❓ Question regarding securing bipartisan support for fair Commonwealth funding for WA. The Acting Premier highlights the disparity in funding and calls for a united front, while also criticising the Liberal party's internal conflicts.
AnsweredQoN 409Legislative Assembly
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COMMONWEALTH FUNDING - BIPARTISAN SUPPORT
Before I ask the question, I acknowledge on behalf of the member for Kingsley students from the Greenwood Senior High School in her electorate who are in the gallery. I welcome them to the chamber. Can the Acting Premier inform the house of moves to secure bipartisan support for Western Australians to receive their fair share of commonwealth funding? Mr E.S. RIPPER
Before I ask the question, I acknowledge on behalf of the member for Kingsley students from the Greenwood Senior High School in her electorate who are in the gallery. I welcome them to the chamber. Can the Acting Premier inform the house of moves to secure bipartisan support for Western Australians to receive their fair share of commonwealth funding? Mr E.S. RIPPER
AnswerView source ↗
Before I answer the question, I join with the Leader of the Opposition in congratulating the Socceroos for a magnificent performance at the World Cup. The last minute of the game early this morning was heartbreaking. If there is a little less energy in the house today due to lack of sleep, that would be quite understandable. I also congratulate the Wallabies. That was a magnificent performance against Ireland on Saturday. The member has asked a serious question. It is one that should be considered as a significant question by all members of the Parliament. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : I say to the member for Dawesville that we all have a duty to stick up for this state and to ensure that it gets the best deal possible from the commonwealth. Our Department of Treasury and Finance recently released a discussion paper on commonwealth-state financial relations and the findings are alarming. In 2003-04 the commonwealth raised around $3 billion more revenue from Western Australia than it returned in expenditure. That subsidy has now blown out to $4 billion, or $2 000 a year for each Western Australian. The commonwealth is taking $4 billion more than it gives back and, quite frankly, I think it is time that all Western Australians and, in particular, all members of this house stood up and said, “Enough is enough”. The discussion paper identifies the problems and suggests the best way forward. It is quite clear to me that we need a bipartisan approach on behalf of all Western Australians. To that end, the Under Treasurer is providing each member of the Western Australian Parliament with a copy of the discussion paper, and copies are also being sent to WA senators. That might give David Johnston something constructive to do. I urge all members opposite to read the paper and to join the government in fighting for a better deal for our state. Mr P.D. Omodei : Are you going to do the same by giving Western Australians back their fair share? Mr E.S. RIPPER : It is clear from that interjection from the Leader of the Opposition that securing bipartisan support from the Liberals will be something of a challenge, not only because of the type of interjection that we just heard, but also because the Liberals cannot even support each other. Last Friday we had the spectacle of the member for Kalgoorlie declaring that he was still the best person to lead the Liberals of Western Australia. He has a supporter - the Minister for Small Business! The member for Kalgoorlie said, I think very deliberately - Well look I held that view and I continue to hold that view . . . That is what he told Stateline . He then went on to say - . . . but I think it is fair to say that your leadership ambitions don’t disappear with one vote of the party room particularly when that vote was 17/16 there was only one vote in it . . . We all know whose vote that was! The member for Vasse looked his then leader in the eye and said, “I’m voting for you”. That is what he did. The member for Warren-Blackwood should watch his back because he could be in big trouble. The issue of commonwealth-state relations is one of the biggest challenges facing our state. We need a bipartisan approach to this issue. To get that bipartisan approach we need members of a Liberal Party that are interested in fighting Canberra for a better deal for Western Australia rather than interested in fighting among themselves.
Can the Acting Premier inform the house of moves to secure bipartisan support for Western Australians to receive their fair share of commonwealth funding? Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: Before I answer the question, I join with the Leader of the Opposition in congratulating the Socceroos for a magnificent performance at the World Cup. The last minute of the game early this morning was heartbreaking. If there is a little less energy in the house today due to lack of sleep, that would be quite understandable. I also congratulate the Wallabies. That was a magnificent performance against Ireland on Saturday. The member has asked a serious question. It is one that should be considered as a significant question by all members of the Parliament. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : I say to the member for Dawesville that we all have a duty to stick up for this state and to ensure that it gets the best deal possible from the commonwealth. Our Department of Treasury and Finance recently released a discussion paper on commonwealth-state financial relations and the findings are alarming. In 2003-04 the commonwealth raised around $3 billion more revenue from Western Australia than it returned in expenditure. That subsidy has now blown out to $4 billion, or $2 000 a year for each Western Australian. The commonwealth is taking $4 billion more than it gives back and, quite frankly, I think it is time that all Western Australians and, in particular, all members of this house stood up and said, “Enough is enough”. The discussion paper identifies the problems and suggests the best way forward. It is quite clear to me that we need a bipartisan approach on behalf of all Western Australians. To that end, the Under Treasurer is providing each member of the Western Australian Parliament with a copy of the discussion paper, and copies are also being sent to WA senators. That might give David Johnston something constructive to do. I urge all members opposite to read the paper and to join the government in fighting for a better deal for our state. Mr P.D. Omodei : Are you going to do the same by giving Western Australians back their fair share? Mr E.S. RIPPER : It is clear from that interjection from the Leader of the Opposition that securing bipartisan support from the Liberals will be something of a challenge, not only because of the type of interjection that we just heard, but also because the Liberals cannot even support each other. Last Friday we had the spectacle of the member for Kalgoorlie declaring that he was still the best person to lead the Liberals of Western Australia. He has a supporter - the Minister for Small Business! The member for Kalgoorlie said, I think very deliberately - Well look I held that view and I continue to hold that view . . . That is what he told Stateline . He then went on to say - . . . but I think it is fair to say that your leadership ambitions don’t disappear with one vote of the party room particularly when that vote was 17/16 there was only one vote in it . . . We all know whose vote that was! The member for Vasse looked his then leader in the eye and said, “I’m voting for you”. That is what he did. The member for Warren-Blackwood should watch his back because he could be in big trouble. The issue of commonwealth-state relations is one of the biggest challenges facing our state. We need a bipartisan approach to this issue. To get that bipartisan approach we need members of a Liberal Party that are interested in fighting Canberra for a better deal for Western Australia rather than interested in fighting among themselves.
Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: Before I answer the question, I join with the Leader of the Opposition in congratulating the Socceroos for a magnificent performance at the World Cup. The last minute of the game early this morning was heartbreaking. If there is a little less energy in the house today due to lack of sleep, that would be quite understandable. I also congratulate the Wallabies. That was a magnificent performance against Ireland on Saturday. The member has asked a serious question. It is one that should be considered as a significant question by all members of the Parliament. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : I say to the member for Dawesville that we all have a duty to stick up for this state and to ensure that it gets the best deal possible from the commonwealth. Our Department of Treasury and Finance recently released a discussion paper on commonwealth-state financial relations and the findings are alarming. In 2003-04 the commonwealth raised around $3 billion more revenue from Western Australia than it returned in expenditure. That subsidy has now blown out to $4 billion, or $2 000 a year for each Western Australian. The commonwealth is taking $4 billion more than it gives back and, quite frankly, I think it is time that all Western Australians and, in particular, all members of this house stood up and said, “Enough is enough”. The discussion paper identifies the problems and suggests the best way forward. It is quite clear to me that we need a bipartisan approach on behalf of all Western Australians. To that end, the Under Treasurer is providing each member of the Western Australian Parliament with a copy of the discussion paper, and copies are also being sent to WA senators. That might give David Johnston something constructive to do. I urge all members opposite to read the paper and to join the government in fighting for a better deal for our state. Mr P.D. Omodei : Are you going to do the same by giving Western Australians back their fair share? Mr E.S. RIPPER : It is clear from that interjection from the Leader of the Opposition that securing bipartisan support from the Liberals will be something of a challenge, not only because of the type of interjection that we just heard, but also because the Liberals cannot even support each other. Last Friday we had the spectacle of the member for Kalgoorlie declaring that he was still the best person to lead the Liberals of Western Australia. He has a supporter - the Minister for Small Business! The member for Kalgoorlie said, I think very deliberately - Well look I held that view and I continue to hold that view . . . That is what he told Stateline . He then went on to say - . . . but I think it is fair to say that your leadership ambitions don’t disappear with one vote of the party room particularly when that vote was 17/16 there was only one vote in it . . . We all know whose vote that was! The member for Vasse looked his then leader in the eye and said, “I’m voting for you”. That is what he did. The member for Warren-Blackwood should watch his back because he could be in big trouble. The issue of commonwealth-state relations is one of the biggest challenges facing our state. We need a bipartisan approach to this issue. To get that bipartisan approach we need members of a Liberal Party that are interested in fighting Canberra for a better deal for Western Australia rather than interested in fighting among themselves.
Before I answer the question, I join with the Leader of the Opposition in congratulating the Socceroos for a magnificent performance at the World Cup. The last minute of the game early this morning was heartbreaking. If there is a little less energy in the house today due to lack of sleep, that would be quite understandable. I also congratulate the Wallabies. That was a magnificent performance against Ireland on Saturday. The member has asked a serious question. It is one that should be considered as a significant question by all members of the Parliament. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : I say to the member for Dawesville that we all have a duty to stick up for this state and to ensure that it gets the best deal possible from the commonwealth. Our Department of Treasury and Finance recently released a discussion paper on commonwealth-state financial relations and the findings are alarming. In 2003-04 the commonwealth raised around $3 billion more revenue from Western Australia than it returned in expenditure. That subsidy has now blown out to $4 billion, or $2 000 a year for each Western Australian. The commonwealth is taking $4 billion more than it gives back and, quite frankly, I think it is time that all Western Australians and, in particular, all members of this house stood up and said, “Enough is enough”. The discussion paper identifies the problems and suggests the best way forward. It is quite clear to me that we need a bipartisan approach on behalf of all Western Australians. To that end, the Under Treasurer is providing each member of the Western Australian Parliament with a copy of the discussion paper, and copies are also being sent to WA senators. That might give David Johnston something constructive to do. I urge all members opposite to read the paper and to join the government in fighting for a better deal for our state. Mr P.D. Omodei : Are you going to do the same by giving Western Australians back their fair share? Mr E.S. RIPPER : It is clear from that interjection from the Leader of the Opposition that securing bipartisan support from the Liberals will be something of a challenge, not only because of the type of interjection that we just heard, but also because the Liberals cannot even support each other. Last Friday we had the spectacle of the member for Kalgoorlie declaring that he was still the best person to lead the Liberals of Western Australia. He has a supporter - the Minister for Small Business! The member for Kalgoorlie said, I think very deliberately - Well look I held that view and I continue to hold that view . . . That is what he told Stateline . He then went on to say - . . . but I think it is fair to say that your leadership ambitions don’t disappear with one vote of the party room particularly when that vote was 17/16 there was only one vote in it . . . We all know whose vote that was! The member for Vasse looked his then leader in the eye and said, “I’m voting for you”. That is what he did. The member for Warren-Blackwood should watch his back because he could be in big trouble. The issue of commonwealth-state relations is one of the biggest challenges facing our state. We need a bipartisan approach to this issue. To get that bipartisan approach we need members of a Liberal Party that are interested in fighting Canberra for a better deal for Western Australia rather than interested in fighting among themselves.
The member has asked a serious question. It is one that should be considered as a significant question by all members of the Parliament. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : I say to the member for Dawesville that we all have a duty to stick up for this state and to ensure that it gets the best deal possible from the commonwealth. Our Department of Treasury and Finance recently released a discussion paper on commonwealth-state financial relations and the findings are alarming. In 2003-04 the commonwealth raised around $3 billion more revenue from Western Australia than it returned in expenditure. That subsidy has now blown out to $4 billion, or $2 000 a year for each Western Australian. The commonwealth is taking $4 billion more than it gives back and, quite frankly, I think it is time that all Western Australians and, in particular, all members of this house stood up and said, “Enough is enough”. The discussion paper identifies the problems and suggests the best way forward. It is quite clear to me that we need a bipartisan approach on behalf of all Western Australians. To that end, the Under Treasurer is providing each member of the Western Australian Parliament with a copy of the discussion paper, and copies are also being sent to WA senators. That might give David Johnston something constructive to do. I urge all members opposite to read the paper and to join the government in fighting for a better deal for our state. Mr P.D. Omodei : Are you going to do the same by giving Western Australians back their fair share? Mr E.S. RIPPER : It is clear from that interjection from the Leader of the Opposition that securing bipartisan support from the Liberals will be something of a challenge, not only because of the type of interjection that we just heard, but also because the Liberals cannot even support each other. Last Friday we had the spectacle of the member for Kalgoorlie declaring that he was still the best person to lead the Liberals of Western Australia. He has a supporter - the Minister for Small Business! The member for Kalgoorlie said, I think very deliberately - Well look I held that view and I continue to hold that view . . . That is what he told Stateline . He then went on to say - . . . but I think it is fair to say that your leadership ambitions don’t disappear with one vote of the party room particularly when that vote was 17/16 there was only one vote in it . . . We all know whose vote that was! The member for Vasse looked his then leader in the eye and said, “I’m voting for you”. That is what he did. The member for Warren-Blackwood should watch his back because he could be in big trouble. The issue of commonwealth-state relations is one of the biggest challenges facing our state. We need a bipartisan approach to this issue. To get that bipartisan approach we need members of a Liberal Party that are interested in fighting Canberra for a better deal for Western Australia rather than interested in fighting among themselves.
Dr K.D. Hames interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : I say to the member for Dawesville that we all have a duty to stick up for this state and to ensure that it gets the best deal possible from the commonwealth. Our Department of Treasury and Finance recently released a discussion paper on commonwealth-state financial relations and the findings are alarming. In 2003-04 the commonwealth raised around $3 billion more revenue from Western Australia than it returned in expenditure. That subsidy has now blown out to $4 billion, or $2 000 a year for each Western Australian. The commonwealth is taking $4 billion more than it gives back and, quite frankly, I think it is time that all Western Australians and, in particular, all members of this house stood up and said, “Enough is enough”. The discussion paper identifies the problems and suggests the best way forward. It is quite clear to me that we need a bipartisan approach on behalf of all Western Australians. To that end, the Under Treasurer is providing each member of the Western Australian Parliament with a copy of the discussion paper, and copies are also being sent to WA senators. That might give David Johnston something constructive to do. I urge all members opposite to read the paper and to join the government in fighting for a better deal for our state. Mr P.D. Omodei : Are you going to do the same by giving Western Australians back their fair share? Mr E.S. RIPPER : It is clear from that interjection from the Leader of the Opposition that securing bipartisan support from the Liberals will be something of a challenge, not only because of the type of interjection that we just heard, but also because the Liberals cannot even support each other. Last Friday we had the spectacle of the member for Kalgoorlie declaring that he was still the best person to lead the Liberals of Western Australia. He has a supporter - the Minister for Small Business! The member for Kalgoorlie said, I think very deliberately - Well look I held that view and I continue to hold that view . . . That is what he told Stateline . He then went on to say - . . . but I think it is fair to say that your leadership ambitions don’t disappear with one vote of the party room particularly when that vote was 17/16 there was only one vote in it . . . We all know whose vote that was! The member for Vasse looked his then leader in the eye and said, “I’m voting for you”. That is what he did. The member for Warren-Blackwood should watch his back because he could be in big trouble. The issue of commonwealth-state relations is one of the biggest challenges facing our state. We need a bipartisan approach to this issue. To get that bipartisan approach we need members of a Liberal Party that are interested in fighting Canberra for a better deal for Western Australia rather than interested in fighting among themselves.
Mr E.S. RIPPER : I say to the member for Dawesville that we all have a duty to stick up for this state and to ensure that it gets the best deal possible from the commonwealth. Our Department of Treasury and Finance recently released a discussion paper on commonwealth-state financial relations and the findings are alarming. In 2003-04 the commonwealth raised around $3 billion more revenue from Western Australia than it returned in expenditure. That subsidy has now blown out to $4 billion, or $2 000 a year for each Western Australian. The commonwealth is taking $4 billion more than it gives back and, quite frankly, I think it is time that all Western Australians and, in particular, all members of this house stood up and said, “Enough is enough”. The discussion paper identifies the problems and suggests the best way forward. It is quite clear to me that we need a bipartisan approach on behalf of all Western Australians. To that end, the Under Treasurer is providing each member of the Western Australian Parliament with a copy of the discussion paper, and copies are also being sent to WA senators. That might give David Johnston something constructive to do. I urge all members opposite to read the paper and to join the government in fighting for a better deal for our state. Mr P.D. Omodei : Are you going to do the same by giving Western Australians back their fair share? Mr E.S. RIPPER : It is clear from that interjection from the Leader of the Opposition that securing bipartisan support from the Liberals will be something of a challenge, not only because of the type of interjection that we just heard, but also because the Liberals cannot even support each other. Last Friday we had the spectacle of the member for Kalgoorlie declaring that he was still the best person to lead the Liberals of Western Australia. He has a supporter - the Minister for Small Business! The member for Kalgoorlie said, I think very deliberately - Well look I held that view and I continue to hold that view . . . That is what he told Stateline . He then went on to say - . . . but I think it is fair to say that your leadership ambitions don’t disappear with one vote of the party room particularly when that vote was 17/16 there was only one vote in it . . . We all know whose vote that was! The member for Vasse looked his then leader in the eye and said, “I’m voting for you”. That is what he did. The member for Warren-Blackwood should watch his back because he could be in big trouble. The issue of commonwealth-state relations is one of the biggest challenges facing our state. We need a bipartisan approach to this issue. To get that bipartisan approach we need members of a Liberal Party that are interested in fighting Canberra for a better deal for Western Australia rather than interested in fighting among themselves.
Mr P.D. Omodei : Are you going to do the same by giving Western Australians back their fair share? Mr E.S. RIPPER : It is clear from that interjection from the Leader of the Opposition that securing bipartisan support from the Liberals will be something of a challenge, not only because of the type of interjection that we just heard, but also because the Liberals cannot even support each other. Last Friday we had the spectacle of the member for Kalgoorlie declaring that he was still the best person to lead the Liberals of Western Australia. He has a supporter - the Minister for Small Business! The member for Kalgoorlie said, I think very deliberately - Well look I held that view and I continue to hold that view . . . That is what he told Stateline . He then went on to say - . . . but I think it is fair to say that your leadership ambitions don’t disappear with one vote of the party room particularly when that vote was 17/16 there was only one vote in it . . . We all know whose vote that was! The member for Vasse looked his then leader in the eye and said, “I’m voting for you”. That is what he did. The member for Warren-Blackwood should watch his back because he could be in big trouble. The issue of commonwealth-state relations is one of the biggest challenges facing our state. We need a bipartisan approach to this issue. To get that bipartisan approach we need members of a Liberal Party that are interested in fighting Canberra for a better deal for Western Australia rather than interested in fighting among themselves.
Mr E.S. RIPPER : It is clear from that interjection from the Leader of the Opposition that securing bipartisan support from the Liberals will be something of a challenge, not only because of the type of interjection that we just heard, but also because the Liberals cannot even support each other. Last Friday we had the spectacle of the member for Kalgoorlie declaring that he was still the best person to lead the Liberals of Western Australia. He has a supporter - the Minister for Small Business! The member for Kalgoorlie said, I think very deliberately - Well look I held that view and I continue to hold that view . . . That is what he told Stateline . He then went on to say - . . . but I think it is fair to say that your leadership ambitions don’t disappear with one vote of the party room particularly when that vote was 17/16 there was only one vote in it . . . We all know whose vote that was! The member for Vasse looked his then leader in the eye and said, “I’m voting for you”. That is what he did. The member for Warren-Blackwood should watch his back because he could be in big trouble. The issue of commonwealth-state relations is one of the biggest challenges facing our state. We need a bipartisan approach to this issue. To get that bipartisan approach we need members of a Liberal Party that are interested in fighting Canberra for a better deal for Western Australia rather than interested in fighting among themselves.
The issue of commonwealth-state relations is one of the biggest challenges facing our state. We need a bipartisan approach to this issue. To get that bipartisan approach we need members of a Liberal Party that are interested in fighting Canberra for a better deal for Western Australia rather than interested in fighting among themselves.
Can the Acting Premier inform the house of moves to secure bipartisan support for Western Australians to receive their fair share of commonwealth funding? Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: Before I answer the question, I join with the Leader of the Opposition in congratulating the Socceroos for a magnificent performance at the World Cup. The last minute of the game early this morning was heartbreaking. If there is a little less energy in the house today due to lack of sleep, that would be quite understandable. I also congratulate the Wallabies. That was a magnificent performance against Ireland on Saturday. The member has asked a serious question. It is one that should be considered as a significant question by all members of the Parliament. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : I say to the member for Dawesville that we all have a duty to stick up for this state and to ensure that it gets the best deal possible from the commonwealth. Our Department of Treasury and Finance recently released a discussion paper on commonwealth-state financial relations and the findings are alarming. In 2003-04 the commonwealth raised around $3 billion more revenue from Western Australia than it returned in expenditure. That subsidy has now blown out to $4 billion, or $2 000 a year for each Western Australian. The commonwealth is taking $4 billion more than it gives back and, quite frankly, I think it is time that all Western Australians and, in particular, all members of this house stood up and said, “Enough is enough”. The discussion paper identifies the problems and suggests the best way forward. It is quite clear to me that we need a bipartisan approach on behalf of all Western Australians. To that end, the Under Treasurer is providing each member of the Western Australian Parliament with a copy of the discussion paper, and copies are also being sent to WA senators. That might give David Johnston something constructive to do. I urge all members opposite to read the paper and to join the government in fighting for a better deal for our state. Mr P.D. Omodei : Are you going to do the same by giving Western Australians back their fair share? Mr E.S. RIPPER : It is clear from that interjection from the Leader of the Opposition that securing bipartisan support from the Liberals will be something of a challenge, not only because of the type of interjection that we just heard, but also because the Liberals cannot even support each other. Last Friday we had the spectacle of the member for Kalgoorlie declaring that he was still the best person to lead the Liberals of Western Australia. He has a supporter - the Minister for Small Business! The member for Kalgoorlie said, I think very deliberately - Well look I held that view and I continue to hold that view . . . That is what he told Stateline . He then went on to say - . . . but I think it is fair to say that your leadership ambitions don’t disappear with one vote of the party room particularly when that vote was 17/16 there was only one vote in it . . . We all know whose vote that was! The member for Vasse looked his then leader in the eye and said, “I’m voting for you”. That is what he did. The member for Warren-Blackwood should watch his back because he could be in big trouble. The issue of commonwealth-state relations is one of the biggest challenges facing our state. We need a bipartisan approach to this issue. To get that bipartisan approach we need members of a Liberal Party that are interested in fighting Canberra for a better deal for Western Australia rather than interested in fighting among themselves.
Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: Before I answer the question, I join with the Leader of the Opposition in congratulating the Socceroos for a magnificent performance at the World Cup. The last minute of the game early this morning was heartbreaking. If there is a little less energy in the house today due to lack of sleep, that would be quite understandable. I also congratulate the Wallabies. That was a magnificent performance against Ireland on Saturday. The member has asked a serious question. It is one that should be considered as a significant question by all members of the Parliament. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : I say to the member for Dawesville that we all have a duty to stick up for this state and to ensure that it gets the best deal possible from the commonwealth. Our Department of Treasury and Finance recently released a discussion paper on commonwealth-state financial relations and the findings are alarming. In 2003-04 the commonwealth raised around $3 billion more revenue from Western Australia than it returned in expenditure. That subsidy has now blown out to $4 billion, or $2 000 a year for each Western Australian. The commonwealth is taking $4 billion more than it gives back and, quite frankly, I think it is time that all Western Australians and, in particular, all members of this house stood up and said, “Enough is enough”. The discussion paper identifies the problems and suggests the best way forward. It is quite clear to me that we need a bipartisan approach on behalf of all Western Australians. To that end, the Under Treasurer is providing each member of the Western Australian Parliament with a copy of the discussion paper, and copies are also being sent to WA senators. That might give David Johnston something constructive to do. I urge all members opposite to read the paper and to join the government in fighting for a better deal for our state. Mr P.D. Omodei : Are you going to do the same by giving Western Australians back their fair share? Mr E.S. RIPPER : It is clear from that interjection from the Leader of the Opposition that securing bipartisan support from the Liberals will be something of a challenge, not only because of the type of interjection that we just heard, but also because the Liberals cannot even support each other. Last Friday we had the spectacle of the member for Kalgoorlie declaring that he was still the best person to lead the Liberals of Western Australia. He has a supporter - the Minister for Small Business! The member for Kalgoorlie said, I think very deliberately - Well look I held that view and I continue to hold that view . . . That is what he told Stateline . He then went on to say - . . . but I think it is fair to say that your leadership ambitions don’t disappear with one vote of the party room particularly when that vote was 17/16 there was only one vote in it . . . We all know whose vote that was! The member for Vasse looked his then leader in the eye and said, “I’m voting for you”. That is what he did. The member for Warren-Blackwood should watch his back because he could be in big trouble. The issue of commonwealth-state relations is one of the biggest challenges facing our state. We need a bipartisan approach to this issue. To get that bipartisan approach we need members of a Liberal Party that are interested in fighting Canberra for a better deal for Western Australia rather than interested in fighting among themselves.
Before I answer the question, I join with the Leader of the Opposition in congratulating the Socceroos for a magnificent performance at the World Cup. The last minute of the game early this morning was heartbreaking. If there is a little less energy in the house today due to lack of sleep, that would be quite understandable. I also congratulate the Wallabies. That was a magnificent performance against Ireland on Saturday. The member has asked a serious question. It is one that should be considered as a significant question by all members of the Parliament. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : I say to the member for Dawesville that we all have a duty to stick up for this state and to ensure that it gets the best deal possible from the commonwealth. Our Department of Treasury and Finance recently released a discussion paper on commonwealth-state financial relations and the findings are alarming. In 2003-04 the commonwealth raised around $3 billion more revenue from Western Australia than it returned in expenditure. That subsidy has now blown out to $4 billion, or $2 000 a year for each Western Australian. The commonwealth is taking $4 billion more than it gives back and, quite frankly, I think it is time that all Western Australians and, in particular, all members of this house stood up and said, “Enough is enough”. The discussion paper identifies the problems and suggests the best way forward. It is quite clear to me that we need a bipartisan approach on behalf of all Western Australians. To that end, the Under Treasurer is providing each member of the Western Australian Parliament with a copy of the discussion paper, and copies are also being sent to WA senators. That might give David Johnston something constructive to do. I urge all members opposite to read the paper and to join the government in fighting for a better deal for our state. Mr P.D. Omodei : Are you going to do the same by giving Western Australians back their fair share? Mr E.S. RIPPER : It is clear from that interjection from the Leader of the Opposition that securing bipartisan support from the Liberals will be something of a challenge, not only because of the type of interjection that we just heard, but also because the Liberals cannot even support each other. Last Friday we had the spectacle of the member for Kalgoorlie declaring that he was still the best person to lead the Liberals of Western Australia. He has a supporter - the Minister for Small Business! The member for Kalgoorlie said, I think very deliberately - Well look I held that view and I continue to hold that view . . . That is what he told Stateline . He then went on to say - . . . but I think it is fair to say that your leadership ambitions don’t disappear with one vote of the party room particularly when that vote was 17/16 there was only one vote in it . . . We all know whose vote that was! The member for Vasse looked his then leader in the eye and said, “I’m voting for you”. That is what he did. The member for Warren-Blackwood should watch his back because he could be in big trouble. The issue of commonwealth-state relations is one of the biggest challenges facing our state. We need a bipartisan approach to this issue. To get that bipartisan approach we need members of a Liberal Party that are interested in fighting Canberra for a better deal for Western Australia rather than interested in fighting among themselves.
The member has asked a serious question. It is one that should be considered as a significant question by all members of the Parliament. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : I say to the member for Dawesville that we all have a duty to stick up for this state and to ensure that it gets the best deal possible from the commonwealth. Our Department of Treasury and Finance recently released a discussion paper on commonwealth-state financial relations and the findings are alarming. In 2003-04 the commonwealth raised around $3 billion more revenue from Western Australia than it returned in expenditure. That subsidy has now blown out to $4 billion, or $2 000 a year for each Western Australian. The commonwealth is taking $4 billion more than it gives back and, quite frankly, I think it is time that all Western Australians and, in particular, all members of this house stood up and said, “Enough is enough”. The discussion paper identifies the problems and suggests the best way forward. It is quite clear to me that we need a bipartisan approach on behalf of all Western Australians. To that end, the Under Treasurer is providing each member of the Western Australian Parliament with a copy of the discussion paper, and copies are also being sent to WA senators. That might give David Johnston something constructive to do. I urge all members opposite to read the paper and to join the government in fighting for a better deal for our state. Mr P.D. Omodei : Are you going to do the same by giving Western Australians back their fair share? Mr E.S. RIPPER : It is clear from that interjection from the Leader of the Opposition that securing bipartisan support from the Liberals will be something of a challenge, not only because of the type of interjection that we just heard, but also because the Liberals cannot even support each other. Last Friday we had the spectacle of the member for Kalgoorlie declaring that he was still the best person to lead the Liberals of Western Australia. He has a supporter - the Minister for Small Business! The member for Kalgoorlie said, I think very deliberately - Well look I held that view and I continue to hold that view . . . That is what he told Stateline . He then went on to say - . . . but I think it is fair to say that your leadership ambitions don’t disappear with one vote of the party room particularly when that vote was 17/16 there was only one vote in it . . . We all know whose vote that was! The member for Vasse looked his then leader in the eye and said, “I’m voting for you”. That is what he did. The member for Warren-Blackwood should watch his back because he could be in big trouble. The issue of commonwealth-state relations is one of the biggest challenges facing our state. We need a bipartisan approach to this issue. To get that bipartisan approach we need members of a Liberal Party that are interested in fighting Canberra for a better deal for Western Australia rather than interested in fighting among themselves.
Dr K.D. Hames interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : I say to the member for Dawesville that we all have a duty to stick up for this state and to ensure that it gets the best deal possible from the commonwealth. Our Department of Treasury and Finance recently released a discussion paper on commonwealth-state financial relations and the findings are alarming. In 2003-04 the commonwealth raised around $3 billion more revenue from Western Australia than it returned in expenditure. That subsidy has now blown out to $4 billion, or $2 000 a year for each Western Australian. The commonwealth is taking $4 billion more than it gives back and, quite frankly, I think it is time that all Western Australians and, in particular, all members of this house stood up and said, “Enough is enough”. The discussion paper identifies the problems and suggests the best way forward. It is quite clear to me that we need a bipartisan approach on behalf of all Western Australians. To that end, the Under Treasurer is providing each member of the Western Australian Parliament with a copy of the discussion paper, and copies are also being sent to WA senators. That might give David Johnston something constructive to do. I urge all members opposite to read the paper and to join the government in fighting for a better deal for our state. Mr P.D. Omodei : Are you going to do the same by giving Western Australians back their fair share? Mr E.S. RIPPER : It is clear from that interjection from the Leader of the Opposition that securing bipartisan support from the Liberals will be something of a challenge, not only because of the type of interjection that we just heard, but also because the Liberals cannot even support each other. Last Friday we had the spectacle of the member for Kalgoorlie declaring that he was still the best person to lead the Liberals of Western Australia. He has a supporter - the Minister for Small Business! The member for Kalgoorlie said, I think very deliberately - Well look I held that view and I continue to hold that view . . . That is what he told Stateline . He then went on to say - . . . but I think it is fair to say that your leadership ambitions don’t disappear with one vote of the party room particularly when that vote was 17/16 there was only one vote in it . . . We all know whose vote that was! The member for Vasse looked his then leader in the eye and said, “I’m voting for you”. That is what he did. The member for Warren-Blackwood should watch his back because he could be in big trouble. The issue of commonwealth-state relations is one of the biggest challenges facing our state. We need a bipartisan approach to this issue. To get that bipartisan approach we need members of a Liberal Party that are interested in fighting Canberra for a better deal for Western Australia rather than interested in fighting among themselves.
Mr E.S. RIPPER : I say to the member for Dawesville that we all have a duty to stick up for this state and to ensure that it gets the best deal possible from the commonwealth. Our Department of Treasury and Finance recently released a discussion paper on commonwealth-state financial relations and the findings are alarming. In 2003-04 the commonwealth raised around $3 billion more revenue from Western Australia than it returned in expenditure. That subsidy has now blown out to $4 billion, or $2 000 a year for each Western Australian. The commonwealth is taking $4 billion more than it gives back and, quite frankly, I think it is time that all Western Australians and, in particular, all members of this house stood up and said, “Enough is enough”. The discussion paper identifies the problems and suggests the best way forward. It is quite clear to me that we need a bipartisan approach on behalf of all Western Australians. To that end, the Under Treasurer is providing each member of the Western Australian Parliament with a copy of the discussion paper, and copies are also being sent to WA senators. That might give David Johnston something constructive to do. I urge all members opposite to read the paper and to join the government in fighting for a better deal for our state. Mr P.D. Omodei : Are you going to do the same by giving Western Australians back their fair share? Mr E.S. RIPPER : It is clear from that interjection from the Leader of the Opposition that securing bipartisan support from the Liberals will be something of a challenge, not only because of the type of interjection that we just heard, but also because the Liberals cannot even support each other. Last Friday we had the spectacle of the member for Kalgoorlie declaring that he was still the best person to lead the Liberals of Western Australia. He has a supporter - the Minister for Small Business! The member for Kalgoorlie said, I think very deliberately - Well look I held that view and I continue to hold that view . . . That is what he told Stateline . He then went on to say - . . . but I think it is fair to say that your leadership ambitions don’t disappear with one vote of the party room particularly when that vote was 17/16 there was only one vote in it . . . We all know whose vote that was! The member for Vasse looked his then leader in the eye and said, “I’m voting for you”. That is what he did. The member for Warren-Blackwood should watch his back because he could be in big trouble. The issue of commonwealth-state relations is one of the biggest challenges facing our state. We need a bipartisan approach to this issue. To get that bipartisan approach we need members of a Liberal Party that are interested in fighting Canberra for a better deal for Western Australia rather than interested in fighting among themselves.
Mr P.D. Omodei : Are you going to do the same by giving Western Australians back their fair share? Mr E.S. RIPPER : It is clear from that interjection from the Leader of the Opposition that securing bipartisan support from the Liberals will be something of a challenge, not only because of the type of interjection that we just heard, but also because the Liberals cannot even support each other. Last Friday we had the spectacle of the member for Kalgoorlie declaring that he was still the best person to lead the Liberals of Western Australia. He has a supporter - the Minister for Small Business! The member for Kalgoorlie said, I think very deliberately - Well look I held that view and I continue to hold that view . . . That is what he told Stateline . He then went on to say - . . . but I think it is fair to say that your leadership ambitions don’t disappear with one vote of the party room particularly when that vote was 17/16 there was only one vote in it . . . We all know whose vote that was! The member for Vasse looked his then leader in the eye and said, “I’m voting for you”. That is what he did. The member for Warren-Blackwood should watch his back because he could be in big trouble. The issue of commonwealth-state relations is one of the biggest challenges facing our state. We need a bipartisan approach to this issue. To get that bipartisan approach we need members of a Liberal Party that are interested in fighting Canberra for a better deal for Western Australia rather than interested in fighting among themselves.
Mr E.S. RIPPER : It is clear from that interjection from the Leader of the Opposition that securing bipartisan support from the Liberals will be something of a challenge, not only because of the type of interjection that we just heard, but also because the Liberals cannot even support each other. Last Friday we had the spectacle of the member for Kalgoorlie declaring that he was still the best person to lead the Liberals of Western Australia. He has a supporter - the Minister for Small Business! The member for Kalgoorlie said, I think very deliberately - Well look I held that view and I continue to hold that view . . . That is what he told Stateline . He then went on to say - . . . but I think it is fair to say that your leadership ambitions don’t disappear with one vote of the party room particularly when that vote was 17/16 there was only one vote in it . . . We all know whose vote that was! The member for Vasse looked his then leader in the eye and said, “I’m voting for you”. That is what he did. The member for Warren-Blackwood should watch his back because he could be in big trouble. The issue of commonwealth-state relations is one of the biggest challenges facing our state. We need a bipartisan approach to this issue. To get that bipartisan approach we need members of a Liberal Party that are interested in fighting Canberra for a better deal for Western Australia rather than interested in fighting among themselves.
The issue of commonwealth-state relations is one of the biggest challenges facing our state. We need a bipartisan approach to this issue. To get that bipartisan approach we need members of a Liberal Party that are interested in fighting Canberra for a better deal for Western Australia rather than interested in fighting among themselves.
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