Opposition Leader Barnett questions Treasurer Ripper and the Premier's trustworthiness regarding a promise not to increase taxes. Ripper deflects by attacking Barnett's record as part of the previous government, citing unfunded commitments, economic contraction, budget deficits, and tax increases.

AnsweredQoN 528Legislative Assembly
Asked
14 September 2004
Portfolio
Treasurer

QuestionView source ↗

I have a supplementary question. Following the last election, the Premier promised the people of this State that he would not increase taxes. Who can we not trust - the Treasurer, the Premier, or both? Mr E.S. RIPPER

AnswerView source ↗

Does the Leader of the Opposition acknowledge responsibility for the $450 million worth of unfunded commitments he left to the present Government when he sat on the budget committee of the previous Government? He is all sound and fury now, but when he was in charge, the economy actually contracted. When he was in charge, the previous Government ran five budget deficits in eight years, and increased taxes by much more than the present Government in its four budgets. The previous Government had massive revenue growth funded by privatisation, to which the Leader of the Opposition wishes to return, but it could not deliver the goods. It could not deliver the surpluses and the funding required for health, education, and law and order.
Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: Does the Leader of the Opposition acknowledge responsibility for the $450 million worth of unfunded commitments he left to the present Government when he sat on the budget committee of the previous Government? He is all sound and fury now, but when he was in charge, the economy actually contracted. When he was in charge, the previous Government ran five budget deficits in eight years, and increased taxes by much more than the present Government in its four budgets. The previous Government had massive revenue growth funded by privatisation, to which the Leader of the Opposition wishes to return, but it could not deliver the goods. It could not deliver the surpluses and the funding required for health, education, and law and order.
Does the Leader of the Opposition acknowledge responsibility for the $450 million worth of unfunded commitments he left to the present Government when he sat on the budget committee of the previous Government? He is all sound and fury now, but when he was in charge, the economy actually contracted. When he was in charge, the previous Government ran five budget deficits in eight years, and increased taxes by much more than the present Government in its four budgets. The previous Government had massive revenue growth funded by privatisation, to which the Leader of the Opposition wishes to return, but it could not deliver the goods. It could not deliver the surpluses and the funding required for health, education, and law and order.

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