❓ Opposition Leader asks the Treasurer about increased borrowing following comments from the Minister for Fisheries. The Treasurer's response is evasive and combative, referencing budget papers and accusing the opposition of hypocrisy.
AnsweredQoN 899Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
STATE DEBT
— ASSET SALES — MINISTER FOR FISHERIES' COMMENTS
899. Mr M. McGOWAN to the
Treasurer:
I note that the Treasurer just indicated that the Minister
for Fisheries was right and that there needs to be more borrowing, which is a
major change of position. How much more borrowing does the Treasurer intend to
undertake?
— ASSET SALES — MINISTER FOR FISHERIES' COMMENTS
899. Mr M. McGOWAN to the
Treasurer:
I note that the Treasurer just indicated that the Minister
for Fisheries was right and that there needs to be more borrowing, which is a
major change of position. How much more borrowing does the Treasurer intend to
undertake?
AnswerView source ↗
Does the Leader of the Opposition know what a budget paper
is?
Several members interjected.
Dr M.D. NAHAN :
Open it and read it.
Several members interjected.
Dr M.D. NAHAN :
Open it and read it! We have said quite clearly —
Several members interjected.
The SPEAKER : That
is enough!
Dr M.D. NAHAN : We
have indicated in our budget papers that we have decided to maintain our
capital works program at a high level.
Mr B.S. Wyatt : You've
been rolled, Treasurer.
Dr M.D. NAHAN : The
member is the one who has been rolled—the only fiscal conservative in
this Parliament, he claims to be.
Mr B.S. Wyatt interjected.
The SPEAKER : That is enough!
Dr M.D. NAHAN : A large amount for that infrastructure
will be borrowed under forward estimates; however, we have a plan to not only
reduce the debt levels, but also increase the capital spend. That is the plan.
Several members interjected.
The SPEAKER : That
is enough; it is finished!
is?
Several members interjected.
Dr M.D. NAHAN :
Open it and read it.
Several members interjected.
Dr M.D. NAHAN :
Open it and read it! We have said quite clearly —
Several members interjected.
The SPEAKER : That
is enough!
Dr M.D. NAHAN : We
have indicated in our budget papers that we have decided to maintain our
capital works program at a high level.
Mr B.S. Wyatt : You've
been rolled, Treasurer.
Dr M.D. NAHAN : The
member is the one who has been rolled—the only fiscal conservative in
this Parliament, he claims to be.
Mr B.S. Wyatt interjected.
The SPEAKER : That is enough!
Dr M.D. NAHAN : A large amount for that infrastructure
will be borrowed under forward estimates; however, we have a plan to not only
reduce the debt levels, but also increase the capital spend. That is the plan.
Several members interjected.
The SPEAKER : That
is enough; it is finished!
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