❓ Question regarding the benefits and risks of the Westport project for WA's economy. The Minister's answer avoids direct specifics, instead focusing on bipartisan support and the project's long-term economic benefits.
AnsweredQoN 119Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
Westport
119. Mrs Lorna Clarke to
the Minister for Transport:
I refer to the Cook
Labor government's efforts to futureproof Western Australia's economy through
the construction of Westport.
(1) Can the minister outline to the house how
Westport will support jobs, households and economic growth in WA?
(2) Can the minister advise the house of the risks
to the state's economy if Westport is not delivered?
119. Mrs Lorna Clarke to
the Minister for Transport:
I refer to the Cook
Labor government's efforts to futureproof Western Australia's economy through
the construction of Westport.
(1) Can the minister outline to the house how
Westport will support jobs, households and economic growth in WA?
(2) Can the minister advise the house of the risks
to the state's economy if Westport is not delivered?
AnswerView source ↗
(1)–(2) I thank the member for that
question. I heard from the other side a new approach to public policy in WA—bipartisanship.
Is that really what is happening—the Liberal and National Parties want
to work with the government? Here is an opportunity—the Westport
legislation. The opposition has an opportunity to back long-term infrastructure
for the state's economy. This is very much about WA's long-term economy,
guaranteeing an efficient, reliable, cost-effective supply chain to support
trade into the future. In fact, it was actually Liberal Party policy back in
2011–12. Members may remember that the then Treasurer said that
extensive research had shown that Cockburn Sound was the only suitable location
for a new container port facility into the future. It was Liberal–National
policy over a decade ago, so I expect and understand that there will be
bipartisan support for our Westport legislation.
Why is it necessary? It is long-term
infrastructure that will support WA's economy and make sure that we have
efficient freight routes into and out of the future port. It will also make
sure there is industrial land adjacent to the new port, intermodal facilities
and an ability to deliver more than 30% of our trade on rail as opposed to
trucks. It is about securing our long-term future. Western Australia's economy
is growing faster than the national rate is, as the Premier outlined. Figures
released just last week show state final demand growing at 3.3%—higher
than the national growth rate of 2.5%. What is the best and most pleasing part
of that? It is that 86% of that state economic activity is driven by the
private sector. Private sector investment and consumption is fuelling our state
economy. It is not government expenditure; it is private sector expenditure.
When we look at that breakdown compared with every other state, we have the
best participation by the private sector of any other state.
This is an opportunity for the new
approach that we heard about in the first question—an attempt for
bipartisanship. It is long-term infrastructure that both sides understand is
necessary to continue our role as the export state of the nation and the
fastest growing economy in the nation and our role in supporting infrastructure
that will serve for not only today but generations to come.
question. I heard from the other side a new approach to public policy in WA—bipartisanship.
Is that really what is happening—the Liberal and National Parties want
to work with the government? Here is an opportunity—the Westport
legislation. The opposition has an opportunity to back long-term infrastructure
for the state's economy. This is very much about WA's long-term economy,
guaranteeing an efficient, reliable, cost-effective supply chain to support
trade into the future. In fact, it was actually Liberal Party policy back in
2011–12. Members may remember that the then Treasurer said that
extensive research had shown that Cockburn Sound was the only suitable location
for a new container port facility into the future. It was Liberal–National
policy over a decade ago, so I expect and understand that there will be
bipartisan support for our Westport legislation.
Why is it necessary? It is long-term
infrastructure that will support WA's economy and make sure that we have
efficient freight routes into and out of the future port. It will also make
sure there is industrial land adjacent to the new port, intermodal facilities
and an ability to deliver more than 30% of our trade on rail as opposed to
trucks. It is about securing our long-term future. Western Australia's economy
is growing faster than the national rate is, as the Premier outlined. Figures
released just last week show state final demand growing at 3.3%—higher
than the national growth rate of 2.5%. What is the best and most pleasing part
of that? It is that 86% of that state economic activity is driven by the
private sector. Private sector investment and consumption is fuelling our state
economy. It is not government expenditure; it is private sector expenditure.
When we look at that breakdown compared with every other state, we have the
best participation by the private sector of any other state.
This is an opportunity for the new
approach that we heard about in the first question—an attempt for
bipartisanship. It is long-term infrastructure that both sides understand is
necessary to continue our role as the export state of the nation and the
fastest growing economy in the nation and our role in supporting infrastructure
that will serve for not only today but generations to come.
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