❓ The WA Premier responds to questions about Commonwealth infrastructure spending in WA, deflecting direct answers and highlighting WA's 'realistic' funding requests compared to other states. He expresses optimism about the Ord River project and hope for funding for the Perth rail line project.
AnsweredQoN 373Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
INFRASTRUCTURE SPENDING — COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT
I first acknowledge the students from Tranby College who are in the gallery this afternoon. I refer to the Premier’s comments in the house yesterday regarding the various arrangements with the commonwealth government on infrastructure spending. (1) What is the total amount of money committed by the commonwealth government to be spent through or in partnership with the Western Australian government on infrastructure spending and maintenance in 2009-10? (2) What is the expected total of direct commonwealth spending on infrastructure in 2009-10? Mr C.J. BARNETT
I first acknowledge the students from Tranby College who are in the gallery this afternoon. I refer to the Premier’s comments in the house yesterday regarding the various arrangements with the commonwealth government on infrastructure spending. (1) What is the total amount of money committed by the commonwealth government to be spent through or in partnership with the Western Australian government on infrastructure spending and maintenance in 2009-10? (2) What is the expected total of direct commonwealth spending on infrastructure in 2009-10? Mr C.J. BARNETT
AnswerView source ↗
(1)-(2) I suggest the member ask his friend Kevin Rudd that question. I do not know what the commonwealth government spending will be on infrastructure. I will probably have a better idea next Tuesday when the commonwealth government presents its budget. However, in terms of infrastructure projects, Western Australia has put in far more modest and realistic claims than the other states. We put in proposals from day one on our three major projects that would be 50-50 funded between the state and the commonwealth. Other states have put in claims for exorbitant aspirations and have basically said that the commonwealth should pay for the lot. I believe those states will be bitterly disappointed. Mr J.N. Hyde : Including Victoria! Mr C.J. BARNETT : Indeed. We have therefore taken a responsible approach and I hope that the commonwealth will deliver a fair share to Western Australia. The three projects, which members are very well aware of, that we have given as our highest priority are, first, the Ord River project. That is basically happening, and I am quite confident that will be reflected in the budget. Mr E.S. Ripper : The Prime Minister has made public comments to that effect. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, and he and I visited the site together. I take that as a pretty good indication that the Ord River project is happening. In any case, work is underway there already under the Minister for Regional Development. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We had money in the budget for that, didn’t we? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, you would have had a brochure! I take the Ord River project as a given; it is basically in place. The second project is the port at Oakajee, which we were debating last night. I made it very clear to the Prime Minister only a couple of weeks ago that I hope the commonwealth will join the state in funding basically the common-user infrastructure of Oakajee. Mr E.S. Ripper : You would have been luckier if you gave them a business case, I think. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No. I equally made it clear to the Prime Minister that I am not expecting money now, because what we signed in the state development agreement six weeks ago was for a detailed feasibility, engineering, environmental and financial analysis of the project. I am absolutely confident that that analysis will be positive, and at that stage I will ask the commonwealth to share funding for the project with us 50-50. I therefore do not expect money for Oakajee to be in the federal budget. I hope there is some acknowledgement of Oakajee, and indeed the Prime Minister has publicly acknowledged the importance of Oakajee in media statements he has made about Infrastructure Australia. The third project, sinking the rail line through the central area of Perth, is a project that people have talked about for more than 100 years. That is the one I am hanging out for, if members want to know. That is the one I really hope is in this year’s federal budget. If it is, that will be great and we will be able to proceed with sinking the rail line and creating a large town square and allowing all the commercial and residential development that can take place. Mr E.S. Ripper : What about the schools’ money? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The schools’ money is being spent now. Mr E.S. Ripper : And the housing money? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I say, through the Minister for Education and the Western Australian Department of Education and Training, that, fortunately, there was a complete audit of all school buildings in place, and that money is being rolled out very quickly. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Particularly in the electorate of Churchlands! Dr E. Constable : And in the member for Armadale’s yesterday, I might say; she did very well yesterday. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As members know, under that program, every primary school in Australia—private or public, Catholic or Anglican—will receive money, and that is being rolled out quickly. The commonwealth has a coordinator general for the whole stimulus package, and the state also has a comparable coordinator general. Mr E.S. Ripper : Who is that? Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is David Smith in the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. That project is being rolled out well, and I am very pleased about it.
I refer to the Premier’s comments in the house yesterday regarding the various arrangements with the commonwealth government on infrastructure spending. (1) What is the total amount of money committed by the commonwealth government to be spent through or in partnership with the Western Australian government on infrastructure spending and maintenance in 2009-10? (2) What is the expected total of direct commonwealth spending on infrastructure in 2009-10? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)-(2) I suggest the member ask his friend Kevin Rudd that question. I do not know what the commonwealth government spending will be on infrastructure. I will probably have a better idea next Tuesday when the commonwealth government presents its budget. However, in terms of infrastructure projects, Western Australia has put in far more modest and realistic claims than the other states. We put in proposals from day one on our three major projects that would be 50-50 funded between the state and the commonwealth. Other states have put in claims for exorbitant aspirations and have basically said that the commonwealth should pay for the lot. I believe those states will be bitterly disappointed. Mr J.N. Hyde : Including Victoria! Mr C.J. BARNETT : Indeed. We have therefore taken a responsible approach and I hope that the commonwealth will deliver a fair share to Western Australia. The three projects, which members are very well aware of, that we have given as our highest priority are, first, the Ord River project. That is basically happening, and I am quite confident that will be reflected in the budget. Mr E.S. Ripper : The Prime Minister has made public comments to that effect. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, and he and I visited the site together. I take that as a pretty good indication that the Ord River project is happening. In any case, work is underway there already under the Minister for Regional Development. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We had money in the budget for that, didn’t we? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, you would have had a brochure! I take the Ord River project as a given; it is basically in place. The second project is the port at Oakajee, which we were debating last night. I made it very clear to the Prime Minister only a couple of weeks ago that I hope the commonwealth will join the state in funding basically the common-user infrastructure of Oakajee. Mr E.S. Ripper : You would have been luckier if you gave them a business case, I think. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No. I equally made it clear to the Prime Minister that I am not expecting money now, because what we signed in the state development agreement six weeks ago was for a detailed feasibility, engineering, environmental and financial analysis of the project. I am absolutely confident that that analysis will be positive, and at that stage I will ask the commonwealth to share funding for the project with us 50-50. I therefore do not expect money for Oakajee to be in the federal budget. I hope there is some acknowledgement of Oakajee, and indeed the Prime Minister has publicly acknowledged the importance of Oakajee in media statements he has made about Infrastructure Australia. The third project, sinking the rail line through the central area of Perth, is a project that people have talked about for more than 100 years. That is the one I am hanging out for, if members want to know. That is the one I really hope is in this year’s federal budget. If it is, that will be great and we will be able to proceed with sinking the rail line and creating a large town square and allowing all the commercial and residential development that can take place. Mr E.S. Ripper : What about the schools’ money? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The schools’ money is being spent now. Mr E.S. Ripper : And the housing money? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I say, through the Minister for Education and the Western Australian Department of Education and Training, that, fortunately, there was a complete audit of all school buildings in place, and that money is being rolled out very quickly. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Particularly in the electorate of Churchlands! Dr E. Constable : And in the member for Armadale’s yesterday, I might say; she did very well yesterday. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As members know, under that program, every primary school in Australia—private or public, Catholic or Anglican—will receive money, and that is being rolled out quickly. The commonwealth has a coordinator general for the whole stimulus package, and the state also has a comparable coordinator general. Mr E.S. Ripper : Who is that? Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is David Smith in the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. That project is being rolled out well, and I am very pleased about it.
(1) What is the total amount of money committed by the commonwealth government to be spent through or in partnership with the Western Australian government on infrastructure spending and maintenance in 2009-10? (2) What is the expected total of direct commonwealth spending on infrastructure in 2009-10? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)-(2) I suggest the member ask his friend Kevin Rudd that question. I do not know what the commonwealth government spending will be on infrastructure. I will probably have a better idea next Tuesday when the commonwealth government presents its budget. However, in terms of infrastructure projects, Western Australia has put in far more modest and realistic claims than the other states. We put in proposals from day one on our three major projects that would be 50-50 funded between the state and the commonwealth. Other states have put in claims for exorbitant aspirations and have basically said that the commonwealth should pay for the lot. I believe those states will be bitterly disappointed. Mr J.N. Hyde : Including Victoria! Mr C.J. BARNETT : Indeed. We have therefore taken a responsible approach and I hope that the commonwealth will deliver a fair share to Western Australia. The three projects, which members are very well aware of, that we have given as our highest priority are, first, the Ord River project. That is basically happening, and I am quite confident that will be reflected in the budget. Mr E.S. Ripper : The Prime Minister has made public comments to that effect. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, and he and I visited the site together. I take that as a pretty good indication that the Ord River project is happening. In any case, work is underway there already under the Minister for Regional Development. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We had money in the budget for that, didn’t we? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, you would have had a brochure! I take the Ord River project as a given; it is basically in place. The second project is the port at Oakajee, which we were debating last night. I made it very clear to the Prime Minister only a couple of weeks ago that I hope the commonwealth will join the state in funding basically the common-user infrastructure of Oakajee. Mr E.S. Ripper : You would have been luckier if you gave them a business case, I think. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No. I equally made it clear to the Prime Minister that I am not expecting money now, because what we signed in the state development agreement six weeks ago was for a detailed feasibility, engineering, environmental and financial analysis of the project. I am absolutely confident that that analysis will be positive, and at that stage I will ask the commonwealth to share funding for the project with us 50-50. I therefore do not expect money for Oakajee to be in the federal budget. I hope there is some acknowledgement of Oakajee, and indeed the Prime Minister has publicly acknowledged the importance of Oakajee in media statements he has made about Infrastructure Australia. The third project, sinking the rail line through the central area of Perth, is a project that people have talked about for more than 100 years. That is the one I am hanging out for, if members want to know. That is the one I really hope is in this year’s federal budget. If it is, that will be great and we will be able to proceed with sinking the rail line and creating a large town square and allowing all the commercial and residential development that can take place. Mr E.S. Ripper : What about the schools’ money? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The schools’ money is being spent now. Mr E.S. Ripper : And the housing money? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I say, through the Minister for Education and the Western Australian Department of Education and Training, that, fortunately, there was a complete audit of all school buildings in place, and that money is being rolled out very quickly. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Particularly in the electorate of Churchlands! Dr E. Constable : And in the member for Armadale’s yesterday, I might say; she did very well yesterday. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As members know, under that program, every primary school in Australia—private or public, Catholic or Anglican—will receive money, and that is being rolled out quickly. The commonwealth has a coordinator general for the whole stimulus package, and the state also has a comparable coordinator general. Mr E.S. Ripper : Who is that? Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is David Smith in the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. That project is being rolled out well, and I am very pleased about it.
(2) What is the expected total of direct commonwealth spending on infrastructure in 2009-10? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)-(2) I suggest the member ask his friend Kevin Rudd that question. I do not know what the commonwealth government spending will be on infrastructure. I will probably have a better idea next Tuesday when the commonwealth government presents its budget. However, in terms of infrastructure projects, Western Australia has put in far more modest and realistic claims than the other states. We put in proposals from day one on our three major projects that would be 50-50 funded between the state and the commonwealth. Other states have put in claims for exorbitant aspirations and have basically said that the commonwealth should pay for the lot. I believe those states will be bitterly disappointed. Mr J.N. Hyde : Including Victoria! Mr C.J. BARNETT : Indeed. We have therefore taken a responsible approach and I hope that the commonwealth will deliver a fair share to Western Australia. The three projects, which members are very well aware of, that we have given as our highest priority are, first, the Ord River project. That is basically happening, and I am quite confident that will be reflected in the budget. Mr E.S. Ripper : The Prime Minister has made public comments to that effect. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, and he and I visited the site together. I take that as a pretty good indication that the Ord River project is happening. In any case, work is underway there already under the Minister for Regional Development. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We had money in the budget for that, didn’t we? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, you would have had a brochure! I take the Ord River project as a given; it is basically in place. The second project is the port at Oakajee, which we were debating last night. I made it very clear to the Prime Minister only a couple of weeks ago that I hope the commonwealth will join the state in funding basically the common-user infrastructure of Oakajee. Mr E.S. Ripper : You would have been luckier if you gave them a business case, I think. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No. I equally made it clear to the Prime Minister that I am not expecting money now, because what we signed in the state development agreement six weeks ago was for a detailed feasibility, engineering, environmental and financial analysis of the project. I am absolutely confident that that analysis will be positive, and at that stage I will ask the commonwealth to share funding for the project with us 50-50. I therefore do not expect money for Oakajee to be in the federal budget. I hope there is some acknowledgement of Oakajee, and indeed the Prime Minister has publicly acknowledged the importance of Oakajee in media statements he has made about Infrastructure Australia. The third project, sinking the rail line through the central area of Perth, is a project that people have talked about for more than 100 years. That is the one I am hanging out for, if members want to know. That is the one I really hope is in this year’s federal budget. If it is, that will be great and we will be able to proceed with sinking the rail line and creating a large town square and allowing all the commercial and residential development that can take place. Mr E.S. Ripper : What about the schools’ money? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The schools’ money is being spent now. Mr E.S. Ripper : And the housing money? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I say, through the Minister for Education and the Western Australian Department of Education and Training, that, fortunately, there was a complete audit of all school buildings in place, and that money is being rolled out very quickly. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Particularly in the electorate of Churchlands! Dr E. Constable : And in the member for Armadale’s yesterday, I might say; she did very well yesterday. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As members know, under that program, every primary school in Australia—private or public, Catholic or Anglican—will receive money, and that is being rolled out quickly. The commonwealth has a coordinator general for the whole stimulus package, and the state also has a comparable coordinator general. Mr E.S. Ripper : Who is that? Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is David Smith in the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. That project is being rolled out well, and I am very pleased about it.
Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)-(2) I suggest the member ask his friend Kevin Rudd that question. I do not know what the commonwealth government spending will be on infrastructure. I will probably have a better idea next Tuesday when the commonwealth government presents its budget. However, in terms of infrastructure projects, Western Australia has put in far more modest and realistic claims than the other states. We put in proposals from day one on our three major projects that would be 50-50 funded between the state and the commonwealth. Other states have put in claims for exorbitant aspirations and have basically said that the commonwealth should pay for the lot. I believe those states will be bitterly disappointed. Mr J.N. Hyde : Including Victoria! Mr C.J. BARNETT : Indeed. We have therefore taken a responsible approach and I hope that the commonwealth will deliver a fair share to Western Australia. The three projects, which members are very well aware of, that we have given as our highest priority are, first, the Ord River project. That is basically happening, and I am quite confident that will be reflected in the budget. Mr E.S. Ripper : The Prime Minister has made public comments to that effect. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, and he and I visited the site together. I take that as a pretty good indication that the Ord River project is happening. In any case, work is underway there already under the Minister for Regional Development. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We had money in the budget for that, didn’t we? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, you would have had a brochure! I take the Ord River project as a given; it is basically in place. The second project is the port at Oakajee, which we were debating last night. I made it very clear to the Prime Minister only a couple of weeks ago that I hope the commonwealth will join the state in funding basically the common-user infrastructure of Oakajee. Mr E.S. Ripper : You would have been luckier if you gave them a business case, I think. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No. I equally made it clear to the Prime Minister that I am not expecting money now, because what we signed in the state development agreement six weeks ago was for a detailed feasibility, engineering, environmental and financial analysis of the project. I am absolutely confident that that analysis will be positive, and at that stage I will ask the commonwealth to share funding for the project with us 50-50. I therefore do not expect money for Oakajee to be in the federal budget. I hope there is some acknowledgement of Oakajee, and indeed the Prime Minister has publicly acknowledged the importance of Oakajee in media statements he has made about Infrastructure Australia. The third project, sinking the rail line through the central area of Perth, is a project that people have talked about for more than 100 years. That is the one I am hanging out for, if members want to know. That is the one I really hope is in this year’s federal budget. If it is, that will be great and we will be able to proceed with sinking the rail line and creating a large town square and allowing all the commercial and residential development that can take place. Mr E.S. Ripper : What about the schools’ money? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The schools’ money is being spent now. Mr E.S. Ripper : And the housing money? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I say, through the Minister for Education and the Western Australian Department of Education and Training, that, fortunately, there was a complete audit of all school buildings in place, and that money is being rolled out very quickly. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Particularly in the electorate of Churchlands! Dr E. Constable : And in the member for Armadale’s yesterday, I might say; she did very well yesterday. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As members know, under that program, every primary school in Australia—private or public, Catholic or Anglican—will receive money, and that is being rolled out quickly. The commonwealth has a coordinator general for the whole stimulus package, and the state also has a comparable coordinator general. Mr E.S. Ripper : Who is that? Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is David Smith in the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. That project is being rolled out well, and I am very pleased about it.
(1)-(2) I suggest the member ask his friend Kevin Rudd that question. I do not know what the commonwealth government spending will be on infrastructure. I will probably have a better idea next Tuesday when the commonwealth government presents its budget. However, in terms of infrastructure projects, Western Australia has put in far more modest and realistic claims than the other states. We put in proposals from day one on our three major projects that would be 50-50 funded between the state and the commonwealth. Other states have put in claims for exorbitant aspirations and have basically said that the commonwealth should pay for the lot. I believe those states will be bitterly disappointed. Mr J.N. Hyde : Including Victoria! Mr C.J. BARNETT : Indeed. We have therefore taken a responsible approach and I hope that the commonwealth will deliver a fair share to Western Australia. The three projects, which members are very well aware of, that we have given as our highest priority are, first, the Ord River project. That is basically happening, and I am quite confident that will be reflected in the budget. Mr E.S. Ripper : The Prime Minister has made public comments to that effect. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, and he and I visited the site together. I take that as a pretty good indication that the Ord River project is happening. In any case, work is underway there already under the Minister for Regional Development. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We had money in the budget for that, didn’t we? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, you would have had a brochure! I take the Ord River project as a given; it is basically in place. The second project is the port at Oakajee, which we were debating last night. I made it very clear to the Prime Minister only a couple of weeks ago that I hope the commonwealth will join the state in funding basically the common-user infrastructure of Oakajee. Mr E.S. Ripper : You would have been luckier if you gave them a business case, I think. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No. I equally made it clear to the Prime Minister that I am not expecting money now, because what we signed in the state development agreement six weeks ago was for a detailed feasibility, engineering, environmental and financial analysis of the project. I am absolutely confident that that analysis will be positive, and at that stage I will ask the commonwealth to share funding for the project with us 50-50. I therefore do not expect money for Oakajee to be in the federal budget. I hope there is some acknowledgement of Oakajee, and indeed the Prime Minister has publicly acknowledged the importance of Oakajee in media statements he has made about Infrastructure Australia. The third project, sinking the rail line through the central area of Perth, is a project that people have talked about for more than 100 years. That is the one I am hanging out for, if members want to know. That is the one I really hope is in this year’s federal budget. If it is, that will be great and we will be able to proceed with sinking the rail line and creating a large town square and allowing all the commercial and residential development that can take place. Mr E.S. Ripper : What about the schools’ money? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The schools’ money is being spent now. Mr E.S. Ripper : And the housing money? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I say, through the Minister for Education and the Western Australian Department of Education and Training, that, fortunately, there was a complete audit of all school buildings in place, and that money is being rolled out very quickly. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Particularly in the electorate of Churchlands! Dr E. Constable : And in the member for Armadale’s yesterday, I might say; she did very well yesterday. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As members know, under that program, every primary school in Australia—private or public, Catholic or Anglican—will receive money, and that is being rolled out quickly. The commonwealth has a coordinator general for the whole stimulus package, and the state also has a comparable coordinator general. Mr E.S. Ripper : Who is that? Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is David Smith in the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. That project is being rolled out well, and I am very pleased about it.
Mr J.N. Hyde : Including Victoria! Mr C.J. BARNETT : Indeed. We have therefore taken a responsible approach and I hope that the commonwealth will deliver a fair share to Western Australia. The three projects, which members are very well aware of, that we have given as our highest priority are, first, the Ord River project. That is basically happening, and I am quite confident that will be reflected in the budget. Mr E.S. Ripper : The Prime Minister has made public comments to that effect. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, and he and I visited the site together. I take that as a pretty good indication that the Ord River project is happening. In any case, work is underway there already under the Minister for Regional Development. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We had money in the budget for that, didn’t we? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, you would have had a brochure! I take the Ord River project as a given; it is basically in place. The second project is the port at Oakajee, which we were debating last night. I made it very clear to the Prime Minister only a couple of weeks ago that I hope the commonwealth will join the state in funding basically the common-user infrastructure of Oakajee. Mr E.S. Ripper : You would have been luckier if you gave them a business case, I think. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No. I equally made it clear to the Prime Minister that I am not expecting money now, because what we signed in the state development agreement six weeks ago was for a detailed feasibility, engineering, environmental and financial analysis of the project. I am absolutely confident that that analysis will be positive, and at that stage I will ask the commonwealth to share funding for the project with us 50-50. I therefore do not expect money for Oakajee to be in the federal budget. I hope there is some acknowledgement of Oakajee, and indeed the Prime Minister has publicly acknowledged the importance of Oakajee in media statements he has made about Infrastructure Australia. The third project, sinking the rail line through the central area of Perth, is a project that people have talked about for more than 100 years. That is the one I am hanging out for, if members want to know. That is the one I really hope is in this year’s federal budget. If it is, that will be great and we will be able to proceed with sinking the rail line and creating a large town square and allowing all the commercial and residential development that can take place. Mr E.S. Ripper : What about the schools’ money? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The schools’ money is being spent now. Mr E.S. Ripper : And the housing money? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I say, through the Minister for Education and the Western Australian Department of Education and Training, that, fortunately, there was a complete audit of all school buildings in place, and that money is being rolled out very quickly. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Particularly in the electorate of Churchlands! Dr E. Constable : And in the member for Armadale’s yesterday, I might say; she did very well yesterday. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As members know, under that program, every primary school in Australia—private or public, Catholic or Anglican—will receive money, and that is being rolled out quickly. The commonwealth has a coordinator general for the whole stimulus package, and the state also has a comparable coordinator general. Mr E.S. Ripper : Who is that? Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is David Smith in the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. That project is being rolled out well, and I am very pleased about it.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : Indeed. We have therefore taken a responsible approach and I hope that the commonwealth will deliver a fair share to Western Australia. The three projects, which members are very well aware of, that we have given as our highest priority are, first, the Ord River project. That is basically happening, and I am quite confident that will be reflected in the budget. Mr E.S. Ripper : The Prime Minister has made public comments to that effect. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, and he and I visited the site together. I take that as a pretty good indication that the Ord River project is happening. In any case, work is underway there already under the Minister for Regional Development. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We had money in the budget for that, didn’t we? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, you would have had a brochure! I take the Ord River project as a given; it is basically in place. The second project is the port at Oakajee, which we were debating last night. I made it very clear to the Prime Minister only a couple of weeks ago that I hope the commonwealth will join the state in funding basically the common-user infrastructure of Oakajee. Mr E.S. Ripper : You would have been luckier if you gave them a business case, I think. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No. I equally made it clear to the Prime Minister that I am not expecting money now, because what we signed in the state development agreement six weeks ago was for a detailed feasibility, engineering, environmental and financial analysis of the project. I am absolutely confident that that analysis will be positive, and at that stage I will ask the commonwealth to share funding for the project with us 50-50. I therefore do not expect money for Oakajee to be in the federal budget. I hope there is some acknowledgement of Oakajee, and indeed the Prime Minister has publicly acknowledged the importance of Oakajee in media statements he has made about Infrastructure Australia. The third project, sinking the rail line through the central area of Perth, is a project that people have talked about for more than 100 years. That is the one I am hanging out for, if members want to know. That is the one I really hope is in this year’s federal budget. If it is, that will be great and we will be able to proceed with sinking the rail line and creating a large town square and allowing all the commercial and residential development that can take place. Mr E.S. Ripper : What about the schools’ money? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The schools’ money is being spent now. Mr E.S. Ripper : And the housing money? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I say, through the Minister for Education and the Western Australian Department of Education and Training, that, fortunately, there was a complete audit of all school buildings in place, and that money is being rolled out very quickly. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Particularly in the electorate of Churchlands! Dr E. Constable : And in the member for Armadale’s yesterday, I might say; she did very well yesterday. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As members know, under that program, every primary school in Australia—private or public, Catholic or Anglican—will receive money, and that is being rolled out quickly. The commonwealth has a coordinator general for the whole stimulus package, and the state also has a comparable coordinator general. Mr E.S. Ripper : Who is that? Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is David Smith in the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. That project is being rolled out well, and I am very pleased about it.
We have therefore taken a responsible approach and I hope that the commonwealth will deliver a fair share to Western Australia. The three projects, which members are very well aware of, that we have given as our highest priority are, first, the Ord River project. That is basically happening, and I am quite confident that will be reflected in the budget. Mr E.S. Ripper : The Prime Minister has made public comments to that effect. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, and he and I visited the site together. I take that as a pretty good indication that the Ord River project is happening. In any case, work is underway there already under the Minister for Regional Development. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We had money in the budget for that, didn’t we? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, you would have had a brochure! I take the Ord River project as a given; it is basically in place. The second project is the port at Oakajee, which we were debating last night. I made it very clear to the Prime Minister only a couple of weeks ago that I hope the commonwealth will join the state in funding basically the common-user infrastructure of Oakajee. Mr E.S. Ripper : You would have been luckier if you gave them a business case, I think. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No. I equally made it clear to the Prime Minister that I am not expecting money now, because what we signed in the state development agreement six weeks ago was for a detailed feasibility, engineering, environmental and financial analysis of the project. I am absolutely confident that that analysis will be positive, and at that stage I will ask the commonwealth to share funding for the project with us 50-50. I therefore do not expect money for Oakajee to be in the federal budget. I hope there is some acknowledgement of Oakajee, and indeed the Prime Minister has publicly acknowledged the importance of Oakajee in media statements he has made about Infrastructure Australia. The third project, sinking the rail line through the central area of Perth, is a project that people have talked about for more than 100 years. That is the one I am hanging out for, if members want to know. That is the one I really hope is in this year’s federal budget. If it is, that will be great and we will be able to proceed with sinking the rail line and creating a large town square and allowing all the commercial and residential development that can take place. Mr E.S. Ripper : What about the schools’ money? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The schools’ money is being spent now. Mr E.S. Ripper : And the housing money? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I say, through the Minister for Education and the Western Australian Department of Education and Training, that, fortunately, there was a complete audit of all school buildings in place, and that money is being rolled out very quickly. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Particularly in the electorate of Churchlands! Dr E. Constable : And in the member for Armadale’s yesterday, I might say; she did very well yesterday. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As members know, under that program, every primary school in Australia—private or public, Catholic or Anglican—will receive money, and that is being rolled out quickly. The commonwealth has a coordinator general for the whole stimulus package, and the state also has a comparable coordinator general. Mr E.S. Ripper : Who is that? Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is David Smith in the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. That project is being rolled out well, and I am very pleased about it.
Mr E.S. Ripper : The Prime Minister has made public comments to that effect. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, and he and I visited the site together. I take that as a pretty good indication that the Ord River project is happening. In any case, work is underway there already under the Minister for Regional Development. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We had money in the budget for that, didn’t we? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, you would have had a brochure! I take the Ord River project as a given; it is basically in place. The second project is the port at Oakajee, which we were debating last night. I made it very clear to the Prime Minister only a couple of weeks ago that I hope the commonwealth will join the state in funding basically the common-user infrastructure of Oakajee. Mr E.S. Ripper : You would have been luckier if you gave them a business case, I think. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No. I equally made it clear to the Prime Minister that I am not expecting money now, because what we signed in the state development agreement six weeks ago was for a detailed feasibility, engineering, environmental and financial analysis of the project. I am absolutely confident that that analysis will be positive, and at that stage I will ask the commonwealth to share funding for the project with us 50-50. I therefore do not expect money for Oakajee to be in the federal budget. I hope there is some acknowledgement of Oakajee, and indeed the Prime Minister has publicly acknowledged the importance of Oakajee in media statements he has made about Infrastructure Australia. The third project, sinking the rail line through the central area of Perth, is a project that people have talked about for more than 100 years. That is the one I am hanging out for, if members want to know. That is the one I really hope is in this year’s federal budget. If it is, that will be great and we will be able to proceed with sinking the rail line and creating a large town square and allowing all the commercial and residential development that can take place. Mr E.S. Ripper : What about the schools’ money? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The schools’ money is being spent now. Mr E.S. Ripper : And the housing money? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I say, through the Minister for Education and the Western Australian Department of Education and Training, that, fortunately, there was a complete audit of all school buildings in place, and that money is being rolled out very quickly. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Particularly in the electorate of Churchlands! Dr E. Constable : And in the member for Armadale’s yesterday, I might say; she did very well yesterday. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As members know, under that program, every primary school in Australia—private or public, Catholic or Anglican—will receive money, and that is being rolled out quickly. The commonwealth has a coordinator general for the whole stimulus package, and the state also has a comparable coordinator general. Mr E.S. Ripper : Who is that? Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is David Smith in the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. That project is being rolled out well, and I am very pleased about it.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, and he and I visited the site together. I take that as a pretty good indication that the Ord River project is happening. In any case, work is underway there already under the Minister for Regional Development. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We had money in the budget for that, didn’t we? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, you would have had a brochure! I take the Ord River project as a given; it is basically in place. The second project is the port at Oakajee, which we were debating last night. I made it very clear to the Prime Minister only a couple of weeks ago that I hope the commonwealth will join the state in funding basically the common-user infrastructure of Oakajee. Mr E.S. Ripper : You would have been luckier if you gave them a business case, I think. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No. I equally made it clear to the Prime Minister that I am not expecting money now, because what we signed in the state development agreement six weeks ago was for a detailed feasibility, engineering, environmental and financial analysis of the project. I am absolutely confident that that analysis will be positive, and at that stage I will ask the commonwealth to share funding for the project with us 50-50. I therefore do not expect money for Oakajee to be in the federal budget. I hope there is some acknowledgement of Oakajee, and indeed the Prime Minister has publicly acknowledged the importance of Oakajee in media statements he has made about Infrastructure Australia. The third project, sinking the rail line through the central area of Perth, is a project that people have talked about for more than 100 years. That is the one I am hanging out for, if members want to know. That is the one I really hope is in this year’s federal budget. If it is, that will be great and we will be able to proceed with sinking the rail line and creating a large town square and allowing all the commercial and residential development that can take place. Mr E.S. Ripper : What about the schools’ money? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The schools’ money is being spent now. Mr E.S. Ripper : And the housing money? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I say, through the Minister for Education and the Western Australian Department of Education and Training, that, fortunately, there was a complete audit of all school buildings in place, and that money is being rolled out very quickly. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Particularly in the electorate of Churchlands! Dr E. Constable : And in the member for Armadale’s yesterday, I might say; she did very well yesterday. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As members know, under that program, every primary school in Australia—private or public, Catholic or Anglican—will receive money, and that is being rolled out quickly. The commonwealth has a coordinator general for the whole stimulus package, and the state also has a comparable coordinator general. Mr E.S. Ripper : Who is that? Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is David Smith in the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. That project is being rolled out well, and I am very pleased about it.
Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We had money in the budget for that, didn’t we? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, you would have had a brochure! I take the Ord River project as a given; it is basically in place. The second project is the port at Oakajee, which we were debating last night. I made it very clear to the Prime Minister only a couple of weeks ago that I hope the commonwealth will join the state in funding basically the common-user infrastructure of Oakajee. Mr E.S. Ripper : You would have been luckier if you gave them a business case, I think. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No. I equally made it clear to the Prime Minister that I am not expecting money now, because what we signed in the state development agreement six weeks ago was for a detailed feasibility, engineering, environmental and financial analysis of the project. I am absolutely confident that that analysis will be positive, and at that stage I will ask the commonwealth to share funding for the project with us 50-50. I therefore do not expect money for Oakajee to be in the federal budget. I hope there is some acknowledgement of Oakajee, and indeed the Prime Minister has publicly acknowledged the importance of Oakajee in media statements he has made about Infrastructure Australia. The third project, sinking the rail line through the central area of Perth, is a project that people have talked about for more than 100 years. That is the one I am hanging out for, if members want to know. That is the one I really hope is in this year’s federal budget. If it is, that will be great and we will be able to proceed with sinking the rail line and creating a large town square and allowing all the commercial and residential development that can take place. Mr E.S. Ripper : What about the schools’ money? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The schools’ money is being spent now. Mr E.S. Ripper : And the housing money? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I say, through the Minister for Education and the Western Australian Department of Education and Training, that, fortunately, there was a complete audit of all school buildings in place, and that money is being rolled out very quickly. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Particularly in the electorate of Churchlands! Dr E. Constable : And in the member for Armadale’s yesterday, I might say; she did very well yesterday. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As members know, under that program, every primary school in Australia—private or public, Catholic or Anglican—will receive money, and that is being rolled out quickly. The commonwealth has a coordinator general for the whole stimulus package, and the state also has a comparable coordinator general. Mr E.S. Ripper : Who is that? Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is David Smith in the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. That project is being rolled out well, and I am very pleased about it.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, you would have had a brochure! I take the Ord River project as a given; it is basically in place. The second project is the port at Oakajee, which we were debating last night. I made it very clear to the Prime Minister only a couple of weeks ago that I hope the commonwealth will join the state in funding basically the common-user infrastructure of Oakajee. Mr E.S. Ripper : You would have been luckier if you gave them a business case, I think. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No. I equally made it clear to the Prime Minister that I am not expecting money now, because what we signed in the state development agreement six weeks ago was for a detailed feasibility, engineering, environmental and financial analysis of the project. I am absolutely confident that that analysis will be positive, and at that stage I will ask the commonwealth to share funding for the project with us 50-50. I therefore do not expect money for Oakajee to be in the federal budget. I hope there is some acknowledgement of Oakajee, and indeed the Prime Minister has publicly acknowledged the importance of Oakajee in media statements he has made about Infrastructure Australia. The third project, sinking the rail line through the central area of Perth, is a project that people have talked about for more than 100 years. That is the one I am hanging out for, if members want to know. That is the one I really hope is in this year’s federal budget. If it is, that will be great and we will be able to proceed with sinking the rail line and creating a large town square and allowing all the commercial and residential development that can take place. Mr E.S. Ripper : What about the schools’ money? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The schools’ money is being spent now. Mr E.S. Ripper : And the housing money? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I say, through the Minister for Education and the Western Australian Department of Education and Training, that, fortunately, there was a complete audit of all school buildings in place, and that money is being rolled out very quickly. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Particularly in the electorate of Churchlands! Dr E. Constable : And in the member for Armadale’s yesterday, I might say; she did very well yesterday. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As members know, under that program, every primary school in Australia—private or public, Catholic or Anglican—will receive money, and that is being rolled out quickly. The commonwealth has a coordinator general for the whole stimulus package, and the state also has a comparable coordinator general. Mr E.S. Ripper : Who is that? Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is David Smith in the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. That project is being rolled out well, and I am very pleased about it.
I take the Ord River project as a given; it is basically in place. The second project is the port at Oakajee, which we were debating last night. I made it very clear to the Prime Minister only a couple of weeks ago that I hope the commonwealth will join the state in funding basically the common-user infrastructure of Oakajee. Mr E.S. Ripper : You would have been luckier if you gave them a business case, I think. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No. I equally made it clear to the Prime Minister that I am not expecting money now, because what we signed in the state development agreement six weeks ago was for a detailed feasibility, engineering, environmental and financial analysis of the project. I am absolutely confident that that analysis will be positive, and at that stage I will ask the commonwealth to share funding for the project with us 50-50. I therefore do not expect money for Oakajee to be in the federal budget. I hope there is some acknowledgement of Oakajee, and indeed the Prime Minister has publicly acknowledged the importance of Oakajee in media statements he has made about Infrastructure Australia. The third project, sinking the rail line through the central area of Perth, is a project that people have talked about for more than 100 years. That is the one I am hanging out for, if members want to know. That is the one I really hope is in this year’s federal budget. If it is, that will be great and we will be able to proceed with sinking the rail line and creating a large town square and allowing all the commercial and residential development that can take place. Mr E.S. Ripper : What about the schools’ money? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The schools’ money is being spent now. Mr E.S. Ripper : And the housing money? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I say, through the Minister for Education and the Western Australian Department of Education and Training, that, fortunately, there was a complete audit of all school buildings in place, and that money is being rolled out very quickly. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Particularly in the electorate of Churchlands! Dr E. Constable : And in the member for Armadale’s yesterday, I might say; she did very well yesterday. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As members know, under that program, every primary school in Australia—private or public, Catholic or Anglican—will receive money, and that is being rolled out quickly. The commonwealth has a coordinator general for the whole stimulus package, and the state also has a comparable coordinator general. Mr E.S. Ripper : Who is that? Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is David Smith in the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. That project is being rolled out well, and I am very pleased about it.
Mr E.S. Ripper : You would have been luckier if you gave them a business case, I think. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No. I equally made it clear to the Prime Minister that I am not expecting money now, because what we signed in the state development agreement six weeks ago was for a detailed feasibility, engineering, environmental and financial analysis of the project. I am absolutely confident that that analysis will be positive, and at that stage I will ask the commonwealth to share funding for the project with us 50-50. I therefore do not expect money for Oakajee to be in the federal budget. I hope there is some acknowledgement of Oakajee, and indeed the Prime Minister has publicly acknowledged the importance of Oakajee in media statements he has made about Infrastructure Australia. The third project, sinking the rail line through the central area of Perth, is a project that people have talked about for more than 100 years. That is the one I am hanging out for, if members want to know. That is the one I really hope is in this year’s federal budget. If it is, that will be great and we will be able to proceed with sinking the rail line and creating a large town square and allowing all the commercial and residential development that can take place. Mr E.S. Ripper : What about the schools’ money? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The schools’ money is being spent now. Mr E.S. Ripper : And the housing money? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I say, through the Minister for Education and the Western Australian Department of Education and Training, that, fortunately, there was a complete audit of all school buildings in place, and that money is being rolled out very quickly. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Particularly in the electorate of Churchlands! Dr E. Constable : And in the member for Armadale’s yesterday, I might say; she did very well yesterday. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As members know, under that program, every primary school in Australia—private or public, Catholic or Anglican—will receive money, and that is being rolled out quickly. The commonwealth has a coordinator general for the whole stimulus package, and the state also has a comparable coordinator general. Mr E.S. Ripper : Who is that? Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is David Smith in the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. That project is being rolled out well, and I am very pleased about it.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : No. I equally made it clear to the Prime Minister that I am not expecting money now, because what we signed in the state development agreement six weeks ago was for a detailed feasibility, engineering, environmental and financial analysis of the project. I am absolutely confident that that analysis will be positive, and at that stage I will ask the commonwealth to share funding for the project with us 50-50. I therefore do not expect money for Oakajee to be in the federal budget. I hope there is some acknowledgement of Oakajee, and indeed the Prime Minister has publicly acknowledged the importance of Oakajee in media statements he has made about Infrastructure Australia. The third project, sinking the rail line through the central area of Perth, is a project that people have talked about for more than 100 years. That is the one I am hanging out for, if members want to know. That is the one I really hope is in this year’s federal budget. If it is, that will be great and we will be able to proceed with sinking the rail line and creating a large town square and allowing all the commercial and residential development that can take place. Mr E.S. Ripper : What about the schools’ money? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The schools’ money is being spent now. Mr E.S. Ripper : And the housing money? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I say, through the Minister for Education and the Western Australian Department of Education and Training, that, fortunately, there was a complete audit of all school buildings in place, and that money is being rolled out very quickly. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Particularly in the electorate of Churchlands! Dr E. Constable : And in the member for Armadale’s yesterday, I might say; she did very well yesterday. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As members know, under that program, every primary school in Australia—private or public, Catholic or Anglican—will receive money, and that is being rolled out quickly. The commonwealth has a coordinator general for the whole stimulus package, and the state also has a comparable coordinator general. Mr E.S. Ripper : Who is that? Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is David Smith in the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. That project is being rolled out well, and I am very pleased about it.
The third project, sinking the rail line through the central area of Perth, is a project that people have talked about for more than 100 years. That is the one I am hanging out for, if members want to know. That is the one I really hope is in this year’s federal budget. If it is, that will be great and we will be able to proceed with sinking the rail line and creating a large town square and allowing all the commercial and residential development that can take place. Mr E.S. Ripper : What about the schools’ money? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The schools’ money is being spent now. Mr E.S. Ripper : And the housing money? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I say, through the Minister for Education and the Western Australian Department of Education and Training, that, fortunately, there was a complete audit of all school buildings in place, and that money is being rolled out very quickly. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Particularly in the electorate of Churchlands! Dr E. Constable : And in the member for Armadale’s yesterday, I might say; she did very well yesterday. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As members know, under that program, every primary school in Australia—private or public, Catholic or Anglican—will receive money, and that is being rolled out quickly. The commonwealth has a coordinator general for the whole stimulus package, and the state also has a comparable coordinator general. Mr E.S. Ripper : Who is that? Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is David Smith in the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. That project is being rolled out well, and I am very pleased about it.
Mr E.S. Ripper : What about the schools’ money? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The schools’ money is being spent now. Mr E.S. Ripper : And the housing money? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I say, through the Minister for Education and the Western Australian Department of Education and Training, that, fortunately, there was a complete audit of all school buildings in place, and that money is being rolled out very quickly. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Particularly in the electorate of Churchlands! Dr E. Constable : And in the member for Armadale’s yesterday, I might say; she did very well yesterday. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As members know, under that program, every primary school in Australia—private or public, Catholic or Anglican—will receive money, and that is being rolled out quickly. The commonwealth has a coordinator general for the whole stimulus package, and the state also has a comparable coordinator general. Mr E.S. Ripper : Who is that? Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is David Smith in the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. That project is being rolled out well, and I am very pleased about it.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : The schools’ money is being spent now. Mr E.S. Ripper : And the housing money? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I say, through the Minister for Education and the Western Australian Department of Education and Training, that, fortunately, there was a complete audit of all school buildings in place, and that money is being rolled out very quickly. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Particularly in the electorate of Churchlands! Dr E. Constable : And in the member for Armadale’s yesterday, I might say; she did very well yesterday. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As members know, under that program, every primary school in Australia—private or public, Catholic or Anglican—will receive money, and that is being rolled out quickly. The commonwealth has a coordinator general for the whole stimulus package, and the state also has a comparable coordinator general. Mr E.S. Ripper : Who is that? Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is David Smith in the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. That project is being rolled out well, and I am very pleased about it.
Mr E.S. Ripper : And the housing money? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I say, through the Minister for Education and the Western Australian Department of Education and Training, that, fortunately, there was a complete audit of all school buildings in place, and that money is being rolled out very quickly. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Particularly in the electorate of Churchlands! Dr E. Constable : And in the member for Armadale’s yesterday, I might say; she did very well yesterday. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As members know, under that program, every primary school in Australia—private or public, Catholic or Anglican—will receive money, and that is being rolled out quickly. The commonwealth has a coordinator general for the whole stimulus package, and the state also has a comparable coordinator general. Mr E.S. Ripper : Who is that? Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is David Smith in the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. That project is being rolled out well, and I am very pleased about it.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I say, through the Minister for Education and the Western Australian Department of Education and Training, that, fortunately, there was a complete audit of all school buildings in place, and that money is being rolled out very quickly. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Particularly in the electorate of Churchlands! Dr E. Constable : And in the member for Armadale’s yesterday, I might say; she did very well yesterday. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As members know, under that program, every primary school in Australia—private or public, Catholic or Anglican—will receive money, and that is being rolled out quickly. The commonwealth has a coordinator general for the whole stimulus package, and the state also has a comparable coordinator general. Mr E.S. Ripper : Who is that? Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is David Smith in the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. That project is being rolled out well, and I am very pleased about it.
Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Particularly in the electorate of Churchlands! Dr E. Constable : And in the member for Armadale’s yesterday, I might say; she did very well yesterday. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As members know, under that program, every primary school in Australia—private or public, Catholic or Anglican—will receive money, and that is being rolled out quickly. The commonwealth has a coordinator general for the whole stimulus package, and the state also has a comparable coordinator general. Mr E.S. Ripper : Who is that? Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is David Smith in the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. That project is being rolled out well, and I am very pleased about it.
Dr E. Constable : And in the member for Armadale’s yesterday, I might say; she did very well yesterday. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As members know, under that program, every primary school in Australia—private or public, Catholic or Anglican—will receive money, and that is being rolled out quickly. The commonwealth has a coordinator general for the whole stimulus package, and the state also has a comparable coordinator general. Mr E.S. Ripper : Who is that? Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is David Smith in the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. That project is being rolled out well, and I am very pleased about it.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : As members know, under that program, every primary school in Australia—private or public, Catholic or Anglican—will receive money, and that is being rolled out quickly. The commonwealth has a coordinator general for the whole stimulus package, and the state also has a comparable coordinator general. Mr E.S. Ripper : Who is that? Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is David Smith in the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. That project is being rolled out well, and I am very pleased about it.
Mr E.S. Ripper : Who is that? Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is David Smith in the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. That project is being rolled out well, and I am very pleased about it.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is David Smith in the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. That project is being rolled out well, and I am very pleased about it.
I refer to the Premier’s comments in the house yesterday regarding the various arrangements with the commonwealth government on infrastructure spending. (1) What is the total amount of money committed by the commonwealth government to be spent through or in partnership with the Western Australian government on infrastructure spending and maintenance in 2009-10? (2) What is the expected total of direct commonwealth spending on infrastructure in 2009-10? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)-(2) I suggest the member ask his friend Kevin Rudd that question. I do not know what the commonwealth government spending will be on infrastructure. I will probably have a better idea next Tuesday when the commonwealth government presents its budget. However, in terms of infrastructure projects, Western Australia has put in far more modest and realistic claims than the other states. We put in proposals from day one on our three major projects that would be 50-50 funded between the state and the commonwealth. Other states have put in claims for exorbitant aspirations and have basically said that the commonwealth should pay for the lot. I believe those states will be bitterly disappointed. Mr J.N. Hyde : Including Victoria! Mr C.J. BARNETT : Indeed. We have therefore taken a responsible approach and I hope that the commonwealth will deliver a fair share to Western Australia. The three projects, which members are very well aware of, that we have given as our highest priority are, first, the Ord River project. That is basically happening, and I am quite confident that will be reflected in the budget. Mr E.S. Ripper : The Prime Minister has made public comments to that effect. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, and he and I visited the site together. I take that as a pretty good indication that the Ord River project is happening. In any case, work is underway there already under the Minister for Regional Development. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We had money in the budget for that, didn’t we? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, you would have had a brochure! I take the Ord River project as a given; it is basically in place. The second project is the port at Oakajee, which we were debating last night. I made it very clear to the Prime Minister only a couple of weeks ago that I hope the commonwealth will join the state in funding basically the common-user infrastructure of Oakajee. Mr E.S. Ripper : You would have been luckier if you gave them a business case, I think. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No. I equally made it clear to the Prime Minister that I am not expecting money now, because what we signed in the state development agreement six weeks ago was for a detailed feasibility, engineering, environmental and financial analysis of the project. I am absolutely confident that that analysis will be positive, and at that stage I will ask the commonwealth to share funding for the project with us 50-50. I therefore do not expect money for Oakajee to be in the federal budget. I hope there is some acknowledgement of Oakajee, and indeed the Prime Minister has publicly acknowledged the importance of Oakajee in media statements he has made about Infrastructure Australia. The third project, sinking the rail line through the central area of Perth, is a project that people have talked about for more than 100 years. That is the one I am hanging out for, if members want to know. That is the one I really hope is in this year’s federal budget. If it is, that will be great and we will be able to proceed with sinking the rail line and creating a large town square and allowing all the commercial and residential development that can take place. Mr E.S. Ripper : What about the schools’ money? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The schools’ money is being spent now. Mr E.S. Ripper : And the housing money? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I say, through the Minister for Education and the Western Australian Department of Education and Training, that, fortunately, there was a complete audit of all school buildings in place, and that money is being rolled out very quickly. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Particularly in the electorate of Churchlands! Dr E. Constable : And in the member for Armadale’s yesterday, I might say; she did very well yesterday. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As members know, under that program, every primary school in Australia—private or public, Catholic or Anglican—will receive money, and that is being rolled out quickly. The commonwealth has a coordinator general for the whole stimulus package, and the state also has a comparable coordinator general. Mr E.S. Ripper : Who is that? Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is David Smith in the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. That project is being rolled out well, and I am very pleased about it.
(1) What is the total amount of money committed by the commonwealth government to be spent through or in partnership with the Western Australian government on infrastructure spending and maintenance in 2009-10? (2) What is the expected total of direct commonwealth spending on infrastructure in 2009-10? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)-(2) I suggest the member ask his friend Kevin Rudd that question. I do not know what the commonwealth government spending will be on infrastructure. I will probably have a better idea next Tuesday when the commonwealth government presents its budget. However, in terms of infrastructure projects, Western Australia has put in far more modest and realistic claims than the other states. We put in proposals from day one on our three major projects that would be 50-50 funded between the state and the commonwealth. Other states have put in claims for exorbitant aspirations and have basically said that the commonwealth should pay for the lot. I believe those states will be bitterly disappointed. Mr J.N. Hyde : Including Victoria! Mr C.J. BARNETT : Indeed. We have therefore taken a responsible approach and I hope that the commonwealth will deliver a fair share to Western Australia. The three projects, which members are very well aware of, that we have given as our highest priority are, first, the Ord River project. That is basically happening, and I am quite confident that will be reflected in the budget. Mr E.S. Ripper : The Prime Minister has made public comments to that effect. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, and he and I visited the site together. I take that as a pretty good indication that the Ord River project is happening. In any case, work is underway there already under the Minister for Regional Development. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We had money in the budget for that, didn’t we? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, you would have had a brochure! I take the Ord River project as a given; it is basically in place. The second project is the port at Oakajee, which we were debating last night. I made it very clear to the Prime Minister only a couple of weeks ago that I hope the commonwealth will join the state in funding basically the common-user infrastructure of Oakajee. Mr E.S. Ripper : You would have been luckier if you gave them a business case, I think. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No. I equally made it clear to the Prime Minister that I am not expecting money now, because what we signed in the state development agreement six weeks ago was for a detailed feasibility, engineering, environmental and financial analysis of the project. I am absolutely confident that that analysis will be positive, and at that stage I will ask the commonwealth to share funding for the project with us 50-50. I therefore do not expect money for Oakajee to be in the federal budget. I hope there is some acknowledgement of Oakajee, and indeed the Prime Minister has publicly acknowledged the importance of Oakajee in media statements he has made about Infrastructure Australia. The third project, sinking the rail line through the central area of Perth, is a project that people have talked about for more than 100 years. That is the one I am hanging out for, if members want to know. That is the one I really hope is in this year’s federal budget. If it is, that will be great and we will be able to proceed with sinking the rail line and creating a large town square and allowing all the commercial and residential development that can take place. Mr E.S. Ripper : What about the schools’ money? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The schools’ money is being spent now. Mr E.S. Ripper : And the housing money? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I say, through the Minister for Education and the Western Australian Department of Education and Training, that, fortunately, there was a complete audit of all school buildings in place, and that money is being rolled out very quickly. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Particularly in the electorate of Churchlands! Dr E. Constable : And in the member for Armadale’s yesterday, I might say; she did very well yesterday. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As members know, under that program, every primary school in Australia—private or public, Catholic or Anglican—will receive money, and that is being rolled out quickly. The commonwealth has a coordinator general for the whole stimulus package, and the state also has a comparable coordinator general. Mr E.S. Ripper : Who is that? Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is David Smith in the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. That project is being rolled out well, and I am very pleased about it.
(2) What is the expected total of direct commonwealth spending on infrastructure in 2009-10? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)-(2) I suggest the member ask his friend Kevin Rudd that question. I do not know what the commonwealth government spending will be on infrastructure. I will probably have a better idea next Tuesday when the commonwealth government presents its budget. However, in terms of infrastructure projects, Western Australia has put in far more modest and realistic claims than the other states. We put in proposals from day one on our three major projects that would be 50-50 funded between the state and the commonwealth. Other states have put in claims for exorbitant aspirations and have basically said that the commonwealth should pay for the lot. I believe those states will be bitterly disappointed. Mr J.N. Hyde : Including Victoria! Mr C.J. BARNETT : Indeed. We have therefore taken a responsible approach and I hope that the commonwealth will deliver a fair share to Western Australia. The three projects, which members are very well aware of, that we have given as our highest priority are, first, the Ord River project. That is basically happening, and I am quite confident that will be reflected in the budget. Mr E.S. Ripper : The Prime Minister has made public comments to that effect. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, and he and I visited the site together. I take that as a pretty good indication that the Ord River project is happening. In any case, work is underway there already under the Minister for Regional Development. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We had money in the budget for that, didn’t we? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, you would have had a brochure! I take the Ord River project as a given; it is basically in place. The second project is the port at Oakajee, which we were debating last night. I made it very clear to the Prime Minister only a couple of weeks ago that I hope the commonwealth will join the state in funding basically the common-user infrastructure of Oakajee. Mr E.S. Ripper : You would have been luckier if you gave them a business case, I think. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No. I equally made it clear to the Prime Minister that I am not expecting money now, because what we signed in the state development agreement six weeks ago was for a detailed feasibility, engineering, environmental and financial analysis of the project. I am absolutely confident that that analysis will be positive, and at that stage I will ask the commonwealth to share funding for the project with us 50-50. I therefore do not expect money for Oakajee to be in the federal budget. I hope there is some acknowledgement of Oakajee, and indeed the Prime Minister has publicly acknowledged the importance of Oakajee in media statements he has made about Infrastructure Australia. The third project, sinking the rail line through the central area of Perth, is a project that people have talked about for more than 100 years. That is the one I am hanging out for, if members want to know. That is the one I really hope is in this year’s federal budget. If it is, that will be great and we will be able to proceed with sinking the rail line and creating a large town square and allowing all the commercial and residential development that can take place. Mr E.S. Ripper : What about the schools’ money? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The schools’ money is being spent now. Mr E.S. Ripper : And the housing money? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I say, through the Minister for Education and the Western Australian Department of Education and Training, that, fortunately, there was a complete audit of all school buildings in place, and that money is being rolled out very quickly. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Particularly in the electorate of Churchlands! Dr E. Constable : And in the member for Armadale’s yesterday, I might say; she did very well yesterday. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As members know, under that program, every primary school in Australia—private or public, Catholic or Anglican—will receive money, and that is being rolled out quickly. The commonwealth has a coordinator general for the whole stimulus package, and the state also has a comparable coordinator general. Mr E.S. Ripper : Who is that? Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is David Smith in the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. That project is being rolled out well, and I am very pleased about it.
Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)-(2) I suggest the member ask his friend Kevin Rudd that question. I do not know what the commonwealth government spending will be on infrastructure. I will probably have a better idea next Tuesday when the commonwealth government presents its budget. However, in terms of infrastructure projects, Western Australia has put in far more modest and realistic claims than the other states. We put in proposals from day one on our three major projects that would be 50-50 funded between the state and the commonwealth. Other states have put in claims for exorbitant aspirations and have basically said that the commonwealth should pay for the lot. I believe those states will be bitterly disappointed. Mr J.N. Hyde : Including Victoria! Mr C.J. BARNETT : Indeed. We have therefore taken a responsible approach and I hope that the commonwealth will deliver a fair share to Western Australia. The three projects, which members are very well aware of, that we have given as our highest priority are, first, the Ord River project. That is basically happening, and I am quite confident that will be reflected in the budget. Mr E.S. Ripper : The Prime Minister has made public comments to that effect. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, and he and I visited the site together. I take that as a pretty good indication that the Ord River project is happening. In any case, work is underway there already under the Minister for Regional Development. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We had money in the budget for that, didn’t we? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, you would have had a brochure! I take the Ord River project as a given; it is basically in place. The second project is the port at Oakajee, which we were debating last night. I made it very clear to the Prime Minister only a couple of weeks ago that I hope the commonwealth will join the state in funding basically the common-user infrastructure of Oakajee. Mr E.S. Ripper : You would have been luckier if you gave them a business case, I think. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No. I equally made it clear to the Prime Minister that I am not expecting money now, because what we signed in the state development agreement six weeks ago was for a detailed feasibility, engineering, environmental and financial analysis of the project. I am absolutely confident that that analysis will be positive, and at that stage I will ask the commonwealth to share funding for the project with us 50-50. I therefore do not expect money for Oakajee to be in the federal budget. I hope there is some acknowledgement of Oakajee, and indeed the Prime Minister has publicly acknowledged the importance of Oakajee in media statements he has made about Infrastructure Australia. The third project, sinking the rail line through the central area of Perth, is a project that people have talked about for more than 100 years. That is the one I am hanging out for, if members want to know. That is the one I really hope is in this year’s federal budget. If it is, that will be great and we will be able to proceed with sinking the rail line and creating a large town square and allowing all the commercial and residential development that can take place. Mr E.S. Ripper : What about the schools’ money? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The schools’ money is being spent now. Mr E.S. Ripper : And the housing money? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I say, through the Minister for Education and the Western Australian Department of Education and Training, that, fortunately, there was a complete audit of all school buildings in place, and that money is being rolled out very quickly. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Particularly in the electorate of Churchlands! Dr E. Constable : And in the member for Armadale’s yesterday, I might say; she did very well yesterday. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As members know, under that program, every primary school in Australia—private or public, Catholic or Anglican—will receive money, and that is being rolled out quickly. The commonwealth has a coordinator general for the whole stimulus package, and the state also has a comparable coordinator general. Mr E.S. Ripper : Who is that? Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is David Smith in the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. That project is being rolled out well, and I am very pleased about it.
(1)-(2) I suggest the member ask his friend Kevin Rudd that question. I do not know what the commonwealth government spending will be on infrastructure. I will probably have a better idea next Tuesday when the commonwealth government presents its budget. However, in terms of infrastructure projects, Western Australia has put in far more modest and realistic claims than the other states. We put in proposals from day one on our three major projects that would be 50-50 funded between the state and the commonwealth. Other states have put in claims for exorbitant aspirations and have basically said that the commonwealth should pay for the lot. I believe those states will be bitterly disappointed. Mr J.N. Hyde : Including Victoria! Mr C.J. BARNETT : Indeed. We have therefore taken a responsible approach and I hope that the commonwealth will deliver a fair share to Western Australia. The three projects, which members are very well aware of, that we have given as our highest priority are, first, the Ord River project. That is basically happening, and I am quite confident that will be reflected in the budget. Mr E.S. Ripper : The Prime Minister has made public comments to that effect. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, and he and I visited the site together. I take that as a pretty good indication that the Ord River project is happening. In any case, work is underway there already under the Minister for Regional Development. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We had money in the budget for that, didn’t we? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, you would have had a brochure! I take the Ord River project as a given; it is basically in place. The second project is the port at Oakajee, which we were debating last night. I made it very clear to the Prime Minister only a couple of weeks ago that I hope the commonwealth will join the state in funding basically the common-user infrastructure of Oakajee. Mr E.S. Ripper : You would have been luckier if you gave them a business case, I think. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No. I equally made it clear to the Prime Minister that I am not expecting money now, because what we signed in the state development agreement six weeks ago was for a detailed feasibility, engineering, environmental and financial analysis of the project. I am absolutely confident that that analysis will be positive, and at that stage I will ask the commonwealth to share funding for the project with us 50-50. I therefore do not expect money for Oakajee to be in the federal budget. I hope there is some acknowledgement of Oakajee, and indeed the Prime Minister has publicly acknowledged the importance of Oakajee in media statements he has made about Infrastructure Australia. The third project, sinking the rail line through the central area of Perth, is a project that people have talked about for more than 100 years. That is the one I am hanging out for, if members want to know. That is the one I really hope is in this year’s federal budget. If it is, that will be great and we will be able to proceed with sinking the rail line and creating a large town square and allowing all the commercial and residential development that can take place. Mr E.S. Ripper : What about the schools’ money? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The schools’ money is being spent now. Mr E.S. Ripper : And the housing money? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I say, through the Minister for Education and the Western Australian Department of Education and Training, that, fortunately, there was a complete audit of all school buildings in place, and that money is being rolled out very quickly. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Particularly in the electorate of Churchlands! Dr E. Constable : And in the member for Armadale’s yesterday, I might say; she did very well yesterday. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As members know, under that program, every primary school in Australia—private or public, Catholic or Anglican—will receive money, and that is being rolled out quickly. The commonwealth has a coordinator general for the whole stimulus package, and the state also has a comparable coordinator general. Mr E.S. Ripper : Who is that? Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is David Smith in the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. That project is being rolled out well, and I am very pleased about it.
Mr J.N. Hyde : Including Victoria! Mr C.J. BARNETT : Indeed. We have therefore taken a responsible approach and I hope that the commonwealth will deliver a fair share to Western Australia. The three projects, which members are very well aware of, that we have given as our highest priority are, first, the Ord River project. That is basically happening, and I am quite confident that will be reflected in the budget. Mr E.S. Ripper : The Prime Minister has made public comments to that effect. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, and he and I visited the site together. I take that as a pretty good indication that the Ord River project is happening. In any case, work is underway there already under the Minister for Regional Development. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We had money in the budget for that, didn’t we? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, you would have had a brochure! I take the Ord River project as a given; it is basically in place. The second project is the port at Oakajee, which we were debating last night. I made it very clear to the Prime Minister only a couple of weeks ago that I hope the commonwealth will join the state in funding basically the common-user infrastructure of Oakajee. Mr E.S. Ripper : You would have been luckier if you gave them a business case, I think. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No. I equally made it clear to the Prime Minister that I am not expecting money now, because what we signed in the state development agreement six weeks ago was for a detailed feasibility, engineering, environmental and financial analysis of the project. I am absolutely confident that that analysis will be positive, and at that stage I will ask the commonwealth to share funding for the project with us 50-50. I therefore do not expect money for Oakajee to be in the federal budget. I hope there is some acknowledgement of Oakajee, and indeed the Prime Minister has publicly acknowledged the importance of Oakajee in media statements he has made about Infrastructure Australia. The third project, sinking the rail line through the central area of Perth, is a project that people have talked about for more than 100 years. That is the one I am hanging out for, if members want to know. That is the one I really hope is in this year’s federal budget. If it is, that will be great and we will be able to proceed with sinking the rail line and creating a large town square and allowing all the commercial and residential development that can take place. Mr E.S. Ripper : What about the schools’ money? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The schools’ money is being spent now. Mr E.S. Ripper : And the housing money? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I say, through the Minister for Education and the Western Australian Department of Education and Training, that, fortunately, there was a complete audit of all school buildings in place, and that money is being rolled out very quickly. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Particularly in the electorate of Churchlands! Dr E. Constable : And in the member for Armadale’s yesterday, I might say; she did very well yesterday. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As members know, under that program, every primary school in Australia—private or public, Catholic or Anglican—will receive money, and that is being rolled out quickly. The commonwealth has a coordinator general for the whole stimulus package, and the state also has a comparable coordinator general. Mr E.S. Ripper : Who is that? Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is David Smith in the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. That project is being rolled out well, and I am very pleased about it.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : Indeed. We have therefore taken a responsible approach and I hope that the commonwealth will deliver a fair share to Western Australia. The three projects, which members are very well aware of, that we have given as our highest priority are, first, the Ord River project. That is basically happening, and I am quite confident that will be reflected in the budget. Mr E.S. Ripper : The Prime Minister has made public comments to that effect. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, and he and I visited the site together. I take that as a pretty good indication that the Ord River project is happening. In any case, work is underway there already under the Minister for Regional Development. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We had money in the budget for that, didn’t we? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, you would have had a brochure! I take the Ord River project as a given; it is basically in place. The second project is the port at Oakajee, which we were debating last night. I made it very clear to the Prime Minister only a couple of weeks ago that I hope the commonwealth will join the state in funding basically the common-user infrastructure of Oakajee. Mr E.S. Ripper : You would have been luckier if you gave them a business case, I think. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No. I equally made it clear to the Prime Minister that I am not expecting money now, because what we signed in the state development agreement six weeks ago was for a detailed feasibility, engineering, environmental and financial analysis of the project. I am absolutely confident that that analysis will be positive, and at that stage I will ask the commonwealth to share funding for the project with us 50-50. I therefore do not expect money for Oakajee to be in the federal budget. I hope there is some acknowledgement of Oakajee, and indeed the Prime Minister has publicly acknowledged the importance of Oakajee in media statements he has made about Infrastructure Australia. The third project, sinking the rail line through the central area of Perth, is a project that people have talked about for more than 100 years. That is the one I am hanging out for, if members want to know. That is the one I really hope is in this year’s federal budget. If it is, that will be great and we will be able to proceed with sinking the rail line and creating a large town square and allowing all the commercial and residential development that can take place. Mr E.S. Ripper : What about the schools’ money? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The schools’ money is being spent now. Mr E.S. Ripper : And the housing money? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I say, through the Minister for Education and the Western Australian Department of Education and Training, that, fortunately, there was a complete audit of all school buildings in place, and that money is being rolled out very quickly. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Particularly in the electorate of Churchlands! Dr E. Constable : And in the member for Armadale’s yesterday, I might say; she did very well yesterday. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As members know, under that program, every primary school in Australia—private or public, Catholic or Anglican—will receive money, and that is being rolled out quickly. The commonwealth has a coordinator general for the whole stimulus package, and the state also has a comparable coordinator general. Mr E.S. Ripper : Who is that? Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is David Smith in the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. That project is being rolled out well, and I am very pleased about it.
We have therefore taken a responsible approach and I hope that the commonwealth will deliver a fair share to Western Australia. The three projects, which members are very well aware of, that we have given as our highest priority are, first, the Ord River project. That is basically happening, and I am quite confident that will be reflected in the budget. Mr E.S. Ripper : The Prime Minister has made public comments to that effect. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, and he and I visited the site together. I take that as a pretty good indication that the Ord River project is happening. In any case, work is underway there already under the Minister for Regional Development. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We had money in the budget for that, didn’t we? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, you would have had a brochure! I take the Ord River project as a given; it is basically in place. The second project is the port at Oakajee, which we were debating last night. I made it very clear to the Prime Minister only a couple of weeks ago that I hope the commonwealth will join the state in funding basically the common-user infrastructure of Oakajee. Mr E.S. Ripper : You would have been luckier if you gave them a business case, I think. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No. I equally made it clear to the Prime Minister that I am not expecting money now, because what we signed in the state development agreement six weeks ago was for a detailed feasibility, engineering, environmental and financial analysis of the project. I am absolutely confident that that analysis will be positive, and at that stage I will ask the commonwealth to share funding for the project with us 50-50. I therefore do not expect money for Oakajee to be in the federal budget. I hope there is some acknowledgement of Oakajee, and indeed the Prime Minister has publicly acknowledged the importance of Oakajee in media statements he has made about Infrastructure Australia. The third project, sinking the rail line through the central area of Perth, is a project that people have talked about for more than 100 years. That is the one I am hanging out for, if members want to know. That is the one I really hope is in this year’s federal budget. If it is, that will be great and we will be able to proceed with sinking the rail line and creating a large town square and allowing all the commercial and residential development that can take place. Mr E.S. Ripper : What about the schools’ money? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The schools’ money is being spent now. Mr E.S. Ripper : And the housing money? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I say, through the Minister for Education and the Western Australian Department of Education and Training, that, fortunately, there was a complete audit of all school buildings in place, and that money is being rolled out very quickly. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Particularly in the electorate of Churchlands! Dr E. Constable : And in the member for Armadale’s yesterday, I might say; she did very well yesterday. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As members know, under that program, every primary school in Australia—private or public, Catholic or Anglican—will receive money, and that is being rolled out quickly. The commonwealth has a coordinator general for the whole stimulus package, and the state also has a comparable coordinator general. Mr E.S. Ripper : Who is that? Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is David Smith in the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. That project is being rolled out well, and I am very pleased about it.
Mr E.S. Ripper : The Prime Minister has made public comments to that effect. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, and he and I visited the site together. I take that as a pretty good indication that the Ord River project is happening. In any case, work is underway there already under the Minister for Regional Development. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We had money in the budget for that, didn’t we? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, you would have had a brochure! I take the Ord River project as a given; it is basically in place. The second project is the port at Oakajee, which we were debating last night. I made it very clear to the Prime Minister only a couple of weeks ago that I hope the commonwealth will join the state in funding basically the common-user infrastructure of Oakajee. Mr E.S. Ripper : You would have been luckier if you gave them a business case, I think. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No. I equally made it clear to the Prime Minister that I am not expecting money now, because what we signed in the state development agreement six weeks ago was for a detailed feasibility, engineering, environmental and financial analysis of the project. I am absolutely confident that that analysis will be positive, and at that stage I will ask the commonwealth to share funding for the project with us 50-50. I therefore do not expect money for Oakajee to be in the federal budget. I hope there is some acknowledgement of Oakajee, and indeed the Prime Minister has publicly acknowledged the importance of Oakajee in media statements he has made about Infrastructure Australia. The third project, sinking the rail line through the central area of Perth, is a project that people have talked about for more than 100 years. That is the one I am hanging out for, if members want to know. That is the one I really hope is in this year’s federal budget. If it is, that will be great and we will be able to proceed with sinking the rail line and creating a large town square and allowing all the commercial and residential development that can take place. Mr E.S. Ripper : What about the schools’ money? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The schools’ money is being spent now. Mr E.S. Ripper : And the housing money? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I say, through the Minister for Education and the Western Australian Department of Education and Training, that, fortunately, there was a complete audit of all school buildings in place, and that money is being rolled out very quickly. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Particularly in the electorate of Churchlands! Dr E. Constable : And in the member for Armadale’s yesterday, I might say; she did very well yesterday. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As members know, under that program, every primary school in Australia—private or public, Catholic or Anglican—will receive money, and that is being rolled out quickly. The commonwealth has a coordinator general for the whole stimulus package, and the state also has a comparable coordinator general. Mr E.S. Ripper : Who is that? Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is David Smith in the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. That project is being rolled out well, and I am very pleased about it.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, and he and I visited the site together. I take that as a pretty good indication that the Ord River project is happening. In any case, work is underway there already under the Minister for Regional Development. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We had money in the budget for that, didn’t we? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, you would have had a brochure! I take the Ord River project as a given; it is basically in place. The second project is the port at Oakajee, which we were debating last night. I made it very clear to the Prime Minister only a couple of weeks ago that I hope the commonwealth will join the state in funding basically the common-user infrastructure of Oakajee. Mr E.S. Ripper : You would have been luckier if you gave them a business case, I think. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No. I equally made it clear to the Prime Minister that I am not expecting money now, because what we signed in the state development agreement six weeks ago was for a detailed feasibility, engineering, environmental and financial analysis of the project. I am absolutely confident that that analysis will be positive, and at that stage I will ask the commonwealth to share funding for the project with us 50-50. I therefore do not expect money for Oakajee to be in the federal budget. I hope there is some acknowledgement of Oakajee, and indeed the Prime Minister has publicly acknowledged the importance of Oakajee in media statements he has made about Infrastructure Australia. The third project, sinking the rail line through the central area of Perth, is a project that people have talked about for more than 100 years. That is the one I am hanging out for, if members want to know. That is the one I really hope is in this year’s federal budget. If it is, that will be great and we will be able to proceed with sinking the rail line and creating a large town square and allowing all the commercial and residential development that can take place. Mr E.S. Ripper : What about the schools’ money? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The schools’ money is being spent now. Mr E.S. Ripper : And the housing money? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I say, through the Minister for Education and the Western Australian Department of Education and Training, that, fortunately, there was a complete audit of all school buildings in place, and that money is being rolled out very quickly. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Particularly in the electorate of Churchlands! Dr E. Constable : And in the member for Armadale’s yesterday, I might say; she did very well yesterday. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As members know, under that program, every primary school in Australia—private or public, Catholic or Anglican—will receive money, and that is being rolled out quickly. The commonwealth has a coordinator general for the whole stimulus package, and the state also has a comparable coordinator general. Mr E.S. Ripper : Who is that? Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is David Smith in the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. That project is being rolled out well, and I am very pleased about it.
Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We had money in the budget for that, didn’t we? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, you would have had a brochure! I take the Ord River project as a given; it is basically in place. The second project is the port at Oakajee, which we were debating last night. I made it very clear to the Prime Minister only a couple of weeks ago that I hope the commonwealth will join the state in funding basically the common-user infrastructure of Oakajee. Mr E.S. Ripper : You would have been luckier if you gave them a business case, I think. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No. I equally made it clear to the Prime Minister that I am not expecting money now, because what we signed in the state development agreement six weeks ago was for a detailed feasibility, engineering, environmental and financial analysis of the project. I am absolutely confident that that analysis will be positive, and at that stage I will ask the commonwealth to share funding for the project with us 50-50. I therefore do not expect money for Oakajee to be in the federal budget. I hope there is some acknowledgement of Oakajee, and indeed the Prime Minister has publicly acknowledged the importance of Oakajee in media statements he has made about Infrastructure Australia. The third project, sinking the rail line through the central area of Perth, is a project that people have talked about for more than 100 years. That is the one I am hanging out for, if members want to know. That is the one I really hope is in this year’s federal budget. If it is, that will be great and we will be able to proceed with sinking the rail line and creating a large town square and allowing all the commercial and residential development that can take place. Mr E.S. Ripper : What about the schools’ money? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The schools’ money is being spent now. Mr E.S. Ripper : And the housing money? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I say, through the Minister for Education and the Western Australian Department of Education and Training, that, fortunately, there was a complete audit of all school buildings in place, and that money is being rolled out very quickly. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Particularly in the electorate of Churchlands! Dr E. Constable : And in the member for Armadale’s yesterday, I might say; she did very well yesterday. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As members know, under that program, every primary school in Australia—private or public, Catholic or Anglican—will receive money, and that is being rolled out quickly. The commonwealth has a coordinator general for the whole stimulus package, and the state also has a comparable coordinator general. Mr E.S. Ripper : Who is that? Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is David Smith in the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. That project is being rolled out well, and I am very pleased about it.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, you would have had a brochure! I take the Ord River project as a given; it is basically in place. The second project is the port at Oakajee, which we were debating last night. I made it very clear to the Prime Minister only a couple of weeks ago that I hope the commonwealth will join the state in funding basically the common-user infrastructure of Oakajee. Mr E.S. Ripper : You would have been luckier if you gave them a business case, I think. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No. I equally made it clear to the Prime Minister that I am not expecting money now, because what we signed in the state development agreement six weeks ago was for a detailed feasibility, engineering, environmental and financial analysis of the project. I am absolutely confident that that analysis will be positive, and at that stage I will ask the commonwealth to share funding for the project with us 50-50. I therefore do not expect money for Oakajee to be in the federal budget. I hope there is some acknowledgement of Oakajee, and indeed the Prime Minister has publicly acknowledged the importance of Oakajee in media statements he has made about Infrastructure Australia. The third project, sinking the rail line through the central area of Perth, is a project that people have talked about for more than 100 years. That is the one I am hanging out for, if members want to know. That is the one I really hope is in this year’s federal budget. If it is, that will be great and we will be able to proceed with sinking the rail line and creating a large town square and allowing all the commercial and residential development that can take place. Mr E.S. Ripper : What about the schools’ money? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The schools’ money is being spent now. Mr E.S. Ripper : And the housing money? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I say, through the Minister for Education and the Western Australian Department of Education and Training, that, fortunately, there was a complete audit of all school buildings in place, and that money is being rolled out very quickly. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Particularly in the electorate of Churchlands! Dr E. Constable : And in the member for Armadale’s yesterday, I might say; she did very well yesterday. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As members know, under that program, every primary school in Australia—private or public, Catholic or Anglican—will receive money, and that is being rolled out quickly. The commonwealth has a coordinator general for the whole stimulus package, and the state also has a comparable coordinator general. Mr E.S. Ripper : Who is that? Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is David Smith in the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. That project is being rolled out well, and I am very pleased about it.
I take the Ord River project as a given; it is basically in place. The second project is the port at Oakajee, which we were debating last night. I made it very clear to the Prime Minister only a couple of weeks ago that I hope the commonwealth will join the state in funding basically the common-user infrastructure of Oakajee. Mr E.S. Ripper : You would have been luckier if you gave them a business case, I think. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No. I equally made it clear to the Prime Minister that I am not expecting money now, because what we signed in the state development agreement six weeks ago was for a detailed feasibility, engineering, environmental and financial analysis of the project. I am absolutely confident that that analysis will be positive, and at that stage I will ask the commonwealth to share funding for the project with us 50-50. I therefore do not expect money for Oakajee to be in the federal budget. I hope there is some acknowledgement of Oakajee, and indeed the Prime Minister has publicly acknowledged the importance of Oakajee in media statements he has made about Infrastructure Australia. The third project, sinking the rail line through the central area of Perth, is a project that people have talked about for more than 100 years. That is the one I am hanging out for, if members want to know. That is the one I really hope is in this year’s federal budget. If it is, that will be great and we will be able to proceed with sinking the rail line and creating a large town square and allowing all the commercial and residential development that can take place. Mr E.S. Ripper : What about the schools’ money? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The schools’ money is being spent now. Mr E.S. Ripper : And the housing money? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I say, through the Minister for Education and the Western Australian Department of Education and Training, that, fortunately, there was a complete audit of all school buildings in place, and that money is being rolled out very quickly. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Particularly in the electorate of Churchlands! Dr E. Constable : And in the member for Armadale’s yesterday, I might say; she did very well yesterday. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As members know, under that program, every primary school in Australia—private or public, Catholic or Anglican—will receive money, and that is being rolled out quickly. The commonwealth has a coordinator general for the whole stimulus package, and the state also has a comparable coordinator general. Mr E.S. Ripper : Who is that? Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is David Smith in the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. That project is being rolled out well, and I am very pleased about it.
Mr E.S. Ripper : You would have been luckier if you gave them a business case, I think. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No. I equally made it clear to the Prime Minister that I am not expecting money now, because what we signed in the state development agreement six weeks ago was for a detailed feasibility, engineering, environmental and financial analysis of the project. I am absolutely confident that that analysis will be positive, and at that stage I will ask the commonwealth to share funding for the project with us 50-50. I therefore do not expect money for Oakajee to be in the federal budget. I hope there is some acknowledgement of Oakajee, and indeed the Prime Minister has publicly acknowledged the importance of Oakajee in media statements he has made about Infrastructure Australia. The third project, sinking the rail line through the central area of Perth, is a project that people have talked about for more than 100 years. That is the one I am hanging out for, if members want to know. That is the one I really hope is in this year’s federal budget. If it is, that will be great and we will be able to proceed with sinking the rail line and creating a large town square and allowing all the commercial and residential development that can take place. Mr E.S. Ripper : What about the schools’ money? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The schools’ money is being spent now. Mr E.S. Ripper : And the housing money? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I say, through the Minister for Education and the Western Australian Department of Education and Training, that, fortunately, there was a complete audit of all school buildings in place, and that money is being rolled out very quickly. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Particularly in the electorate of Churchlands! Dr E. Constable : And in the member for Armadale’s yesterday, I might say; she did very well yesterday. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As members know, under that program, every primary school in Australia—private or public, Catholic or Anglican—will receive money, and that is being rolled out quickly. The commonwealth has a coordinator general for the whole stimulus package, and the state also has a comparable coordinator general. Mr E.S. Ripper : Who is that? Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is David Smith in the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. That project is being rolled out well, and I am very pleased about it.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : No. I equally made it clear to the Prime Minister that I am not expecting money now, because what we signed in the state development agreement six weeks ago was for a detailed feasibility, engineering, environmental and financial analysis of the project. I am absolutely confident that that analysis will be positive, and at that stage I will ask the commonwealth to share funding for the project with us 50-50. I therefore do not expect money for Oakajee to be in the federal budget. I hope there is some acknowledgement of Oakajee, and indeed the Prime Minister has publicly acknowledged the importance of Oakajee in media statements he has made about Infrastructure Australia. The third project, sinking the rail line through the central area of Perth, is a project that people have talked about for more than 100 years. That is the one I am hanging out for, if members want to know. That is the one I really hope is in this year’s federal budget. If it is, that will be great and we will be able to proceed with sinking the rail line and creating a large town square and allowing all the commercial and residential development that can take place. Mr E.S. Ripper : What about the schools’ money? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The schools’ money is being spent now. Mr E.S. Ripper : And the housing money? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I say, through the Minister for Education and the Western Australian Department of Education and Training, that, fortunately, there was a complete audit of all school buildings in place, and that money is being rolled out very quickly. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Particularly in the electorate of Churchlands! Dr E. Constable : And in the member for Armadale’s yesterday, I might say; she did very well yesterday. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As members know, under that program, every primary school in Australia—private or public, Catholic or Anglican—will receive money, and that is being rolled out quickly. The commonwealth has a coordinator general for the whole stimulus package, and the state also has a comparable coordinator general. Mr E.S. Ripper : Who is that? Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is David Smith in the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. That project is being rolled out well, and I am very pleased about it.
The third project, sinking the rail line through the central area of Perth, is a project that people have talked about for more than 100 years. That is the one I am hanging out for, if members want to know. That is the one I really hope is in this year’s federal budget. If it is, that will be great and we will be able to proceed with sinking the rail line and creating a large town square and allowing all the commercial and residential development that can take place. Mr E.S. Ripper : What about the schools’ money? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The schools’ money is being spent now. Mr E.S. Ripper : And the housing money? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I say, through the Minister for Education and the Western Australian Department of Education and Training, that, fortunately, there was a complete audit of all school buildings in place, and that money is being rolled out very quickly. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Particularly in the electorate of Churchlands! Dr E. Constable : And in the member for Armadale’s yesterday, I might say; she did very well yesterday. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As members know, under that program, every primary school in Australia—private or public, Catholic or Anglican—will receive money, and that is being rolled out quickly. The commonwealth has a coordinator general for the whole stimulus package, and the state also has a comparable coordinator general. Mr E.S. Ripper : Who is that? Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is David Smith in the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. That project is being rolled out well, and I am very pleased about it.
Mr E.S. Ripper : What about the schools’ money? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The schools’ money is being spent now. Mr E.S. Ripper : And the housing money? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I say, through the Minister for Education and the Western Australian Department of Education and Training, that, fortunately, there was a complete audit of all school buildings in place, and that money is being rolled out very quickly. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Particularly in the electorate of Churchlands! Dr E. Constable : And in the member for Armadale’s yesterday, I might say; she did very well yesterday. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As members know, under that program, every primary school in Australia—private or public, Catholic or Anglican—will receive money, and that is being rolled out quickly. The commonwealth has a coordinator general for the whole stimulus package, and the state also has a comparable coordinator general. Mr E.S. Ripper : Who is that? Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is David Smith in the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. That project is being rolled out well, and I am very pleased about it.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : The schools’ money is being spent now. Mr E.S. Ripper : And the housing money? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I say, through the Minister for Education and the Western Australian Department of Education and Training, that, fortunately, there was a complete audit of all school buildings in place, and that money is being rolled out very quickly. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Particularly in the electorate of Churchlands! Dr E. Constable : And in the member for Armadale’s yesterday, I might say; she did very well yesterday. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As members know, under that program, every primary school in Australia—private or public, Catholic or Anglican—will receive money, and that is being rolled out quickly. The commonwealth has a coordinator general for the whole stimulus package, and the state also has a comparable coordinator general. Mr E.S. Ripper : Who is that? Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is David Smith in the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. That project is being rolled out well, and I am very pleased about it.
Mr E.S. Ripper : And the housing money? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I say, through the Minister for Education and the Western Australian Department of Education and Training, that, fortunately, there was a complete audit of all school buildings in place, and that money is being rolled out very quickly. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Particularly in the electorate of Churchlands! Dr E. Constable : And in the member for Armadale’s yesterday, I might say; she did very well yesterday. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As members know, under that program, every primary school in Australia—private or public, Catholic or Anglican—will receive money, and that is being rolled out quickly. The commonwealth has a coordinator general for the whole stimulus package, and the state also has a comparable coordinator general. Mr E.S. Ripper : Who is that? Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is David Smith in the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. That project is being rolled out well, and I am very pleased about it.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I say, through the Minister for Education and the Western Australian Department of Education and Training, that, fortunately, there was a complete audit of all school buildings in place, and that money is being rolled out very quickly. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Particularly in the electorate of Churchlands! Dr E. Constable : And in the member for Armadale’s yesterday, I might say; she did very well yesterday. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As members know, under that program, every primary school in Australia—private or public, Catholic or Anglican—will receive money, and that is being rolled out quickly. The commonwealth has a coordinator general for the whole stimulus package, and the state also has a comparable coordinator general. Mr E.S. Ripper : Who is that? Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is David Smith in the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. That project is being rolled out well, and I am very pleased about it.
Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Particularly in the electorate of Churchlands! Dr E. Constable : And in the member for Armadale’s yesterday, I might say; she did very well yesterday. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As members know, under that program, every primary school in Australia—private or public, Catholic or Anglican—will receive money, and that is being rolled out quickly. The commonwealth has a coordinator general for the whole stimulus package, and the state also has a comparable coordinator general. Mr E.S. Ripper : Who is that? Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is David Smith in the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. That project is being rolled out well, and I am very pleased about it.
Dr E. Constable : And in the member for Armadale’s yesterday, I might say; she did very well yesterday. Mr C.J. BARNETT : As members know, under that program, every primary school in Australia—private or public, Catholic or Anglican—will receive money, and that is being rolled out quickly. The commonwealth has a coordinator general for the whole stimulus package, and the state also has a comparable coordinator general. Mr E.S. Ripper : Who is that? Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is David Smith in the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. That project is being rolled out well, and I am very pleased about it.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : As members know, under that program, every primary school in Australia—private or public, Catholic or Anglican—will receive money, and that is being rolled out quickly. The commonwealth has a coordinator general for the whole stimulus package, and the state also has a comparable coordinator general. Mr E.S. Ripper : Who is that? Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is David Smith in the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. That project is being rolled out well, and I am very pleased about it.
Mr E.S. Ripper : Who is that? Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is David Smith in the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. That project is being rolled out well, and I am very pleased about it.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is David Smith in the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. That project is being rolled out well, and I am very pleased about it.
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