❓ Treasurer Ripper highlights WA's strong economic growth, attributing it to business investment, household consumption, and net exports. He criticizes the Commonwealth for not investing enough in WA infrastructure despite the state's significant contribution to national finances.
AnsweredQoN 701Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
WESTERN AUSTRALIA - ECONOMIC GROWTH
Will the Treasurer give more detail of Western Australia’s remarkable economic growth, including how it was forecast by Treasury and how it is helping the entire nation? Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER
Will the Treasurer give more detail of Western Australia’s remarkable economic growth, including how it was forecast by Treasury and how it is helping the entire nation? Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER
AnswerView source ↗
It would appear that some members are not interested in figures about Western Australia’s success. The figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics demonstrate Western Australia’s success. Growth in Western Australia’s gross state product is about double the national average. In 2006-07, our economy grew by 6.3 per cent; the Department of Treasury and Finance had forecast a growth rate of six per cent. The national economy grew by 3.2 per cent. These are very good figures and I would have thought that rather than try to harass the answer, the Leader of the Opposition might join me in congratulating Western Australians on the achievement of these figures. These figures confirm that our state is the engine room or the driving force of the nation’s economy. Mr T. Buswell : What are the drivers? Mr E.S. RIPPER : The drivers are growth in business investment, household consumption and net exports, all of which made significant contributions to overall growth. The gross state income figures were even better! Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : In real terms, gross state income grew by 12 per cent during 2006-07. Mr P.D. Omodei : Fantastic! Mr E.S. RIPPER : Fantastic growth indeed and well over twice the national average of 4.6 per cent. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition and the member for Roe to order. Mr E.S. RIPPER : Western Australia’s gross state product per capita is $68 040 - roughly $20 000 more per capita than that of the next closest state. Mr G. Snook : How is the tax take per capita? Mr E.S. RIPPER : I will come to that in a minute. Importantly, these figures highlight not only the performance of Western Australians and the opportunities that this growth creates for Western Australians, but also the contribution that this state is making to the nation; in particular, the contribution this state is making to the nation’s finances. The states collect about 20 per cent of the taxes in this country while the commonwealth collects 80 per cent. Western Australia’s economy growing this well is a really big benefit to the commonwealth government. That is why in 2006-07 the commonwealth tax take was $14 578 per person in Western Australia compared with $2 655 per person levied by the state government in the same year. However, the question that confronts us all is: how can we keep this remarkable growth going? One way is to invest more in infrastructure. Do we see the commonwealth government making that investment? No! The commonwealth government treats Western Australia as a cash cow. It raises $14 578 per person in tax from Western Australians and it takes that money and spends a lot of it in other places. That figure represents a fiscal subsidy of $2 440 per Western Australian per year to the other states. On the other hand, the alternative government - a federal Labor government led by Kevin Rudd - has recognised the need to invest in Western Australian infrastructure in order to maintain our state’s contribution to the nation’s finances and to the nation’s economic growth. Kevin Rudd has committed Gorgon oil field royalties to a Western Australian infrastructure fund. Beyond that, he has made the contributions to infrastructure that my colleagues the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure and the Minister for Water Resources have talked about. He knows what needs to be done to maintain Western Australia’s contribution to the entire nation’s performance at the remarkable level that has been achieved to date.
Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: It would appear that some members are not interested in figures about Western Australia’s success. The figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics demonstrate Western Australia’s success. Growth in Western Australia’s gross state product is about double the national average. In 2006-07, our economy grew by 6.3 per cent; the Department of Treasury and Finance had forecast a growth rate of six per cent. The national economy grew by 3.2 per cent. These are very good figures and I would have thought that rather than try to harass the answer, the Leader of the Opposition might join me in congratulating Western Australians on the achievement of these figures. These figures confirm that our state is the engine room or the driving force of the nation’s economy. Mr T. Buswell : What are the drivers? Mr E.S. RIPPER : The drivers are growth in business investment, household consumption and net exports, all of which made significant contributions to overall growth. The gross state income figures were even better! Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : In real terms, gross state income grew by 12 per cent during 2006-07. Mr P.D. Omodei : Fantastic! Mr E.S. RIPPER : Fantastic growth indeed and well over twice the national average of 4.6 per cent. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition and the member for Roe to order. Mr E.S. RIPPER : Western Australia’s gross state product per capita is $68 040 - roughly $20 000 more per capita than that of the next closest state. Mr G. Snook : How is the tax take per capita? Mr E.S. RIPPER : I will come to that in a minute. Importantly, these figures highlight not only the performance of Western Australians and the opportunities that this growth creates for Western Australians, but also the contribution that this state is making to the nation; in particular, the contribution this state is making to the nation’s finances. The states collect about 20 per cent of the taxes in this country while the commonwealth collects 80 per cent. Western Australia’s economy growing this well is a really big benefit to the commonwealth government. That is why in 2006-07 the commonwealth tax take was $14 578 per person in Western Australia compared with $2 655 per person levied by the state government in the same year. However, the question that confronts us all is: how can we keep this remarkable growth going? One way is to invest more in infrastructure. Do we see the commonwealth government making that investment? No! The commonwealth government treats Western Australia as a cash cow. It raises $14 578 per person in tax from Western Australians and it takes that money and spends a lot of it in other places. That figure represents a fiscal subsidy of $2 440 per Western Australian per year to the other states. On the other hand, the alternative government - a federal Labor government led by Kevin Rudd - has recognised the need to invest in Western Australian infrastructure in order to maintain our state’s contribution to the nation’s finances and to the nation’s economic growth. Kevin Rudd has committed Gorgon oil field royalties to a Western Australian infrastructure fund. Beyond that, he has made the contributions to infrastructure that my colleagues the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure and the Minister for Water Resources have talked about. He knows what needs to be done to maintain Western Australia’s contribution to the entire nation’s performance at the remarkable level that has been achieved to date.
Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: It would appear that some members are not interested in figures about Western Australia’s success. The figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics demonstrate Western Australia’s success. Growth in Western Australia’s gross state product is about double the national average. In 2006-07, our economy grew by 6.3 per cent; the Department of Treasury and Finance had forecast a growth rate of six per cent. The national economy grew by 3.2 per cent. These are very good figures and I would have thought that rather than try to harass the answer, the Leader of the Opposition might join me in congratulating Western Australians on the achievement of these figures. These figures confirm that our state is the engine room or the driving force of the nation’s economy. Mr T. Buswell : What are the drivers? Mr E.S. RIPPER : The drivers are growth in business investment, household consumption and net exports, all of which made significant contributions to overall growth. The gross state income figures were even better! Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : In real terms, gross state income grew by 12 per cent during 2006-07. Mr P.D. Omodei : Fantastic! Mr E.S. RIPPER : Fantastic growth indeed and well over twice the national average of 4.6 per cent. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition and the member for Roe to order. Mr E.S. RIPPER : Western Australia’s gross state product per capita is $68 040 - roughly $20 000 more per capita than that of the next closest state. Mr G. Snook : How is the tax take per capita? Mr E.S. RIPPER : I will come to that in a minute. Importantly, these figures highlight not only the performance of Western Australians and the opportunities that this growth creates for Western Australians, but also the contribution that this state is making to the nation; in particular, the contribution this state is making to the nation’s finances. The states collect about 20 per cent of the taxes in this country while the commonwealth collects 80 per cent. Western Australia’s economy growing this well is a really big benefit to the commonwealth government. That is why in 2006-07 the commonwealth tax take was $14 578 per person in Western Australia compared with $2 655 per person levied by the state government in the same year. However, the question that confronts us all is: how can we keep this remarkable growth going? One way is to invest more in infrastructure. Do we see the commonwealth government making that investment? No! The commonwealth government treats Western Australia as a cash cow. It raises $14 578 per person in tax from Western Australians and it takes that money and spends a lot of it in other places. That figure represents a fiscal subsidy of $2 440 per Western Australian per year to the other states. On the other hand, the alternative government - a federal Labor government led by Kevin Rudd - has recognised the need to invest in Western Australian infrastructure in order to maintain our state’s contribution to the nation’s finances and to the nation’s economic growth. Kevin Rudd has committed Gorgon oil field royalties to a Western Australian infrastructure fund. Beyond that, he has made the contributions to infrastructure that my colleagues the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure and the Minister for Water Resources have talked about. He knows what needs to be done to maintain Western Australia’s contribution to the entire nation’s performance at the remarkable level that has been achieved to date.
It would appear that some members are not interested in figures about Western Australia’s success. The figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics demonstrate Western Australia’s success. Growth in Western Australia’s gross state product is about double the national average. In 2006-07, our economy grew by 6.3 per cent; the Department of Treasury and Finance had forecast a growth rate of six per cent. The national economy grew by 3.2 per cent. These are very good figures and I would have thought that rather than try to harass the answer, the Leader of the Opposition might join me in congratulating Western Australians on the achievement of these figures. These figures confirm that our state is the engine room or the driving force of the nation’s economy. Mr T. Buswell : What are the drivers? Mr E.S. RIPPER : The drivers are growth in business investment, household consumption and net exports, all of which made significant contributions to overall growth. The gross state income figures were even better! Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : In real terms, gross state income grew by 12 per cent during 2006-07. Mr P.D. Omodei : Fantastic! Mr E.S. RIPPER : Fantastic growth indeed and well over twice the national average of 4.6 per cent. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition and the member for Roe to order. Mr E.S. RIPPER : Western Australia’s gross state product per capita is $68 040 - roughly $20 000 more per capita than that of the next closest state. Mr G. Snook : How is the tax take per capita? Mr E.S. RIPPER : I will come to that in a minute. Importantly, these figures highlight not only the performance of Western Australians and the opportunities that this growth creates for Western Australians, but also the contribution that this state is making to the nation; in particular, the contribution this state is making to the nation’s finances. The states collect about 20 per cent of the taxes in this country while the commonwealth collects 80 per cent. Western Australia’s economy growing this well is a really big benefit to the commonwealth government. That is why in 2006-07 the commonwealth tax take was $14 578 per person in Western Australia compared with $2 655 per person levied by the state government in the same year. However, the question that confronts us all is: how can we keep this remarkable growth going? One way is to invest more in infrastructure. Do we see the commonwealth government making that investment? No! The commonwealth government treats Western Australia as a cash cow. It raises $14 578 per person in tax from Western Australians and it takes that money and spends a lot of it in other places. That figure represents a fiscal subsidy of $2 440 per Western Australian per year to the other states. On the other hand, the alternative government - a federal Labor government led by Kevin Rudd - has recognised the need to invest in Western Australian infrastructure in order to maintain our state’s contribution to the nation’s finances and to the nation’s economic growth. Kevin Rudd has committed Gorgon oil field royalties to a Western Australian infrastructure fund. Beyond that, he has made the contributions to infrastructure that my colleagues the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure and the Minister for Water Resources have talked about. He knows what needs to be done to maintain Western Australia’s contribution to the entire nation’s performance at the remarkable level that has been achieved to date.
Mr T. Buswell : What are the drivers? Mr E.S. RIPPER : The drivers are growth in business investment, household consumption and net exports, all of which made significant contributions to overall growth. The gross state income figures were even better! Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : In real terms, gross state income grew by 12 per cent during 2006-07. Mr P.D. Omodei : Fantastic! Mr E.S. RIPPER : Fantastic growth indeed and well over twice the national average of 4.6 per cent. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition and the member for Roe to order. Mr E.S. RIPPER : Western Australia’s gross state product per capita is $68 040 - roughly $20 000 more per capita than that of the next closest state. Mr G. Snook : How is the tax take per capita? Mr E.S. RIPPER : I will come to that in a minute. Importantly, these figures highlight not only the performance of Western Australians and the opportunities that this growth creates for Western Australians, but also the contribution that this state is making to the nation; in particular, the contribution this state is making to the nation’s finances. The states collect about 20 per cent of the taxes in this country while the commonwealth collects 80 per cent. Western Australia’s economy growing this well is a really big benefit to the commonwealth government. That is why in 2006-07 the commonwealth tax take was $14 578 per person in Western Australia compared with $2 655 per person levied by the state government in the same year. However, the question that confronts us all is: how can we keep this remarkable growth going? One way is to invest more in infrastructure. Do we see the commonwealth government making that investment? No! The commonwealth government treats Western Australia as a cash cow. It raises $14 578 per person in tax from Western Australians and it takes that money and spends a lot of it in other places. That figure represents a fiscal subsidy of $2 440 per Western Australian per year to the other states. On the other hand, the alternative government - a federal Labor government led by Kevin Rudd - has recognised the need to invest in Western Australian infrastructure in order to maintain our state’s contribution to the nation’s finances and to the nation’s economic growth. Kevin Rudd has committed Gorgon oil field royalties to a Western Australian infrastructure fund. Beyond that, he has made the contributions to infrastructure that my colleagues the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure and the Minister for Water Resources have talked about. He knows what needs to be done to maintain Western Australia’s contribution to the entire nation’s performance at the remarkable level that has been achieved to date.
Mr E.S. RIPPER : The drivers are growth in business investment, household consumption and net exports, all of which made significant contributions to overall growth. The gross state income figures were even better! Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : In real terms, gross state income grew by 12 per cent during 2006-07. Mr P.D. Omodei : Fantastic! Mr E.S. RIPPER : Fantastic growth indeed and well over twice the national average of 4.6 per cent. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition and the member for Roe to order. Mr E.S. RIPPER : Western Australia’s gross state product per capita is $68 040 - roughly $20 000 more per capita than that of the next closest state. Mr G. Snook : How is the tax take per capita? Mr E.S. RIPPER : I will come to that in a minute. Importantly, these figures highlight not only the performance of Western Australians and the opportunities that this growth creates for Western Australians, but also the contribution that this state is making to the nation; in particular, the contribution this state is making to the nation’s finances. The states collect about 20 per cent of the taxes in this country while the commonwealth collects 80 per cent. Western Australia’s economy growing this well is a really big benefit to the commonwealth government. That is why in 2006-07 the commonwealth tax take was $14 578 per person in Western Australia compared with $2 655 per person levied by the state government in the same year. However, the question that confronts us all is: how can we keep this remarkable growth going? One way is to invest more in infrastructure. Do we see the commonwealth government making that investment? No! The commonwealth government treats Western Australia as a cash cow. It raises $14 578 per person in tax from Western Australians and it takes that money and spends a lot of it in other places. That figure represents a fiscal subsidy of $2 440 per Western Australian per year to the other states. On the other hand, the alternative government - a federal Labor government led by Kevin Rudd - has recognised the need to invest in Western Australian infrastructure in order to maintain our state’s contribution to the nation’s finances and to the nation’s economic growth. Kevin Rudd has committed Gorgon oil field royalties to a Western Australian infrastructure fund. Beyond that, he has made the contributions to infrastructure that my colleagues the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure and the Minister for Water Resources have talked about. He knows what needs to be done to maintain Western Australia’s contribution to the entire nation’s performance at the remarkable level that has been achieved to date.
Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : In real terms, gross state income grew by 12 per cent during 2006-07. Mr P.D. Omodei : Fantastic! Mr E.S. RIPPER : Fantastic growth indeed and well over twice the national average of 4.6 per cent. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition and the member for Roe to order. Mr E.S. RIPPER : Western Australia’s gross state product per capita is $68 040 - roughly $20 000 more per capita than that of the next closest state. Mr G. Snook : How is the tax take per capita? Mr E.S. RIPPER : I will come to that in a minute. Importantly, these figures highlight not only the performance of Western Australians and the opportunities that this growth creates for Western Australians, but also the contribution that this state is making to the nation; in particular, the contribution this state is making to the nation’s finances. The states collect about 20 per cent of the taxes in this country while the commonwealth collects 80 per cent. Western Australia’s economy growing this well is a really big benefit to the commonwealth government. That is why in 2006-07 the commonwealth tax take was $14 578 per person in Western Australia compared with $2 655 per person levied by the state government in the same year. However, the question that confronts us all is: how can we keep this remarkable growth going? One way is to invest more in infrastructure. Do we see the commonwealth government making that investment? No! The commonwealth government treats Western Australia as a cash cow. It raises $14 578 per person in tax from Western Australians and it takes that money and spends a lot of it in other places. That figure represents a fiscal subsidy of $2 440 per Western Australian per year to the other states. On the other hand, the alternative government - a federal Labor government led by Kevin Rudd - has recognised the need to invest in Western Australian infrastructure in order to maintain our state’s contribution to the nation’s finances and to the nation’s economic growth. Kevin Rudd has committed Gorgon oil field royalties to a Western Australian infrastructure fund. Beyond that, he has made the contributions to infrastructure that my colleagues the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure and the Minister for Water Resources have talked about. He knows what needs to be done to maintain Western Australia’s contribution to the entire nation’s performance at the remarkable level that has been achieved to date.
The SPEAKER : I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : In real terms, gross state income grew by 12 per cent during 2006-07. Mr P.D. Omodei : Fantastic! Mr E.S. RIPPER : Fantastic growth indeed and well over twice the national average of 4.6 per cent. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition and the member for Roe to order. Mr E.S. RIPPER : Western Australia’s gross state product per capita is $68 040 - roughly $20 000 more per capita than that of the next closest state. Mr G. Snook : How is the tax take per capita? Mr E.S. RIPPER : I will come to that in a minute. Importantly, these figures highlight not only the performance of Western Australians and the opportunities that this growth creates for Western Australians, but also the contribution that this state is making to the nation; in particular, the contribution this state is making to the nation’s finances. The states collect about 20 per cent of the taxes in this country while the commonwealth collects 80 per cent. Western Australia’s economy growing this well is a really big benefit to the commonwealth government. That is why in 2006-07 the commonwealth tax take was $14 578 per person in Western Australia compared with $2 655 per person levied by the state government in the same year. However, the question that confronts us all is: how can we keep this remarkable growth going? One way is to invest more in infrastructure. Do we see the commonwealth government making that investment? No! The commonwealth government treats Western Australia as a cash cow. It raises $14 578 per person in tax from Western Australians and it takes that money and spends a lot of it in other places. That figure represents a fiscal subsidy of $2 440 per Western Australian per year to the other states. On the other hand, the alternative government - a federal Labor government led by Kevin Rudd - has recognised the need to invest in Western Australian infrastructure in order to maintain our state’s contribution to the nation’s finances and to the nation’s economic growth. Kevin Rudd has committed Gorgon oil field royalties to a Western Australian infrastructure fund. Beyond that, he has made the contributions to infrastructure that my colleagues the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure and the Minister for Water Resources have talked about. He knows what needs to be done to maintain Western Australia’s contribution to the entire nation’s performance at the remarkable level that has been achieved to date.
Mr E.S. RIPPER : In real terms, gross state income grew by 12 per cent during 2006-07. Mr P.D. Omodei : Fantastic! Mr E.S. RIPPER : Fantastic growth indeed and well over twice the national average of 4.6 per cent. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition and the member for Roe to order. Mr E.S. RIPPER : Western Australia’s gross state product per capita is $68 040 - roughly $20 000 more per capita than that of the next closest state. Mr G. Snook : How is the tax take per capita? Mr E.S. RIPPER : I will come to that in a minute. Importantly, these figures highlight not only the performance of Western Australians and the opportunities that this growth creates for Western Australians, but also the contribution that this state is making to the nation; in particular, the contribution this state is making to the nation’s finances. The states collect about 20 per cent of the taxes in this country while the commonwealth collects 80 per cent. Western Australia’s economy growing this well is a really big benefit to the commonwealth government. That is why in 2006-07 the commonwealth tax take was $14 578 per person in Western Australia compared with $2 655 per person levied by the state government in the same year. However, the question that confronts us all is: how can we keep this remarkable growth going? One way is to invest more in infrastructure. Do we see the commonwealth government making that investment? No! The commonwealth government treats Western Australia as a cash cow. It raises $14 578 per person in tax from Western Australians and it takes that money and spends a lot of it in other places. That figure represents a fiscal subsidy of $2 440 per Western Australian per year to the other states. On the other hand, the alternative government - a federal Labor government led by Kevin Rudd - has recognised the need to invest in Western Australian infrastructure in order to maintain our state’s contribution to the nation’s finances and to the nation’s economic growth. Kevin Rudd has committed Gorgon oil field royalties to a Western Australian infrastructure fund. Beyond that, he has made the contributions to infrastructure that my colleagues the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure and the Minister for Water Resources have talked about. He knows what needs to be done to maintain Western Australia’s contribution to the entire nation’s performance at the remarkable level that has been achieved to date.
Mr P.D. Omodei : Fantastic! Mr E.S. RIPPER : Fantastic growth indeed and well over twice the national average of 4.6 per cent. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition and the member for Roe to order. Mr E.S. RIPPER : Western Australia’s gross state product per capita is $68 040 - roughly $20 000 more per capita than that of the next closest state. Mr G. Snook : How is the tax take per capita? Mr E.S. RIPPER : I will come to that in a minute. Importantly, these figures highlight not only the performance of Western Australians and the opportunities that this growth creates for Western Australians, but also the contribution that this state is making to the nation; in particular, the contribution this state is making to the nation’s finances. The states collect about 20 per cent of the taxes in this country while the commonwealth collects 80 per cent. Western Australia’s economy growing this well is a really big benefit to the commonwealth government. That is why in 2006-07 the commonwealth tax take was $14 578 per person in Western Australia compared with $2 655 per person levied by the state government in the same year. However, the question that confronts us all is: how can we keep this remarkable growth going? One way is to invest more in infrastructure. Do we see the commonwealth government making that investment? No! The commonwealth government treats Western Australia as a cash cow. It raises $14 578 per person in tax from Western Australians and it takes that money and spends a lot of it in other places. That figure represents a fiscal subsidy of $2 440 per Western Australian per year to the other states. On the other hand, the alternative government - a federal Labor government led by Kevin Rudd - has recognised the need to invest in Western Australian infrastructure in order to maintain our state’s contribution to the nation’s finances and to the nation’s economic growth. Kevin Rudd has committed Gorgon oil field royalties to a Western Australian infrastructure fund. Beyond that, he has made the contributions to infrastructure that my colleagues the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure and the Minister for Water Resources have talked about. He knows what needs to be done to maintain Western Australia’s contribution to the entire nation’s performance at the remarkable level that has been achieved to date.
Mr E.S. RIPPER : Fantastic growth indeed and well over twice the national average of 4.6 per cent. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition and the member for Roe to order. Mr E.S. RIPPER : Western Australia’s gross state product per capita is $68 040 - roughly $20 000 more per capita than that of the next closest state. Mr G. Snook : How is the tax take per capita? Mr E.S. RIPPER : I will come to that in a minute. Importantly, these figures highlight not only the performance of Western Australians and the opportunities that this growth creates for Western Australians, but also the contribution that this state is making to the nation; in particular, the contribution this state is making to the nation’s finances. The states collect about 20 per cent of the taxes in this country while the commonwealth collects 80 per cent. Western Australia’s economy growing this well is a really big benefit to the commonwealth government. That is why in 2006-07 the commonwealth tax take was $14 578 per person in Western Australia compared with $2 655 per person levied by the state government in the same year. However, the question that confronts us all is: how can we keep this remarkable growth going? One way is to invest more in infrastructure. Do we see the commonwealth government making that investment? No! The commonwealth government treats Western Australia as a cash cow. It raises $14 578 per person in tax from Western Australians and it takes that money and spends a lot of it in other places. That figure represents a fiscal subsidy of $2 440 per Western Australian per year to the other states. On the other hand, the alternative government - a federal Labor government led by Kevin Rudd - has recognised the need to invest in Western Australian infrastructure in order to maintain our state’s contribution to the nation’s finances and to the nation’s economic growth. Kevin Rudd has committed Gorgon oil field royalties to a Western Australian infrastructure fund. Beyond that, he has made the contributions to infrastructure that my colleagues the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure and the Minister for Water Resources have talked about. He knows what needs to be done to maintain Western Australia’s contribution to the entire nation’s performance at the remarkable level that has been achieved to date.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition and the member for Roe to order. Mr E.S. RIPPER : Western Australia’s gross state product per capita is $68 040 - roughly $20 000 more per capita than that of the next closest state. Mr G. Snook : How is the tax take per capita? Mr E.S. RIPPER : I will come to that in a minute. Importantly, these figures highlight not only the performance of Western Australians and the opportunities that this growth creates for Western Australians, but also the contribution that this state is making to the nation; in particular, the contribution this state is making to the nation’s finances. The states collect about 20 per cent of the taxes in this country while the commonwealth collects 80 per cent. Western Australia’s economy growing this well is a really big benefit to the commonwealth government. That is why in 2006-07 the commonwealth tax take was $14 578 per person in Western Australia compared with $2 655 per person levied by the state government in the same year. However, the question that confronts us all is: how can we keep this remarkable growth going? One way is to invest more in infrastructure. Do we see the commonwealth government making that investment? No! The commonwealth government treats Western Australia as a cash cow. It raises $14 578 per person in tax from Western Australians and it takes that money and spends a lot of it in other places. That figure represents a fiscal subsidy of $2 440 per Western Australian per year to the other states. On the other hand, the alternative government - a federal Labor government led by Kevin Rudd - has recognised the need to invest in Western Australian infrastructure in order to maintain our state’s contribution to the nation’s finances and to the nation’s economic growth. Kevin Rudd has committed Gorgon oil field royalties to a Western Australian infrastructure fund. Beyond that, he has made the contributions to infrastructure that my colleagues the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure and the Minister for Water Resources have talked about. He knows what needs to be done to maintain Western Australia’s contribution to the entire nation’s performance at the remarkable level that has been achieved to date.
The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition and the member for Roe to order. Mr E.S. RIPPER : Western Australia’s gross state product per capita is $68 040 - roughly $20 000 more per capita than that of the next closest state. Mr G. Snook : How is the tax take per capita? Mr E.S. RIPPER : I will come to that in a minute. Importantly, these figures highlight not only the performance of Western Australians and the opportunities that this growth creates for Western Australians, but also the contribution that this state is making to the nation; in particular, the contribution this state is making to the nation’s finances. The states collect about 20 per cent of the taxes in this country while the commonwealth collects 80 per cent. Western Australia’s economy growing this well is a really big benefit to the commonwealth government. That is why in 2006-07 the commonwealth tax take was $14 578 per person in Western Australia compared with $2 655 per person levied by the state government in the same year. However, the question that confronts us all is: how can we keep this remarkable growth going? One way is to invest more in infrastructure. Do we see the commonwealth government making that investment? No! The commonwealth government treats Western Australia as a cash cow. It raises $14 578 per person in tax from Western Australians and it takes that money and spends a lot of it in other places. That figure represents a fiscal subsidy of $2 440 per Western Australian per year to the other states. On the other hand, the alternative government - a federal Labor government led by Kevin Rudd - has recognised the need to invest in Western Australian infrastructure in order to maintain our state’s contribution to the nation’s finances and to the nation’s economic growth. Kevin Rudd has committed Gorgon oil field royalties to a Western Australian infrastructure fund. Beyond that, he has made the contributions to infrastructure that my colleagues the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure and the Minister for Water Resources have talked about. He knows what needs to be done to maintain Western Australia’s contribution to the entire nation’s performance at the remarkable level that has been achieved to date.
Mr E.S. RIPPER : Western Australia’s gross state product per capita is $68 040 - roughly $20 000 more per capita than that of the next closest state. Mr G. Snook : How is the tax take per capita? Mr E.S. RIPPER : I will come to that in a minute. Importantly, these figures highlight not only the performance of Western Australians and the opportunities that this growth creates for Western Australians, but also the contribution that this state is making to the nation; in particular, the contribution this state is making to the nation’s finances. The states collect about 20 per cent of the taxes in this country while the commonwealth collects 80 per cent. Western Australia’s economy growing this well is a really big benefit to the commonwealth government. That is why in 2006-07 the commonwealth tax take was $14 578 per person in Western Australia compared with $2 655 per person levied by the state government in the same year. However, the question that confronts us all is: how can we keep this remarkable growth going? One way is to invest more in infrastructure. Do we see the commonwealth government making that investment? No! The commonwealth government treats Western Australia as a cash cow. It raises $14 578 per person in tax from Western Australians and it takes that money and spends a lot of it in other places. That figure represents a fiscal subsidy of $2 440 per Western Australian per year to the other states. On the other hand, the alternative government - a federal Labor government led by Kevin Rudd - has recognised the need to invest in Western Australian infrastructure in order to maintain our state’s contribution to the nation’s finances and to the nation’s economic growth. Kevin Rudd has committed Gorgon oil field royalties to a Western Australian infrastructure fund. Beyond that, he has made the contributions to infrastructure that my colleagues the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure and the Minister for Water Resources have talked about. He knows what needs to be done to maintain Western Australia’s contribution to the entire nation’s performance at the remarkable level that has been achieved to date.
Mr G. Snook : How is the tax take per capita? Mr E.S. RIPPER : I will come to that in a minute. Importantly, these figures highlight not only the performance of Western Australians and the opportunities that this growth creates for Western Australians, but also the contribution that this state is making to the nation; in particular, the contribution this state is making to the nation’s finances. The states collect about 20 per cent of the taxes in this country while the commonwealth collects 80 per cent. Western Australia’s economy growing this well is a really big benefit to the commonwealth government. That is why in 2006-07 the commonwealth tax take was $14 578 per person in Western Australia compared with $2 655 per person levied by the state government in the same year. However, the question that confronts us all is: how can we keep this remarkable growth going? One way is to invest more in infrastructure. Do we see the commonwealth government making that investment? No! The commonwealth government treats Western Australia as a cash cow. It raises $14 578 per person in tax from Western Australians and it takes that money and spends a lot of it in other places. That figure represents a fiscal subsidy of $2 440 per Western Australian per year to the other states. On the other hand, the alternative government - a federal Labor government led by Kevin Rudd - has recognised the need to invest in Western Australian infrastructure in order to maintain our state’s contribution to the nation’s finances and to the nation’s economic growth. Kevin Rudd has committed Gorgon oil field royalties to a Western Australian infrastructure fund. Beyond that, he has made the contributions to infrastructure that my colleagues the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure and the Minister for Water Resources have talked about. He knows what needs to be done to maintain Western Australia’s contribution to the entire nation’s performance at the remarkable level that has been achieved to date.
Mr E.S. RIPPER : I will come to that in a minute. Importantly, these figures highlight not only the performance of Western Australians and the opportunities that this growth creates for Western Australians, but also the contribution that this state is making to the nation; in particular, the contribution this state is making to the nation’s finances. The states collect about 20 per cent of the taxes in this country while the commonwealth collects 80 per cent. Western Australia’s economy growing this well is a really big benefit to the commonwealth government. That is why in 2006-07 the commonwealth tax take was $14 578 per person in Western Australia compared with $2 655 per person levied by the state government in the same year. However, the question that confronts us all is: how can we keep this remarkable growth going? One way is to invest more in infrastructure. Do we see the commonwealth government making that investment? No! The commonwealth government treats Western Australia as a cash cow. It raises $14 578 per person in tax from Western Australians and it takes that money and spends a lot of it in other places. That figure represents a fiscal subsidy of $2 440 per Western Australian per year to the other states. On the other hand, the alternative government - a federal Labor government led by Kevin Rudd - has recognised the need to invest in Western Australian infrastructure in order to maintain our state’s contribution to the nation’s finances and to the nation’s economic growth. Kevin Rudd has committed Gorgon oil field royalties to a Western Australian infrastructure fund. Beyond that, he has made the contributions to infrastructure that my colleagues the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure and the Minister for Water Resources have talked about. He knows what needs to be done to maintain Western Australia’s contribution to the entire nation’s performance at the remarkable level that has been achieved to date.
Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: It would appear that some members are not interested in figures about Western Australia’s success. The figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics demonstrate Western Australia’s success. Growth in Western Australia’s gross state product is about double the national average. In 2006-07, our economy grew by 6.3 per cent; the Department of Treasury and Finance had forecast a growth rate of six per cent. The national economy grew by 3.2 per cent. These are very good figures and I would have thought that rather than try to harass the answer, the Leader of the Opposition might join me in congratulating Western Australians on the achievement of these figures. These figures confirm that our state is the engine room or the driving force of the nation’s economy. Mr T. Buswell : What are the drivers? Mr E.S. RIPPER : The drivers are growth in business investment, household consumption and net exports, all of which made significant contributions to overall growth. The gross state income figures were even better! Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : In real terms, gross state income grew by 12 per cent during 2006-07. Mr P.D. Omodei : Fantastic! Mr E.S. RIPPER : Fantastic growth indeed and well over twice the national average of 4.6 per cent. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition and the member for Roe to order. Mr E.S. RIPPER : Western Australia’s gross state product per capita is $68 040 - roughly $20 000 more per capita than that of the next closest state. Mr G. Snook : How is the tax take per capita? Mr E.S. RIPPER : I will come to that in a minute. Importantly, these figures highlight not only the performance of Western Australians and the opportunities that this growth creates for Western Australians, but also the contribution that this state is making to the nation; in particular, the contribution this state is making to the nation’s finances. The states collect about 20 per cent of the taxes in this country while the commonwealth collects 80 per cent. Western Australia’s economy growing this well is a really big benefit to the commonwealth government. That is why in 2006-07 the commonwealth tax take was $14 578 per person in Western Australia compared with $2 655 per person levied by the state government in the same year. However, the question that confronts us all is: how can we keep this remarkable growth going? One way is to invest more in infrastructure. Do we see the commonwealth government making that investment? No! The commonwealth government treats Western Australia as a cash cow. It raises $14 578 per person in tax from Western Australians and it takes that money and spends a lot of it in other places. That figure represents a fiscal subsidy of $2 440 per Western Australian per year to the other states. On the other hand, the alternative government - a federal Labor government led by Kevin Rudd - has recognised the need to invest in Western Australian infrastructure in order to maintain our state’s contribution to the nation’s finances and to the nation’s economic growth. Kevin Rudd has committed Gorgon oil field royalties to a Western Australian infrastructure fund. Beyond that, he has made the contributions to infrastructure that my colleagues the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure and the Minister for Water Resources have talked about. He knows what needs to be done to maintain Western Australia’s contribution to the entire nation’s performance at the remarkable level that has been achieved to date.
Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: It would appear that some members are not interested in figures about Western Australia’s success. The figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics demonstrate Western Australia’s success. Growth in Western Australia’s gross state product is about double the national average. In 2006-07, our economy grew by 6.3 per cent; the Department of Treasury and Finance had forecast a growth rate of six per cent. The national economy grew by 3.2 per cent. These are very good figures and I would have thought that rather than try to harass the answer, the Leader of the Opposition might join me in congratulating Western Australians on the achievement of these figures. These figures confirm that our state is the engine room or the driving force of the nation’s economy. Mr T. Buswell : What are the drivers? Mr E.S. RIPPER : The drivers are growth in business investment, household consumption and net exports, all of which made significant contributions to overall growth. The gross state income figures were even better! Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : In real terms, gross state income grew by 12 per cent during 2006-07. Mr P.D. Omodei : Fantastic! Mr E.S. RIPPER : Fantastic growth indeed and well over twice the national average of 4.6 per cent. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition and the member for Roe to order. Mr E.S. RIPPER : Western Australia’s gross state product per capita is $68 040 - roughly $20 000 more per capita than that of the next closest state. Mr G. Snook : How is the tax take per capita? Mr E.S. RIPPER : I will come to that in a minute. Importantly, these figures highlight not only the performance of Western Australians and the opportunities that this growth creates for Western Australians, but also the contribution that this state is making to the nation; in particular, the contribution this state is making to the nation’s finances. The states collect about 20 per cent of the taxes in this country while the commonwealth collects 80 per cent. Western Australia’s economy growing this well is a really big benefit to the commonwealth government. That is why in 2006-07 the commonwealth tax take was $14 578 per person in Western Australia compared with $2 655 per person levied by the state government in the same year. However, the question that confronts us all is: how can we keep this remarkable growth going? One way is to invest more in infrastructure. Do we see the commonwealth government making that investment? No! The commonwealth government treats Western Australia as a cash cow. It raises $14 578 per person in tax from Western Australians and it takes that money and spends a lot of it in other places. That figure represents a fiscal subsidy of $2 440 per Western Australian per year to the other states. On the other hand, the alternative government - a federal Labor government led by Kevin Rudd - has recognised the need to invest in Western Australian infrastructure in order to maintain our state’s contribution to the nation’s finances and to the nation’s economic growth. Kevin Rudd has committed Gorgon oil field royalties to a Western Australian infrastructure fund. Beyond that, he has made the contributions to infrastructure that my colleagues the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure and the Minister for Water Resources have talked about. He knows what needs to be done to maintain Western Australia’s contribution to the entire nation’s performance at the remarkable level that has been achieved to date.
It would appear that some members are not interested in figures about Western Australia’s success. The figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics demonstrate Western Australia’s success. Growth in Western Australia’s gross state product is about double the national average. In 2006-07, our economy grew by 6.3 per cent; the Department of Treasury and Finance had forecast a growth rate of six per cent. The national economy grew by 3.2 per cent. These are very good figures and I would have thought that rather than try to harass the answer, the Leader of the Opposition might join me in congratulating Western Australians on the achievement of these figures. These figures confirm that our state is the engine room or the driving force of the nation’s economy. Mr T. Buswell : What are the drivers? Mr E.S. RIPPER : The drivers are growth in business investment, household consumption and net exports, all of which made significant contributions to overall growth. The gross state income figures were even better! Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : In real terms, gross state income grew by 12 per cent during 2006-07. Mr P.D. Omodei : Fantastic! Mr E.S. RIPPER : Fantastic growth indeed and well over twice the national average of 4.6 per cent. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition and the member for Roe to order. Mr E.S. RIPPER : Western Australia’s gross state product per capita is $68 040 - roughly $20 000 more per capita than that of the next closest state. Mr G. Snook : How is the tax take per capita? Mr E.S. RIPPER : I will come to that in a minute. Importantly, these figures highlight not only the performance of Western Australians and the opportunities that this growth creates for Western Australians, but also the contribution that this state is making to the nation; in particular, the contribution this state is making to the nation’s finances. The states collect about 20 per cent of the taxes in this country while the commonwealth collects 80 per cent. Western Australia’s economy growing this well is a really big benefit to the commonwealth government. That is why in 2006-07 the commonwealth tax take was $14 578 per person in Western Australia compared with $2 655 per person levied by the state government in the same year. However, the question that confronts us all is: how can we keep this remarkable growth going? One way is to invest more in infrastructure. Do we see the commonwealth government making that investment? No! The commonwealth government treats Western Australia as a cash cow. It raises $14 578 per person in tax from Western Australians and it takes that money and spends a lot of it in other places. That figure represents a fiscal subsidy of $2 440 per Western Australian per year to the other states. On the other hand, the alternative government - a federal Labor government led by Kevin Rudd - has recognised the need to invest in Western Australian infrastructure in order to maintain our state’s contribution to the nation’s finances and to the nation’s economic growth. Kevin Rudd has committed Gorgon oil field royalties to a Western Australian infrastructure fund. Beyond that, he has made the contributions to infrastructure that my colleagues the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure and the Minister for Water Resources have talked about. He knows what needs to be done to maintain Western Australia’s contribution to the entire nation’s performance at the remarkable level that has been achieved to date.
Mr T. Buswell : What are the drivers? Mr E.S. RIPPER : The drivers are growth in business investment, household consumption and net exports, all of which made significant contributions to overall growth. The gross state income figures were even better! Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : In real terms, gross state income grew by 12 per cent during 2006-07. Mr P.D. Omodei : Fantastic! Mr E.S. RIPPER : Fantastic growth indeed and well over twice the national average of 4.6 per cent. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition and the member for Roe to order. Mr E.S. RIPPER : Western Australia’s gross state product per capita is $68 040 - roughly $20 000 more per capita than that of the next closest state. Mr G. Snook : How is the tax take per capita? Mr E.S. RIPPER : I will come to that in a minute. Importantly, these figures highlight not only the performance of Western Australians and the opportunities that this growth creates for Western Australians, but also the contribution that this state is making to the nation; in particular, the contribution this state is making to the nation’s finances. The states collect about 20 per cent of the taxes in this country while the commonwealth collects 80 per cent. Western Australia’s economy growing this well is a really big benefit to the commonwealth government. That is why in 2006-07 the commonwealth tax take was $14 578 per person in Western Australia compared with $2 655 per person levied by the state government in the same year. However, the question that confronts us all is: how can we keep this remarkable growth going? One way is to invest more in infrastructure. Do we see the commonwealth government making that investment? No! The commonwealth government treats Western Australia as a cash cow. It raises $14 578 per person in tax from Western Australians and it takes that money and spends a lot of it in other places. That figure represents a fiscal subsidy of $2 440 per Western Australian per year to the other states. On the other hand, the alternative government - a federal Labor government led by Kevin Rudd - has recognised the need to invest in Western Australian infrastructure in order to maintain our state’s contribution to the nation’s finances and to the nation’s economic growth. Kevin Rudd has committed Gorgon oil field royalties to a Western Australian infrastructure fund. Beyond that, he has made the contributions to infrastructure that my colleagues the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure and the Minister for Water Resources have talked about. He knows what needs to be done to maintain Western Australia’s contribution to the entire nation’s performance at the remarkable level that has been achieved to date.
Mr E.S. RIPPER : The drivers are growth in business investment, household consumption and net exports, all of which made significant contributions to overall growth. The gross state income figures were even better! Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : In real terms, gross state income grew by 12 per cent during 2006-07. Mr P.D. Omodei : Fantastic! Mr E.S. RIPPER : Fantastic growth indeed and well over twice the national average of 4.6 per cent. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition and the member for Roe to order. Mr E.S. RIPPER : Western Australia’s gross state product per capita is $68 040 - roughly $20 000 more per capita than that of the next closest state. Mr G. Snook : How is the tax take per capita? Mr E.S. RIPPER : I will come to that in a minute. Importantly, these figures highlight not only the performance of Western Australians and the opportunities that this growth creates for Western Australians, but also the contribution that this state is making to the nation; in particular, the contribution this state is making to the nation’s finances. The states collect about 20 per cent of the taxes in this country while the commonwealth collects 80 per cent. Western Australia’s economy growing this well is a really big benefit to the commonwealth government. That is why in 2006-07 the commonwealth tax take was $14 578 per person in Western Australia compared with $2 655 per person levied by the state government in the same year. However, the question that confronts us all is: how can we keep this remarkable growth going? One way is to invest more in infrastructure. Do we see the commonwealth government making that investment? No! The commonwealth government treats Western Australia as a cash cow. It raises $14 578 per person in tax from Western Australians and it takes that money and spends a lot of it in other places. That figure represents a fiscal subsidy of $2 440 per Western Australian per year to the other states. On the other hand, the alternative government - a federal Labor government led by Kevin Rudd - has recognised the need to invest in Western Australian infrastructure in order to maintain our state’s contribution to the nation’s finances and to the nation’s economic growth. Kevin Rudd has committed Gorgon oil field royalties to a Western Australian infrastructure fund. Beyond that, he has made the contributions to infrastructure that my colleagues the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure and the Minister for Water Resources have talked about. He knows what needs to be done to maintain Western Australia’s contribution to the entire nation’s performance at the remarkable level that has been achieved to date.
Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : In real terms, gross state income grew by 12 per cent during 2006-07. Mr P.D. Omodei : Fantastic! Mr E.S. RIPPER : Fantastic growth indeed and well over twice the national average of 4.6 per cent. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition and the member for Roe to order. Mr E.S. RIPPER : Western Australia’s gross state product per capita is $68 040 - roughly $20 000 more per capita than that of the next closest state. Mr G. Snook : How is the tax take per capita? Mr E.S. RIPPER : I will come to that in a minute. Importantly, these figures highlight not only the performance of Western Australians and the opportunities that this growth creates for Western Australians, but also the contribution that this state is making to the nation; in particular, the contribution this state is making to the nation’s finances. The states collect about 20 per cent of the taxes in this country while the commonwealth collects 80 per cent. Western Australia’s economy growing this well is a really big benefit to the commonwealth government. That is why in 2006-07 the commonwealth tax take was $14 578 per person in Western Australia compared with $2 655 per person levied by the state government in the same year. However, the question that confronts us all is: how can we keep this remarkable growth going? One way is to invest more in infrastructure. Do we see the commonwealth government making that investment? No! The commonwealth government treats Western Australia as a cash cow. It raises $14 578 per person in tax from Western Australians and it takes that money and spends a lot of it in other places. That figure represents a fiscal subsidy of $2 440 per Western Australian per year to the other states. On the other hand, the alternative government - a federal Labor government led by Kevin Rudd - has recognised the need to invest in Western Australian infrastructure in order to maintain our state’s contribution to the nation’s finances and to the nation’s economic growth. Kevin Rudd has committed Gorgon oil field royalties to a Western Australian infrastructure fund. Beyond that, he has made the contributions to infrastructure that my colleagues the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure and the Minister for Water Resources have talked about. He knows what needs to be done to maintain Western Australia’s contribution to the entire nation’s performance at the remarkable level that has been achieved to date.
The SPEAKER : I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : In real terms, gross state income grew by 12 per cent during 2006-07. Mr P.D. Omodei : Fantastic! Mr E.S. RIPPER : Fantastic growth indeed and well over twice the national average of 4.6 per cent. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition and the member for Roe to order. Mr E.S. RIPPER : Western Australia’s gross state product per capita is $68 040 - roughly $20 000 more per capita than that of the next closest state. Mr G. Snook : How is the tax take per capita? Mr E.S. RIPPER : I will come to that in a minute. Importantly, these figures highlight not only the performance of Western Australians and the opportunities that this growth creates for Western Australians, but also the contribution that this state is making to the nation; in particular, the contribution this state is making to the nation’s finances. The states collect about 20 per cent of the taxes in this country while the commonwealth collects 80 per cent. Western Australia’s economy growing this well is a really big benefit to the commonwealth government. That is why in 2006-07 the commonwealth tax take was $14 578 per person in Western Australia compared with $2 655 per person levied by the state government in the same year. However, the question that confronts us all is: how can we keep this remarkable growth going? One way is to invest more in infrastructure. Do we see the commonwealth government making that investment? No! The commonwealth government treats Western Australia as a cash cow. It raises $14 578 per person in tax from Western Australians and it takes that money and spends a lot of it in other places. That figure represents a fiscal subsidy of $2 440 per Western Australian per year to the other states. On the other hand, the alternative government - a federal Labor government led by Kevin Rudd - has recognised the need to invest in Western Australian infrastructure in order to maintain our state’s contribution to the nation’s finances and to the nation’s economic growth. Kevin Rudd has committed Gorgon oil field royalties to a Western Australian infrastructure fund. Beyond that, he has made the contributions to infrastructure that my colleagues the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure and the Minister for Water Resources have talked about. He knows what needs to be done to maintain Western Australia’s contribution to the entire nation’s performance at the remarkable level that has been achieved to date.
Mr E.S. RIPPER : In real terms, gross state income grew by 12 per cent during 2006-07. Mr P.D. Omodei : Fantastic! Mr E.S. RIPPER : Fantastic growth indeed and well over twice the national average of 4.6 per cent. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition and the member for Roe to order. Mr E.S. RIPPER : Western Australia’s gross state product per capita is $68 040 - roughly $20 000 more per capita than that of the next closest state. Mr G. Snook : How is the tax take per capita? Mr E.S. RIPPER : I will come to that in a minute. Importantly, these figures highlight not only the performance of Western Australians and the opportunities that this growth creates for Western Australians, but also the contribution that this state is making to the nation; in particular, the contribution this state is making to the nation’s finances. The states collect about 20 per cent of the taxes in this country while the commonwealth collects 80 per cent. Western Australia’s economy growing this well is a really big benefit to the commonwealth government. That is why in 2006-07 the commonwealth tax take was $14 578 per person in Western Australia compared with $2 655 per person levied by the state government in the same year. However, the question that confronts us all is: how can we keep this remarkable growth going? One way is to invest more in infrastructure. Do we see the commonwealth government making that investment? No! The commonwealth government treats Western Australia as a cash cow. It raises $14 578 per person in tax from Western Australians and it takes that money and spends a lot of it in other places. That figure represents a fiscal subsidy of $2 440 per Western Australian per year to the other states. On the other hand, the alternative government - a federal Labor government led by Kevin Rudd - has recognised the need to invest in Western Australian infrastructure in order to maintain our state’s contribution to the nation’s finances and to the nation’s economic growth. Kevin Rudd has committed Gorgon oil field royalties to a Western Australian infrastructure fund. Beyond that, he has made the contributions to infrastructure that my colleagues the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure and the Minister for Water Resources have talked about. He knows what needs to be done to maintain Western Australia’s contribution to the entire nation’s performance at the remarkable level that has been achieved to date.
Mr P.D. Omodei : Fantastic! Mr E.S. RIPPER : Fantastic growth indeed and well over twice the national average of 4.6 per cent. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition and the member for Roe to order. Mr E.S. RIPPER : Western Australia’s gross state product per capita is $68 040 - roughly $20 000 more per capita than that of the next closest state. Mr G. Snook : How is the tax take per capita? Mr E.S. RIPPER : I will come to that in a minute. Importantly, these figures highlight not only the performance of Western Australians and the opportunities that this growth creates for Western Australians, but also the contribution that this state is making to the nation; in particular, the contribution this state is making to the nation’s finances. The states collect about 20 per cent of the taxes in this country while the commonwealth collects 80 per cent. Western Australia’s economy growing this well is a really big benefit to the commonwealth government. That is why in 2006-07 the commonwealth tax take was $14 578 per person in Western Australia compared with $2 655 per person levied by the state government in the same year. However, the question that confronts us all is: how can we keep this remarkable growth going? One way is to invest more in infrastructure. Do we see the commonwealth government making that investment? No! The commonwealth government treats Western Australia as a cash cow. It raises $14 578 per person in tax from Western Australians and it takes that money and spends a lot of it in other places. That figure represents a fiscal subsidy of $2 440 per Western Australian per year to the other states. On the other hand, the alternative government - a federal Labor government led by Kevin Rudd - has recognised the need to invest in Western Australian infrastructure in order to maintain our state’s contribution to the nation’s finances and to the nation’s economic growth. Kevin Rudd has committed Gorgon oil field royalties to a Western Australian infrastructure fund. Beyond that, he has made the contributions to infrastructure that my colleagues the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure and the Minister for Water Resources have talked about. He knows what needs to be done to maintain Western Australia’s contribution to the entire nation’s performance at the remarkable level that has been achieved to date.
Mr E.S. RIPPER : Fantastic growth indeed and well over twice the national average of 4.6 per cent. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition and the member for Roe to order. Mr E.S. RIPPER : Western Australia’s gross state product per capita is $68 040 - roughly $20 000 more per capita than that of the next closest state. Mr G. Snook : How is the tax take per capita? Mr E.S. RIPPER : I will come to that in a minute. Importantly, these figures highlight not only the performance of Western Australians and the opportunities that this growth creates for Western Australians, but also the contribution that this state is making to the nation; in particular, the contribution this state is making to the nation’s finances. The states collect about 20 per cent of the taxes in this country while the commonwealth collects 80 per cent. Western Australia’s economy growing this well is a really big benefit to the commonwealth government. That is why in 2006-07 the commonwealth tax take was $14 578 per person in Western Australia compared with $2 655 per person levied by the state government in the same year. However, the question that confronts us all is: how can we keep this remarkable growth going? One way is to invest more in infrastructure. Do we see the commonwealth government making that investment? No! The commonwealth government treats Western Australia as a cash cow. It raises $14 578 per person in tax from Western Australians and it takes that money and spends a lot of it in other places. That figure represents a fiscal subsidy of $2 440 per Western Australian per year to the other states. On the other hand, the alternative government - a federal Labor government led by Kevin Rudd - has recognised the need to invest in Western Australian infrastructure in order to maintain our state’s contribution to the nation’s finances and to the nation’s economic growth. Kevin Rudd has committed Gorgon oil field royalties to a Western Australian infrastructure fund. Beyond that, he has made the contributions to infrastructure that my colleagues the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure and the Minister for Water Resources have talked about. He knows what needs to be done to maintain Western Australia’s contribution to the entire nation’s performance at the remarkable level that has been achieved to date.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition and the member for Roe to order. Mr E.S. RIPPER : Western Australia’s gross state product per capita is $68 040 - roughly $20 000 more per capita than that of the next closest state. Mr G. Snook : How is the tax take per capita? Mr E.S. RIPPER : I will come to that in a minute. Importantly, these figures highlight not only the performance of Western Australians and the opportunities that this growth creates for Western Australians, but also the contribution that this state is making to the nation; in particular, the contribution this state is making to the nation’s finances. The states collect about 20 per cent of the taxes in this country while the commonwealth collects 80 per cent. Western Australia’s economy growing this well is a really big benefit to the commonwealth government. That is why in 2006-07 the commonwealth tax take was $14 578 per person in Western Australia compared with $2 655 per person levied by the state government in the same year. However, the question that confronts us all is: how can we keep this remarkable growth going? One way is to invest more in infrastructure. Do we see the commonwealth government making that investment? No! The commonwealth government treats Western Australia as a cash cow. It raises $14 578 per person in tax from Western Australians and it takes that money and spends a lot of it in other places. That figure represents a fiscal subsidy of $2 440 per Western Australian per year to the other states. On the other hand, the alternative government - a federal Labor government led by Kevin Rudd - has recognised the need to invest in Western Australian infrastructure in order to maintain our state’s contribution to the nation’s finances and to the nation’s economic growth. Kevin Rudd has committed Gorgon oil field royalties to a Western Australian infrastructure fund. Beyond that, he has made the contributions to infrastructure that my colleagues the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure and the Minister for Water Resources have talked about. He knows what needs to be done to maintain Western Australia’s contribution to the entire nation’s performance at the remarkable level that has been achieved to date.
The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition and the member for Roe to order. Mr E.S. RIPPER : Western Australia’s gross state product per capita is $68 040 - roughly $20 000 more per capita than that of the next closest state. Mr G. Snook : How is the tax take per capita? Mr E.S. RIPPER : I will come to that in a minute. Importantly, these figures highlight not only the performance of Western Australians and the opportunities that this growth creates for Western Australians, but also the contribution that this state is making to the nation; in particular, the contribution this state is making to the nation’s finances. The states collect about 20 per cent of the taxes in this country while the commonwealth collects 80 per cent. Western Australia’s economy growing this well is a really big benefit to the commonwealth government. That is why in 2006-07 the commonwealth tax take was $14 578 per person in Western Australia compared with $2 655 per person levied by the state government in the same year. However, the question that confronts us all is: how can we keep this remarkable growth going? One way is to invest more in infrastructure. Do we see the commonwealth government making that investment? No! The commonwealth government treats Western Australia as a cash cow. It raises $14 578 per person in tax from Western Australians and it takes that money and spends a lot of it in other places. That figure represents a fiscal subsidy of $2 440 per Western Australian per year to the other states. On the other hand, the alternative government - a federal Labor government led by Kevin Rudd - has recognised the need to invest in Western Australian infrastructure in order to maintain our state’s contribution to the nation’s finances and to the nation’s economic growth. Kevin Rudd has committed Gorgon oil field royalties to a Western Australian infrastructure fund. Beyond that, he has made the contributions to infrastructure that my colleagues the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure and the Minister for Water Resources have talked about. He knows what needs to be done to maintain Western Australia’s contribution to the entire nation’s performance at the remarkable level that has been achieved to date.
Mr E.S. RIPPER : Western Australia’s gross state product per capita is $68 040 - roughly $20 000 more per capita than that of the next closest state. Mr G. Snook : How is the tax take per capita? Mr E.S. RIPPER : I will come to that in a minute. Importantly, these figures highlight not only the performance of Western Australians and the opportunities that this growth creates for Western Australians, but also the contribution that this state is making to the nation; in particular, the contribution this state is making to the nation’s finances. The states collect about 20 per cent of the taxes in this country while the commonwealth collects 80 per cent. Western Australia’s economy growing this well is a really big benefit to the commonwealth government. That is why in 2006-07 the commonwealth tax take was $14 578 per person in Western Australia compared with $2 655 per person levied by the state government in the same year. However, the question that confronts us all is: how can we keep this remarkable growth going? One way is to invest more in infrastructure. Do we see the commonwealth government making that investment? No! The commonwealth government treats Western Australia as a cash cow. It raises $14 578 per person in tax from Western Australians and it takes that money and spends a lot of it in other places. That figure represents a fiscal subsidy of $2 440 per Western Australian per year to the other states. On the other hand, the alternative government - a federal Labor government led by Kevin Rudd - has recognised the need to invest in Western Australian infrastructure in order to maintain our state’s contribution to the nation’s finances and to the nation’s economic growth. Kevin Rudd has committed Gorgon oil field royalties to a Western Australian infrastructure fund. Beyond that, he has made the contributions to infrastructure that my colleagues the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure and the Minister for Water Resources have talked about. He knows what needs to be done to maintain Western Australia’s contribution to the entire nation’s performance at the remarkable level that has been achieved to date.
Mr G. Snook : How is the tax take per capita? Mr E.S. RIPPER : I will come to that in a minute. Importantly, these figures highlight not only the performance of Western Australians and the opportunities that this growth creates for Western Australians, but also the contribution that this state is making to the nation; in particular, the contribution this state is making to the nation’s finances. The states collect about 20 per cent of the taxes in this country while the commonwealth collects 80 per cent. Western Australia’s economy growing this well is a really big benefit to the commonwealth government. That is why in 2006-07 the commonwealth tax take was $14 578 per person in Western Australia compared with $2 655 per person levied by the state government in the same year. However, the question that confronts us all is: how can we keep this remarkable growth going? One way is to invest more in infrastructure. Do we see the commonwealth government making that investment? No! The commonwealth government treats Western Australia as a cash cow. It raises $14 578 per person in tax from Western Australians and it takes that money and spends a lot of it in other places. That figure represents a fiscal subsidy of $2 440 per Western Australian per year to the other states. On the other hand, the alternative government - a federal Labor government led by Kevin Rudd - has recognised the need to invest in Western Australian infrastructure in order to maintain our state’s contribution to the nation’s finances and to the nation’s economic growth. Kevin Rudd has committed Gorgon oil field royalties to a Western Australian infrastructure fund. Beyond that, he has made the contributions to infrastructure that my colleagues the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure and the Minister for Water Resources have talked about. He knows what needs to be done to maintain Western Australia’s contribution to the entire nation’s performance at the remarkable level that has been achieved to date.
Mr E.S. RIPPER : I will come to that in a minute. Importantly, these figures highlight not only the performance of Western Australians and the opportunities that this growth creates for Western Australians, but also the contribution that this state is making to the nation; in particular, the contribution this state is making to the nation’s finances. The states collect about 20 per cent of the taxes in this country while the commonwealth collects 80 per cent. Western Australia’s economy growing this well is a really big benefit to the commonwealth government. That is why in 2006-07 the commonwealth tax take was $14 578 per person in Western Australia compared with $2 655 per person levied by the state government in the same year. However, the question that confronts us all is: how can we keep this remarkable growth going? One way is to invest more in infrastructure. Do we see the commonwealth government making that investment? No! The commonwealth government treats Western Australia as a cash cow. It raises $14 578 per person in tax from Western Australians and it takes that money and spends a lot of it in other places. That figure represents a fiscal subsidy of $2 440 per Western Australian per year to the other states. On the other hand, the alternative government - a federal Labor government led by Kevin Rudd - has recognised the need to invest in Western Australian infrastructure in order to maintain our state’s contribution to the nation’s finances and to the nation’s economic growth. Kevin Rudd has committed Gorgon oil field royalties to a Western Australian infrastructure fund. Beyond that, he has made the contributions to infrastructure that my colleagues the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure and the Minister for Water Resources have talked about. He knows what needs to be done to maintain Western Australia’s contribution to the entire nation’s performance at the remarkable level that has been achieved to date.
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