Mr. Wyatt questions the Treasurer on the removal of the public spending growth target, suggesting it's due to a lack of financial discipline. The Treasurer denies this, citing recent low expenditure growth and the previous achievement of a AA+ rating under the target.

AnsweredQoN 445Legislative Assembly
Asked
15 August 2013
Portfolio
Treasurer

QuestionView source ↗

STATE
BUDGET 2013–14 — FINANCIAL TARGETS
445. Mr B.S. WYATT to the Treasurer:
I have a supplementary question. I note that the Treasurer
previously advised Parliament, in reference to the previous government, that it
could not cap public spending growth at real per capita levels because it
lacked the discipline and the capacity to manage the state's finances
effectively. Is that not the reason why the Treasurer has removed that target?

AnswerView source ↗

If it was, member for Victoria Park, we would not be doing it
now, because last year expenditure in Western Australia grew at very low levels—a
3.6 per cent increase in general government sector spending last year, which is
well below real per capita. Therefore, if I were out to try to doctor the books
to make them look good, why would I take out the one target for which we got a
AA+ last year?
Mr B.S. Wyatt interjected.
The SPEAKER :
Member for Victoria Park, I call you to order for the third time.

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