❓ Opposition questions the Premier's approach to budget deficit management. The Premier defends the use of forward estimates as a warning system and promises reforms and savings.
AnsweredQoN 418Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
STATE BUDGET — DEFICITS
Does the Premier now acknowledge that dismissal of the budget estimate out years is a financially ignorant way to go about managing the finances of the state? Mr C.J. BARNETT
Does the Premier now acknowledge that dismissal of the budget estimate out years is a financially ignorant way to go about managing the finances of the state? Mr C.J. BARNETT
AnswerView source ↗
No; it is not. As I have said, if the out years show a deficit, it is the iceberg out there, so we have to do something about it to make sure that we do not hit the iceberg and sink. That is what they are there for. The forward estimates, in this financial environment, provide a warning to government. Members will see a number of reforms and savings outlined by the Treasurer at two o’clock. The forward estimates signal that more needs to be done in the intervening period, and it will be done.
Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: No; it is not. As I have said, if the out years show a deficit, it is the iceberg out there, so we have to do something about it to make sure that we do not hit the iceberg and sink. That is what they are there for. The forward estimates, in this financial environment, provide a warning to government. Members will see a number of reforms and savings outlined by the Treasurer at two o’clock. The forward estimates signal that more needs to be done in the intervening period, and it will be done.
No; it is not. As I have said, if the out years show a deficit, it is the iceberg out there, so we have to do something about it to make sure that we do not hit the iceberg and sink. That is what they are there for. The forward estimates, in this financial environment, provide a warning to government. Members will see a number of reforms and savings outlined by the Treasurer at two o’clock. The forward estimates signal that more needs to be done in the intervening period, and it will be done.
Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: No; it is not. As I have said, if the out years show a deficit, it is the iceberg out there, so we have to do something about it to make sure that we do not hit the iceberg and sink. That is what they are there for. The forward estimates, in this financial environment, provide a warning to government. Members will see a number of reforms and savings outlined by the Treasurer at two o’clock. The forward estimates signal that more needs to be done in the intervening period, and it will be done.
No; it is not. As I have said, if the out years show a deficit, it is the iceberg out there, so we have to do something about it to make sure that we do not hit the iceberg and sink. That is what they are there for. The forward estimates, in this financial environment, provide a warning to government. Members will see a number of reforms and savings outlined by the Treasurer at two o’clock. The forward estimates signal that more needs to be done in the intervening period, and it will be done.
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