❓ Opposition Leader McGowan questions the Minister for Finance regarding the significant increase in state debt, deficit, loss of credit rating, and high debt per capita, challenging the Premier's positive assessment of the situation. The Minister acknowledges revenue shortfall but highlights expenditure control.
AnsweredQoN 794Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
STATE DEBT — PREMIER'S COMMENTS
794. Mr M. McGOWAN to the Minister for
Finance:
As we know, we have a big weekend
ahead of us: we have both the West Coast Eagles and the Fremantle Dockers
playing for a place in the grand final. I wish both teams all the best,
especially the Dockers.
Now to more serious issues, I refer
to the minister's government increasing debt from $3.6 billion in 2008
to $23.37 billion today, a 550 per cent increase and the worst debt in history;
the $431 million deficit, which is the first in many years; the loss of the AAA
credit rating; and the highest debt per capita of any state in the country. How
can his government claim that this is the best result in a long time, as the
Premier said this morning.
794. Mr M. McGOWAN to the Minister for
Finance:
As we know, we have a big weekend
ahead of us: we have both the West Coast Eagles and the Fremantle Dockers
playing for a place in the grand final. I wish both teams all the best,
especially the Dockers.
Now to more serious issues, I refer
to the minister's government increasing debt from $3.6 billion in 2008
to $23.37 billion today, a 550 per cent increase and the worst debt in history;
the $431 million deficit, which is the first in many years; the loss of the AAA
credit rating; and the highest debt per capita of any state in the country. How
can his government claim that this is the best result in a long time, as the
Premier said this morning.
AnswerView source ↗
I thought I was going to get three
questions! It was a very simple question.
Several members interjected.
The
SPEAKER : Members!
Mr
W.R. MARMION : I thank the Leader of the Opposition for the question.
Revenue growth was predicted to increase by 2.6 per cent during the year;
unfortunately, there was a two per cent reduction in revenue, so the revenue
figures came in below expectations. However, the good news is that, although
expenditure was expected to grow by 6.9 per cent, it grew by only 2.2 per cent,
which is a record.
questions! It was a very simple question.
Several members interjected.
The
SPEAKER : Members!
Mr
W.R. MARMION : I thank the Leader of the Opposition for the question.
Revenue growth was predicted to increase by 2.6 per cent during the year;
unfortunately, there was a two per cent reduction in revenue, so the revenue
figures came in below expectations. However, the good news is that, although
expenditure was expected to grow by 6.9 per cent, it grew by only 2.2 per cent,
which is a record.
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