Mr. Wyatt questions the Treasurer about increased costs for households despite a budget surplus. The Treasurer defends the surplus, stating the cost increases are for the following financial year and unrelated to the current surplus, accusing the opposition of envy.

AnsweredQoN 770Legislative Assembly
Asked
24 September 2009
Portfolio
Treasurer

QuestionView source ↗

ANNUAL REPORT ON STATE FINANCES 2008-09 — GOVERNMENT EXPENSE GROWTH
I have a supplementary question. In light of the fact that the Treasurer is so proud of his surplus, why has he hit the average householder with his backdoor tax of $1 000 extra each year? Mr T.R. BUSWELL

AnswerView source ↗

Here is how it is! I will read the document for 2008-09. The charges to which the member for Victoria Park is referring come into effect in 2009-10 and in subsequent years. They are not related to this fantastic outcome. I am glad he got to ask the question. I know the member is envious because this government has turned in a great performance for the state: a $300 million-plus surplus at a time when surpluses around the country and the globe have diminished. We have done it! The problem is that members opposite have nothing to talk about because it is more good news.
Mr T.R. BUSWELL replied: Here is how it is! I will read the document for 2008-09. The charges to which the member for Victoria Park is referring come into effect in 2009-10 and in subsequent years. They are not related to this fantastic outcome. I am glad he got to ask the question. I know the member is envious because this government has turned in a great performance for the state: a $300 million-plus surplus at a time when surpluses around the country and the globe have diminished. We have done it! The problem is that members opposite have nothing to talk about because it is more good news.
Here is how it is! I will read the document for 2008-09. The charges to which the member for Victoria Park is referring come into effect in 2009-10 and in subsequent years. They are not related to this fantastic outcome. I am glad he got to ask the question. I know the member is envious because this government has turned in a great performance for the state: a $300 million-plus surplus at a time when surpluses around the country and the globe have diminished. We have done it! The problem is that members opposite have nothing to talk about because it is more good news.

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