❓ Opposition questions the Treasurer about a potential budget blowout for the New MetroRail project, alleging he misled Parliament. The Treasurer deflects, questioning the opposition's loyalty to WA and highlighting government achievements.
AnsweredQoN 32Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
I refer the Treasurer to his statement in this House on 2 December 2003 about the southern rail link, in which he said that the new metropolitan rail budget was $1.419 billion. (1) Given that the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure has indicated in The Australian Financial Review of 17 December that she was aware on the day that the budget had blown out to $1.518 billion, when was the Treasurer made aware, officially or unofficially, that the budget cost had increased? (2) If he was aware of the cost blow-out as at 2 December 2003, does he concede that, having misled Parliament about the cost of the most expensive project in our State’s history, his position as Treasurer is now untenable? (3) If he was not aware of the cost blow-out as at 2 December 2003, how does he expect the people of Western Australia to trust him with their finances when he is not even aware of $100 million project blow-outs? Mr E.S. RIPPER
AnswerView source ↗
(1)-(3) Is it not interesting that earlier this week I formed the impression that opposition members had problems with another portfolio but they seemed to be expressing confidence in me as Treasurer. I prefer to go with how they were earlier this week on the subject than how they are today. They ask this question on a day when the Government has won $231 million extra from the Commonwealth Grants Commission. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the member for Nedlands and the member for Kalgoorlie. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Will opposition members join with us in demanding that Peter Costello implement immediately those Commonwealth Grants Commission recommendations? Will the Leader of the Opposition do that? He will not stand up for this State’s interests. Having dealt with whether opposition members are loyal to Western Australia, and finding out that once again they are not, let us come to the question of the increase in the budget for the New MetroRail. The budget for the New MetroRail project involves more than the southern suburbs railway; it includes the railway to Thornlie and the extension of the northern suburbs railway. Ms A.J. MacTiernan: There are also 93 new railcars. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Yes. As I recall that week, the Cabinet made the decision on Monday and the Government announced the increase in the budget on Tuesday. That is being open and accountable. With any project or program that the Government undertakes there are risks. We cannot project into the future and guarantee with crystal clarity. No-one has a crystal ball. We do the best we can on the best advice we have about what the budget will be. Dr G.I. Gallop: Treasurer, you might remind the Opposition as well that there are a lot of risks in doing nothing. We have had to inherit all of those in Western Australia. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Of course, we have had to provide the more than half billion dollars for the Delta communications and information technology and the computer aided dispatch and communications services projects that were entered into by the previous Government on the strength of a letter from the then Treasurer, Richard Court, to the Commissioner of Police. It was not a public letter and was not in the budget papers. There was no other authority. It was a mess left for the incoming Government to deal with. I was asked about the budget for the rail project and I answered honestly. When the budget changed, the Government announced it the next day.
(1) Given that the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure has indicated in The Australian Financial Review of 17 December that she was aware on the day that the budget had blown out to $1.518 billion, when was the Treasurer made aware, officially or unofficially, that the budget cost had increased? (2) If he was aware of the cost blow-out as at 2 December 2003, does he concede that, having misled Parliament about the cost of the most expensive project in our State’s history, his position as Treasurer is now untenable? (3) If he was not aware of the cost blow-out as at 2 December 2003, how does he expect the people of Western Australia to trust him with their finances when he is not even aware of $100 million project blow-outs? Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: (1)-(3) Is it not interesting that earlier this week I formed the impression that opposition members had problems with another portfolio but they seemed to be expressing confidence in me as Treasurer. I prefer to go with how they were earlier this week on the subject than how they are today. They ask this question on a day when the Government has won $231 million extra from the Commonwealth Grants Commission. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the member for Nedlands and the member for Kalgoorlie. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Will opposition members join with us in demanding that Peter Costello implement immediately those Commonwealth Grants Commission recommendations? Will the Leader of the Opposition do that? He will not stand up for this State’s interests. Having dealt with whether opposition members are loyal to Western Australia, and finding out that once again they are not, let us come to the question of the increase in the budget for the New MetroRail. The budget for the New MetroRail project involves more than the southern suburbs railway; it includes the railway to Thornlie and the extension of the northern suburbs railway. Ms A.J. MacTiernan: There are also 93 new railcars. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Yes. As I recall that week, the Cabinet made the decision on Monday and the Government announced the increase in the budget on Tuesday. That is being open and accountable. With any project or program that the Government undertakes there are risks. We cannot project into the future and guarantee with crystal clarity. No-one has a crystal ball. We do the best we can on the best advice we have about what the budget will be. Dr G.I. Gallop: Treasurer, you might remind the Opposition as well that there are a lot of risks in doing nothing. We have had to inherit all of those in Western Australia. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Of course, we have had to provide the more than half billion dollars for the Delta communications and information technology and the computer aided dispatch and communications services projects that were entered into by the previous Government on the strength of a letter from the then Treasurer, Richard Court, to the Commissioner of Police. It was not a public letter and was not in the budget papers. There was no other authority. It was a mess left for the incoming Government to deal with. I was asked about the budget for the rail project and I answered honestly. When the budget changed, the Government announced it the next day.
(2) If he was aware of the cost blow-out as at 2 December 2003, does he concede that, having misled Parliament about the cost of the most expensive project in our State’s history, his position as Treasurer is now untenable? (3) If he was not aware of the cost blow-out as at 2 December 2003, how does he expect the people of Western Australia to trust him with their finances when he is not even aware of $100 million project blow-outs? Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: (1)-(3) Is it not interesting that earlier this week I formed the impression that opposition members had problems with another portfolio but they seemed to be expressing confidence in me as Treasurer. I prefer to go with how they were earlier this week on the subject than how they are today. They ask this question on a day when the Government has won $231 million extra from the Commonwealth Grants Commission. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the member for Nedlands and the member for Kalgoorlie. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Will opposition members join with us in demanding that Peter Costello implement immediately those Commonwealth Grants Commission recommendations? Will the Leader of the Opposition do that? He will not stand up for this State’s interests. Having dealt with whether opposition members are loyal to Western Australia, and finding out that once again they are not, let us come to the question of the increase in the budget for the New MetroRail. The budget for the New MetroRail project involves more than the southern suburbs railway; it includes the railway to Thornlie and the extension of the northern suburbs railway. Ms A.J. MacTiernan: There are also 93 new railcars. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Yes. As I recall that week, the Cabinet made the decision on Monday and the Government announced the increase in the budget on Tuesday. That is being open and accountable. With any project or program that the Government undertakes there are risks. We cannot project into the future and guarantee with crystal clarity. No-one has a crystal ball. We do the best we can on the best advice we have about what the budget will be. Dr G.I. Gallop: Treasurer, you might remind the Opposition as well that there are a lot of risks in doing nothing. We have had to inherit all of those in Western Australia. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Of course, we have had to provide the more than half billion dollars for the Delta communications and information technology and the computer aided dispatch and communications services projects that were entered into by the previous Government on the strength of a letter from the then Treasurer, Richard Court, to the Commissioner of Police. It was not a public letter and was not in the budget papers. There was no other authority. It was a mess left for the incoming Government to deal with. I was asked about the budget for the rail project and I answered honestly. When the budget changed, the Government announced it the next day.
(3) If he was not aware of the cost blow-out as at 2 December 2003, how does he expect the people of Western Australia to trust him with their finances when he is not even aware of $100 million project blow-outs? Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: (1)-(3) Is it not interesting that earlier this week I formed the impression that opposition members had problems with another portfolio but they seemed to be expressing confidence in me as Treasurer. I prefer to go with how they were earlier this week on the subject than how they are today. They ask this question on a day when the Government has won $231 million extra from the Commonwealth Grants Commission. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the member for Nedlands and the member for Kalgoorlie. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Will opposition members join with us in demanding that Peter Costello implement immediately those Commonwealth Grants Commission recommendations? Will the Leader of the Opposition do that? He will not stand up for this State’s interests. Having dealt with whether opposition members are loyal to Western Australia, and finding out that once again they are not, let us come to the question of the increase in the budget for the New MetroRail. The budget for the New MetroRail project involves more than the southern suburbs railway; it includes the railway to Thornlie and the extension of the northern suburbs railway. Ms A.J. MacTiernan: There are also 93 new railcars. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Yes. As I recall that week, the Cabinet made the decision on Monday and the Government announced the increase in the budget on Tuesday. That is being open and accountable. With any project or program that the Government undertakes there are risks. We cannot project into the future and guarantee with crystal clarity. No-one has a crystal ball. We do the best we can on the best advice we have about what the budget will be. Dr G.I. Gallop: Treasurer, you might remind the Opposition as well that there are a lot of risks in doing nothing. We have had to inherit all of those in Western Australia. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Of course, we have had to provide the more than half billion dollars for the Delta communications and information technology and the computer aided dispatch and communications services projects that were entered into by the previous Government on the strength of a letter from the then Treasurer, Richard Court, to the Commissioner of Police. It was not a public letter and was not in the budget papers. There was no other authority. It was a mess left for the incoming Government to deal with. I was asked about the budget for the rail project and I answered honestly. When the budget changed, the Government announced it the next day.
Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: (1)-(3) Is it not interesting that earlier this week I formed the impression that opposition members had problems with another portfolio but they seemed to be expressing confidence in me as Treasurer. I prefer to go with how they were earlier this week on the subject than how they are today. They ask this question on a day when the Government has won $231 million extra from the Commonwealth Grants Commission. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the member for Nedlands and the member for Kalgoorlie. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Will opposition members join with us in demanding that Peter Costello implement immediately those Commonwealth Grants Commission recommendations? Will the Leader of the Opposition do that? He will not stand up for this State’s interests. Having dealt with whether opposition members are loyal to Western Australia, and finding out that once again they are not, let us come to the question of the increase in the budget for the New MetroRail. The budget for the New MetroRail project involves more than the southern suburbs railway; it includes the railway to Thornlie and the extension of the northern suburbs railway. Ms A.J. MacTiernan: There are also 93 new railcars. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Yes. As I recall that week, the Cabinet made the decision on Monday and the Government announced the increase in the budget on Tuesday. That is being open and accountable. With any project or program that the Government undertakes there are risks. We cannot project into the future and guarantee with crystal clarity. No-one has a crystal ball. We do the best we can on the best advice we have about what the budget will be. Dr G.I. Gallop: Treasurer, you might remind the Opposition as well that there are a lot of risks in doing nothing. We have had to inherit all of those in Western Australia. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Of course, we have had to provide the more than half billion dollars for the Delta communications and information technology and the computer aided dispatch and communications services projects that were entered into by the previous Government on the strength of a letter from the then Treasurer, Richard Court, to the Commissioner of Police. It was not a public letter and was not in the budget papers. There was no other authority. It was a mess left for the incoming Government to deal with. I was asked about the budget for the rail project and I answered honestly. When the budget changed, the Government announced it the next day.
(1)-(3) Is it not interesting that earlier this week I formed the impression that opposition members had problems with another portfolio but they seemed to be expressing confidence in me as Treasurer. I prefer to go with how they were earlier this week on the subject than how they are today. They ask this question on a day when the Government has won $231 million extra from the Commonwealth Grants Commission. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the member for Nedlands and the member for Kalgoorlie. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Will opposition members join with us in demanding that Peter Costello implement immediately those Commonwealth Grants Commission recommendations? Will the Leader of the Opposition do that? He will not stand up for this State’s interests. Having dealt with whether opposition members are loyal to Western Australia, and finding out that once again they are not, let us come to the question of the increase in the budget for the New MetroRail. The budget for the New MetroRail project involves more than the southern suburbs railway; it includes the railway to Thornlie and the extension of the northern suburbs railway. Ms A.J. MacTiernan: There are also 93 new railcars. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Yes. As I recall that week, the Cabinet made the decision on Monday and the Government announced the increase in the budget on Tuesday. That is being open and accountable. With any project or program that the Government undertakes there are risks. We cannot project into the future and guarantee with crystal clarity. No-one has a crystal ball. We do the best we can on the best advice we have about what the budget will be. Dr G.I. Gallop: Treasurer, you might remind the Opposition as well that there are a lot of risks in doing nothing. We have had to inherit all of those in Western Australia. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Of course, we have had to provide the more than half billion dollars for the Delta communications and information technology and the computer aided dispatch and communications services projects that were entered into by the previous Government on the strength of a letter from the then Treasurer, Richard Court, to the Commissioner of Police. It was not a public letter and was not in the budget papers. There was no other authority. It was a mess left for the incoming Government to deal with. I was asked about the budget for the rail project and I answered honestly. When the budget changed, the Government announced it the next day.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the member for Nedlands and the member for Kalgoorlie. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Will opposition members join with us in demanding that Peter Costello implement immediately those Commonwealth Grants Commission recommendations? Will the Leader of the Opposition do that? He will not stand up for this State’s interests. Having dealt with whether opposition members are loyal to Western Australia, and finding out that once again they are not, let us come to the question of the increase in the budget for the New MetroRail. The budget for the New MetroRail project involves more than the southern suburbs railway; it includes the railway to Thornlie and the extension of the northern suburbs railway. Ms A.J. MacTiernan: There are also 93 new railcars. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Yes. As I recall that week, the Cabinet made the decision on Monday and the Government announced the increase in the budget on Tuesday. That is being open and accountable. With any project or program that the Government undertakes there are risks. We cannot project into the future and guarantee with crystal clarity. No-one has a crystal ball. We do the best we can on the best advice we have about what the budget will be. Dr G.I. Gallop: Treasurer, you might remind the Opposition as well that there are a lot of risks in doing nothing. We have had to inherit all of those in Western Australia. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Of course, we have had to provide the more than half billion dollars for the Delta communications and information technology and the computer aided dispatch and communications services projects that were entered into by the previous Government on the strength of a letter from the then Treasurer, Richard Court, to the Commissioner of Police. It was not a public letter and was not in the budget papers. There was no other authority. It was a mess left for the incoming Government to deal with. I was asked about the budget for the rail project and I answered honestly. When the budget changed, the Government announced it the next day.
The SPEAKER: I call to order the member for Nedlands and the member for Kalgoorlie. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Will opposition members join with us in demanding that Peter Costello implement immediately those Commonwealth Grants Commission recommendations? Will the Leader of the Opposition do that? He will not stand up for this State’s interests. Having dealt with whether opposition members are loyal to Western Australia, and finding out that once again they are not, let us come to the question of the increase in the budget for the New MetroRail. The budget for the New MetroRail project involves more than the southern suburbs railway; it includes the railway to Thornlie and the extension of the northern suburbs railway. Ms A.J. MacTiernan: There are also 93 new railcars. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Yes. As I recall that week, the Cabinet made the decision on Monday and the Government announced the increase in the budget on Tuesday. That is being open and accountable. With any project or program that the Government undertakes there are risks. We cannot project into the future and guarantee with crystal clarity. No-one has a crystal ball. We do the best we can on the best advice we have about what the budget will be. Dr G.I. Gallop: Treasurer, you might remind the Opposition as well that there are a lot of risks in doing nothing. We have had to inherit all of those in Western Australia. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Of course, we have had to provide the more than half billion dollars for the Delta communications and information technology and the computer aided dispatch and communications services projects that were entered into by the previous Government on the strength of a letter from the then Treasurer, Richard Court, to the Commissioner of Police. It was not a public letter and was not in the budget papers. There was no other authority. It was a mess left for the incoming Government to deal with. I was asked about the budget for the rail project and I answered honestly. When the budget changed, the Government announced it the next day.
Mr E.S. RIPPER: Will opposition members join with us in demanding that Peter Costello implement immediately those Commonwealth Grants Commission recommendations? Will the Leader of the Opposition do that? He will not stand up for this State’s interests. Having dealt with whether opposition members are loyal to Western Australia, and finding out that once again they are not, let us come to the question of the increase in the budget for the New MetroRail. The budget for the New MetroRail project involves more than the southern suburbs railway; it includes the railway to Thornlie and the extension of the northern suburbs railway. Ms A.J. MacTiernan: There are also 93 new railcars. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Yes. As I recall that week, the Cabinet made the decision on Monday and the Government announced the increase in the budget on Tuesday. That is being open and accountable. With any project or program that the Government undertakes there are risks. We cannot project into the future and guarantee with crystal clarity. No-one has a crystal ball. We do the best we can on the best advice we have about what the budget will be. Dr G.I. Gallop: Treasurer, you might remind the Opposition as well that there are a lot of risks in doing nothing. We have had to inherit all of those in Western Australia. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Of course, we have had to provide the more than half billion dollars for the Delta communications and information technology and the computer aided dispatch and communications services projects that were entered into by the previous Government on the strength of a letter from the then Treasurer, Richard Court, to the Commissioner of Police. It was not a public letter and was not in the budget papers. There was no other authority. It was a mess left for the incoming Government to deal with. I was asked about the budget for the rail project and I answered honestly. When the budget changed, the Government announced it the next day.
Having dealt with whether opposition members are loyal to Western Australia, and finding out that once again they are not, let us come to the question of the increase in the budget for the New MetroRail. The budget for the New MetroRail project involves more than the southern suburbs railway; it includes the railway to Thornlie and the extension of the northern suburbs railway. Ms A.J. MacTiernan: There are also 93 new railcars. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Yes. As I recall that week, the Cabinet made the decision on Monday and the Government announced the increase in the budget on Tuesday. That is being open and accountable. With any project or program that the Government undertakes there are risks. We cannot project into the future and guarantee with crystal clarity. No-one has a crystal ball. We do the best we can on the best advice we have about what the budget will be. Dr G.I. Gallop: Treasurer, you might remind the Opposition as well that there are a lot of risks in doing nothing. We have had to inherit all of those in Western Australia. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Of course, we have had to provide the more than half billion dollars for the Delta communications and information technology and the computer aided dispatch and communications services projects that were entered into by the previous Government on the strength of a letter from the then Treasurer, Richard Court, to the Commissioner of Police. It was not a public letter and was not in the budget papers. There was no other authority. It was a mess left for the incoming Government to deal with. I was asked about the budget for the rail project and I answered honestly. When the budget changed, the Government announced it the next day.
Ms A.J. MacTiernan: There are also 93 new railcars. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Yes. As I recall that week, the Cabinet made the decision on Monday and the Government announced the increase in the budget on Tuesday. That is being open and accountable. With any project or program that the Government undertakes there are risks. We cannot project into the future and guarantee with crystal clarity. No-one has a crystal ball. We do the best we can on the best advice we have about what the budget will be. Dr G.I. Gallop: Treasurer, you might remind the Opposition as well that there are a lot of risks in doing nothing. We have had to inherit all of those in Western Australia. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Of course, we have had to provide the more than half billion dollars for the Delta communications and information technology and the computer aided dispatch and communications services projects that were entered into by the previous Government on the strength of a letter from the then Treasurer, Richard Court, to the Commissioner of Police. It was not a public letter and was not in the budget papers. There was no other authority. It was a mess left for the incoming Government to deal with. I was asked about the budget for the rail project and I answered honestly. When the budget changed, the Government announced it the next day.
Mr E.S. RIPPER: Yes. As I recall that week, the Cabinet made the decision on Monday and the Government announced the increase in the budget on Tuesday. That is being open and accountable. With any project or program that the Government undertakes there are risks. We cannot project into the future and guarantee with crystal clarity. No-one has a crystal ball. We do the best we can on the best advice we have about what the budget will be. Dr G.I. Gallop: Treasurer, you might remind the Opposition as well that there are a lot of risks in doing nothing. We have had to inherit all of those in Western Australia. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Of course, we have had to provide the more than half billion dollars for the Delta communications and information technology and the computer aided dispatch and communications services projects that were entered into by the previous Government on the strength of a letter from the then Treasurer, Richard Court, to the Commissioner of Police. It was not a public letter and was not in the budget papers. There was no other authority. It was a mess left for the incoming Government to deal with. I was asked about the budget for the rail project and I answered honestly. When the budget changed, the Government announced it the next day.
Dr G.I. Gallop: Treasurer, you might remind the Opposition as well that there are a lot of risks in doing nothing. We have had to inherit all of those in Western Australia. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Of course, we have had to provide the more than half billion dollars for the Delta communications and information technology and the computer aided dispatch and communications services projects that were entered into by the previous Government on the strength of a letter from the then Treasurer, Richard Court, to the Commissioner of Police. It was not a public letter and was not in the budget papers. There was no other authority. It was a mess left for the incoming Government to deal with. I was asked about the budget for the rail project and I answered honestly. When the budget changed, the Government announced it the next day.
Mr E.S. RIPPER: Of course, we have had to provide the more than half billion dollars for the Delta communications and information technology and the computer aided dispatch and communications services projects that were entered into by the previous Government on the strength of a letter from the then Treasurer, Richard Court, to the Commissioner of Police. It was not a public letter and was not in the budget papers. There was no other authority. It was a mess left for the incoming Government to deal with. I was asked about the budget for the rail project and I answered honestly. When the budget changed, the Government announced it the next day.
I was asked about the budget for the rail project and I answered honestly. When the budget changed, the Government announced it the next day.
(1) Given that the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure has indicated in The Australian Financial Review of 17 December that she was aware on the day that the budget had blown out to $1.518 billion, when was the Treasurer made aware, officially or unofficially, that the budget cost had increased? (2) If he was aware of the cost blow-out as at 2 December 2003, does he concede that, having misled Parliament about the cost of the most expensive project in our State’s history, his position as Treasurer is now untenable? (3) If he was not aware of the cost blow-out as at 2 December 2003, how does he expect the people of Western Australia to trust him with their finances when he is not even aware of $100 million project blow-outs? Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: (1)-(3) Is it not interesting that earlier this week I formed the impression that opposition members had problems with another portfolio but they seemed to be expressing confidence in me as Treasurer. I prefer to go with how they were earlier this week on the subject than how they are today. They ask this question on a day when the Government has won $231 million extra from the Commonwealth Grants Commission. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the member for Nedlands and the member for Kalgoorlie. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Will opposition members join with us in demanding that Peter Costello implement immediately those Commonwealth Grants Commission recommendations? Will the Leader of the Opposition do that? He will not stand up for this State’s interests. Having dealt with whether opposition members are loyal to Western Australia, and finding out that once again they are not, let us come to the question of the increase in the budget for the New MetroRail. The budget for the New MetroRail project involves more than the southern suburbs railway; it includes the railway to Thornlie and the extension of the northern suburbs railway. Ms A.J. MacTiernan: There are also 93 new railcars. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Yes. As I recall that week, the Cabinet made the decision on Monday and the Government announced the increase in the budget on Tuesday. That is being open and accountable. With any project or program that the Government undertakes there are risks. We cannot project into the future and guarantee with crystal clarity. No-one has a crystal ball. We do the best we can on the best advice we have about what the budget will be. Dr G.I. Gallop: Treasurer, you might remind the Opposition as well that there are a lot of risks in doing nothing. We have had to inherit all of those in Western Australia. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Of course, we have had to provide the more than half billion dollars for the Delta communications and information technology and the computer aided dispatch and communications services projects that were entered into by the previous Government on the strength of a letter from the then Treasurer, Richard Court, to the Commissioner of Police. It was not a public letter and was not in the budget papers. There was no other authority. It was a mess left for the incoming Government to deal with. I was asked about the budget for the rail project and I answered honestly. When the budget changed, the Government announced it the next day.
(2) If he was aware of the cost blow-out as at 2 December 2003, does he concede that, having misled Parliament about the cost of the most expensive project in our State’s history, his position as Treasurer is now untenable? (3) If he was not aware of the cost blow-out as at 2 December 2003, how does he expect the people of Western Australia to trust him with their finances when he is not even aware of $100 million project blow-outs? Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: (1)-(3) Is it not interesting that earlier this week I formed the impression that opposition members had problems with another portfolio but they seemed to be expressing confidence in me as Treasurer. I prefer to go with how they were earlier this week on the subject than how they are today. They ask this question on a day when the Government has won $231 million extra from the Commonwealth Grants Commission. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the member for Nedlands and the member for Kalgoorlie. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Will opposition members join with us in demanding that Peter Costello implement immediately those Commonwealth Grants Commission recommendations? Will the Leader of the Opposition do that? He will not stand up for this State’s interests. Having dealt with whether opposition members are loyal to Western Australia, and finding out that once again they are not, let us come to the question of the increase in the budget for the New MetroRail. The budget for the New MetroRail project involves more than the southern suburbs railway; it includes the railway to Thornlie and the extension of the northern suburbs railway. Ms A.J. MacTiernan: There are also 93 new railcars. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Yes. As I recall that week, the Cabinet made the decision on Monday and the Government announced the increase in the budget on Tuesday. That is being open and accountable. With any project or program that the Government undertakes there are risks. We cannot project into the future and guarantee with crystal clarity. No-one has a crystal ball. We do the best we can on the best advice we have about what the budget will be. Dr G.I. Gallop: Treasurer, you might remind the Opposition as well that there are a lot of risks in doing nothing. We have had to inherit all of those in Western Australia. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Of course, we have had to provide the more than half billion dollars for the Delta communications and information technology and the computer aided dispatch and communications services projects that were entered into by the previous Government on the strength of a letter from the then Treasurer, Richard Court, to the Commissioner of Police. It was not a public letter and was not in the budget papers. There was no other authority. It was a mess left for the incoming Government to deal with. I was asked about the budget for the rail project and I answered honestly. When the budget changed, the Government announced it the next day.
(3) If he was not aware of the cost blow-out as at 2 December 2003, how does he expect the people of Western Australia to trust him with their finances when he is not even aware of $100 million project blow-outs? Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: (1)-(3) Is it not interesting that earlier this week I formed the impression that opposition members had problems with another portfolio but they seemed to be expressing confidence in me as Treasurer. I prefer to go with how they were earlier this week on the subject than how they are today. They ask this question on a day when the Government has won $231 million extra from the Commonwealth Grants Commission. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the member for Nedlands and the member for Kalgoorlie. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Will opposition members join with us in demanding that Peter Costello implement immediately those Commonwealth Grants Commission recommendations? Will the Leader of the Opposition do that? He will not stand up for this State’s interests. Having dealt with whether opposition members are loyal to Western Australia, and finding out that once again they are not, let us come to the question of the increase in the budget for the New MetroRail. The budget for the New MetroRail project involves more than the southern suburbs railway; it includes the railway to Thornlie and the extension of the northern suburbs railway. Ms A.J. MacTiernan: There are also 93 new railcars. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Yes. As I recall that week, the Cabinet made the decision on Monday and the Government announced the increase in the budget on Tuesday. That is being open and accountable. With any project or program that the Government undertakes there are risks. We cannot project into the future and guarantee with crystal clarity. No-one has a crystal ball. We do the best we can on the best advice we have about what the budget will be. Dr G.I. Gallop: Treasurer, you might remind the Opposition as well that there are a lot of risks in doing nothing. We have had to inherit all of those in Western Australia. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Of course, we have had to provide the more than half billion dollars for the Delta communications and information technology and the computer aided dispatch and communications services projects that were entered into by the previous Government on the strength of a letter from the then Treasurer, Richard Court, to the Commissioner of Police. It was not a public letter and was not in the budget papers. There was no other authority. It was a mess left for the incoming Government to deal with. I was asked about the budget for the rail project and I answered honestly. When the budget changed, the Government announced it the next day.
Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: (1)-(3) Is it not interesting that earlier this week I formed the impression that opposition members had problems with another portfolio but they seemed to be expressing confidence in me as Treasurer. I prefer to go with how they were earlier this week on the subject than how they are today. They ask this question on a day when the Government has won $231 million extra from the Commonwealth Grants Commission. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the member for Nedlands and the member for Kalgoorlie. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Will opposition members join with us in demanding that Peter Costello implement immediately those Commonwealth Grants Commission recommendations? Will the Leader of the Opposition do that? He will not stand up for this State’s interests. Having dealt with whether opposition members are loyal to Western Australia, and finding out that once again they are not, let us come to the question of the increase in the budget for the New MetroRail. The budget for the New MetroRail project involves more than the southern suburbs railway; it includes the railway to Thornlie and the extension of the northern suburbs railway. Ms A.J. MacTiernan: There are also 93 new railcars. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Yes. As I recall that week, the Cabinet made the decision on Monday and the Government announced the increase in the budget on Tuesday. That is being open and accountable. With any project or program that the Government undertakes there are risks. We cannot project into the future and guarantee with crystal clarity. No-one has a crystal ball. We do the best we can on the best advice we have about what the budget will be. Dr G.I. Gallop: Treasurer, you might remind the Opposition as well that there are a lot of risks in doing nothing. We have had to inherit all of those in Western Australia. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Of course, we have had to provide the more than half billion dollars for the Delta communications and information technology and the computer aided dispatch and communications services projects that were entered into by the previous Government on the strength of a letter from the then Treasurer, Richard Court, to the Commissioner of Police. It was not a public letter and was not in the budget papers. There was no other authority. It was a mess left for the incoming Government to deal with. I was asked about the budget for the rail project and I answered honestly. When the budget changed, the Government announced it the next day.
(1)-(3) Is it not interesting that earlier this week I formed the impression that opposition members had problems with another portfolio but they seemed to be expressing confidence in me as Treasurer. I prefer to go with how they were earlier this week on the subject than how they are today. They ask this question on a day when the Government has won $231 million extra from the Commonwealth Grants Commission. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the member for Nedlands and the member for Kalgoorlie. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Will opposition members join with us in demanding that Peter Costello implement immediately those Commonwealth Grants Commission recommendations? Will the Leader of the Opposition do that? He will not stand up for this State’s interests. Having dealt with whether opposition members are loyal to Western Australia, and finding out that once again they are not, let us come to the question of the increase in the budget for the New MetroRail. The budget for the New MetroRail project involves more than the southern suburbs railway; it includes the railway to Thornlie and the extension of the northern suburbs railway. Ms A.J. MacTiernan: There are also 93 new railcars. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Yes. As I recall that week, the Cabinet made the decision on Monday and the Government announced the increase in the budget on Tuesday. That is being open and accountable. With any project or program that the Government undertakes there are risks. We cannot project into the future and guarantee with crystal clarity. No-one has a crystal ball. We do the best we can on the best advice we have about what the budget will be. Dr G.I. Gallop: Treasurer, you might remind the Opposition as well that there are a lot of risks in doing nothing. We have had to inherit all of those in Western Australia. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Of course, we have had to provide the more than half billion dollars for the Delta communications and information technology and the computer aided dispatch and communications services projects that were entered into by the previous Government on the strength of a letter from the then Treasurer, Richard Court, to the Commissioner of Police. It was not a public letter and was not in the budget papers. There was no other authority. It was a mess left for the incoming Government to deal with. I was asked about the budget for the rail project and I answered honestly. When the budget changed, the Government announced it the next day.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the member for Nedlands and the member for Kalgoorlie. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Will opposition members join with us in demanding that Peter Costello implement immediately those Commonwealth Grants Commission recommendations? Will the Leader of the Opposition do that? He will not stand up for this State’s interests. Having dealt with whether opposition members are loyal to Western Australia, and finding out that once again they are not, let us come to the question of the increase in the budget for the New MetroRail. The budget for the New MetroRail project involves more than the southern suburbs railway; it includes the railway to Thornlie and the extension of the northern suburbs railway. Ms A.J. MacTiernan: There are also 93 new railcars. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Yes. As I recall that week, the Cabinet made the decision on Monday and the Government announced the increase in the budget on Tuesday. That is being open and accountable. With any project or program that the Government undertakes there are risks. We cannot project into the future and guarantee with crystal clarity. No-one has a crystal ball. We do the best we can on the best advice we have about what the budget will be. Dr G.I. Gallop: Treasurer, you might remind the Opposition as well that there are a lot of risks in doing nothing. We have had to inherit all of those in Western Australia. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Of course, we have had to provide the more than half billion dollars for the Delta communications and information technology and the computer aided dispatch and communications services projects that were entered into by the previous Government on the strength of a letter from the then Treasurer, Richard Court, to the Commissioner of Police. It was not a public letter and was not in the budget papers. There was no other authority. It was a mess left for the incoming Government to deal with. I was asked about the budget for the rail project and I answered honestly. When the budget changed, the Government announced it the next day.
The SPEAKER: I call to order the member for Nedlands and the member for Kalgoorlie. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Will opposition members join with us in demanding that Peter Costello implement immediately those Commonwealth Grants Commission recommendations? Will the Leader of the Opposition do that? He will not stand up for this State’s interests. Having dealt with whether opposition members are loyal to Western Australia, and finding out that once again they are not, let us come to the question of the increase in the budget for the New MetroRail. The budget for the New MetroRail project involves more than the southern suburbs railway; it includes the railway to Thornlie and the extension of the northern suburbs railway. Ms A.J. MacTiernan: There are also 93 new railcars. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Yes. As I recall that week, the Cabinet made the decision on Monday and the Government announced the increase in the budget on Tuesday. That is being open and accountable. With any project or program that the Government undertakes there are risks. We cannot project into the future and guarantee with crystal clarity. No-one has a crystal ball. We do the best we can on the best advice we have about what the budget will be. Dr G.I. Gallop: Treasurer, you might remind the Opposition as well that there are a lot of risks in doing nothing. We have had to inherit all of those in Western Australia. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Of course, we have had to provide the more than half billion dollars for the Delta communications and information technology and the computer aided dispatch and communications services projects that were entered into by the previous Government on the strength of a letter from the then Treasurer, Richard Court, to the Commissioner of Police. It was not a public letter and was not in the budget papers. There was no other authority. It was a mess left for the incoming Government to deal with. I was asked about the budget for the rail project and I answered honestly. When the budget changed, the Government announced it the next day.
Mr E.S. RIPPER: Will opposition members join with us in demanding that Peter Costello implement immediately those Commonwealth Grants Commission recommendations? Will the Leader of the Opposition do that? He will not stand up for this State’s interests. Having dealt with whether opposition members are loyal to Western Australia, and finding out that once again they are not, let us come to the question of the increase in the budget for the New MetroRail. The budget for the New MetroRail project involves more than the southern suburbs railway; it includes the railway to Thornlie and the extension of the northern suburbs railway. Ms A.J. MacTiernan: There are also 93 new railcars. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Yes. As I recall that week, the Cabinet made the decision on Monday and the Government announced the increase in the budget on Tuesday. That is being open and accountable. With any project or program that the Government undertakes there are risks. We cannot project into the future and guarantee with crystal clarity. No-one has a crystal ball. We do the best we can on the best advice we have about what the budget will be. Dr G.I. Gallop: Treasurer, you might remind the Opposition as well that there are a lot of risks in doing nothing. We have had to inherit all of those in Western Australia. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Of course, we have had to provide the more than half billion dollars for the Delta communications and information technology and the computer aided dispatch and communications services projects that were entered into by the previous Government on the strength of a letter from the then Treasurer, Richard Court, to the Commissioner of Police. It was not a public letter and was not in the budget papers. There was no other authority. It was a mess left for the incoming Government to deal with. I was asked about the budget for the rail project and I answered honestly. When the budget changed, the Government announced it the next day.
Having dealt with whether opposition members are loyal to Western Australia, and finding out that once again they are not, let us come to the question of the increase in the budget for the New MetroRail. The budget for the New MetroRail project involves more than the southern suburbs railway; it includes the railway to Thornlie and the extension of the northern suburbs railway. Ms A.J. MacTiernan: There are also 93 new railcars. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Yes. As I recall that week, the Cabinet made the decision on Monday and the Government announced the increase in the budget on Tuesday. That is being open and accountable. With any project or program that the Government undertakes there are risks. We cannot project into the future and guarantee with crystal clarity. No-one has a crystal ball. We do the best we can on the best advice we have about what the budget will be. Dr G.I. Gallop: Treasurer, you might remind the Opposition as well that there are a lot of risks in doing nothing. We have had to inherit all of those in Western Australia. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Of course, we have had to provide the more than half billion dollars for the Delta communications and information technology and the computer aided dispatch and communications services projects that were entered into by the previous Government on the strength of a letter from the then Treasurer, Richard Court, to the Commissioner of Police. It was not a public letter and was not in the budget papers. There was no other authority. It was a mess left for the incoming Government to deal with. I was asked about the budget for the rail project and I answered honestly. When the budget changed, the Government announced it the next day.
Ms A.J. MacTiernan: There are also 93 new railcars. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Yes. As I recall that week, the Cabinet made the decision on Monday and the Government announced the increase in the budget on Tuesday. That is being open and accountable. With any project or program that the Government undertakes there are risks. We cannot project into the future and guarantee with crystal clarity. No-one has a crystal ball. We do the best we can on the best advice we have about what the budget will be. Dr G.I. Gallop: Treasurer, you might remind the Opposition as well that there are a lot of risks in doing nothing. We have had to inherit all of those in Western Australia. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Of course, we have had to provide the more than half billion dollars for the Delta communications and information technology and the computer aided dispatch and communications services projects that were entered into by the previous Government on the strength of a letter from the then Treasurer, Richard Court, to the Commissioner of Police. It was not a public letter and was not in the budget papers. There was no other authority. It was a mess left for the incoming Government to deal with. I was asked about the budget for the rail project and I answered honestly. When the budget changed, the Government announced it the next day.
Mr E.S. RIPPER: Yes. As I recall that week, the Cabinet made the decision on Monday and the Government announced the increase in the budget on Tuesday. That is being open and accountable. With any project or program that the Government undertakes there are risks. We cannot project into the future and guarantee with crystal clarity. No-one has a crystal ball. We do the best we can on the best advice we have about what the budget will be. Dr G.I. Gallop: Treasurer, you might remind the Opposition as well that there are a lot of risks in doing nothing. We have had to inherit all of those in Western Australia. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Of course, we have had to provide the more than half billion dollars for the Delta communications and information technology and the computer aided dispatch and communications services projects that were entered into by the previous Government on the strength of a letter from the then Treasurer, Richard Court, to the Commissioner of Police. It was not a public letter and was not in the budget papers. There was no other authority. It was a mess left for the incoming Government to deal with. I was asked about the budget for the rail project and I answered honestly. When the budget changed, the Government announced it the next day.
Dr G.I. Gallop: Treasurer, you might remind the Opposition as well that there are a lot of risks in doing nothing. We have had to inherit all of those in Western Australia. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Of course, we have had to provide the more than half billion dollars for the Delta communications and information technology and the computer aided dispatch and communications services projects that were entered into by the previous Government on the strength of a letter from the then Treasurer, Richard Court, to the Commissioner of Police. It was not a public letter and was not in the budget papers. There was no other authority. It was a mess left for the incoming Government to deal with. I was asked about the budget for the rail project and I answered honestly. When the budget changed, the Government announced it the next day.
Mr E.S. RIPPER: Of course, we have had to provide the more than half billion dollars for the Delta communications and information technology and the computer aided dispatch and communications services projects that were entered into by the previous Government on the strength of a letter from the then Treasurer, Richard Court, to the Commissioner of Police. It was not a public letter and was not in the budget papers. There was no other authority. It was a mess left for the incoming Government to deal with. I was asked about the budget for the rail project and I answered honestly. When the budget changed, the Government announced it the next day.
I was asked about the budget for the rail project and I answered honestly. When the budget changed, the Government announced it the next day.
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