The position in 2001 cannot be compared with that of 2004, because the 2001 budget position was unsustainable. Mr C.J. Barnett: What a lot of waffle. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was an unsustainable budget situation. We have delivered. The Liberals could not deliver. They had increased household charges, increased taxes and negative growth, which we inherited when we came to power. When it comes to the rates of payroll tax, stamp duty and land tax, I am sure that anything that the Leader of the Opposition says must be carefully considered. Yesterday he would not even acknowledge that marginal rates applied with payroll tax. He would not acknowledge that, under our system, payroll tax is paid only above a certain threshold. Therefore, the payroll tax under us is quite different from the reported figure in the legislation. When it comes to budget honesty, this side of the House tells the truth about the budget situation. The Leader of the Opposition never does. The Liberals’ record on this matter is there for everyone to see. When it comes to stamp duty, we took steps in our early budgets to correct the situation and to make sure that our health system was in gear. We are now in a position to give back to the people $1 billion in tax cuts. No other Government has been able to do that. We have.
The SPEAKER: Order! Mr C.J. BARNETT: I believe in the truth, so let me ask the question - (1) Does the Premier concede that families and businesses in Western Australia, after changes announced today, will still be paying stamp duty rates on property conveyancing that are up to 10 per cent higher than they were four years ago? (2) Does the Premier also concede that land tax rates payable by businesses on many commercial properties are still 15 to 20 per cent higher than they were four years ago? Yes or no. Try the truth. Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) I made the point in my earlier contribution today - Mr C.J. Barnett: Just answer the question, are they higher; yes or no? Dr G.I. GALLOP: The budget situation and fiscal situation that we inherited - Mr C.J. Barnett: Just answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will come to it. Mr C.J. Barnett: Yes or no? The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the Opposition! I hope the Leader of the Opposition will allow the Premier to answer the question rather than yelling him down. Dr G.I. GALLOP: We inherited an unsustainable fiscal situation. There was no money in the forward estimates for the eight to 10 per cent growth in the health budget. We had a situation in which the AAA credit rating was at risk. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time and the Leader of the Opposition and the Leader of the National Party to order for the second time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: We corrected that situation. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are now in a position to go to the community with tax cuts. Let us look at the situation with stamp duty. On a medium-priced house in Western Australia, stamp duty - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Nedlands. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house in Western Australia is $7 816 - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the third time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house is $7 816. It is lower in only one State, and that is Tasmania. Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, member for Warren-Blackwood! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We must also look at the comparison between Western Australia and the other States, because changes have occurred in those four years in the other States as well. I am now very proud to say that as a result of our initiatives today, when it comes to stamp duty we are very competitive in the Australian context. The maximum rate of stamp duty is lower in Queensland and Tasmania, but, measured against the medium price, only Tasmania has a lower rate. Mr C.J. Barnett: So you cannot answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will repeat the point: the premise of the Leader of the Opposition’s question is false. The position in 2001 cannot be compared with that of 2004, because the 2001 budget position was unsustainable. Mr C.J. Barnett: What a lot of waffle. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was an unsustainable budget situation. We have delivered. The Liberals could not deliver. They had increased household charges, increased taxes and negative growth, which we inherited when we came to power. When it comes to the rates of payroll tax, stamp duty and land tax, I am sure that anything that the Leader of the Opposition says must be carefully considered. Yesterday he would not even acknowledge that marginal rates applied with payroll tax. He would not acknowledge that, under our system, payroll tax is paid only above a certain threshold. Therefore, the payroll tax under us is quite different from the reported figure in the legislation. When it comes to budget honesty, this side of the House tells the truth about the budget situation. The Leader of the Opposition never does. The Liberals’ record on this matter is there for everyone to see. When it comes to stamp duty, we took steps in our early budgets to correct the situation and to make sure that our health system was in gear. We are now in a position to give back to the people $1 billion in tax cuts. No other Government has been able to do that. We have.
Mr C.J. BARNETT: I believe in the truth, so let me ask the question - (1) Does the Premier concede that families and businesses in Western Australia, after changes announced today, will still be paying stamp duty rates on property conveyancing that are up to 10 per cent higher than they were four years ago? (2) Does the Premier also concede that land tax rates payable by businesses on many commercial properties are still 15 to 20 per cent higher than they were four years ago? Yes or no. Try the truth. Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) I made the point in my earlier contribution today - Mr C.J. Barnett: Just answer the question, are they higher; yes or no? Dr G.I. GALLOP: The budget situation and fiscal situation that we inherited - Mr C.J. Barnett: Just answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will come to it. Mr C.J. Barnett: Yes or no? The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the Opposition! I hope the Leader of the Opposition will allow the Premier to answer the question rather than yelling him down. Dr G.I. GALLOP: We inherited an unsustainable fiscal situation. There was no money in the forward estimates for the eight to 10 per cent growth in the health budget. We had a situation in which the AAA credit rating was at risk. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time and the Leader of the Opposition and the Leader of the National Party to order for the second time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: We corrected that situation. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are now in a position to go to the community with tax cuts. Let us look at the situation with stamp duty. On a medium-priced house in Western Australia, stamp duty - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Nedlands. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house in Western Australia is $7 816 - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the third time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house is $7 816. It is lower in only one State, and that is Tasmania. Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, member for Warren-Blackwood! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We must also look at the comparison between Western Australia and the other States, because changes have occurred in those four years in the other States as well. I am now very proud to say that as a result of our initiatives today, when it comes to stamp duty we are very competitive in the Australian context. The maximum rate of stamp duty is lower in Queensland and Tasmania, but, measured against the medium price, only Tasmania has a lower rate. Mr C.J. Barnett: So you cannot answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will repeat the point: the premise of the Leader of the Opposition’s question is false. The position in 2001 cannot be compared with that of 2004, because the 2001 budget position was unsustainable. Mr C.J. Barnett: What a lot of waffle. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was an unsustainable budget situation. We have delivered. The Liberals could not deliver. They had increased household charges, increased taxes and negative growth, which we inherited when we came to power. When it comes to the rates of payroll tax, stamp duty and land tax, I am sure that anything that the Leader of the Opposition says must be carefully considered. Yesterday he would not even acknowledge that marginal rates applied with payroll tax. He would not acknowledge that, under our system, payroll tax is paid only above a certain threshold. Therefore, the payroll tax under us is quite different from the reported figure in the legislation. When it comes to budget honesty, this side of the House tells the truth about the budget situation. The Leader of the Opposition never does. The Liberals’ record on this matter is there for everyone to see. When it comes to stamp duty, we took steps in our early budgets to correct the situation and to make sure that our health system was in gear. We are now in a position to give back to the people $1 billion in tax cuts. No other Government has been able to do that. We have.
(1) Does the Premier concede that families and businesses in Western Australia, after changes announced today, will still be paying stamp duty rates on property conveyancing that are up to 10 per cent higher than they were four years ago? (2) Does the Premier also concede that land tax rates payable by businesses on many commercial properties are still 15 to 20 per cent higher than they were four years ago? Yes or no. Try the truth. Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) I made the point in my earlier contribution today - Mr C.J. Barnett: Just answer the question, are they higher; yes or no? Dr G.I. GALLOP: The budget situation and fiscal situation that we inherited - Mr C.J. Barnett: Just answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will come to it. Mr C.J. Barnett: Yes or no? The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the Opposition! I hope the Leader of the Opposition will allow the Premier to answer the question rather than yelling him down. Dr G.I. GALLOP: We inherited an unsustainable fiscal situation. There was no money in the forward estimates for the eight to 10 per cent growth in the health budget. We had a situation in which the AAA credit rating was at risk. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time and the Leader of the Opposition and the Leader of the National Party to order for the second time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: We corrected that situation. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are now in a position to go to the community with tax cuts. Let us look at the situation with stamp duty. On a medium-priced house in Western Australia, stamp duty - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Nedlands. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house in Western Australia is $7 816 - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the third time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house is $7 816. It is lower in only one State, and that is Tasmania. Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, member for Warren-Blackwood! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We must also look at the comparison between Western Australia and the other States, because changes have occurred in those four years in the other States as well. I am now very proud to say that as a result of our initiatives today, when it comes to stamp duty we are very competitive in the Australian context. The maximum rate of stamp duty is lower in Queensland and Tasmania, but, measured against the medium price, only Tasmania has a lower rate. Mr C.J. Barnett: So you cannot answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will repeat the point: the premise of the Leader of the Opposition’s question is false. The position in 2001 cannot be compared with that of 2004, because the 2001 budget position was unsustainable. Mr C.J. Barnett: What a lot of waffle. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was an unsustainable budget situation. We have delivered. The Liberals could not deliver. They had increased household charges, increased taxes and negative growth, which we inherited when we came to power. When it comes to the rates of payroll tax, stamp duty and land tax, I am sure that anything that the Leader of the Opposition says must be carefully considered. Yesterday he would not even acknowledge that marginal rates applied with payroll tax. He would not acknowledge that, under our system, payroll tax is paid only above a certain threshold. Therefore, the payroll tax under us is quite different from the reported figure in the legislation. When it comes to budget honesty, this side of the House tells the truth about the budget situation. The Leader of the Opposition never does. The Liberals’ record on this matter is there for everyone to see. When it comes to stamp duty, we took steps in our early budgets to correct the situation and to make sure that our health system was in gear. We are now in a position to give back to the people $1 billion in tax cuts. No other Government has been able to do that. We have.
(2) Does the Premier also concede that land tax rates payable by businesses on many commercial properties are still 15 to 20 per cent higher than they were four years ago? Yes or no. Try the truth. Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) I made the point in my earlier contribution today - Mr C.J. Barnett: Just answer the question, are they higher; yes or no? Dr G.I. GALLOP: The budget situation and fiscal situation that we inherited - Mr C.J. Barnett: Just answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will come to it. Mr C.J. Barnett: Yes or no? The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the Opposition! I hope the Leader of the Opposition will allow the Premier to answer the question rather than yelling him down. Dr G.I. GALLOP: We inherited an unsustainable fiscal situation. There was no money in the forward estimates for the eight to 10 per cent growth in the health budget. We had a situation in which the AAA credit rating was at risk. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time and the Leader of the Opposition and the Leader of the National Party to order for the second time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: We corrected that situation. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are now in a position to go to the community with tax cuts. Let us look at the situation with stamp duty. On a medium-priced house in Western Australia, stamp duty - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Nedlands. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house in Western Australia is $7 816 - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the third time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house is $7 816. It is lower in only one State, and that is Tasmania. Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, member for Warren-Blackwood! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We must also look at the comparison between Western Australia and the other States, because changes have occurred in those four years in the other States as well. I am now very proud to say that as a result of our initiatives today, when it comes to stamp duty we are very competitive in the Australian context. The maximum rate of stamp duty is lower in Queensland and Tasmania, but, measured against the medium price, only Tasmania has a lower rate. Mr C.J. Barnett: So you cannot answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will repeat the point: the premise of the Leader of the Opposition’s question is false. The position in 2001 cannot be compared with that of 2004, because the 2001 budget position was unsustainable. Mr C.J. Barnett: What a lot of waffle. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was an unsustainable budget situation. We have delivered. The Liberals could not deliver. They had increased household charges, increased taxes and negative growth, which we inherited when we came to power. When it comes to the rates of payroll tax, stamp duty and land tax, I am sure that anything that the Leader of the Opposition says must be carefully considered. Yesterday he would not even acknowledge that marginal rates applied with payroll tax. He would not acknowledge that, under our system, payroll tax is paid only above a certain threshold. Therefore, the payroll tax under us is quite different from the reported figure in the legislation. When it comes to budget honesty, this side of the House tells the truth about the budget situation. The Leader of the Opposition never does. The Liberals’ record on this matter is there for everyone to see. When it comes to stamp duty, we took steps in our early budgets to correct the situation and to make sure that our health system was in gear. We are now in a position to give back to the people $1 billion in tax cuts. No other Government has been able to do that. We have.
Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) I made the point in my earlier contribution today - Mr C.J. Barnett: Just answer the question, are they higher; yes or no? Dr G.I. GALLOP: The budget situation and fiscal situation that we inherited - Mr C.J. Barnett: Just answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will come to it. Mr C.J. Barnett: Yes or no? The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the Opposition! I hope the Leader of the Opposition will allow the Premier to answer the question rather than yelling him down. Dr G.I. GALLOP: We inherited an unsustainable fiscal situation. There was no money in the forward estimates for the eight to 10 per cent growth in the health budget. We had a situation in which the AAA credit rating was at risk. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time and the Leader of the Opposition and the Leader of the National Party to order for the second time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: We corrected that situation. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are now in a position to go to the community with tax cuts. Let us look at the situation with stamp duty. On a medium-priced house in Western Australia, stamp duty - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Nedlands. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house in Western Australia is $7 816 - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the third time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house is $7 816. It is lower in only one State, and that is Tasmania. Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, member for Warren-Blackwood! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We must also look at the comparison between Western Australia and the other States, because changes have occurred in those four years in the other States as well. I am now very proud to say that as a result of our initiatives today, when it comes to stamp duty we are very competitive in the Australian context. The maximum rate of stamp duty is lower in Queensland and Tasmania, but, measured against the medium price, only Tasmania has a lower rate. Mr C.J. Barnett: So you cannot answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will repeat the point: the premise of the Leader of the Opposition’s question is false. The position in 2001 cannot be compared with that of 2004, because the 2001 budget position was unsustainable. Mr C.J. Barnett: What a lot of waffle. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was an unsustainable budget situation. We have delivered. The Liberals could not deliver. They had increased household charges, increased taxes and negative growth, which we inherited when we came to power. When it comes to the rates of payroll tax, stamp duty and land tax, I am sure that anything that the Leader of the Opposition says must be carefully considered. Yesterday he would not even acknowledge that marginal rates applied with payroll tax. He would not acknowledge that, under our system, payroll tax is paid only above a certain threshold. Therefore, the payroll tax under us is quite different from the reported figure in the legislation. When it comes to budget honesty, this side of the House tells the truth about the budget situation. The Leader of the Opposition never does. The Liberals’ record on this matter is there for everyone to see. When it comes to stamp duty, we took steps in our early budgets to correct the situation and to make sure that our health system was in gear. We are now in a position to give back to the people $1 billion in tax cuts. No other Government has been able to do that. We have.
(1)-(2) I made the point in my earlier contribution today - Mr C.J. Barnett: Just answer the question, are they higher; yes or no? Dr G.I. GALLOP: The budget situation and fiscal situation that we inherited - Mr C.J. Barnett: Just answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will come to it. Mr C.J. Barnett: Yes or no? The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the Opposition! I hope the Leader of the Opposition will allow the Premier to answer the question rather than yelling him down. Dr G.I. GALLOP: We inherited an unsustainable fiscal situation. There was no money in the forward estimates for the eight to 10 per cent growth in the health budget. We had a situation in which the AAA credit rating was at risk. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time and the Leader of the Opposition and the Leader of the National Party to order for the second time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: We corrected that situation. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are now in a position to go to the community with tax cuts. Let us look at the situation with stamp duty. On a medium-priced house in Western Australia, stamp duty - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Nedlands. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house in Western Australia is $7 816 - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the third time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house is $7 816. It is lower in only one State, and that is Tasmania. Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, member for Warren-Blackwood! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We must also look at the comparison between Western Australia and the other States, because changes have occurred in those four years in the other States as well. I am now very proud to say that as a result of our initiatives today, when it comes to stamp duty we are very competitive in the Australian context. The maximum rate of stamp duty is lower in Queensland and Tasmania, but, measured against the medium price, only Tasmania has a lower rate. Mr C.J. Barnett: So you cannot answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will repeat the point: the premise of the Leader of the Opposition’s question is false. The position in 2001 cannot be compared with that of 2004, because the 2001 budget position was unsustainable. Mr C.J. Barnett: What a lot of waffle. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was an unsustainable budget situation. We have delivered. The Liberals could not deliver. They had increased household charges, increased taxes and negative growth, which we inherited when we came to power. When it comes to the rates of payroll tax, stamp duty and land tax, I am sure that anything that the Leader of the Opposition says must be carefully considered. Yesterday he would not even acknowledge that marginal rates applied with payroll tax. He would not acknowledge that, under our system, payroll tax is paid only above a certain threshold. Therefore, the payroll tax under us is quite different from the reported figure in the legislation. When it comes to budget honesty, this side of the House tells the truth about the budget situation. The Leader of the Opposition never does. The Liberals’ record on this matter is there for everyone to see. When it comes to stamp duty, we took steps in our early budgets to correct the situation and to make sure that our health system was in gear. We are now in a position to give back to the people $1 billion in tax cuts. No other Government has been able to do that. We have.
Mr C.J. Barnett: Just answer the question, are they higher; yes or no? Dr G.I. GALLOP: The budget situation and fiscal situation that we inherited - Mr C.J. Barnett: Just answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will come to it. Mr C.J. Barnett: Yes or no? The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the Opposition! I hope the Leader of the Opposition will allow the Premier to answer the question rather than yelling him down. Dr G.I. GALLOP: We inherited an unsustainable fiscal situation. There was no money in the forward estimates for the eight to 10 per cent growth in the health budget. We had a situation in which the AAA credit rating was at risk. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time and the Leader of the Opposition and the Leader of the National Party to order for the second time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: We corrected that situation. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are now in a position to go to the community with tax cuts. Let us look at the situation with stamp duty. On a medium-priced house in Western Australia, stamp duty - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Nedlands. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house in Western Australia is $7 816 - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the third time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house is $7 816. It is lower in only one State, and that is Tasmania. Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, member for Warren-Blackwood! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We must also look at the comparison between Western Australia and the other States, because changes have occurred in those four years in the other States as well. I am now very proud to say that as a result of our initiatives today, when it comes to stamp duty we are very competitive in the Australian context. The maximum rate of stamp duty is lower in Queensland and Tasmania, but, measured against the medium price, only Tasmania has a lower rate. Mr C.J. Barnett: So you cannot answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will repeat the point: the premise of the Leader of the Opposition’s question is false. The position in 2001 cannot be compared with that of 2004, because the 2001 budget position was unsustainable. Mr C.J. Barnett: What a lot of waffle. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was an unsustainable budget situation. We have delivered. The Liberals could not deliver. They had increased household charges, increased taxes and negative growth, which we inherited when we came to power. When it comes to the rates of payroll tax, stamp duty and land tax, I am sure that anything that the Leader of the Opposition says must be carefully considered. Yesterday he would not even acknowledge that marginal rates applied with payroll tax. He would not acknowledge that, under our system, payroll tax is paid only above a certain threshold. Therefore, the payroll tax under us is quite different from the reported figure in the legislation. When it comes to budget honesty, this side of the House tells the truth about the budget situation. The Leader of the Opposition never does. The Liberals’ record on this matter is there for everyone to see. When it comes to stamp duty, we took steps in our early budgets to correct the situation and to make sure that our health system was in gear. We are now in a position to give back to the people $1 billion in tax cuts. No other Government has been able to do that. We have.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: The budget situation and fiscal situation that we inherited - Mr C.J. Barnett: Just answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will come to it. Mr C.J. Barnett: Yes or no? The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the Opposition! I hope the Leader of the Opposition will allow the Premier to answer the question rather than yelling him down. Dr G.I. GALLOP: We inherited an unsustainable fiscal situation. There was no money in the forward estimates for the eight to 10 per cent growth in the health budget. We had a situation in which the AAA credit rating was at risk. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time and the Leader of the Opposition and the Leader of the National Party to order for the second time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: We corrected that situation. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are now in a position to go to the community with tax cuts. Let us look at the situation with stamp duty. On a medium-priced house in Western Australia, stamp duty - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Nedlands. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house in Western Australia is $7 816 - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the third time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house is $7 816. It is lower in only one State, and that is Tasmania. Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, member for Warren-Blackwood! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We must also look at the comparison between Western Australia and the other States, because changes have occurred in those four years in the other States as well. I am now very proud to say that as a result of our initiatives today, when it comes to stamp duty we are very competitive in the Australian context. The maximum rate of stamp duty is lower in Queensland and Tasmania, but, measured against the medium price, only Tasmania has a lower rate. Mr C.J. Barnett: So you cannot answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will repeat the point: the premise of the Leader of the Opposition’s question is false. The position in 2001 cannot be compared with that of 2004, because the 2001 budget position was unsustainable. Mr C.J. Barnett: What a lot of waffle. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was an unsustainable budget situation. We have delivered. The Liberals could not deliver. They had increased household charges, increased taxes and negative growth, which we inherited when we came to power. When it comes to the rates of payroll tax, stamp duty and land tax, I am sure that anything that the Leader of the Opposition says must be carefully considered. Yesterday he would not even acknowledge that marginal rates applied with payroll tax. He would not acknowledge that, under our system, payroll tax is paid only above a certain threshold. Therefore, the payroll tax under us is quite different from the reported figure in the legislation. When it comes to budget honesty, this side of the House tells the truth about the budget situation. The Leader of the Opposition never does. The Liberals’ record on this matter is there for everyone to see. When it comes to stamp duty, we took steps in our early budgets to correct the situation and to make sure that our health system was in gear. We are now in a position to give back to the people $1 billion in tax cuts. No other Government has been able to do that. We have.
Mr C.J. Barnett: Just answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will come to it. Mr C.J. Barnett: Yes or no? The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the Opposition! I hope the Leader of the Opposition will allow the Premier to answer the question rather than yelling him down. Dr G.I. GALLOP: We inherited an unsustainable fiscal situation. There was no money in the forward estimates for the eight to 10 per cent growth in the health budget. We had a situation in which the AAA credit rating was at risk. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time and the Leader of the Opposition and the Leader of the National Party to order for the second time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: We corrected that situation. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are now in a position to go to the community with tax cuts. Let us look at the situation with stamp duty. On a medium-priced house in Western Australia, stamp duty - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Nedlands. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house in Western Australia is $7 816 - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the third time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house is $7 816. It is lower in only one State, and that is Tasmania. Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, member for Warren-Blackwood! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We must also look at the comparison between Western Australia and the other States, because changes have occurred in those four years in the other States as well. I am now very proud to say that as a result of our initiatives today, when it comes to stamp duty we are very competitive in the Australian context. The maximum rate of stamp duty is lower in Queensland and Tasmania, but, measured against the medium price, only Tasmania has a lower rate. Mr C.J. Barnett: So you cannot answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will repeat the point: the premise of the Leader of the Opposition’s question is false. The position in 2001 cannot be compared with that of 2004, because the 2001 budget position was unsustainable. Mr C.J. Barnett: What a lot of waffle. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was an unsustainable budget situation. We have delivered. The Liberals could not deliver. They had increased household charges, increased taxes and negative growth, which we inherited when we came to power. When it comes to the rates of payroll tax, stamp duty and land tax, I am sure that anything that the Leader of the Opposition says must be carefully considered. Yesterday he would not even acknowledge that marginal rates applied with payroll tax. He would not acknowledge that, under our system, payroll tax is paid only above a certain threshold. Therefore, the payroll tax under us is quite different from the reported figure in the legislation. When it comes to budget honesty, this side of the House tells the truth about the budget situation. The Leader of the Opposition never does. The Liberals’ record on this matter is there for everyone to see. When it comes to stamp duty, we took steps in our early budgets to correct the situation and to make sure that our health system was in gear. We are now in a position to give back to the people $1 billion in tax cuts. No other Government has been able to do that. We have.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will come to it. Mr C.J. Barnett: Yes or no? The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the Opposition! I hope the Leader of the Opposition will allow the Premier to answer the question rather than yelling him down. Dr G.I. GALLOP: We inherited an unsustainable fiscal situation. There was no money in the forward estimates for the eight to 10 per cent growth in the health budget. We had a situation in which the AAA credit rating was at risk. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time and the Leader of the Opposition and the Leader of the National Party to order for the second time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: We corrected that situation. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are now in a position to go to the community with tax cuts. Let us look at the situation with stamp duty. On a medium-priced house in Western Australia, stamp duty - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Nedlands. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house in Western Australia is $7 816 - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the third time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house is $7 816. It is lower in only one State, and that is Tasmania. Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, member for Warren-Blackwood! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We must also look at the comparison between Western Australia and the other States, because changes have occurred in those four years in the other States as well. I am now very proud to say that as a result of our initiatives today, when it comes to stamp duty we are very competitive in the Australian context. The maximum rate of stamp duty is lower in Queensland and Tasmania, but, measured against the medium price, only Tasmania has a lower rate. Mr C.J. Barnett: So you cannot answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will repeat the point: the premise of the Leader of the Opposition’s question is false. The position in 2001 cannot be compared with that of 2004, because the 2001 budget position was unsustainable. Mr C.J. Barnett: What a lot of waffle. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was an unsustainable budget situation. We have delivered. The Liberals could not deliver. They had increased household charges, increased taxes and negative growth, which we inherited when we came to power. When it comes to the rates of payroll tax, stamp duty and land tax, I am sure that anything that the Leader of the Opposition says must be carefully considered. Yesterday he would not even acknowledge that marginal rates applied with payroll tax. He would not acknowledge that, under our system, payroll tax is paid only above a certain threshold. Therefore, the payroll tax under us is quite different from the reported figure in the legislation. When it comes to budget honesty, this side of the House tells the truth about the budget situation. The Leader of the Opposition never does. The Liberals’ record on this matter is there for everyone to see. When it comes to stamp duty, we took steps in our early budgets to correct the situation and to make sure that our health system was in gear. We are now in a position to give back to the people $1 billion in tax cuts. No other Government has been able to do that. We have.
Mr C.J. Barnett: Yes or no? The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the Opposition! I hope the Leader of the Opposition will allow the Premier to answer the question rather than yelling him down. Dr G.I. GALLOP: We inherited an unsustainable fiscal situation. There was no money in the forward estimates for the eight to 10 per cent growth in the health budget. We had a situation in which the AAA credit rating was at risk. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time and the Leader of the Opposition and the Leader of the National Party to order for the second time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: We corrected that situation. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are now in a position to go to the community with tax cuts. Let us look at the situation with stamp duty. On a medium-priced house in Western Australia, stamp duty - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Nedlands. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house in Western Australia is $7 816 - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the third time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house is $7 816. It is lower in only one State, and that is Tasmania. Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, member for Warren-Blackwood! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We must also look at the comparison between Western Australia and the other States, because changes have occurred in those four years in the other States as well. I am now very proud to say that as a result of our initiatives today, when it comes to stamp duty we are very competitive in the Australian context. The maximum rate of stamp duty is lower in Queensland and Tasmania, but, measured against the medium price, only Tasmania has a lower rate. Mr C.J. Barnett: So you cannot answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will repeat the point: the premise of the Leader of the Opposition’s question is false. The position in 2001 cannot be compared with that of 2004, because the 2001 budget position was unsustainable. Mr C.J. Barnett: What a lot of waffle. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was an unsustainable budget situation. We have delivered. The Liberals could not deliver. They had increased household charges, increased taxes and negative growth, which we inherited when we came to power. When it comes to the rates of payroll tax, stamp duty and land tax, I am sure that anything that the Leader of the Opposition says must be carefully considered. Yesterday he would not even acknowledge that marginal rates applied with payroll tax. He would not acknowledge that, under our system, payroll tax is paid only above a certain threshold. Therefore, the payroll tax under us is quite different from the reported figure in the legislation. When it comes to budget honesty, this side of the House tells the truth about the budget situation. The Leader of the Opposition never does. The Liberals’ record on this matter is there for everyone to see. When it comes to stamp duty, we took steps in our early budgets to correct the situation and to make sure that our health system was in gear. We are now in a position to give back to the people $1 billion in tax cuts. No other Government has been able to do that. We have.
The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the Opposition! I hope the Leader of the Opposition will allow the Premier to answer the question rather than yelling him down. Dr G.I. GALLOP: We inherited an unsustainable fiscal situation. There was no money in the forward estimates for the eight to 10 per cent growth in the health budget. We had a situation in which the AAA credit rating was at risk. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time and the Leader of the Opposition and the Leader of the National Party to order for the second time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: We corrected that situation. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are now in a position to go to the community with tax cuts. Let us look at the situation with stamp duty. On a medium-priced house in Western Australia, stamp duty - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Nedlands. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house in Western Australia is $7 816 - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the third time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house is $7 816. It is lower in only one State, and that is Tasmania. Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, member for Warren-Blackwood! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We must also look at the comparison between Western Australia and the other States, because changes have occurred in those four years in the other States as well. I am now very proud to say that as a result of our initiatives today, when it comes to stamp duty we are very competitive in the Australian context. The maximum rate of stamp duty is lower in Queensland and Tasmania, but, measured against the medium price, only Tasmania has a lower rate. Mr C.J. Barnett: So you cannot answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will repeat the point: the premise of the Leader of the Opposition’s question is false. The position in 2001 cannot be compared with that of 2004, because the 2001 budget position was unsustainable. Mr C.J. Barnett: What a lot of waffle. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was an unsustainable budget situation. We have delivered. The Liberals could not deliver. They had increased household charges, increased taxes and negative growth, which we inherited when we came to power. When it comes to the rates of payroll tax, stamp duty and land tax, I am sure that anything that the Leader of the Opposition says must be carefully considered. Yesterday he would not even acknowledge that marginal rates applied with payroll tax. He would not acknowledge that, under our system, payroll tax is paid only above a certain threshold. Therefore, the payroll tax under us is quite different from the reported figure in the legislation. When it comes to budget honesty, this side of the House tells the truth about the budget situation. The Leader of the Opposition never does. The Liberals’ record on this matter is there for everyone to see. When it comes to stamp duty, we took steps in our early budgets to correct the situation and to make sure that our health system was in gear. We are now in a position to give back to the people $1 billion in tax cuts. No other Government has been able to do that. We have.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: We inherited an unsustainable fiscal situation. There was no money in the forward estimates for the eight to 10 per cent growth in the health budget. We had a situation in which the AAA credit rating was at risk. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time and the Leader of the Opposition and the Leader of the National Party to order for the second time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: We corrected that situation. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are now in a position to go to the community with tax cuts. Let us look at the situation with stamp duty. On a medium-priced house in Western Australia, stamp duty - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Nedlands. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house in Western Australia is $7 816 - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the third time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house is $7 816. It is lower in only one State, and that is Tasmania. Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, member for Warren-Blackwood! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We must also look at the comparison between Western Australia and the other States, because changes have occurred in those four years in the other States as well. I am now very proud to say that as a result of our initiatives today, when it comes to stamp duty we are very competitive in the Australian context. The maximum rate of stamp duty is lower in Queensland and Tasmania, but, measured against the medium price, only Tasmania has a lower rate. Mr C.J. Barnett: So you cannot answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will repeat the point: the premise of the Leader of the Opposition’s question is false. The position in 2001 cannot be compared with that of 2004, because the 2001 budget position was unsustainable. Mr C.J. Barnett: What a lot of waffle. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was an unsustainable budget situation. We have delivered. The Liberals could not deliver. They had increased household charges, increased taxes and negative growth, which we inherited when we came to power. When it comes to the rates of payroll tax, stamp duty and land tax, I am sure that anything that the Leader of the Opposition says must be carefully considered. Yesterday he would not even acknowledge that marginal rates applied with payroll tax. He would not acknowledge that, under our system, payroll tax is paid only above a certain threshold. Therefore, the payroll tax under us is quite different from the reported figure in the legislation. When it comes to budget honesty, this side of the House tells the truth about the budget situation. The Leader of the Opposition never does. The Liberals’ record on this matter is there for everyone to see. When it comes to stamp duty, we took steps in our early budgets to correct the situation and to make sure that our health system was in gear. We are now in a position to give back to the people $1 billion in tax cuts. No other Government has been able to do that. We have.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time and the Leader of the Opposition and the Leader of the National Party to order for the second time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: We corrected that situation. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are now in a position to go to the community with tax cuts. Let us look at the situation with stamp duty. On a medium-priced house in Western Australia, stamp duty - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Nedlands. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house in Western Australia is $7 816 - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the third time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house is $7 816. It is lower in only one State, and that is Tasmania. Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, member for Warren-Blackwood! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We must also look at the comparison between Western Australia and the other States, because changes have occurred in those four years in the other States as well. I am now very proud to say that as a result of our initiatives today, when it comes to stamp duty we are very competitive in the Australian context. The maximum rate of stamp duty is lower in Queensland and Tasmania, but, measured against the medium price, only Tasmania has a lower rate. Mr C.J. Barnett: So you cannot answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will repeat the point: the premise of the Leader of the Opposition’s question is false. The position in 2001 cannot be compared with that of 2004, because the 2001 budget position was unsustainable. Mr C.J. Barnett: What a lot of waffle. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was an unsustainable budget situation. We have delivered. The Liberals could not deliver. They had increased household charges, increased taxes and negative growth, which we inherited when we came to power. When it comes to the rates of payroll tax, stamp duty and land tax, I am sure that anything that the Leader of the Opposition says must be carefully considered. Yesterday he would not even acknowledge that marginal rates applied with payroll tax. He would not acknowledge that, under our system, payroll tax is paid only above a certain threshold. Therefore, the payroll tax under us is quite different from the reported figure in the legislation. When it comes to budget honesty, this side of the House tells the truth about the budget situation. The Leader of the Opposition never does. The Liberals’ record on this matter is there for everyone to see. When it comes to stamp duty, we took steps in our early budgets to correct the situation and to make sure that our health system was in gear. We are now in a position to give back to the people $1 billion in tax cuts. No other Government has been able to do that. We have.
The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time and the Leader of the Opposition and the Leader of the National Party to order for the second time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: We corrected that situation. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are now in a position to go to the community with tax cuts. Let us look at the situation with stamp duty. On a medium-priced house in Western Australia, stamp duty - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Nedlands. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house in Western Australia is $7 816 - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the third time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house is $7 816. It is lower in only one State, and that is Tasmania. Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, member for Warren-Blackwood! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We must also look at the comparison between Western Australia and the other States, because changes have occurred in those four years in the other States as well. I am now very proud to say that as a result of our initiatives today, when it comes to stamp duty we are very competitive in the Australian context. The maximum rate of stamp duty is lower in Queensland and Tasmania, but, measured against the medium price, only Tasmania has a lower rate. Mr C.J. Barnett: So you cannot answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will repeat the point: the premise of the Leader of the Opposition’s question is false. The position in 2001 cannot be compared with that of 2004, because the 2001 budget position was unsustainable. Mr C.J. Barnett: What a lot of waffle. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was an unsustainable budget situation. We have delivered. The Liberals could not deliver. They had increased household charges, increased taxes and negative growth, which we inherited when we came to power. When it comes to the rates of payroll tax, stamp duty and land tax, I am sure that anything that the Leader of the Opposition says must be carefully considered. Yesterday he would not even acknowledge that marginal rates applied with payroll tax. He would not acknowledge that, under our system, payroll tax is paid only above a certain threshold. Therefore, the payroll tax under us is quite different from the reported figure in the legislation. When it comes to budget honesty, this side of the House tells the truth about the budget situation. The Leader of the Opposition never does. The Liberals’ record on this matter is there for everyone to see. When it comes to stamp duty, we took steps in our early budgets to correct the situation and to make sure that our health system was in gear. We are now in a position to give back to the people $1 billion in tax cuts. No other Government has been able to do that. We have.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: We corrected that situation. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are now in a position to go to the community with tax cuts. Let us look at the situation with stamp duty. On a medium-priced house in Western Australia, stamp duty - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Nedlands. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house in Western Australia is $7 816 - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the third time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house is $7 816. It is lower in only one State, and that is Tasmania. Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, member for Warren-Blackwood! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We must also look at the comparison between Western Australia and the other States, because changes have occurred in those four years in the other States as well. I am now very proud to say that as a result of our initiatives today, when it comes to stamp duty we are very competitive in the Australian context. The maximum rate of stamp duty is lower in Queensland and Tasmania, but, measured against the medium price, only Tasmania has a lower rate. Mr C.J. Barnett: So you cannot answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will repeat the point: the premise of the Leader of the Opposition’s question is false. The position in 2001 cannot be compared with that of 2004, because the 2001 budget position was unsustainable. Mr C.J. Barnett: What a lot of waffle. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was an unsustainable budget situation. We have delivered. The Liberals could not deliver. They had increased household charges, increased taxes and negative growth, which we inherited when we came to power. When it comes to the rates of payroll tax, stamp duty and land tax, I am sure that anything that the Leader of the Opposition says must be carefully considered. Yesterday he would not even acknowledge that marginal rates applied with payroll tax. He would not acknowledge that, under our system, payroll tax is paid only above a certain threshold. Therefore, the payroll tax under us is quite different from the reported figure in the legislation. When it comes to budget honesty, this side of the House tells the truth about the budget situation. The Leader of the Opposition never does. The Liberals’ record on this matter is there for everyone to see. When it comes to stamp duty, we took steps in our early budgets to correct the situation and to make sure that our health system was in gear. We are now in a position to give back to the people $1 billion in tax cuts. No other Government has been able to do that. We have.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are now in a position to go to the community with tax cuts. Let us look at the situation with stamp duty. On a medium-priced house in Western Australia, stamp duty - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Nedlands. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house in Western Australia is $7 816 - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the third time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house is $7 816. It is lower in only one State, and that is Tasmania. Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, member for Warren-Blackwood! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We must also look at the comparison between Western Australia and the other States, because changes have occurred in those four years in the other States as well. I am now very proud to say that as a result of our initiatives today, when it comes to stamp duty we are very competitive in the Australian context. The maximum rate of stamp duty is lower in Queensland and Tasmania, but, measured against the medium price, only Tasmania has a lower rate. Mr C.J. Barnett: So you cannot answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will repeat the point: the premise of the Leader of the Opposition’s question is false. The position in 2001 cannot be compared with that of 2004, because the 2001 budget position was unsustainable. Mr C.J. Barnett: What a lot of waffle. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was an unsustainable budget situation. We have delivered. The Liberals could not deliver. They had increased household charges, increased taxes and negative growth, which we inherited when we came to power. When it comes to the rates of payroll tax, stamp duty and land tax, I am sure that anything that the Leader of the Opposition says must be carefully considered. Yesterday he would not even acknowledge that marginal rates applied with payroll tax. He would not acknowledge that, under our system, payroll tax is paid only above a certain threshold. Therefore, the payroll tax under us is quite different from the reported figure in the legislation. When it comes to budget honesty, this side of the House tells the truth about the budget situation. The Leader of the Opposition never does. The Liberals’ record on this matter is there for everyone to see. When it comes to stamp duty, we took steps in our early budgets to correct the situation and to make sure that our health system was in gear. We are now in a position to give back to the people $1 billion in tax cuts. No other Government has been able to do that. We have.
The SPEAKER: Order! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are now in a position to go to the community with tax cuts. Let us look at the situation with stamp duty. On a medium-priced house in Western Australia, stamp duty - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Nedlands. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house in Western Australia is $7 816 - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the third time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house is $7 816. It is lower in only one State, and that is Tasmania. Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, member for Warren-Blackwood! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We must also look at the comparison between Western Australia and the other States, because changes have occurred in those four years in the other States as well. I am now very proud to say that as a result of our initiatives today, when it comes to stamp duty we are very competitive in the Australian context. The maximum rate of stamp duty is lower in Queensland and Tasmania, but, measured against the medium price, only Tasmania has a lower rate. Mr C.J. Barnett: So you cannot answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will repeat the point: the premise of the Leader of the Opposition’s question is false. The position in 2001 cannot be compared with that of 2004, because the 2001 budget position was unsustainable. Mr C.J. Barnett: What a lot of waffle. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was an unsustainable budget situation. We have delivered. The Liberals could not deliver. They had increased household charges, increased taxes and negative growth, which we inherited when we came to power. When it comes to the rates of payroll tax, stamp duty and land tax, I am sure that anything that the Leader of the Opposition says must be carefully considered. Yesterday he would not even acknowledge that marginal rates applied with payroll tax. He would not acknowledge that, under our system, payroll tax is paid only above a certain threshold. Therefore, the payroll tax under us is quite different from the reported figure in the legislation. When it comes to budget honesty, this side of the House tells the truth about the budget situation. The Leader of the Opposition never does. The Liberals’ record on this matter is there for everyone to see. When it comes to stamp duty, we took steps in our early budgets to correct the situation and to make sure that our health system was in gear. We are now in a position to give back to the people $1 billion in tax cuts. No other Government has been able to do that. We have.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are now in a position to go to the community with tax cuts. Let us look at the situation with stamp duty. On a medium-priced house in Western Australia, stamp duty - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Nedlands. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house in Western Australia is $7 816 - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the third time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house is $7 816. It is lower in only one State, and that is Tasmania. Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, member for Warren-Blackwood! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We must also look at the comparison between Western Australia and the other States, because changes have occurred in those four years in the other States as well. I am now very proud to say that as a result of our initiatives today, when it comes to stamp duty we are very competitive in the Australian context. The maximum rate of stamp duty is lower in Queensland and Tasmania, but, measured against the medium price, only Tasmania has a lower rate. Mr C.J. Barnett: So you cannot answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will repeat the point: the premise of the Leader of the Opposition’s question is false. The position in 2001 cannot be compared with that of 2004, because the 2001 budget position was unsustainable. Mr C.J. Barnett: What a lot of waffle. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was an unsustainable budget situation. We have delivered. The Liberals could not deliver. They had increased household charges, increased taxes and negative growth, which we inherited when we came to power. When it comes to the rates of payroll tax, stamp duty and land tax, I am sure that anything that the Leader of the Opposition says must be carefully considered. Yesterday he would not even acknowledge that marginal rates applied with payroll tax. He would not acknowledge that, under our system, payroll tax is paid only above a certain threshold. Therefore, the payroll tax under us is quite different from the reported figure in the legislation. When it comes to budget honesty, this side of the House tells the truth about the budget situation. The Leader of the Opposition never does. The Liberals’ record on this matter is there for everyone to see. When it comes to stamp duty, we took steps in our early budgets to correct the situation and to make sure that our health system was in gear. We are now in a position to give back to the people $1 billion in tax cuts. No other Government has been able to do that. We have.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Nedlands. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house in Western Australia is $7 816 - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the third time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house is $7 816. It is lower in only one State, and that is Tasmania. Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, member for Warren-Blackwood! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We must also look at the comparison between Western Australia and the other States, because changes have occurred in those four years in the other States as well. I am now very proud to say that as a result of our initiatives today, when it comes to stamp duty we are very competitive in the Australian context. The maximum rate of stamp duty is lower in Queensland and Tasmania, but, measured against the medium price, only Tasmania has a lower rate. Mr C.J. Barnett: So you cannot answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will repeat the point: the premise of the Leader of the Opposition’s question is false. The position in 2001 cannot be compared with that of 2004, because the 2001 budget position was unsustainable. Mr C.J. Barnett: What a lot of waffle. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was an unsustainable budget situation. We have delivered. The Liberals could not deliver. They had increased household charges, increased taxes and negative growth, which we inherited when we came to power. When it comes to the rates of payroll tax, stamp duty and land tax, I am sure that anything that the Leader of the Opposition says must be carefully considered. Yesterday he would not even acknowledge that marginal rates applied with payroll tax. He would not acknowledge that, under our system, payroll tax is paid only above a certain threshold. Therefore, the payroll tax under us is quite different from the reported figure in the legislation. When it comes to budget honesty, this side of the House tells the truth about the budget situation. The Leader of the Opposition never does. The Liberals’ record on this matter is there for everyone to see. When it comes to stamp duty, we took steps in our early budgets to correct the situation and to make sure that our health system was in gear. We are now in a position to give back to the people $1 billion in tax cuts. No other Government has been able to do that. We have.
The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Nedlands. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house in Western Australia is $7 816 - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the third time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house is $7 816. It is lower in only one State, and that is Tasmania. Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, member for Warren-Blackwood! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We must also look at the comparison between Western Australia and the other States, because changes have occurred in those four years in the other States as well. I am now very proud to say that as a result of our initiatives today, when it comes to stamp duty we are very competitive in the Australian context. The maximum rate of stamp duty is lower in Queensland and Tasmania, but, measured against the medium price, only Tasmania has a lower rate. Mr C.J. Barnett: So you cannot answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will repeat the point: the premise of the Leader of the Opposition’s question is false. The position in 2001 cannot be compared with that of 2004, because the 2001 budget position was unsustainable. Mr C.J. Barnett: What a lot of waffle. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was an unsustainable budget situation. We have delivered. The Liberals could not deliver. They had increased household charges, increased taxes and negative growth, which we inherited when we came to power. When it comes to the rates of payroll tax, stamp duty and land tax, I am sure that anything that the Leader of the Opposition says must be carefully considered. Yesterday he would not even acknowledge that marginal rates applied with payroll tax. He would not acknowledge that, under our system, payroll tax is paid only above a certain threshold. Therefore, the payroll tax under us is quite different from the reported figure in the legislation. When it comes to budget honesty, this side of the House tells the truth about the budget situation. The Leader of the Opposition never does. The Liberals’ record on this matter is there for everyone to see. When it comes to stamp duty, we took steps in our early budgets to correct the situation and to make sure that our health system was in gear. We are now in a position to give back to the people $1 billion in tax cuts. No other Government has been able to do that. We have.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house in Western Australia is $7 816 - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the third time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house is $7 816. It is lower in only one State, and that is Tasmania. Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, member for Warren-Blackwood! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We must also look at the comparison between Western Australia and the other States, because changes have occurred in those four years in the other States as well. I am now very proud to say that as a result of our initiatives today, when it comes to stamp duty we are very competitive in the Australian context. The maximum rate of stamp duty is lower in Queensland and Tasmania, but, measured against the medium price, only Tasmania has a lower rate. Mr C.J. Barnett: So you cannot answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will repeat the point: the premise of the Leader of the Opposition’s question is false. The position in 2001 cannot be compared with that of 2004, because the 2001 budget position was unsustainable. Mr C.J. Barnett: What a lot of waffle. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was an unsustainable budget situation. We have delivered. The Liberals could not deliver. They had increased household charges, increased taxes and negative growth, which we inherited when we came to power. When it comes to the rates of payroll tax, stamp duty and land tax, I am sure that anything that the Leader of the Opposition says must be carefully considered. Yesterday he would not even acknowledge that marginal rates applied with payroll tax. He would not acknowledge that, under our system, payroll tax is paid only above a certain threshold. Therefore, the payroll tax under us is quite different from the reported figure in the legislation. When it comes to budget honesty, this side of the House tells the truth about the budget situation. The Leader of the Opposition never does. The Liberals’ record on this matter is there for everyone to see. When it comes to stamp duty, we took steps in our early budgets to correct the situation and to make sure that our health system was in gear. We are now in a position to give back to the people $1 billion in tax cuts. No other Government has been able to do that. We have.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the third time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house is $7 816. It is lower in only one State, and that is Tasmania. Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, member for Warren-Blackwood! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We must also look at the comparison between Western Australia and the other States, because changes have occurred in those four years in the other States as well. I am now very proud to say that as a result of our initiatives today, when it comes to stamp duty we are very competitive in the Australian context. The maximum rate of stamp duty is lower in Queensland and Tasmania, but, measured against the medium price, only Tasmania has a lower rate. Mr C.J. Barnett: So you cannot answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will repeat the point: the premise of the Leader of the Opposition’s question is false. The position in 2001 cannot be compared with that of 2004, because the 2001 budget position was unsustainable. Mr C.J. Barnett: What a lot of waffle. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was an unsustainable budget situation. We have delivered. The Liberals could not deliver. They had increased household charges, increased taxes and negative growth, which we inherited when we came to power. When it comes to the rates of payroll tax, stamp duty and land tax, I am sure that anything that the Leader of the Opposition says must be carefully considered. Yesterday he would not even acknowledge that marginal rates applied with payroll tax. He would not acknowledge that, under our system, payroll tax is paid only above a certain threshold. Therefore, the payroll tax under us is quite different from the reported figure in the legislation. When it comes to budget honesty, this side of the House tells the truth about the budget situation. The Leader of the Opposition never does. The Liberals’ record on this matter is there for everyone to see. When it comes to stamp duty, we took steps in our early budgets to correct the situation and to make sure that our health system was in gear. We are now in a position to give back to the people $1 billion in tax cuts. No other Government has been able to do that. We have.
The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the third time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house is $7 816. It is lower in only one State, and that is Tasmania. Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, member for Warren-Blackwood! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We must also look at the comparison between Western Australia and the other States, because changes have occurred in those four years in the other States as well. I am now very proud to say that as a result of our initiatives today, when it comes to stamp duty we are very competitive in the Australian context. The maximum rate of stamp duty is lower in Queensland and Tasmania, but, measured against the medium price, only Tasmania has a lower rate. Mr C.J. Barnett: So you cannot answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will repeat the point: the premise of the Leader of the Opposition’s question is false. The position in 2001 cannot be compared with that of 2004, because the 2001 budget position was unsustainable. Mr C.J. Barnett: What a lot of waffle. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was an unsustainable budget situation. We have delivered. The Liberals could not deliver. They had increased household charges, increased taxes and negative growth, which we inherited when we came to power. When it comes to the rates of payroll tax, stamp duty and land tax, I am sure that anything that the Leader of the Opposition says must be carefully considered. Yesterday he would not even acknowledge that marginal rates applied with payroll tax. He would not acknowledge that, under our system, payroll tax is paid only above a certain threshold. Therefore, the payroll tax under us is quite different from the reported figure in the legislation. When it comes to budget honesty, this side of the House tells the truth about the budget situation. The Leader of the Opposition never does. The Liberals’ record on this matter is there for everyone to see. When it comes to stamp duty, we took steps in our early budgets to correct the situation and to make sure that our health system was in gear. We are now in a position to give back to the people $1 billion in tax cuts. No other Government has been able to do that. We have.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house is $7 816. It is lower in only one State, and that is Tasmania. Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, member for Warren-Blackwood! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We must also look at the comparison between Western Australia and the other States, because changes have occurred in those four years in the other States as well. I am now very proud to say that as a result of our initiatives today, when it comes to stamp duty we are very competitive in the Australian context. The maximum rate of stamp duty is lower in Queensland and Tasmania, but, measured against the medium price, only Tasmania has a lower rate. Mr C.J. Barnett: So you cannot answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will repeat the point: the premise of the Leader of the Opposition’s question is false. The position in 2001 cannot be compared with that of 2004, because the 2001 budget position was unsustainable. Mr C.J. Barnett: What a lot of waffle. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was an unsustainable budget situation. We have delivered. The Liberals could not deliver. They had increased household charges, increased taxes and negative growth, which we inherited when we came to power. When it comes to the rates of payroll tax, stamp duty and land tax, I am sure that anything that the Leader of the Opposition says must be carefully considered. Yesterday he would not even acknowledge that marginal rates applied with payroll tax. He would not acknowledge that, under our system, payroll tax is paid only above a certain threshold. Therefore, the payroll tax under us is quite different from the reported figure in the legislation. When it comes to budget honesty, this side of the House tells the truth about the budget situation. The Leader of the Opposition never does. The Liberals’ record on this matter is there for everyone to see. When it comes to stamp duty, we took steps in our early budgets to correct the situation and to make sure that our health system was in gear. We are now in a position to give back to the people $1 billion in tax cuts. No other Government has been able to do that. We have.
Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, member for Warren-Blackwood! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We must also look at the comparison between Western Australia and the other States, because changes have occurred in those four years in the other States as well. I am now very proud to say that as a result of our initiatives today, when it comes to stamp duty we are very competitive in the Australian context. The maximum rate of stamp duty is lower in Queensland and Tasmania, but, measured against the medium price, only Tasmania has a lower rate. Mr C.J. Barnett: So you cannot answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will repeat the point: the premise of the Leader of the Opposition’s question is false. The position in 2001 cannot be compared with that of 2004, because the 2001 budget position was unsustainable. Mr C.J. Barnett: What a lot of waffle. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was an unsustainable budget situation. We have delivered. The Liberals could not deliver. They had increased household charges, increased taxes and negative growth, which we inherited when we came to power. When it comes to the rates of payroll tax, stamp duty and land tax, I am sure that anything that the Leader of the Opposition says must be carefully considered. Yesterday he would not even acknowledge that marginal rates applied with payroll tax. He would not acknowledge that, under our system, payroll tax is paid only above a certain threshold. Therefore, the payroll tax under us is quite different from the reported figure in the legislation. When it comes to budget honesty, this side of the House tells the truth about the budget situation. The Leader of the Opposition never does. The Liberals’ record on this matter is there for everyone to see. When it comes to stamp duty, we took steps in our early budgets to correct the situation and to make sure that our health system was in gear. We are now in a position to give back to the people $1 billion in tax cuts. No other Government has been able to do that. We have.
The SPEAKER: Order, member for Warren-Blackwood! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We must also look at the comparison between Western Australia and the other States, because changes have occurred in those four years in the other States as well. I am now very proud to say that as a result of our initiatives today, when it comes to stamp duty we are very competitive in the Australian context. The maximum rate of stamp duty is lower in Queensland and Tasmania, but, measured against the medium price, only Tasmania has a lower rate. Mr C.J. Barnett: So you cannot answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will repeat the point: the premise of the Leader of the Opposition’s question is false. The position in 2001 cannot be compared with that of 2004, because the 2001 budget position was unsustainable. Mr C.J. Barnett: What a lot of waffle. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was an unsustainable budget situation. We have delivered. The Liberals could not deliver. They had increased household charges, increased taxes and negative growth, which we inherited when we came to power. When it comes to the rates of payroll tax, stamp duty and land tax, I am sure that anything that the Leader of the Opposition says must be carefully considered. Yesterday he would not even acknowledge that marginal rates applied with payroll tax. He would not acknowledge that, under our system, payroll tax is paid only above a certain threshold. Therefore, the payroll tax under us is quite different from the reported figure in the legislation. When it comes to budget honesty, this side of the House tells the truth about the budget situation. The Leader of the Opposition never does. The Liberals’ record on this matter is there for everyone to see. When it comes to stamp duty, we took steps in our early budgets to correct the situation and to make sure that our health system was in gear. We are now in a position to give back to the people $1 billion in tax cuts. No other Government has been able to do that. We have.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: We must also look at the comparison between Western Australia and the other States, because changes have occurred in those four years in the other States as well. I am now very proud to say that as a result of our initiatives today, when it comes to stamp duty we are very competitive in the Australian context. The maximum rate of stamp duty is lower in Queensland and Tasmania, but, measured against the medium price, only Tasmania has a lower rate. Mr C.J. Barnett: So you cannot answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will repeat the point: the premise of the Leader of the Opposition’s question is false. The position in 2001 cannot be compared with that of 2004, because the 2001 budget position was unsustainable. Mr C.J. Barnett: What a lot of waffle. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was an unsustainable budget situation. We have delivered. The Liberals could not deliver. They had increased household charges, increased taxes and negative growth, which we inherited when we came to power. When it comes to the rates of payroll tax, stamp duty and land tax, I am sure that anything that the Leader of the Opposition says must be carefully considered. Yesterday he would not even acknowledge that marginal rates applied with payroll tax. He would not acknowledge that, under our system, payroll tax is paid only above a certain threshold. Therefore, the payroll tax under us is quite different from the reported figure in the legislation. When it comes to budget honesty, this side of the House tells the truth about the budget situation. The Leader of the Opposition never does. The Liberals’ record on this matter is there for everyone to see. When it comes to stamp duty, we took steps in our early budgets to correct the situation and to make sure that our health system was in gear. We are now in a position to give back to the people $1 billion in tax cuts. No other Government has been able to do that. We have.
Mr C.J. Barnett: So you cannot answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will repeat the point: the premise of the Leader of the Opposition’s question is false. The position in 2001 cannot be compared with that of 2004, because the 2001 budget position was unsustainable. Mr C.J. Barnett: What a lot of waffle. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was an unsustainable budget situation. We have delivered. The Liberals could not deliver. They had increased household charges, increased taxes and negative growth, which we inherited when we came to power. When it comes to the rates of payroll tax, stamp duty and land tax, I am sure that anything that the Leader of the Opposition says must be carefully considered. Yesterday he would not even acknowledge that marginal rates applied with payroll tax. He would not acknowledge that, under our system, payroll tax is paid only above a certain threshold. Therefore, the payroll tax under us is quite different from the reported figure in the legislation. When it comes to budget honesty, this side of the House tells the truth about the budget situation. The Leader of the Opposition never does. The Liberals’ record on this matter is there for everyone to see. When it comes to stamp duty, we took steps in our early budgets to correct the situation and to make sure that our health system was in gear. We are now in a position to give back to the people $1 billion in tax cuts. No other Government has been able to do that. We have.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will repeat the point: the premise of the Leader of the Opposition’s question is false. The position in 2001 cannot be compared with that of 2004, because the 2001 budget position was unsustainable. Mr C.J. Barnett: What a lot of waffle. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was an unsustainable budget situation. We have delivered. The Liberals could not deliver. They had increased household charges, increased taxes and negative growth, which we inherited when we came to power. When it comes to the rates of payroll tax, stamp duty and land tax, I am sure that anything that the Leader of the Opposition says must be carefully considered. Yesterday he would not even acknowledge that marginal rates applied with payroll tax. He would not acknowledge that, under our system, payroll tax is paid only above a certain threshold. Therefore, the payroll tax under us is quite different from the reported figure in the legislation. When it comes to budget honesty, this side of the House tells the truth about the budget situation. The Leader of the Opposition never does. The Liberals’ record on this matter is there for everyone to see. When it comes to stamp duty, we took steps in our early budgets to correct the situation and to make sure that our health system was in gear. We are now in a position to give back to the people $1 billion in tax cuts. No other Government has been able to do that. We have.
Mr C.J. Barnett: What a lot of waffle. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was an unsustainable budget situation. We have delivered. The Liberals could not deliver. They had increased household charges, increased taxes and negative growth, which we inherited when we came to power. When it comes to the rates of payroll tax, stamp duty and land tax, I am sure that anything that the Leader of the Opposition says must be carefully considered. Yesterday he would not even acknowledge that marginal rates applied with payroll tax. He would not acknowledge that, under our system, payroll tax is paid only above a certain threshold. Therefore, the payroll tax under us is quite different from the reported figure in the legislation. When it comes to budget honesty, this side of the House tells the truth about the budget situation. The Leader of the Opposition never does. The Liberals’ record on this matter is there for everyone to see. When it comes to stamp duty, we took steps in our early budgets to correct the situation and to make sure that our health system was in gear. We are now in a position to give back to the people $1 billion in tax cuts. No other Government has been able to do that. We have.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was an unsustainable budget situation. We have delivered. The Liberals could not deliver. They had increased household charges, increased taxes and negative growth, which we inherited when we came to power. When it comes to the rates of payroll tax, stamp duty and land tax, I am sure that anything that the Leader of the Opposition says must be carefully considered. Yesterday he would not even acknowledge that marginal rates applied with payroll tax. He would not acknowledge that, under our system, payroll tax is paid only above a certain threshold. Therefore, the payroll tax under us is quite different from the reported figure in the legislation. When it comes to budget honesty, this side of the House tells the truth about the budget situation. The Leader of the Opposition never does. The Liberals’ record on this matter is there for everyone to see. When it comes to stamp duty, we took steps in our early budgets to correct the situation and to make sure that our health system was in gear. We are now in a position to give back to the people $1 billion in tax cuts. No other Government has been able to do that. We have.
When it comes to stamp duty, we took steps in our early budgets to correct the situation and to make sure that our health system was in gear. We are now in a position to give back to the people $1 billion in tax cuts. No other Government has been able to do that. We have.
Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT: It helps to tell the truth to the public. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Mr C.J. BARNETT: I believe in the truth, so let me ask the question - (1) Does the Premier concede that families and businesses in Western Australia, after changes announced today, will still be paying stamp duty rates on property conveyancing that are up to 10 per cent higher than they were four years ago? (2) Does the Premier also concede that land tax rates payable by businesses on many commercial properties are still 15 to 20 per cent higher than they were four years ago? Yes or no. Try the truth. Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) I made the point in my earlier contribution today - Mr C.J. Barnett: Just answer the question, are they higher; yes or no? Dr G.I. GALLOP: The budget situation and fiscal situation that we inherited - Mr C.J. Barnett: Just answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will come to it. Mr C.J. Barnett: Yes or no? The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the Opposition! I hope the Leader of the Opposition will allow the Premier to answer the question rather than yelling him down. Dr G.I. GALLOP: We inherited an unsustainable fiscal situation. There was no money in the forward estimates for the eight to 10 per cent growth in the health budget. We had a situation in which the AAA credit rating was at risk. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time and the Leader of the Opposition and the Leader of the National Party to order for the second time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: We corrected that situation. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are now in a position to go to the community with tax cuts. Let us look at the situation with stamp duty. On a medium-priced house in Western Australia, stamp duty - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Nedlands. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house in Western Australia is $7 816 - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the third time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house is $7 816. It is lower in only one State, and that is Tasmania. Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, member for Warren-Blackwood! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We must also look at the comparison between Western Australia and the other States, because changes have occurred in those four years in the other States as well. I am now very proud to say that as a result of our initiatives today, when it comes to stamp duty we are very competitive in the Australian context. The maximum rate of stamp duty is lower in Queensland and Tasmania, but, measured against the medium price, only Tasmania has a lower rate. Mr C.J. Barnett: So you cannot answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will repeat the point: the premise of the Leader of the Opposition’s question is false. The position in 2001 cannot be compared with that of 2004, because the 2001 budget position was unsustainable. Mr C.J. Barnett: What a lot of waffle. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was an unsustainable budget situation. We have delivered. The Liberals could not deliver. They had increased household charges, increased taxes and negative growth, which we inherited when we came to power. When it comes to the rates of payroll tax, stamp duty and land tax, I am sure that anything that the Leader of the Opposition says must be carefully considered. Yesterday he would not even acknowledge that marginal rates applied with payroll tax. He would not acknowledge that, under our system, payroll tax is paid only above a certain threshold. Therefore, the payroll tax under us is quite different from the reported figure in the legislation. When it comes to budget honesty, this side of the House tells the truth about the budget situation. The Leader of the Opposition never does. The Liberals’ record on this matter is there for everyone to see. When it comes to stamp duty, we took steps in our early budgets to correct the situation and to make sure that our health system was in gear. We are now in a position to give back to the people $1 billion in tax cuts. No other Government has been able to do that. We have.
Mr C.J. BARNETT: It helps to tell the truth to the public. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Mr C.J. BARNETT: I believe in the truth, so let me ask the question - (1) Does the Premier concede that families and businesses in Western Australia, after changes announced today, will still be paying stamp duty rates on property conveyancing that are up to 10 per cent higher than they were four years ago? (2) Does the Premier also concede that land tax rates payable by businesses on many commercial properties are still 15 to 20 per cent higher than they were four years ago? Yes or no. Try the truth. Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) I made the point in my earlier contribution today - Mr C.J. Barnett: Just answer the question, are they higher; yes or no? Dr G.I. GALLOP: The budget situation and fiscal situation that we inherited - Mr C.J. Barnett: Just answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will come to it. Mr C.J. Barnett: Yes or no? The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the Opposition! I hope the Leader of the Opposition will allow the Premier to answer the question rather than yelling him down. Dr G.I. GALLOP: We inherited an unsustainable fiscal situation. There was no money in the forward estimates for the eight to 10 per cent growth in the health budget. We had a situation in which the AAA credit rating was at risk. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time and the Leader of the Opposition and the Leader of the National Party to order for the second time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: We corrected that situation. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are now in a position to go to the community with tax cuts. Let us look at the situation with stamp duty. On a medium-priced house in Western Australia, stamp duty - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Nedlands. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house in Western Australia is $7 816 - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the third time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house is $7 816. It is lower in only one State, and that is Tasmania. Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, member for Warren-Blackwood! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We must also look at the comparison between Western Australia and the other States, because changes have occurred in those four years in the other States as well. I am now very proud to say that as a result of our initiatives today, when it comes to stamp duty we are very competitive in the Australian context. The maximum rate of stamp duty is lower in Queensland and Tasmania, but, measured against the medium price, only Tasmania has a lower rate. Mr C.J. Barnett: So you cannot answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will repeat the point: the premise of the Leader of the Opposition’s question is false. The position in 2001 cannot be compared with that of 2004, because the 2001 budget position was unsustainable. Mr C.J. Barnett: What a lot of waffle. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was an unsustainable budget situation. We have delivered. The Liberals could not deliver. They had increased household charges, increased taxes and negative growth, which we inherited when we came to power. When it comes to the rates of payroll tax, stamp duty and land tax, I am sure that anything that the Leader of the Opposition says must be carefully considered. Yesterday he would not even acknowledge that marginal rates applied with payroll tax. He would not acknowledge that, under our system, payroll tax is paid only above a certain threshold. Therefore, the payroll tax under us is quite different from the reported figure in the legislation. When it comes to budget honesty, this side of the House tells the truth about the budget situation. The Leader of the Opposition never does. The Liberals’ record on this matter is there for everyone to see. When it comes to stamp duty, we took steps in our early budgets to correct the situation and to make sure that our health system was in gear. We are now in a position to give back to the people $1 billion in tax cuts. No other Government has been able to do that. We have.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Mr C.J. BARNETT: I believe in the truth, so let me ask the question - (1) Does the Premier concede that families and businesses in Western Australia, after changes announced today, will still be paying stamp duty rates on property conveyancing that are up to 10 per cent higher than they were four years ago? (2) Does the Premier also concede that land tax rates payable by businesses on many commercial properties are still 15 to 20 per cent higher than they were four years ago? Yes or no. Try the truth. Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) I made the point in my earlier contribution today - Mr C.J. Barnett: Just answer the question, are they higher; yes or no? Dr G.I. GALLOP: The budget situation and fiscal situation that we inherited - Mr C.J. Barnett: Just answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will come to it. Mr C.J. Barnett: Yes or no? The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the Opposition! I hope the Leader of the Opposition will allow the Premier to answer the question rather than yelling him down. Dr G.I. GALLOP: We inherited an unsustainable fiscal situation. There was no money in the forward estimates for the eight to 10 per cent growth in the health budget. We had a situation in which the AAA credit rating was at risk. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time and the Leader of the Opposition and the Leader of the National Party to order for the second time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: We corrected that situation. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are now in a position to go to the community with tax cuts. Let us look at the situation with stamp duty. On a medium-priced house in Western Australia, stamp duty - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Nedlands. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house in Western Australia is $7 816 - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the third time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house is $7 816. It is lower in only one State, and that is Tasmania. Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, member for Warren-Blackwood! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We must also look at the comparison between Western Australia and the other States, because changes have occurred in those four years in the other States as well. I am now very proud to say that as a result of our initiatives today, when it comes to stamp duty we are very competitive in the Australian context. The maximum rate of stamp duty is lower in Queensland and Tasmania, but, measured against the medium price, only Tasmania has a lower rate. Mr C.J. Barnett: So you cannot answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will repeat the point: the premise of the Leader of the Opposition’s question is false. The position in 2001 cannot be compared with that of 2004, because the 2001 budget position was unsustainable. Mr C.J. Barnett: What a lot of waffle. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was an unsustainable budget situation. We have delivered. The Liberals could not deliver. They had increased household charges, increased taxes and negative growth, which we inherited when we came to power. When it comes to the rates of payroll tax, stamp duty and land tax, I am sure that anything that the Leader of the Opposition says must be carefully considered. Yesterday he would not even acknowledge that marginal rates applied with payroll tax. He would not acknowledge that, under our system, payroll tax is paid only above a certain threshold. Therefore, the payroll tax under us is quite different from the reported figure in the legislation. When it comes to budget honesty, this side of the House tells the truth about the budget situation. The Leader of the Opposition never does. The Liberals’ record on this matter is there for everyone to see. When it comes to stamp duty, we took steps in our early budgets to correct the situation and to make sure that our health system was in gear. We are now in a position to give back to the people $1 billion in tax cuts. No other Government has been able to do that. We have.
The SPEAKER: Order! Mr C.J. BARNETT: I believe in the truth, so let me ask the question - (1) Does the Premier concede that families and businesses in Western Australia, after changes announced today, will still be paying stamp duty rates on property conveyancing that are up to 10 per cent higher than they were four years ago? (2) Does the Premier also concede that land tax rates payable by businesses on many commercial properties are still 15 to 20 per cent higher than they were four years ago? Yes or no. Try the truth. Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) I made the point in my earlier contribution today - Mr C.J. Barnett: Just answer the question, are they higher; yes or no? Dr G.I. GALLOP: The budget situation and fiscal situation that we inherited - Mr C.J. Barnett: Just answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will come to it. Mr C.J. Barnett: Yes or no? The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the Opposition! I hope the Leader of the Opposition will allow the Premier to answer the question rather than yelling him down. Dr G.I. GALLOP: We inherited an unsustainable fiscal situation. There was no money in the forward estimates for the eight to 10 per cent growth in the health budget. We had a situation in which the AAA credit rating was at risk. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time and the Leader of the Opposition and the Leader of the National Party to order for the second time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: We corrected that situation. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are now in a position to go to the community with tax cuts. Let us look at the situation with stamp duty. On a medium-priced house in Western Australia, stamp duty - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Nedlands. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house in Western Australia is $7 816 - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the third time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house is $7 816. It is lower in only one State, and that is Tasmania. Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, member for Warren-Blackwood! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We must also look at the comparison between Western Australia and the other States, because changes have occurred in those four years in the other States as well. I am now very proud to say that as a result of our initiatives today, when it comes to stamp duty we are very competitive in the Australian context. The maximum rate of stamp duty is lower in Queensland and Tasmania, but, measured against the medium price, only Tasmania has a lower rate. Mr C.J. Barnett: So you cannot answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will repeat the point: the premise of the Leader of the Opposition’s question is false. The position in 2001 cannot be compared with that of 2004, because the 2001 budget position was unsustainable. Mr C.J. Barnett: What a lot of waffle. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was an unsustainable budget situation. We have delivered. The Liberals could not deliver. They had increased household charges, increased taxes and negative growth, which we inherited when we came to power. When it comes to the rates of payroll tax, stamp duty and land tax, I am sure that anything that the Leader of the Opposition says must be carefully considered. Yesterday he would not even acknowledge that marginal rates applied with payroll tax. He would not acknowledge that, under our system, payroll tax is paid only above a certain threshold. Therefore, the payroll tax under us is quite different from the reported figure in the legislation. When it comes to budget honesty, this side of the House tells the truth about the budget situation. The Leader of the Opposition never does. The Liberals’ record on this matter is there for everyone to see. When it comes to stamp duty, we took steps in our early budgets to correct the situation and to make sure that our health system was in gear. We are now in a position to give back to the people $1 billion in tax cuts. No other Government has been able to do that. We have.
Mr C.J. BARNETT: I believe in the truth, so let me ask the question - (1) Does the Premier concede that families and businesses in Western Australia, after changes announced today, will still be paying stamp duty rates on property conveyancing that are up to 10 per cent higher than they were four years ago? (2) Does the Premier also concede that land tax rates payable by businesses on many commercial properties are still 15 to 20 per cent higher than they were four years ago? Yes or no. Try the truth. Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) I made the point in my earlier contribution today - Mr C.J. Barnett: Just answer the question, are they higher; yes or no? Dr G.I. GALLOP: The budget situation and fiscal situation that we inherited - Mr C.J. Barnett: Just answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will come to it. Mr C.J. Barnett: Yes or no? The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the Opposition! I hope the Leader of the Opposition will allow the Premier to answer the question rather than yelling him down. Dr G.I. GALLOP: We inherited an unsustainable fiscal situation. There was no money in the forward estimates for the eight to 10 per cent growth in the health budget. We had a situation in which the AAA credit rating was at risk. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time and the Leader of the Opposition and the Leader of the National Party to order for the second time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: We corrected that situation. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are now in a position to go to the community with tax cuts. Let us look at the situation with stamp duty. On a medium-priced house in Western Australia, stamp duty - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Nedlands. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house in Western Australia is $7 816 - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the third time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house is $7 816. It is lower in only one State, and that is Tasmania. Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, member for Warren-Blackwood! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We must also look at the comparison between Western Australia and the other States, because changes have occurred in those four years in the other States as well. I am now very proud to say that as a result of our initiatives today, when it comes to stamp duty we are very competitive in the Australian context. The maximum rate of stamp duty is lower in Queensland and Tasmania, but, measured against the medium price, only Tasmania has a lower rate. Mr C.J. Barnett: So you cannot answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will repeat the point: the premise of the Leader of the Opposition’s question is false. The position in 2001 cannot be compared with that of 2004, because the 2001 budget position was unsustainable. Mr C.J. Barnett: What a lot of waffle. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was an unsustainable budget situation. We have delivered. The Liberals could not deliver. They had increased household charges, increased taxes and negative growth, which we inherited when we came to power. When it comes to the rates of payroll tax, stamp duty and land tax, I am sure that anything that the Leader of the Opposition says must be carefully considered. Yesterday he would not even acknowledge that marginal rates applied with payroll tax. He would not acknowledge that, under our system, payroll tax is paid only above a certain threshold. Therefore, the payroll tax under us is quite different from the reported figure in the legislation. When it comes to budget honesty, this side of the House tells the truth about the budget situation. The Leader of the Opposition never does. The Liberals’ record on this matter is there for everyone to see. When it comes to stamp duty, we took steps in our early budgets to correct the situation and to make sure that our health system was in gear. We are now in a position to give back to the people $1 billion in tax cuts. No other Government has been able to do that. We have.
(1) Does the Premier concede that families and businesses in Western Australia, after changes announced today, will still be paying stamp duty rates on property conveyancing that are up to 10 per cent higher than they were four years ago? (2) Does the Premier also concede that land tax rates payable by businesses on many commercial properties are still 15 to 20 per cent higher than they were four years ago? Yes or no. Try the truth. Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) I made the point in my earlier contribution today - Mr C.J. Barnett: Just answer the question, are they higher; yes or no? Dr G.I. GALLOP: The budget situation and fiscal situation that we inherited - Mr C.J. Barnett: Just answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will come to it. Mr C.J. Barnett: Yes or no? The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the Opposition! I hope the Leader of the Opposition will allow the Premier to answer the question rather than yelling him down. Dr G.I. GALLOP: We inherited an unsustainable fiscal situation. There was no money in the forward estimates for the eight to 10 per cent growth in the health budget. We had a situation in which the AAA credit rating was at risk. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time and the Leader of the Opposition and the Leader of the National Party to order for the second time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: We corrected that situation. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are now in a position to go to the community with tax cuts. Let us look at the situation with stamp duty. On a medium-priced house in Western Australia, stamp duty - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Nedlands. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house in Western Australia is $7 816 - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the third time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house is $7 816. It is lower in only one State, and that is Tasmania. Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, member for Warren-Blackwood! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We must also look at the comparison between Western Australia and the other States, because changes have occurred in those four years in the other States as well. I am now very proud to say that as a result of our initiatives today, when it comes to stamp duty we are very competitive in the Australian context. The maximum rate of stamp duty is lower in Queensland and Tasmania, but, measured against the medium price, only Tasmania has a lower rate. Mr C.J. Barnett: So you cannot answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will repeat the point: the premise of the Leader of the Opposition’s question is false. The position in 2001 cannot be compared with that of 2004, because the 2001 budget position was unsustainable. Mr C.J. Barnett: What a lot of waffle. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was an unsustainable budget situation. We have delivered. The Liberals could not deliver. They had increased household charges, increased taxes and negative growth, which we inherited when we came to power. When it comes to the rates of payroll tax, stamp duty and land tax, I am sure that anything that the Leader of the Opposition says must be carefully considered. Yesterday he would not even acknowledge that marginal rates applied with payroll tax. He would not acknowledge that, under our system, payroll tax is paid only above a certain threshold. Therefore, the payroll tax under us is quite different from the reported figure in the legislation. When it comes to budget honesty, this side of the House tells the truth about the budget situation. The Leader of the Opposition never does. The Liberals’ record on this matter is there for everyone to see. When it comes to stamp duty, we took steps in our early budgets to correct the situation and to make sure that our health system was in gear. We are now in a position to give back to the people $1 billion in tax cuts. No other Government has been able to do that. We have.
(2) Does the Premier also concede that land tax rates payable by businesses on many commercial properties are still 15 to 20 per cent higher than they were four years ago? Yes or no. Try the truth. Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) I made the point in my earlier contribution today - Mr C.J. Barnett: Just answer the question, are they higher; yes or no? Dr G.I. GALLOP: The budget situation and fiscal situation that we inherited - Mr C.J. Barnett: Just answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will come to it. Mr C.J. Barnett: Yes or no? The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the Opposition! I hope the Leader of the Opposition will allow the Premier to answer the question rather than yelling him down. Dr G.I. GALLOP: We inherited an unsustainable fiscal situation. There was no money in the forward estimates for the eight to 10 per cent growth in the health budget. We had a situation in which the AAA credit rating was at risk. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time and the Leader of the Opposition and the Leader of the National Party to order for the second time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: We corrected that situation. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are now in a position to go to the community with tax cuts. Let us look at the situation with stamp duty. On a medium-priced house in Western Australia, stamp duty - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Nedlands. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house in Western Australia is $7 816 - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the third time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house is $7 816. It is lower in only one State, and that is Tasmania. Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, member for Warren-Blackwood! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We must also look at the comparison between Western Australia and the other States, because changes have occurred in those four years in the other States as well. I am now very proud to say that as a result of our initiatives today, when it comes to stamp duty we are very competitive in the Australian context. The maximum rate of stamp duty is lower in Queensland and Tasmania, but, measured against the medium price, only Tasmania has a lower rate. Mr C.J. Barnett: So you cannot answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will repeat the point: the premise of the Leader of the Opposition’s question is false. The position in 2001 cannot be compared with that of 2004, because the 2001 budget position was unsustainable. Mr C.J. Barnett: What a lot of waffle. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was an unsustainable budget situation. We have delivered. The Liberals could not deliver. They had increased household charges, increased taxes and negative growth, which we inherited when we came to power. When it comes to the rates of payroll tax, stamp duty and land tax, I am sure that anything that the Leader of the Opposition says must be carefully considered. Yesterday he would not even acknowledge that marginal rates applied with payroll tax. He would not acknowledge that, under our system, payroll tax is paid only above a certain threshold. Therefore, the payroll tax under us is quite different from the reported figure in the legislation. When it comes to budget honesty, this side of the House tells the truth about the budget situation. The Leader of the Opposition never does. The Liberals’ record on this matter is there for everyone to see. When it comes to stamp duty, we took steps in our early budgets to correct the situation and to make sure that our health system was in gear. We are now in a position to give back to the people $1 billion in tax cuts. No other Government has been able to do that. We have.
Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) I made the point in my earlier contribution today - Mr C.J. Barnett: Just answer the question, are they higher; yes or no? Dr G.I. GALLOP: The budget situation and fiscal situation that we inherited - Mr C.J. Barnett: Just answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will come to it. Mr C.J. Barnett: Yes or no? The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the Opposition! I hope the Leader of the Opposition will allow the Premier to answer the question rather than yelling him down. Dr G.I. GALLOP: We inherited an unsustainable fiscal situation. There was no money in the forward estimates for the eight to 10 per cent growth in the health budget. We had a situation in which the AAA credit rating was at risk. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time and the Leader of the Opposition and the Leader of the National Party to order for the second time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: We corrected that situation. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are now in a position to go to the community with tax cuts. Let us look at the situation with stamp duty. On a medium-priced house in Western Australia, stamp duty - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Nedlands. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house in Western Australia is $7 816 - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the third time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house is $7 816. It is lower in only one State, and that is Tasmania. Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, member for Warren-Blackwood! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We must also look at the comparison between Western Australia and the other States, because changes have occurred in those four years in the other States as well. I am now very proud to say that as a result of our initiatives today, when it comes to stamp duty we are very competitive in the Australian context. The maximum rate of stamp duty is lower in Queensland and Tasmania, but, measured against the medium price, only Tasmania has a lower rate. Mr C.J. Barnett: So you cannot answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will repeat the point: the premise of the Leader of the Opposition’s question is false. The position in 2001 cannot be compared with that of 2004, because the 2001 budget position was unsustainable. Mr C.J. Barnett: What a lot of waffle. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was an unsustainable budget situation. We have delivered. The Liberals could not deliver. They had increased household charges, increased taxes and negative growth, which we inherited when we came to power. When it comes to the rates of payroll tax, stamp duty and land tax, I am sure that anything that the Leader of the Opposition says must be carefully considered. Yesterday he would not even acknowledge that marginal rates applied with payroll tax. He would not acknowledge that, under our system, payroll tax is paid only above a certain threshold. Therefore, the payroll tax under us is quite different from the reported figure in the legislation. When it comes to budget honesty, this side of the House tells the truth about the budget situation. The Leader of the Opposition never does. The Liberals’ record on this matter is there for everyone to see. When it comes to stamp duty, we took steps in our early budgets to correct the situation and to make sure that our health system was in gear. We are now in a position to give back to the people $1 billion in tax cuts. No other Government has been able to do that. We have.
(1)-(2) I made the point in my earlier contribution today - Mr C.J. Barnett: Just answer the question, are they higher; yes or no? Dr G.I. GALLOP: The budget situation and fiscal situation that we inherited - Mr C.J. Barnett: Just answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will come to it. Mr C.J. Barnett: Yes or no? The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the Opposition! I hope the Leader of the Opposition will allow the Premier to answer the question rather than yelling him down. Dr G.I. GALLOP: We inherited an unsustainable fiscal situation. There was no money in the forward estimates for the eight to 10 per cent growth in the health budget. We had a situation in which the AAA credit rating was at risk. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time and the Leader of the Opposition and the Leader of the National Party to order for the second time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: We corrected that situation. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are now in a position to go to the community with tax cuts. Let us look at the situation with stamp duty. On a medium-priced house in Western Australia, stamp duty - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Nedlands. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house in Western Australia is $7 816 - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the third time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house is $7 816. It is lower in only one State, and that is Tasmania. Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, member for Warren-Blackwood! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We must also look at the comparison between Western Australia and the other States, because changes have occurred in those four years in the other States as well. I am now very proud to say that as a result of our initiatives today, when it comes to stamp duty we are very competitive in the Australian context. The maximum rate of stamp duty is lower in Queensland and Tasmania, but, measured against the medium price, only Tasmania has a lower rate. Mr C.J. Barnett: So you cannot answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will repeat the point: the premise of the Leader of the Opposition’s question is false. The position in 2001 cannot be compared with that of 2004, because the 2001 budget position was unsustainable. Mr C.J. Barnett: What a lot of waffle. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was an unsustainable budget situation. We have delivered. The Liberals could not deliver. They had increased household charges, increased taxes and negative growth, which we inherited when we came to power. When it comes to the rates of payroll tax, stamp duty and land tax, I am sure that anything that the Leader of the Opposition says must be carefully considered. Yesterday he would not even acknowledge that marginal rates applied with payroll tax. He would not acknowledge that, under our system, payroll tax is paid only above a certain threshold. Therefore, the payroll tax under us is quite different from the reported figure in the legislation. When it comes to budget honesty, this side of the House tells the truth about the budget situation. The Leader of the Opposition never does. The Liberals’ record on this matter is there for everyone to see. When it comes to stamp duty, we took steps in our early budgets to correct the situation and to make sure that our health system was in gear. We are now in a position to give back to the people $1 billion in tax cuts. No other Government has been able to do that. We have.
Mr C.J. Barnett: Just answer the question, are they higher; yes or no? Dr G.I. GALLOP: The budget situation and fiscal situation that we inherited - Mr C.J. Barnett: Just answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will come to it. Mr C.J. Barnett: Yes or no? The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the Opposition! I hope the Leader of the Opposition will allow the Premier to answer the question rather than yelling him down. Dr G.I. GALLOP: We inherited an unsustainable fiscal situation. There was no money in the forward estimates for the eight to 10 per cent growth in the health budget. We had a situation in which the AAA credit rating was at risk. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time and the Leader of the Opposition and the Leader of the National Party to order for the second time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: We corrected that situation. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are now in a position to go to the community with tax cuts. Let us look at the situation with stamp duty. On a medium-priced house in Western Australia, stamp duty - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Nedlands. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house in Western Australia is $7 816 - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the third time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house is $7 816. It is lower in only one State, and that is Tasmania. Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, member for Warren-Blackwood! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We must also look at the comparison between Western Australia and the other States, because changes have occurred in those four years in the other States as well. I am now very proud to say that as a result of our initiatives today, when it comes to stamp duty we are very competitive in the Australian context. The maximum rate of stamp duty is lower in Queensland and Tasmania, but, measured against the medium price, only Tasmania has a lower rate. Mr C.J. Barnett: So you cannot answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will repeat the point: the premise of the Leader of the Opposition’s question is false. The position in 2001 cannot be compared with that of 2004, because the 2001 budget position was unsustainable. Mr C.J. Barnett: What a lot of waffle. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was an unsustainable budget situation. We have delivered. The Liberals could not deliver. They had increased household charges, increased taxes and negative growth, which we inherited when we came to power. When it comes to the rates of payroll tax, stamp duty and land tax, I am sure that anything that the Leader of the Opposition says must be carefully considered. Yesterday he would not even acknowledge that marginal rates applied with payroll tax. He would not acknowledge that, under our system, payroll tax is paid only above a certain threshold. Therefore, the payroll tax under us is quite different from the reported figure in the legislation. When it comes to budget honesty, this side of the House tells the truth about the budget situation. The Leader of the Opposition never does. The Liberals’ record on this matter is there for everyone to see. When it comes to stamp duty, we took steps in our early budgets to correct the situation and to make sure that our health system was in gear. We are now in a position to give back to the people $1 billion in tax cuts. No other Government has been able to do that. We have.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: The budget situation and fiscal situation that we inherited - Mr C.J. Barnett: Just answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will come to it. Mr C.J. Barnett: Yes or no? The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the Opposition! I hope the Leader of the Opposition will allow the Premier to answer the question rather than yelling him down. Dr G.I. GALLOP: We inherited an unsustainable fiscal situation. There was no money in the forward estimates for the eight to 10 per cent growth in the health budget. We had a situation in which the AAA credit rating was at risk. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time and the Leader of the Opposition and the Leader of the National Party to order for the second time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: We corrected that situation. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are now in a position to go to the community with tax cuts. Let us look at the situation with stamp duty. On a medium-priced house in Western Australia, stamp duty - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Nedlands. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house in Western Australia is $7 816 - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the third time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house is $7 816. It is lower in only one State, and that is Tasmania. Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, member for Warren-Blackwood! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We must also look at the comparison between Western Australia and the other States, because changes have occurred in those four years in the other States as well. I am now very proud to say that as a result of our initiatives today, when it comes to stamp duty we are very competitive in the Australian context. The maximum rate of stamp duty is lower in Queensland and Tasmania, but, measured against the medium price, only Tasmania has a lower rate. Mr C.J. Barnett: So you cannot answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will repeat the point: the premise of the Leader of the Opposition’s question is false. The position in 2001 cannot be compared with that of 2004, because the 2001 budget position was unsustainable. Mr C.J. Barnett: What a lot of waffle. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was an unsustainable budget situation. We have delivered. The Liberals could not deliver. They had increased household charges, increased taxes and negative growth, which we inherited when we came to power. When it comes to the rates of payroll tax, stamp duty and land tax, I am sure that anything that the Leader of the Opposition says must be carefully considered. Yesterday he would not even acknowledge that marginal rates applied with payroll tax. He would not acknowledge that, under our system, payroll tax is paid only above a certain threshold. Therefore, the payroll tax under us is quite different from the reported figure in the legislation. When it comes to budget honesty, this side of the House tells the truth about the budget situation. The Leader of the Opposition never does. The Liberals’ record on this matter is there for everyone to see. When it comes to stamp duty, we took steps in our early budgets to correct the situation and to make sure that our health system was in gear. We are now in a position to give back to the people $1 billion in tax cuts. No other Government has been able to do that. We have.
Mr C.J. Barnett: Just answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will come to it. Mr C.J. Barnett: Yes or no? The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the Opposition! I hope the Leader of the Opposition will allow the Premier to answer the question rather than yelling him down. Dr G.I. GALLOP: We inherited an unsustainable fiscal situation. There was no money in the forward estimates for the eight to 10 per cent growth in the health budget. We had a situation in which the AAA credit rating was at risk. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time and the Leader of the Opposition and the Leader of the National Party to order for the second time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: We corrected that situation. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are now in a position to go to the community with tax cuts. Let us look at the situation with stamp duty. On a medium-priced house in Western Australia, stamp duty - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Nedlands. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house in Western Australia is $7 816 - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the third time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house is $7 816. It is lower in only one State, and that is Tasmania. Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, member for Warren-Blackwood! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We must also look at the comparison between Western Australia and the other States, because changes have occurred in those four years in the other States as well. I am now very proud to say that as a result of our initiatives today, when it comes to stamp duty we are very competitive in the Australian context. The maximum rate of stamp duty is lower in Queensland and Tasmania, but, measured against the medium price, only Tasmania has a lower rate. Mr C.J. Barnett: So you cannot answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will repeat the point: the premise of the Leader of the Opposition’s question is false. The position in 2001 cannot be compared with that of 2004, because the 2001 budget position was unsustainable. Mr C.J. Barnett: What a lot of waffle. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was an unsustainable budget situation. We have delivered. The Liberals could not deliver. They had increased household charges, increased taxes and negative growth, which we inherited when we came to power. When it comes to the rates of payroll tax, stamp duty and land tax, I am sure that anything that the Leader of the Opposition says must be carefully considered. Yesterday he would not even acknowledge that marginal rates applied with payroll tax. He would not acknowledge that, under our system, payroll tax is paid only above a certain threshold. Therefore, the payroll tax under us is quite different from the reported figure in the legislation. When it comes to budget honesty, this side of the House tells the truth about the budget situation. The Leader of the Opposition never does. The Liberals’ record on this matter is there for everyone to see. When it comes to stamp duty, we took steps in our early budgets to correct the situation and to make sure that our health system was in gear. We are now in a position to give back to the people $1 billion in tax cuts. No other Government has been able to do that. We have.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will come to it. Mr C.J. Barnett: Yes or no? The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the Opposition! I hope the Leader of the Opposition will allow the Premier to answer the question rather than yelling him down. Dr G.I. GALLOP: We inherited an unsustainable fiscal situation. There was no money in the forward estimates for the eight to 10 per cent growth in the health budget. We had a situation in which the AAA credit rating was at risk. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time and the Leader of the Opposition and the Leader of the National Party to order for the second time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: We corrected that situation. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are now in a position to go to the community with tax cuts. Let us look at the situation with stamp duty. On a medium-priced house in Western Australia, stamp duty - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Nedlands. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house in Western Australia is $7 816 - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the third time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house is $7 816. It is lower in only one State, and that is Tasmania. Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, member for Warren-Blackwood! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We must also look at the comparison between Western Australia and the other States, because changes have occurred in those four years in the other States as well. I am now very proud to say that as a result of our initiatives today, when it comes to stamp duty we are very competitive in the Australian context. The maximum rate of stamp duty is lower in Queensland and Tasmania, but, measured against the medium price, only Tasmania has a lower rate. Mr C.J. Barnett: So you cannot answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will repeat the point: the premise of the Leader of the Opposition’s question is false. The position in 2001 cannot be compared with that of 2004, because the 2001 budget position was unsustainable. Mr C.J. Barnett: What a lot of waffle. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was an unsustainable budget situation. We have delivered. The Liberals could not deliver. They had increased household charges, increased taxes and negative growth, which we inherited when we came to power. When it comes to the rates of payroll tax, stamp duty and land tax, I am sure that anything that the Leader of the Opposition says must be carefully considered. Yesterday he would not even acknowledge that marginal rates applied with payroll tax. He would not acknowledge that, under our system, payroll tax is paid only above a certain threshold. Therefore, the payroll tax under us is quite different from the reported figure in the legislation. When it comes to budget honesty, this side of the House tells the truth about the budget situation. The Leader of the Opposition never does. The Liberals’ record on this matter is there for everyone to see. When it comes to stamp duty, we took steps in our early budgets to correct the situation and to make sure that our health system was in gear. We are now in a position to give back to the people $1 billion in tax cuts. No other Government has been able to do that. We have.
Mr C.J. Barnett: Yes or no? The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the Opposition! I hope the Leader of the Opposition will allow the Premier to answer the question rather than yelling him down. Dr G.I. GALLOP: We inherited an unsustainable fiscal situation. There was no money in the forward estimates for the eight to 10 per cent growth in the health budget. We had a situation in which the AAA credit rating was at risk. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time and the Leader of the Opposition and the Leader of the National Party to order for the second time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: We corrected that situation. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are now in a position to go to the community with tax cuts. Let us look at the situation with stamp duty. On a medium-priced house in Western Australia, stamp duty - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Nedlands. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house in Western Australia is $7 816 - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the third time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house is $7 816. It is lower in only one State, and that is Tasmania. Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, member for Warren-Blackwood! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We must also look at the comparison between Western Australia and the other States, because changes have occurred in those four years in the other States as well. I am now very proud to say that as a result of our initiatives today, when it comes to stamp duty we are very competitive in the Australian context. The maximum rate of stamp duty is lower in Queensland and Tasmania, but, measured against the medium price, only Tasmania has a lower rate. Mr C.J. Barnett: So you cannot answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will repeat the point: the premise of the Leader of the Opposition’s question is false. The position in 2001 cannot be compared with that of 2004, because the 2001 budget position was unsustainable. Mr C.J. Barnett: What a lot of waffle. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was an unsustainable budget situation. We have delivered. The Liberals could not deliver. They had increased household charges, increased taxes and negative growth, which we inherited when we came to power. When it comes to the rates of payroll tax, stamp duty and land tax, I am sure that anything that the Leader of the Opposition says must be carefully considered. Yesterday he would not even acknowledge that marginal rates applied with payroll tax. He would not acknowledge that, under our system, payroll tax is paid only above a certain threshold. Therefore, the payroll tax under us is quite different from the reported figure in the legislation. When it comes to budget honesty, this side of the House tells the truth about the budget situation. The Leader of the Opposition never does. The Liberals’ record on this matter is there for everyone to see. When it comes to stamp duty, we took steps in our early budgets to correct the situation and to make sure that our health system was in gear. We are now in a position to give back to the people $1 billion in tax cuts. No other Government has been able to do that. We have.
The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the Opposition! I hope the Leader of the Opposition will allow the Premier to answer the question rather than yelling him down. Dr G.I. GALLOP: We inherited an unsustainable fiscal situation. There was no money in the forward estimates for the eight to 10 per cent growth in the health budget. We had a situation in which the AAA credit rating was at risk. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time and the Leader of the Opposition and the Leader of the National Party to order for the second time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: We corrected that situation. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are now in a position to go to the community with tax cuts. Let us look at the situation with stamp duty. On a medium-priced house in Western Australia, stamp duty - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Nedlands. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house in Western Australia is $7 816 - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the third time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house is $7 816. It is lower in only one State, and that is Tasmania. Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, member for Warren-Blackwood! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We must also look at the comparison between Western Australia and the other States, because changes have occurred in those four years in the other States as well. I am now very proud to say that as a result of our initiatives today, when it comes to stamp duty we are very competitive in the Australian context. The maximum rate of stamp duty is lower in Queensland and Tasmania, but, measured against the medium price, only Tasmania has a lower rate. Mr C.J. Barnett: So you cannot answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will repeat the point: the premise of the Leader of the Opposition’s question is false. The position in 2001 cannot be compared with that of 2004, because the 2001 budget position was unsustainable. Mr C.J. Barnett: What a lot of waffle. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was an unsustainable budget situation. We have delivered. The Liberals could not deliver. They had increased household charges, increased taxes and negative growth, which we inherited when we came to power. When it comes to the rates of payroll tax, stamp duty and land tax, I am sure that anything that the Leader of the Opposition says must be carefully considered. Yesterday he would not even acknowledge that marginal rates applied with payroll tax. He would not acknowledge that, under our system, payroll tax is paid only above a certain threshold. Therefore, the payroll tax under us is quite different from the reported figure in the legislation. When it comes to budget honesty, this side of the House tells the truth about the budget situation. The Leader of the Opposition never does. The Liberals’ record on this matter is there for everyone to see. When it comes to stamp duty, we took steps in our early budgets to correct the situation and to make sure that our health system was in gear. We are now in a position to give back to the people $1 billion in tax cuts. No other Government has been able to do that. We have.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: We inherited an unsustainable fiscal situation. There was no money in the forward estimates for the eight to 10 per cent growth in the health budget. We had a situation in which the AAA credit rating was at risk. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time and the Leader of the Opposition and the Leader of the National Party to order for the second time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: We corrected that situation. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are now in a position to go to the community with tax cuts. Let us look at the situation with stamp duty. On a medium-priced house in Western Australia, stamp duty - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Nedlands. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house in Western Australia is $7 816 - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the third time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house is $7 816. It is lower in only one State, and that is Tasmania. Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, member for Warren-Blackwood! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We must also look at the comparison between Western Australia and the other States, because changes have occurred in those four years in the other States as well. I am now very proud to say that as a result of our initiatives today, when it comes to stamp duty we are very competitive in the Australian context. The maximum rate of stamp duty is lower in Queensland and Tasmania, but, measured against the medium price, only Tasmania has a lower rate. Mr C.J. Barnett: So you cannot answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will repeat the point: the premise of the Leader of the Opposition’s question is false. The position in 2001 cannot be compared with that of 2004, because the 2001 budget position was unsustainable. Mr C.J. Barnett: What a lot of waffle. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was an unsustainable budget situation. We have delivered. The Liberals could not deliver. They had increased household charges, increased taxes and negative growth, which we inherited when we came to power. When it comes to the rates of payroll tax, stamp duty and land tax, I am sure that anything that the Leader of the Opposition says must be carefully considered. Yesterday he would not even acknowledge that marginal rates applied with payroll tax. He would not acknowledge that, under our system, payroll tax is paid only above a certain threshold. Therefore, the payroll tax under us is quite different from the reported figure in the legislation. When it comes to budget honesty, this side of the House tells the truth about the budget situation. The Leader of the Opposition never does. The Liberals’ record on this matter is there for everyone to see. When it comes to stamp duty, we took steps in our early budgets to correct the situation and to make sure that our health system was in gear. We are now in a position to give back to the people $1 billion in tax cuts. No other Government has been able to do that. We have.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time and the Leader of the Opposition and the Leader of the National Party to order for the second time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: We corrected that situation. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are now in a position to go to the community with tax cuts. Let us look at the situation with stamp duty. On a medium-priced house in Western Australia, stamp duty - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Nedlands. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house in Western Australia is $7 816 - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the third time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house is $7 816. It is lower in only one State, and that is Tasmania. Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, member for Warren-Blackwood! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We must also look at the comparison between Western Australia and the other States, because changes have occurred in those four years in the other States as well. I am now very proud to say that as a result of our initiatives today, when it comes to stamp duty we are very competitive in the Australian context. The maximum rate of stamp duty is lower in Queensland and Tasmania, but, measured against the medium price, only Tasmania has a lower rate. Mr C.J. Barnett: So you cannot answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will repeat the point: the premise of the Leader of the Opposition’s question is false. The position in 2001 cannot be compared with that of 2004, because the 2001 budget position was unsustainable. Mr C.J. Barnett: What a lot of waffle. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was an unsustainable budget situation. We have delivered. The Liberals could not deliver. They had increased household charges, increased taxes and negative growth, which we inherited when we came to power. When it comes to the rates of payroll tax, stamp duty and land tax, I am sure that anything that the Leader of the Opposition says must be carefully considered. Yesterday he would not even acknowledge that marginal rates applied with payroll tax. He would not acknowledge that, under our system, payroll tax is paid only above a certain threshold. Therefore, the payroll tax under us is quite different from the reported figure in the legislation. When it comes to budget honesty, this side of the House tells the truth about the budget situation. The Leader of the Opposition never does. The Liberals’ record on this matter is there for everyone to see. When it comes to stamp duty, we took steps in our early budgets to correct the situation and to make sure that our health system was in gear. We are now in a position to give back to the people $1 billion in tax cuts. No other Government has been able to do that. We have.
The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time and the Leader of the Opposition and the Leader of the National Party to order for the second time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: We corrected that situation. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are now in a position to go to the community with tax cuts. Let us look at the situation with stamp duty. On a medium-priced house in Western Australia, stamp duty - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Nedlands. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house in Western Australia is $7 816 - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the third time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house is $7 816. It is lower in only one State, and that is Tasmania. Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, member for Warren-Blackwood! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We must also look at the comparison between Western Australia and the other States, because changes have occurred in those four years in the other States as well. I am now very proud to say that as a result of our initiatives today, when it comes to stamp duty we are very competitive in the Australian context. The maximum rate of stamp duty is lower in Queensland and Tasmania, but, measured against the medium price, only Tasmania has a lower rate. Mr C.J. Barnett: So you cannot answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will repeat the point: the premise of the Leader of the Opposition’s question is false. The position in 2001 cannot be compared with that of 2004, because the 2001 budget position was unsustainable. Mr C.J. Barnett: What a lot of waffle. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was an unsustainable budget situation. We have delivered. The Liberals could not deliver. They had increased household charges, increased taxes and negative growth, which we inherited when we came to power. When it comes to the rates of payroll tax, stamp duty and land tax, I am sure that anything that the Leader of the Opposition says must be carefully considered. Yesterday he would not even acknowledge that marginal rates applied with payroll tax. He would not acknowledge that, under our system, payroll tax is paid only above a certain threshold. Therefore, the payroll tax under us is quite different from the reported figure in the legislation. When it comes to budget honesty, this side of the House tells the truth about the budget situation. The Leader of the Opposition never does. The Liberals’ record on this matter is there for everyone to see. When it comes to stamp duty, we took steps in our early budgets to correct the situation and to make sure that our health system was in gear. We are now in a position to give back to the people $1 billion in tax cuts. No other Government has been able to do that. We have.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: We corrected that situation. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are now in a position to go to the community with tax cuts. Let us look at the situation with stamp duty. On a medium-priced house in Western Australia, stamp duty - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Nedlands. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house in Western Australia is $7 816 - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the third time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house is $7 816. It is lower in only one State, and that is Tasmania. Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, member for Warren-Blackwood! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We must also look at the comparison between Western Australia and the other States, because changes have occurred in those four years in the other States as well. I am now very proud to say that as a result of our initiatives today, when it comes to stamp duty we are very competitive in the Australian context. The maximum rate of stamp duty is lower in Queensland and Tasmania, but, measured against the medium price, only Tasmania has a lower rate. Mr C.J. Barnett: So you cannot answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will repeat the point: the premise of the Leader of the Opposition’s question is false. The position in 2001 cannot be compared with that of 2004, because the 2001 budget position was unsustainable. Mr C.J. Barnett: What a lot of waffle. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was an unsustainable budget situation. We have delivered. The Liberals could not deliver. They had increased household charges, increased taxes and negative growth, which we inherited when we came to power. When it comes to the rates of payroll tax, stamp duty and land tax, I am sure that anything that the Leader of the Opposition says must be carefully considered. Yesterday he would not even acknowledge that marginal rates applied with payroll tax. He would not acknowledge that, under our system, payroll tax is paid only above a certain threshold. Therefore, the payroll tax under us is quite different from the reported figure in the legislation. When it comes to budget honesty, this side of the House tells the truth about the budget situation. The Leader of the Opposition never does. The Liberals’ record on this matter is there for everyone to see. When it comes to stamp duty, we took steps in our early budgets to correct the situation and to make sure that our health system was in gear. We are now in a position to give back to the people $1 billion in tax cuts. No other Government has been able to do that. We have.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are now in a position to go to the community with tax cuts. Let us look at the situation with stamp duty. On a medium-priced house in Western Australia, stamp duty - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Nedlands. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house in Western Australia is $7 816 - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the third time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house is $7 816. It is lower in only one State, and that is Tasmania. Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, member for Warren-Blackwood! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We must also look at the comparison between Western Australia and the other States, because changes have occurred in those four years in the other States as well. I am now very proud to say that as a result of our initiatives today, when it comes to stamp duty we are very competitive in the Australian context. The maximum rate of stamp duty is lower in Queensland and Tasmania, but, measured against the medium price, only Tasmania has a lower rate. Mr C.J. Barnett: So you cannot answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will repeat the point: the premise of the Leader of the Opposition’s question is false. The position in 2001 cannot be compared with that of 2004, because the 2001 budget position was unsustainable. Mr C.J. Barnett: What a lot of waffle. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was an unsustainable budget situation. We have delivered. The Liberals could not deliver. They had increased household charges, increased taxes and negative growth, which we inherited when we came to power. When it comes to the rates of payroll tax, stamp duty and land tax, I am sure that anything that the Leader of the Opposition says must be carefully considered. Yesterday he would not even acknowledge that marginal rates applied with payroll tax. He would not acknowledge that, under our system, payroll tax is paid only above a certain threshold. Therefore, the payroll tax under us is quite different from the reported figure in the legislation. When it comes to budget honesty, this side of the House tells the truth about the budget situation. The Leader of the Opposition never does. The Liberals’ record on this matter is there for everyone to see. When it comes to stamp duty, we took steps in our early budgets to correct the situation and to make sure that our health system was in gear. We are now in a position to give back to the people $1 billion in tax cuts. No other Government has been able to do that. We have.
The SPEAKER: Order! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are now in a position to go to the community with tax cuts. Let us look at the situation with stamp duty. On a medium-priced house in Western Australia, stamp duty - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Nedlands. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house in Western Australia is $7 816 - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the third time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house is $7 816. It is lower in only one State, and that is Tasmania. Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, member for Warren-Blackwood! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We must also look at the comparison between Western Australia and the other States, because changes have occurred in those four years in the other States as well. I am now very proud to say that as a result of our initiatives today, when it comes to stamp duty we are very competitive in the Australian context. The maximum rate of stamp duty is lower in Queensland and Tasmania, but, measured against the medium price, only Tasmania has a lower rate. Mr C.J. Barnett: So you cannot answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will repeat the point: the premise of the Leader of the Opposition’s question is false. The position in 2001 cannot be compared with that of 2004, because the 2001 budget position was unsustainable. Mr C.J. Barnett: What a lot of waffle. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was an unsustainable budget situation. We have delivered. The Liberals could not deliver. They had increased household charges, increased taxes and negative growth, which we inherited when we came to power. When it comes to the rates of payroll tax, stamp duty and land tax, I am sure that anything that the Leader of the Opposition says must be carefully considered. Yesterday he would not even acknowledge that marginal rates applied with payroll tax. He would not acknowledge that, under our system, payroll tax is paid only above a certain threshold. Therefore, the payroll tax under us is quite different from the reported figure in the legislation. When it comes to budget honesty, this side of the House tells the truth about the budget situation. The Leader of the Opposition never does. The Liberals’ record on this matter is there for everyone to see. When it comes to stamp duty, we took steps in our early budgets to correct the situation and to make sure that our health system was in gear. We are now in a position to give back to the people $1 billion in tax cuts. No other Government has been able to do that. We have.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: We are now in a position to go to the community with tax cuts. Let us look at the situation with stamp duty. On a medium-priced house in Western Australia, stamp duty - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Nedlands. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house in Western Australia is $7 816 - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the third time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house is $7 816. It is lower in only one State, and that is Tasmania. Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, member for Warren-Blackwood! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We must also look at the comparison between Western Australia and the other States, because changes have occurred in those four years in the other States as well. I am now very proud to say that as a result of our initiatives today, when it comes to stamp duty we are very competitive in the Australian context. The maximum rate of stamp duty is lower in Queensland and Tasmania, but, measured against the medium price, only Tasmania has a lower rate. Mr C.J. Barnett: So you cannot answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will repeat the point: the premise of the Leader of the Opposition’s question is false. The position in 2001 cannot be compared with that of 2004, because the 2001 budget position was unsustainable. Mr C.J. Barnett: What a lot of waffle. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was an unsustainable budget situation. We have delivered. The Liberals could not deliver. They had increased household charges, increased taxes and negative growth, which we inherited when we came to power. When it comes to the rates of payroll tax, stamp duty and land tax, I am sure that anything that the Leader of the Opposition says must be carefully considered. Yesterday he would not even acknowledge that marginal rates applied with payroll tax. He would not acknowledge that, under our system, payroll tax is paid only above a certain threshold. Therefore, the payroll tax under us is quite different from the reported figure in the legislation. When it comes to budget honesty, this side of the House tells the truth about the budget situation. The Leader of the Opposition never does. The Liberals’ record on this matter is there for everyone to see. When it comes to stamp duty, we took steps in our early budgets to correct the situation and to make sure that our health system was in gear. We are now in a position to give back to the people $1 billion in tax cuts. No other Government has been able to do that. We have.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Nedlands. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house in Western Australia is $7 816 - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the third time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house is $7 816. It is lower in only one State, and that is Tasmania. Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, member for Warren-Blackwood! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We must also look at the comparison between Western Australia and the other States, because changes have occurred in those four years in the other States as well. I am now very proud to say that as a result of our initiatives today, when it comes to stamp duty we are very competitive in the Australian context. The maximum rate of stamp duty is lower in Queensland and Tasmania, but, measured against the medium price, only Tasmania has a lower rate. Mr C.J. Barnett: So you cannot answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will repeat the point: the premise of the Leader of the Opposition’s question is false. The position in 2001 cannot be compared with that of 2004, because the 2001 budget position was unsustainable. Mr C.J. Barnett: What a lot of waffle. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was an unsustainable budget situation. We have delivered. The Liberals could not deliver. They had increased household charges, increased taxes and negative growth, which we inherited when we came to power. When it comes to the rates of payroll tax, stamp duty and land tax, I am sure that anything that the Leader of the Opposition says must be carefully considered. Yesterday he would not even acknowledge that marginal rates applied with payroll tax. He would not acknowledge that, under our system, payroll tax is paid only above a certain threshold. Therefore, the payroll tax under us is quite different from the reported figure in the legislation. When it comes to budget honesty, this side of the House tells the truth about the budget situation. The Leader of the Opposition never does. The Liberals’ record on this matter is there for everyone to see. When it comes to stamp duty, we took steps in our early budgets to correct the situation and to make sure that our health system was in gear. We are now in a position to give back to the people $1 billion in tax cuts. No other Government has been able to do that. We have.
The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Nedlands. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house in Western Australia is $7 816 - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the third time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house is $7 816. It is lower in only one State, and that is Tasmania. Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, member for Warren-Blackwood! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We must also look at the comparison between Western Australia and the other States, because changes have occurred in those four years in the other States as well. I am now very proud to say that as a result of our initiatives today, when it comes to stamp duty we are very competitive in the Australian context. The maximum rate of stamp duty is lower in Queensland and Tasmania, but, measured against the medium price, only Tasmania has a lower rate. Mr C.J. Barnett: So you cannot answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will repeat the point: the premise of the Leader of the Opposition’s question is false. The position in 2001 cannot be compared with that of 2004, because the 2001 budget position was unsustainable. Mr C.J. Barnett: What a lot of waffle. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was an unsustainable budget situation. We have delivered. The Liberals could not deliver. They had increased household charges, increased taxes and negative growth, which we inherited when we came to power. When it comes to the rates of payroll tax, stamp duty and land tax, I am sure that anything that the Leader of the Opposition says must be carefully considered. Yesterday he would not even acknowledge that marginal rates applied with payroll tax. He would not acknowledge that, under our system, payroll tax is paid only above a certain threshold. Therefore, the payroll tax under us is quite different from the reported figure in the legislation. When it comes to budget honesty, this side of the House tells the truth about the budget situation. The Leader of the Opposition never does. The Liberals’ record on this matter is there for everyone to see. When it comes to stamp duty, we took steps in our early budgets to correct the situation and to make sure that our health system was in gear. We are now in a position to give back to the people $1 billion in tax cuts. No other Government has been able to do that. We have.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house in Western Australia is $7 816 - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the third time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house is $7 816. It is lower in only one State, and that is Tasmania. Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, member for Warren-Blackwood! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We must also look at the comparison between Western Australia and the other States, because changes have occurred in those four years in the other States as well. I am now very proud to say that as a result of our initiatives today, when it comes to stamp duty we are very competitive in the Australian context. The maximum rate of stamp duty is lower in Queensland and Tasmania, but, measured against the medium price, only Tasmania has a lower rate. Mr C.J. Barnett: So you cannot answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will repeat the point: the premise of the Leader of the Opposition’s question is false. The position in 2001 cannot be compared with that of 2004, because the 2001 budget position was unsustainable. Mr C.J. Barnett: What a lot of waffle. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was an unsustainable budget situation. We have delivered. The Liberals could not deliver. They had increased household charges, increased taxes and negative growth, which we inherited when we came to power. When it comes to the rates of payroll tax, stamp duty and land tax, I am sure that anything that the Leader of the Opposition says must be carefully considered. Yesterday he would not even acknowledge that marginal rates applied with payroll tax. He would not acknowledge that, under our system, payroll tax is paid only above a certain threshold. Therefore, the payroll tax under us is quite different from the reported figure in the legislation. When it comes to budget honesty, this side of the House tells the truth about the budget situation. The Leader of the Opposition never does. The Liberals’ record on this matter is there for everyone to see. When it comes to stamp duty, we took steps in our early budgets to correct the situation and to make sure that our health system was in gear. We are now in a position to give back to the people $1 billion in tax cuts. No other Government has been able to do that. We have.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the third time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house is $7 816. It is lower in only one State, and that is Tasmania. Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, member for Warren-Blackwood! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We must also look at the comparison between Western Australia and the other States, because changes have occurred in those four years in the other States as well. I am now very proud to say that as a result of our initiatives today, when it comes to stamp duty we are very competitive in the Australian context. The maximum rate of stamp duty is lower in Queensland and Tasmania, but, measured against the medium price, only Tasmania has a lower rate. Mr C.J. Barnett: So you cannot answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will repeat the point: the premise of the Leader of the Opposition’s question is false. The position in 2001 cannot be compared with that of 2004, because the 2001 budget position was unsustainable. Mr C.J. Barnett: What a lot of waffle. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was an unsustainable budget situation. We have delivered. The Liberals could not deliver. They had increased household charges, increased taxes and negative growth, which we inherited when we came to power. When it comes to the rates of payroll tax, stamp duty and land tax, I am sure that anything that the Leader of the Opposition says must be carefully considered. Yesterday he would not even acknowledge that marginal rates applied with payroll tax. He would not acknowledge that, under our system, payroll tax is paid only above a certain threshold. Therefore, the payroll tax under us is quite different from the reported figure in the legislation. When it comes to budget honesty, this side of the House tells the truth about the budget situation. The Leader of the Opposition never does. The Liberals’ record on this matter is there for everyone to see. When it comes to stamp duty, we took steps in our early budgets to correct the situation and to make sure that our health system was in gear. We are now in a position to give back to the people $1 billion in tax cuts. No other Government has been able to do that. We have.
The SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the National Party to order for the third time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house is $7 816. It is lower in only one State, and that is Tasmania. Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, member for Warren-Blackwood! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We must also look at the comparison between Western Australia and the other States, because changes have occurred in those four years in the other States as well. I am now very proud to say that as a result of our initiatives today, when it comes to stamp duty we are very competitive in the Australian context. The maximum rate of stamp duty is lower in Queensland and Tasmania, but, measured against the medium price, only Tasmania has a lower rate. Mr C.J. Barnett: So you cannot answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will repeat the point: the premise of the Leader of the Opposition’s question is false. The position in 2001 cannot be compared with that of 2004, because the 2001 budget position was unsustainable. Mr C.J. Barnett: What a lot of waffle. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was an unsustainable budget situation. We have delivered. The Liberals could not deliver. They had increased household charges, increased taxes and negative growth, which we inherited when we came to power. When it comes to the rates of payroll tax, stamp duty and land tax, I am sure that anything that the Leader of the Opposition says must be carefully considered. Yesterday he would not even acknowledge that marginal rates applied with payroll tax. He would not acknowledge that, under our system, payroll tax is paid only above a certain threshold. Therefore, the payroll tax under us is quite different from the reported figure in the legislation. When it comes to budget honesty, this side of the House tells the truth about the budget situation. The Leader of the Opposition never does. The Liberals’ record on this matter is there for everyone to see. When it comes to stamp duty, we took steps in our early budgets to correct the situation and to make sure that our health system was in gear. We are now in a position to give back to the people $1 billion in tax cuts. No other Government has been able to do that. We have.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: Stamp duty on a medium-priced house is $7 816. It is lower in only one State, and that is Tasmania. Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, member for Warren-Blackwood! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We must also look at the comparison between Western Australia and the other States, because changes have occurred in those four years in the other States as well. I am now very proud to say that as a result of our initiatives today, when it comes to stamp duty we are very competitive in the Australian context. The maximum rate of stamp duty is lower in Queensland and Tasmania, but, measured against the medium price, only Tasmania has a lower rate. Mr C.J. Barnett: So you cannot answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will repeat the point: the premise of the Leader of the Opposition’s question is false. The position in 2001 cannot be compared with that of 2004, because the 2001 budget position was unsustainable. Mr C.J. Barnett: What a lot of waffle. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was an unsustainable budget situation. We have delivered. The Liberals could not deliver. They had increased household charges, increased taxes and negative growth, which we inherited when we came to power. When it comes to the rates of payroll tax, stamp duty and land tax, I am sure that anything that the Leader of the Opposition says must be carefully considered. Yesterday he would not even acknowledge that marginal rates applied with payroll tax. He would not acknowledge that, under our system, payroll tax is paid only above a certain threshold. Therefore, the payroll tax under us is quite different from the reported figure in the legislation. When it comes to budget honesty, this side of the House tells the truth about the budget situation. The Leader of the Opposition never does. The Liberals’ record on this matter is there for everyone to see. When it comes to stamp duty, we took steps in our early budgets to correct the situation and to make sure that our health system was in gear. We are now in a position to give back to the people $1 billion in tax cuts. No other Government has been able to do that. We have.
Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, member for Warren-Blackwood! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We must also look at the comparison between Western Australia and the other States, because changes have occurred in those four years in the other States as well. I am now very proud to say that as a result of our initiatives today, when it comes to stamp duty we are very competitive in the Australian context. The maximum rate of stamp duty is lower in Queensland and Tasmania, but, measured against the medium price, only Tasmania has a lower rate. Mr C.J. Barnett: So you cannot answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will repeat the point: the premise of the Leader of the Opposition’s question is false. The position in 2001 cannot be compared with that of 2004, because the 2001 budget position was unsustainable. Mr C.J. Barnett: What a lot of waffle. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was an unsustainable budget situation. We have delivered. The Liberals could not deliver. They had increased household charges, increased taxes and negative growth, which we inherited when we came to power. When it comes to the rates of payroll tax, stamp duty and land tax, I am sure that anything that the Leader of the Opposition says must be carefully considered. Yesterday he would not even acknowledge that marginal rates applied with payroll tax. He would not acknowledge that, under our system, payroll tax is paid only above a certain threshold. Therefore, the payroll tax under us is quite different from the reported figure in the legislation. When it comes to budget honesty, this side of the House tells the truth about the budget situation. The Leader of the Opposition never does. The Liberals’ record on this matter is there for everyone to see. When it comes to stamp duty, we took steps in our early budgets to correct the situation and to make sure that our health system was in gear. We are now in a position to give back to the people $1 billion in tax cuts. No other Government has been able to do that. We have.
The SPEAKER: Order, member for Warren-Blackwood! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We must also look at the comparison between Western Australia and the other States, because changes have occurred in those four years in the other States as well. I am now very proud to say that as a result of our initiatives today, when it comes to stamp duty we are very competitive in the Australian context. The maximum rate of stamp duty is lower in Queensland and Tasmania, but, measured against the medium price, only Tasmania has a lower rate. Mr C.J. Barnett: So you cannot answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will repeat the point: the premise of the Leader of the Opposition’s question is false. The position in 2001 cannot be compared with that of 2004, because the 2001 budget position was unsustainable. Mr C.J. Barnett: What a lot of waffle. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was an unsustainable budget situation. We have delivered. The Liberals could not deliver. They had increased household charges, increased taxes and negative growth, which we inherited when we came to power. When it comes to the rates of payroll tax, stamp duty and land tax, I am sure that anything that the Leader of the Opposition says must be carefully considered. Yesterday he would not even acknowledge that marginal rates applied with payroll tax. He would not acknowledge that, under our system, payroll tax is paid only above a certain threshold. Therefore, the payroll tax under us is quite different from the reported figure in the legislation. When it comes to budget honesty, this side of the House tells the truth about the budget situation. The Leader of the Opposition never does. The Liberals’ record on this matter is there for everyone to see. When it comes to stamp duty, we took steps in our early budgets to correct the situation and to make sure that our health system was in gear. We are now in a position to give back to the people $1 billion in tax cuts. No other Government has been able to do that. We have.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: We must also look at the comparison between Western Australia and the other States, because changes have occurred in those four years in the other States as well. I am now very proud to say that as a result of our initiatives today, when it comes to stamp duty we are very competitive in the Australian context. The maximum rate of stamp duty is lower in Queensland and Tasmania, but, measured against the medium price, only Tasmania has a lower rate. Mr C.J. Barnett: So you cannot answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will repeat the point: the premise of the Leader of the Opposition’s question is false. The position in 2001 cannot be compared with that of 2004, because the 2001 budget position was unsustainable. Mr C.J. Barnett: What a lot of waffle. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was an unsustainable budget situation. We have delivered. The Liberals could not deliver. They had increased household charges, increased taxes and negative growth, which we inherited when we came to power. When it comes to the rates of payroll tax, stamp duty and land tax, I am sure that anything that the Leader of the Opposition says must be carefully considered. Yesterday he would not even acknowledge that marginal rates applied with payroll tax. He would not acknowledge that, under our system, payroll tax is paid only above a certain threshold. Therefore, the payroll tax under us is quite different from the reported figure in the legislation. When it comes to budget honesty, this side of the House tells the truth about the budget situation. The Leader of the Opposition never does. The Liberals’ record on this matter is there for everyone to see. When it comes to stamp duty, we took steps in our early budgets to correct the situation and to make sure that our health system was in gear. We are now in a position to give back to the people $1 billion in tax cuts. No other Government has been able to do that. We have.
Mr C.J. Barnett: So you cannot answer the question. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will repeat the point: the premise of the Leader of the Opposition’s question is false. The position in 2001 cannot be compared with that of 2004, because the 2001 budget position was unsustainable. Mr C.J. Barnett: What a lot of waffle. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was an unsustainable budget situation. We have delivered. The Liberals could not deliver. They had increased household charges, increased taxes and negative growth, which we inherited when we came to power. When it comes to the rates of payroll tax, stamp duty and land tax, I am sure that anything that the Leader of the Opposition says must be carefully considered. Yesterday he would not even acknowledge that marginal rates applied with payroll tax. He would not acknowledge that, under our system, payroll tax is paid only above a certain threshold. Therefore, the payroll tax under us is quite different from the reported figure in the legislation. When it comes to budget honesty, this side of the House tells the truth about the budget situation. The Leader of the Opposition never does. The Liberals’ record on this matter is there for everyone to see. When it comes to stamp duty, we took steps in our early budgets to correct the situation and to make sure that our health system was in gear. We are now in a position to give back to the people $1 billion in tax cuts. No other Government has been able to do that. We have.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will repeat the point: the premise of the Leader of the Opposition’s question is false. The position in 2001 cannot be compared with that of 2004, because the 2001 budget position was unsustainable. Mr C.J. Barnett: What a lot of waffle. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was an unsustainable budget situation. We have delivered. The Liberals could not deliver. They had increased household charges, increased taxes and negative growth, which we inherited when we came to power. When it comes to the rates of payroll tax, stamp duty and land tax, I am sure that anything that the Leader of the Opposition says must be carefully considered. Yesterday he would not even acknowledge that marginal rates applied with payroll tax. He would not acknowledge that, under our system, payroll tax is paid only above a certain threshold. Therefore, the payroll tax under us is quite different from the reported figure in the legislation. When it comes to budget honesty, this side of the House tells the truth about the budget situation. The Leader of the Opposition never does. The Liberals’ record on this matter is there for everyone to see. When it comes to stamp duty, we took steps in our early budgets to correct the situation and to make sure that our health system was in gear. We are now in a position to give back to the people $1 billion in tax cuts. No other Government has been able to do that. We have.
Mr C.J. Barnett: What a lot of waffle. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was an unsustainable budget situation. We have delivered. The Liberals could not deliver. They had increased household charges, increased taxes and negative growth, which we inherited when we came to power. When it comes to the rates of payroll tax, stamp duty and land tax, I am sure that anything that the Leader of the Opposition says must be carefully considered. Yesterday he would not even acknowledge that marginal rates applied with payroll tax. He would not acknowledge that, under our system, payroll tax is paid only above a certain threshold. Therefore, the payroll tax under us is quite different from the reported figure in the legislation. When it comes to budget honesty, this side of the House tells the truth about the budget situation. The Leader of the Opposition never does. The Liberals’ record on this matter is there for everyone to see. When it comes to stamp duty, we took steps in our early budgets to correct the situation and to make sure that our health system was in gear. We are now in a position to give back to the people $1 billion in tax cuts. No other Government has been able to do that. We have.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: It was an unsustainable budget situation. We have delivered. The Liberals could not deliver. They had increased household charges, increased taxes and negative growth, which we inherited when we came to power. When it comes to the rates of payroll tax, stamp duty and land tax, I am sure that anything that the Leader of the Opposition says must be carefully considered. Yesterday he would not even acknowledge that marginal rates applied with payroll tax. He would not acknowledge that, under our system, payroll tax is paid only above a certain threshold. Therefore, the payroll tax under us is quite different from the reported figure in the legislation. When it comes to budget honesty, this side of the House tells the truth about the budget situation. The Leader of the Opposition never does. The Liberals’ record on this matter is there for everyone to see. When it comes to stamp duty, we took steps in our early budgets to correct the situation and to make sure that our health system was in gear. We are now in a position to give back to the people $1 billion in tax cuts. No other Government has been able to do that. We have.
When it comes to stamp duty, we took steps in our early budgets to correct the situation and to make sure that our health system was in gear. We are now in a position to give back to the people $1 billion in tax cuts. No other Government has been able to do that. We have.
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