❓ Opposition questions the Premier regarding guarantees and compensation related to the proposed privatisation of Fremantle Port, particularly in light of plans for a competing port in Cockburn. The Premier clarifies the government's position, stating no compensation would be given and emphasising the importance of providing certainty to potential buyers.
AnsweredQoN 714Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
FREMANTLE PORT — PRIVATISATION
714. Mr M. McGOWAN to the
Premier:
I ask a supplementary question. Surely, considering that the
Premier raised this earlier this year as his plan for Fremantle port, he can
give some guarantees about increasing rents and charges for the use of the
port, or offers of compensation for any port purchaser in respect of any rival
port that might be constructed?
714. Mr M. McGOWAN to the
Premier:
I ask a supplementary question. Surely, considering that the
Premier raised this earlier this year as his plan for Fremantle port, he can
give some guarantees about increasing rents and charges for the use of the
port, or offers of compensation for any port purchaser in respect of any rival
port that might be constructed?
AnswerView source ↗
Why would we give compensation?
Several members interjected.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I
am answering it. I am trying to answer the question. If we sold the port at
Fremantle and we have an explicit timetable on a container port at Cockburn,
why would we compensate? No reason at all. The point that I make is that a prospective
buyer of Fremantle port needs to know exactly the timetable in terms of
container capacity at Fremantle and the timetable and capacity of a new
container port. Giving certainty to a bidder is fundamental to the sale of the
port. We will at some stage be bringing in legislation that will detail all of
those issues. So, I am not one to hypothecate compensation. I would rather deal
with the issue so there is not a question of compensation.
Several members interjected.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I
am answering it. I am trying to answer the question. If we sold the port at
Fremantle and we have an explicit timetable on a container port at Cockburn,
why would we compensate? No reason at all. The point that I make is that a prospective
buyer of Fremantle port needs to know exactly the timetable in terms of
container capacity at Fremantle and the timetable and capacity of a new
container port. Giving certainty to a bidder is fundamental to the sale of the
port. We will at some stage be bringing in legislation that will detail all of
those issues. So, I am not one to hypothecate compensation. I would rather deal
with the issue so there is not a question of compensation.
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