❓ Mr McRae asks the Premier for an update on the latest economic figures and forecasts for Western Australia. Dr Gallop responds with positive economic data, highlighting growth in dwelling commencements and retail trade, while also criticising the Leader of the Opposition's negativity towards the WA economy.
AnsweredQoN 793Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
STATE ECONOMY, LATEST FIGURES AND FORECASTS
Will the Premier provide an update on the latest economic figures and forecasts released for this State? Dr GALLOP
Will the Premier provide an update on the latest economic figures and forecasts released for this State? Dr GALLOP
AnswerView source ↗
I will avoid the temptation to contrast the statements of the Leader of the Opposition on the Western Australian economy with the actual figures. Some new figures have been released that confirm that Western Australia is experiencing strong economic growth. Mr Barnett: Which they did in December 2000 and in March 2001 when you came into government. Dr GALLOP: Last week I suggested that the Leader of the Opposition look at himself in a mirror and say that the Government’s initiative was a good initiative and that the Opposition would work with the Government to implement it. I challenge him today to say in front of a mirror, “That is good news for Western Australia and I want more of it.” Why does he not try that for a change? He is always knocking the Western Australian economy. Dwelling commencements grew by a solid 6.3 per cent in the December quarter after a surge of 38.7 per cent in the September quarter, the highest quarterly growth figure on record. Our retail sector is also booming. Access Economics forecast today that retail trade growth in Western Australia is set to lead the nation. Specifically, Access Economics has forecast retail turnover of 4.6 per cent this year compared with a decline of 1.9 per cent in 2000-01. Access Economics has also forecast annual average growth of 3.8 per cent over the next five years, compared with actual growth of only 1.8 per cent over the past five years. These figures come on top of the Western Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry BankWest survey released on 1 March, the state final demand figures released on 7 March, the employment figures released on 14 March and the Westpac-Melbourne Institute Index of Consumer Sentiment figures announced on 15 March. That range of figures shows that in 2000-01, the last year of the conservative National-Liberal Government in Western Australia, there was negative growth in Western Australia. However, we have had very strong economic growth of four per cent over the past 12 months. That growth is being partly fed by a strong capital works program and by the confidence of individuals or corporations in the future of this State. We can say that the forecast for the Western Australian economy is very bright. However, I am not so sure about the current forecast for the Opposition.
Dr GALLOP replied: I will avoid the temptation to contrast the statements of the Leader of the Opposition on the Western Australian economy with the actual figures. Some new figures have been released that confirm that Western Australia is experiencing strong economic growth. Mr Barnett: Which they did in December 2000 and in March 2001 when you came into government. Dr GALLOP: Last week I suggested that the Leader of the Opposition look at himself in a mirror and say that the Government’s initiative was a good initiative and that the Opposition would work with the Government to implement it. I challenge him today to say in front of a mirror, “That is good news for Western Australia and I want more of it.” Why does he not try that for a change? He is always knocking the Western Australian economy. Dwelling commencements grew by a solid 6.3 per cent in the December quarter after a surge of 38.7 per cent in the September quarter, the highest quarterly growth figure on record. Our retail sector is also booming. Access Economics forecast today that retail trade growth in Western Australia is set to lead the nation. Specifically, Access Economics has forecast retail turnover of 4.6 per cent this year compared with a decline of 1.9 per cent in 2000-01. Access Economics has also forecast annual average growth of 3.8 per cent over the next five years, compared with actual growth of only 1.8 per cent over the past five years. These figures come on top of the Western Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry BankWest survey released on 1 March, the state final demand figures released on 7 March, the employment figures released on 14 March and the Westpac-Melbourne Institute Index of Consumer Sentiment figures announced on 15 March. That range of figures shows that in 2000-01, the last year of the conservative National-Liberal Government in Western Australia, there was negative growth in Western Australia. However, we have had very strong economic growth of four per cent over the past 12 months. That growth is being partly fed by a strong capital works program and by the confidence of individuals or corporations in the future of this State. We can say that the forecast for the Western Australian economy is very bright. However, I am not so sure about the current forecast for the Opposition.
I will avoid the temptation to contrast the statements of the Leader of the Opposition on the Western Australian economy with the actual figures. Some new figures have been released that confirm that Western Australia is experiencing strong economic growth. Mr Barnett: Which they did in December 2000 and in March 2001 when you came into government. Dr GALLOP: Last week I suggested that the Leader of the Opposition look at himself in a mirror and say that the Government’s initiative was a good initiative and that the Opposition would work with the Government to implement it. I challenge him today to say in front of a mirror, “That is good news for Western Australia and I want more of it.” Why does he not try that for a change? He is always knocking the Western Australian economy. Dwelling commencements grew by a solid 6.3 per cent in the December quarter after a surge of 38.7 per cent in the September quarter, the highest quarterly growth figure on record. Our retail sector is also booming. Access Economics forecast today that retail trade growth in Western Australia is set to lead the nation. Specifically, Access Economics has forecast retail turnover of 4.6 per cent this year compared with a decline of 1.9 per cent in 2000-01. Access Economics has also forecast annual average growth of 3.8 per cent over the next five years, compared with actual growth of only 1.8 per cent over the past five years. These figures come on top of the Western Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry BankWest survey released on 1 March, the state final demand figures released on 7 March, the employment figures released on 14 March and the Westpac-Melbourne Institute Index of Consumer Sentiment figures announced on 15 March. That range of figures shows that in 2000-01, the last year of the conservative National-Liberal Government in Western Australia, there was negative growth in Western Australia. However, we have had very strong economic growth of four per cent over the past 12 months. That growth is being partly fed by a strong capital works program and by the confidence of individuals or corporations in the future of this State. We can say that the forecast for the Western Australian economy is very bright. However, I am not so sure about the current forecast for the Opposition.
Some new figures have been released that confirm that Western Australia is experiencing strong economic growth. Mr Barnett: Which they did in December 2000 and in March 2001 when you came into government. Dr GALLOP: Last week I suggested that the Leader of the Opposition look at himself in a mirror and say that the Government’s initiative was a good initiative and that the Opposition would work with the Government to implement it. I challenge him today to say in front of a mirror, “That is good news for Western Australia and I want more of it.” Why does he not try that for a change? He is always knocking the Western Australian economy. Dwelling commencements grew by a solid 6.3 per cent in the December quarter after a surge of 38.7 per cent in the September quarter, the highest quarterly growth figure on record. Our retail sector is also booming. Access Economics forecast today that retail trade growth in Western Australia is set to lead the nation. Specifically, Access Economics has forecast retail turnover of 4.6 per cent this year compared with a decline of 1.9 per cent in 2000-01. Access Economics has also forecast annual average growth of 3.8 per cent over the next five years, compared with actual growth of only 1.8 per cent over the past five years. These figures come on top of the Western Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry BankWest survey released on 1 March, the state final demand figures released on 7 March, the employment figures released on 14 March and the Westpac-Melbourne Institute Index of Consumer Sentiment figures announced on 15 March. That range of figures shows that in 2000-01, the last year of the conservative National-Liberal Government in Western Australia, there was negative growth in Western Australia. However, we have had very strong economic growth of four per cent over the past 12 months. That growth is being partly fed by a strong capital works program and by the confidence of individuals or corporations in the future of this State. We can say that the forecast for the Western Australian economy is very bright. However, I am not so sure about the current forecast for the Opposition.
Mr Barnett: Which they did in December 2000 and in March 2001 when you came into government. Dr GALLOP: Last week I suggested that the Leader of the Opposition look at himself in a mirror and say that the Government’s initiative was a good initiative and that the Opposition would work with the Government to implement it. I challenge him today to say in front of a mirror, “That is good news for Western Australia and I want more of it.” Why does he not try that for a change? He is always knocking the Western Australian economy. Dwelling commencements grew by a solid 6.3 per cent in the December quarter after a surge of 38.7 per cent in the September quarter, the highest quarterly growth figure on record. Our retail sector is also booming. Access Economics forecast today that retail trade growth in Western Australia is set to lead the nation. Specifically, Access Economics has forecast retail turnover of 4.6 per cent this year compared with a decline of 1.9 per cent in 2000-01. Access Economics has also forecast annual average growth of 3.8 per cent over the next five years, compared with actual growth of only 1.8 per cent over the past five years. These figures come on top of the Western Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry BankWest survey released on 1 March, the state final demand figures released on 7 March, the employment figures released on 14 March and the Westpac-Melbourne Institute Index of Consumer Sentiment figures announced on 15 March. That range of figures shows that in 2000-01, the last year of the conservative National-Liberal Government in Western Australia, there was negative growth in Western Australia. However, we have had very strong economic growth of four per cent over the past 12 months. That growth is being partly fed by a strong capital works program and by the confidence of individuals or corporations in the future of this State. We can say that the forecast for the Western Australian economy is very bright. However, I am not so sure about the current forecast for the Opposition.
Dr GALLOP: Last week I suggested that the Leader of the Opposition look at himself in a mirror and say that the Government’s initiative was a good initiative and that the Opposition would work with the Government to implement it. I challenge him today to say in front of a mirror, “That is good news for Western Australia and I want more of it.” Why does he not try that for a change? He is always knocking the Western Australian economy. Dwelling commencements grew by a solid 6.3 per cent in the December quarter after a surge of 38.7 per cent in the September quarter, the highest quarterly growth figure on record. Our retail sector is also booming. Access Economics forecast today that retail trade growth in Western Australia is set to lead the nation. Specifically, Access Economics has forecast retail turnover of 4.6 per cent this year compared with a decline of 1.9 per cent in 2000-01. Access Economics has also forecast annual average growth of 3.8 per cent over the next five years, compared with actual growth of only 1.8 per cent over the past five years. These figures come on top of the Western Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry BankWest survey released on 1 March, the state final demand figures released on 7 March, the employment figures released on 14 March and the Westpac-Melbourne Institute Index of Consumer Sentiment figures announced on 15 March. That range of figures shows that in 2000-01, the last year of the conservative National-Liberal Government in Western Australia, there was negative growth in Western Australia. However, we have had very strong economic growth of four per cent over the past 12 months. That growth is being partly fed by a strong capital works program and by the confidence of individuals or corporations in the future of this State. We can say that the forecast for the Western Australian economy is very bright. However, I am not so sure about the current forecast for the Opposition.
Dwelling commencements grew by a solid 6.3 per cent in the December quarter after a surge of 38.7 per cent in the September quarter, the highest quarterly growth figure on record. Our retail sector is also booming. Access Economics forecast today that retail trade growth in Western Australia is set to lead the nation. Specifically, Access Economics has forecast retail turnover of 4.6 per cent this year compared with a decline of 1.9 per cent in 2000-01. Access Economics has also forecast annual average growth of 3.8 per cent over the next five years, compared with actual growth of only 1.8 per cent over the past five years. These figures come on top of the Western Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry BankWest survey released on 1 March, the state final demand figures released on 7 March, the employment figures released on 14 March and the Westpac-Melbourne Institute Index of Consumer Sentiment figures announced on 15 March. That range of figures shows that in 2000-01, the last year of the conservative National-Liberal Government in Western Australia, there was negative growth in Western Australia. However, we have had very strong economic growth of four per cent over the past 12 months. That growth is being partly fed by a strong capital works program and by the confidence of individuals or corporations in the future of this State. We can say that the forecast for the Western Australian economy is very bright. However, I am not so sure about the current forecast for the Opposition.
Dr GALLOP replied: I will avoid the temptation to contrast the statements of the Leader of the Opposition on the Western Australian economy with the actual figures. Some new figures have been released that confirm that Western Australia is experiencing strong economic growth. Mr Barnett: Which they did in December 2000 and in March 2001 when you came into government. Dr GALLOP: Last week I suggested that the Leader of the Opposition look at himself in a mirror and say that the Government’s initiative was a good initiative and that the Opposition would work with the Government to implement it. I challenge him today to say in front of a mirror, “That is good news for Western Australia and I want more of it.” Why does he not try that for a change? He is always knocking the Western Australian economy. Dwelling commencements grew by a solid 6.3 per cent in the December quarter after a surge of 38.7 per cent in the September quarter, the highest quarterly growth figure on record. Our retail sector is also booming. Access Economics forecast today that retail trade growth in Western Australia is set to lead the nation. Specifically, Access Economics has forecast retail turnover of 4.6 per cent this year compared with a decline of 1.9 per cent in 2000-01. Access Economics has also forecast annual average growth of 3.8 per cent over the next five years, compared with actual growth of only 1.8 per cent over the past five years. These figures come on top of the Western Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry BankWest survey released on 1 March, the state final demand figures released on 7 March, the employment figures released on 14 March and the Westpac-Melbourne Institute Index of Consumer Sentiment figures announced on 15 March. That range of figures shows that in 2000-01, the last year of the conservative National-Liberal Government in Western Australia, there was negative growth in Western Australia. However, we have had very strong economic growth of four per cent over the past 12 months. That growth is being partly fed by a strong capital works program and by the confidence of individuals or corporations in the future of this State. We can say that the forecast for the Western Australian economy is very bright. However, I am not so sure about the current forecast for the Opposition.
I will avoid the temptation to contrast the statements of the Leader of the Opposition on the Western Australian economy with the actual figures. Some new figures have been released that confirm that Western Australia is experiencing strong economic growth. Mr Barnett: Which they did in December 2000 and in March 2001 when you came into government. Dr GALLOP: Last week I suggested that the Leader of the Opposition look at himself in a mirror and say that the Government’s initiative was a good initiative and that the Opposition would work with the Government to implement it. I challenge him today to say in front of a mirror, “That is good news for Western Australia and I want more of it.” Why does he not try that for a change? He is always knocking the Western Australian economy. Dwelling commencements grew by a solid 6.3 per cent in the December quarter after a surge of 38.7 per cent in the September quarter, the highest quarterly growth figure on record. Our retail sector is also booming. Access Economics forecast today that retail trade growth in Western Australia is set to lead the nation. Specifically, Access Economics has forecast retail turnover of 4.6 per cent this year compared with a decline of 1.9 per cent in 2000-01. Access Economics has also forecast annual average growth of 3.8 per cent over the next five years, compared with actual growth of only 1.8 per cent over the past five years. These figures come on top of the Western Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry BankWest survey released on 1 March, the state final demand figures released on 7 March, the employment figures released on 14 March and the Westpac-Melbourne Institute Index of Consumer Sentiment figures announced on 15 March. That range of figures shows that in 2000-01, the last year of the conservative National-Liberal Government in Western Australia, there was negative growth in Western Australia. However, we have had very strong economic growth of four per cent over the past 12 months. That growth is being partly fed by a strong capital works program and by the confidence of individuals or corporations in the future of this State. We can say that the forecast for the Western Australian economy is very bright. However, I am not so sure about the current forecast for the Opposition.
Some new figures have been released that confirm that Western Australia is experiencing strong economic growth. Mr Barnett: Which they did in December 2000 and in March 2001 when you came into government. Dr GALLOP: Last week I suggested that the Leader of the Opposition look at himself in a mirror and say that the Government’s initiative was a good initiative and that the Opposition would work with the Government to implement it. I challenge him today to say in front of a mirror, “That is good news for Western Australia and I want more of it.” Why does he not try that for a change? He is always knocking the Western Australian economy. Dwelling commencements grew by a solid 6.3 per cent in the December quarter after a surge of 38.7 per cent in the September quarter, the highest quarterly growth figure on record. Our retail sector is also booming. Access Economics forecast today that retail trade growth in Western Australia is set to lead the nation. Specifically, Access Economics has forecast retail turnover of 4.6 per cent this year compared with a decline of 1.9 per cent in 2000-01. Access Economics has also forecast annual average growth of 3.8 per cent over the next five years, compared with actual growth of only 1.8 per cent over the past five years. These figures come on top of the Western Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry BankWest survey released on 1 March, the state final demand figures released on 7 March, the employment figures released on 14 March and the Westpac-Melbourne Institute Index of Consumer Sentiment figures announced on 15 March. That range of figures shows that in 2000-01, the last year of the conservative National-Liberal Government in Western Australia, there was negative growth in Western Australia. However, we have had very strong economic growth of four per cent over the past 12 months. That growth is being partly fed by a strong capital works program and by the confidence of individuals or corporations in the future of this State. We can say that the forecast for the Western Australian economy is very bright. However, I am not so sure about the current forecast for the Opposition.
Mr Barnett: Which they did in December 2000 and in March 2001 when you came into government. Dr GALLOP: Last week I suggested that the Leader of the Opposition look at himself in a mirror and say that the Government’s initiative was a good initiative and that the Opposition would work with the Government to implement it. I challenge him today to say in front of a mirror, “That is good news for Western Australia and I want more of it.” Why does he not try that for a change? He is always knocking the Western Australian economy. Dwelling commencements grew by a solid 6.3 per cent in the December quarter after a surge of 38.7 per cent in the September quarter, the highest quarterly growth figure on record. Our retail sector is also booming. Access Economics forecast today that retail trade growth in Western Australia is set to lead the nation. Specifically, Access Economics has forecast retail turnover of 4.6 per cent this year compared with a decline of 1.9 per cent in 2000-01. Access Economics has also forecast annual average growth of 3.8 per cent over the next five years, compared with actual growth of only 1.8 per cent over the past five years. These figures come on top of the Western Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry BankWest survey released on 1 March, the state final demand figures released on 7 March, the employment figures released on 14 March and the Westpac-Melbourne Institute Index of Consumer Sentiment figures announced on 15 March. That range of figures shows that in 2000-01, the last year of the conservative National-Liberal Government in Western Australia, there was negative growth in Western Australia. However, we have had very strong economic growth of four per cent over the past 12 months. That growth is being partly fed by a strong capital works program and by the confidence of individuals or corporations in the future of this State. We can say that the forecast for the Western Australian economy is very bright. However, I am not so sure about the current forecast for the Opposition.
Dr GALLOP: Last week I suggested that the Leader of the Opposition look at himself in a mirror and say that the Government’s initiative was a good initiative and that the Opposition would work with the Government to implement it. I challenge him today to say in front of a mirror, “That is good news for Western Australia and I want more of it.” Why does he not try that for a change? He is always knocking the Western Australian economy. Dwelling commencements grew by a solid 6.3 per cent in the December quarter after a surge of 38.7 per cent in the September quarter, the highest quarterly growth figure on record. Our retail sector is also booming. Access Economics forecast today that retail trade growth in Western Australia is set to lead the nation. Specifically, Access Economics has forecast retail turnover of 4.6 per cent this year compared with a decline of 1.9 per cent in 2000-01. Access Economics has also forecast annual average growth of 3.8 per cent over the next five years, compared with actual growth of only 1.8 per cent over the past five years. These figures come on top of the Western Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry BankWest survey released on 1 March, the state final demand figures released on 7 March, the employment figures released on 14 March and the Westpac-Melbourne Institute Index of Consumer Sentiment figures announced on 15 March. That range of figures shows that in 2000-01, the last year of the conservative National-Liberal Government in Western Australia, there was negative growth in Western Australia. However, we have had very strong economic growth of four per cent over the past 12 months. That growth is being partly fed by a strong capital works program and by the confidence of individuals or corporations in the future of this State. We can say that the forecast for the Western Australian economy is very bright. However, I am not so sure about the current forecast for the Opposition.
Dwelling commencements grew by a solid 6.3 per cent in the December quarter after a surge of 38.7 per cent in the September quarter, the highest quarterly growth figure on record. Our retail sector is also booming. Access Economics forecast today that retail trade growth in Western Australia is set to lead the nation. Specifically, Access Economics has forecast retail turnover of 4.6 per cent this year compared with a decline of 1.9 per cent in 2000-01. Access Economics has also forecast annual average growth of 3.8 per cent over the next five years, compared with actual growth of only 1.8 per cent over the past five years. These figures come on top of the Western Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry BankWest survey released on 1 March, the state final demand figures released on 7 March, the employment figures released on 14 March and the Westpac-Melbourne Institute Index of Consumer Sentiment figures announced on 15 March. That range of figures shows that in 2000-01, the last year of the conservative National-Liberal Government in Western Australia, there was negative growth in Western Australia. However, we have had very strong economic growth of four per cent over the past 12 months. That growth is being partly fed by a strong capital works program and by the confidence of individuals or corporations in the future of this State. We can say that the forecast for the Western Australian economy is very bright. However, I am not so sure about the current forecast for the Opposition.
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