❓ The Premier acknowledges WA's strong economic performance, highlighting growth in state final demand and exports. He criticises the federal government's resource allocation and infrastructure report, alleging bias towards eastern states and monopolistic tendencies.
AnsweredQoN 245Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
Will the Premier advise the house whether he has been advised of any new figures that illustrate the strength of Western Australia’s economy within the Federation? Dr G.I. GALLOP
AnswerView source ↗
I will begin by noting that today, 1 June, is, of course, Foundation Day in Western Australia. It was on this day 176 years ago that the HMS Parmelia first sighted land in Western Australia. Mr P.B. Watson interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP : I was just about to qualify my comment by noting that people in Albany point to the settlement that occurred there in 1826. Nonetheless, what we understand to be modern Western Australia was founded in 1829. Western Australians can be very proud of their achievements. We also need to be conscious of our failings. If we take that mixture of pride in our achievements and remain conscious of our failings, we will face the future as a very strong state. I alert all members of the house to an excellent speech at the National Reconciliation Conference by the Western Australian Governor, His Excellency Lieutenant General John Sanderson, titled “Happiness is Belonging”. I am sure all members of Parliament would gain from reading this speech by a person of great wisdom. His Excellency headed the United Nations government in Cambodia and has seen many things in his time. His views on the world are always worth listening to. In that speech he spoke about the importance of forgiveness and renewal in human history. I urge all members to read it. The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics figures on Western Australia’s state accounts show that, in the March quarter 2005, state final demand grew by one per cent - the fastest of all the states. Western Australia’s economy continues to perform extremely well. In the 12 months to March this year, our domestic economy grew by six per cent. On top of that, our exports will provide the final figure for gross state product. We are again enjoying very strong economic growth in Western Australia, and we are building on our strengths. This is a global state and, therefore, exports are the key to our future and they are doing extremely well. It is important to note that, even given that our state final demand figures are very strong. I note that today the federal government tabled its task force report on export infrastructure. Although I have not had time to read the entire report, I have read the summary. It concludes that the greatest impediment to developing infrastructure is the current economic regulatory framework. That was not the point of view we took when we gave evidence to the task force. I thank my colleague the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure for her contribution. That recommendation needs to be carefully looked at, because we want to make sure that organisations that are in a dominant economic position or that have monopoly power do not use their position to keep out competition. Much of the talk about “regulatory reform” is the code for letting the monopolists get their way. We must be very careful when we deal with those issues. I was very disappointed that the report did not take on board what this government has been saying on behalf of this state. Our words have been backed up by the facts. Much of the resource allocation from the commonwealth these days is based upon the political requirements of the federal government and the eastern states and are not in Australia’s national interests. That is a very important conclusion for any objective study of the way the commonwealth government is operating. There is great potential in Western Australia. We have assets that we know about: the traditional resource assets plus new aspects of our economy that are becoming important, such as tourism. There are also creative people. We can add significantly to Australia’s growth. However, our ability to do that is being hampered by the fact that the federal government looks to its own political interests in the eastern states rather than to the national interests. It is a great shame that the report on infrastructure did not focus on that key issue. It is important to note that today is Foundation Day. Let us be proud of our achievements but conscious of our failings. Let us note the strength of our economy today - the one per cent growth for the March quarter and six per cent in the final demand through to the past 12 months. Let us also note that, once again, the commonwealth government is missing the opportunity to recognise what we can do here in Western Australia to create job opportunities for all Australians. The SPEAKER : Order! The Premier indicated he wished everyone to read the Governor’s speech. Would he like to table it? Dr G.I. Gallop : Yes, I will table it. [See paper 494.]
Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: I will begin by noting that today, 1 June, is, of course, Foundation Day in Western Australia. It was on this day 176 years ago that the HMS Parmelia first sighted land in Western Australia. Mr P.B. Watson interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP : I was just about to qualify my comment by noting that people in Albany point to the settlement that occurred there in 1826. Nonetheless, what we understand to be modern Western Australia was founded in 1829. Western Australians can be very proud of their achievements. We also need to be conscious of our failings. If we take that mixture of pride in our achievements and remain conscious of our failings, we will face the future as a very strong state. I alert all members of the house to an excellent speech at the National Reconciliation Conference by the Western Australian Governor, His Excellency Lieutenant General John Sanderson, titled “Happiness is Belonging”. I am sure all members of Parliament would gain from reading this speech by a person of great wisdom. His Excellency headed the United Nations government in Cambodia and has seen many things in his time. His views on the world are always worth listening to. In that speech he spoke about the importance of forgiveness and renewal in human history. I urge all members to read it. The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics figures on Western Australia’s state accounts show that, in the March quarter 2005, state final demand grew by one per cent - the fastest of all the states. Western Australia’s economy continues to perform extremely well. In the 12 months to March this year, our domestic economy grew by six per cent. On top of that, our exports will provide the final figure for gross state product. We are again enjoying very strong economic growth in Western Australia, and we are building on our strengths. This is a global state and, therefore, exports are the key to our future and they are doing extremely well. It is important to note that, even given that our state final demand figures are very strong. I note that today the federal government tabled its task force report on export infrastructure. Although I have not had time to read the entire report, I have read the summary. It concludes that the greatest impediment to developing infrastructure is the current economic regulatory framework. That was not the point of view we took when we gave evidence to the task force. I thank my colleague the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure for her contribution. That recommendation needs to be carefully looked at, because we want to make sure that organisations that are in a dominant economic position or that have monopoly power do not use their position to keep out competition. Much of the talk about “regulatory reform” is the code for letting the monopolists get their way. We must be very careful when we deal with those issues. I was very disappointed that the report did not take on board what this government has been saying on behalf of this state. Our words have been backed up by the facts. Much of the resource allocation from the commonwealth these days is based upon the political requirements of the federal government and the eastern states and are not in Australia’s national interests. That is a very important conclusion for any objective study of the way the commonwealth government is operating. There is great potential in Western Australia. We have assets that we know about: the traditional resource assets plus new aspects of our economy that are becoming important, such as tourism. There are also creative people. We can add significantly to Australia’s growth. However, our ability to do that is being hampered by the fact that the federal government looks to its own political interests in the eastern states rather than to the national interests. It is a great shame that the report on infrastructure did not focus on that key issue. It is important to note that today is Foundation Day. Let us be proud of our achievements but conscious of our failings. Let us note the strength of our economy today - the one per cent growth for the March quarter and six per cent in the final demand through to the past 12 months. Let us also note that, once again, the commonwealth government is missing the opportunity to recognise what we can do here in Western Australia to create job opportunities for all Australians. The SPEAKER : Order! The Premier indicated he wished everyone to read the Governor’s speech. Would he like to table it? Dr G.I. Gallop : Yes, I will table it. [See paper 494.]
I will begin by noting that today, 1 June, is, of course, Foundation Day in Western Australia. It was on this day 176 years ago that the HMS Parmelia first sighted land in Western Australia. Mr P.B. Watson interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP : I was just about to qualify my comment by noting that people in Albany point to the settlement that occurred there in 1826. Nonetheless, what we understand to be modern Western Australia was founded in 1829. Western Australians can be very proud of their achievements. We also need to be conscious of our failings. If we take that mixture of pride in our achievements and remain conscious of our failings, we will face the future as a very strong state. I alert all members of the house to an excellent speech at the National Reconciliation Conference by the Western Australian Governor, His Excellency Lieutenant General John Sanderson, titled “Happiness is Belonging”. I am sure all members of Parliament would gain from reading this speech by a person of great wisdom. His Excellency headed the United Nations government in Cambodia and has seen many things in his time. His views on the world are always worth listening to. In that speech he spoke about the importance of forgiveness and renewal in human history. I urge all members to read it. The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics figures on Western Australia’s state accounts show that, in the March quarter 2005, state final demand grew by one per cent - the fastest of all the states. Western Australia’s economy continues to perform extremely well. In the 12 months to March this year, our domestic economy grew by six per cent. On top of that, our exports will provide the final figure for gross state product. We are again enjoying very strong economic growth in Western Australia, and we are building on our strengths. This is a global state and, therefore, exports are the key to our future and they are doing extremely well. It is important to note that, even given that our state final demand figures are very strong. I note that today the federal government tabled its task force report on export infrastructure. Although I have not had time to read the entire report, I have read the summary. It concludes that the greatest impediment to developing infrastructure is the current economic regulatory framework. That was not the point of view we took when we gave evidence to the task force. I thank my colleague the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure for her contribution. That recommendation needs to be carefully looked at, because we want to make sure that organisations that are in a dominant economic position or that have monopoly power do not use their position to keep out competition. Much of the talk about “regulatory reform” is the code for letting the monopolists get their way. We must be very careful when we deal with those issues. I was very disappointed that the report did not take on board what this government has been saying on behalf of this state. Our words have been backed up by the facts. Much of the resource allocation from the commonwealth these days is based upon the political requirements of the federal government and the eastern states and are not in Australia’s national interests. That is a very important conclusion for any objective study of the way the commonwealth government is operating. There is great potential in Western Australia. We have assets that we know about: the traditional resource assets plus new aspects of our economy that are becoming important, such as tourism. There are also creative people. We can add significantly to Australia’s growth. However, our ability to do that is being hampered by the fact that the federal government looks to its own political interests in the eastern states rather than to the national interests. It is a great shame that the report on infrastructure did not focus on that key issue. It is important to note that today is Foundation Day. Let us be proud of our achievements but conscious of our failings. Let us note the strength of our economy today - the one per cent growth for the March quarter and six per cent in the final demand through to the past 12 months. Let us also note that, once again, the commonwealth government is missing the opportunity to recognise what we can do here in Western Australia to create job opportunities for all Australians. The SPEAKER : Order! The Premier indicated he wished everyone to read the Governor’s speech. Would he like to table it? Dr G.I. Gallop : Yes, I will table it. [See paper 494.]
Mr P.B. Watson interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP : I was just about to qualify my comment by noting that people in Albany point to the settlement that occurred there in 1826. Nonetheless, what we understand to be modern Western Australia was founded in 1829. Western Australians can be very proud of their achievements. We also need to be conscious of our failings. If we take that mixture of pride in our achievements and remain conscious of our failings, we will face the future as a very strong state. I alert all members of the house to an excellent speech at the National Reconciliation Conference by the Western Australian Governor, His Excellency Lieutenant General John Sanderson, titled “Happiness is Belonging”. I am sure all members of Parliament would gain from reading this speech by a person of great wisdom. His Excellency headed the United Nations government in Cambodia and has seen many things in his time. His views on the world are always worth listening to. In that speech he spoke about the importance of forgiveness and renewal in human history. I urge all members to read it. The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics figures on Western Australia’s state accounts show that, in the March quarter 2005, state final demand grew by one per cent - the fastest of all the states. Western Australia’s economy continues to perform extremely well. In the 12 months to March this year, our domestic economy grew by six per cent. On top of that, our exports will provide the final figure for gross state product. We are again enjoying very strong economic growth in Western Australia, and we are building on our strengths. This is a global state and, therefore, exports are the key to our future and they are doing extremely well. It is important to note that, even given that our state final demand figures are very strong. I note that today the federal government tabled its task force report on export infrastructure. Although I have not had time to read the entire report, I have read the summary. It concludes that the greatest impediment to developing infrastructure is the current economic regulatory framework. That was not the point of view we took when we gave evidence to the task force. I thank my colleague the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure for her contribution. That recommendation needs to be carefully looked at, because we want to make sure that organisations that are in a dominant economic position or that have monopoly power do not use their position to keep out competition. Much of the talk about “regulatory reform” is the code for letting the monopolists get their way. We must be very careful when we deal with those issues. I was very disappointed that the report did not take on board what this government has been saying on behalf of this state. Our words have been backed up by the facts. Much of the resource allocation from the commonwealth these days is based upon the political requirements of the federal government and the eastern states and are not in Australia’s national interests. That is a very important conclusion for any objective study of the way the commonwealth government is operating. There is great potential in Western Australia. We have assets that we know about: the traditional resource assets plus new aspects of our economy that are becoming important, such as tourism. There are also creative people. We can add significantly to Australia’s growth. However, our ability to do that is being hampered by the fact that the federal government looks to its own political interests in the eastern states rather than to the national interests. It is a great shame that the report on infrastructure did not focus on that key issue. It is important to note that today is Foundation Day. Let us be proud of our achievements but conscious of our failings. Let us note the strength of our economy today - the one per cent growth for the March quarter and six per cent in the final demand through to the past 12 months. Let us also note that, once again, the commonwealth government is missing the opportunity to recognise what we can do here in Western Australia to create job opportunities for all Australians. The SPEAKER : Order! The Premier indicated he wished everyone to read the Governor’s speech. Would he like to table it? Dr G.I. Gallop : Yes, I will table it. [See paper 494.]
Dr G.I. GALLOP : I was just about to qualify my comment by noting that people in Albany point to the settlement that occurred there in 1826. Nonetheless, what we understand to be modern Western Australia was founded in 1829. Western Australians can be very proud of their achievements. We also need to be conscious of our failings. If we take that mixture of pride in our achievements and remain conscious of our failings, we will face the future as a very strong state. I alert all members of the house to an excellent speech at the National Reconciliation Conference by the Western Australian Governor, His Excellency Lieutenant General John Sanderson, titled “Happiness is Belonging”. I am sure all members of Parliament would gain from reading this speech by a person of great wisdom. His Excellency headed the United Nations government in Cambodia and has seen many things in his time. His views on the world are always worth listening to. In that speech he spoke about the importance of forgiveness and renewal in human history. I urge all members to read it. The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics figures on Western Australia’s state accounts show that, in the March quarter 2005, state final demand grew by one per cent - the fastest of all the states. Western Australia’s economy continues to perform extremely well. In the 12 months to March this year, our domestic economy grew by six per cent. On top of that, our exports will provide the final figure for gross state product. We are again enjoying very strong economic growth in Western Australia, and we are building on our strengths. This is a global state and, therefore, exports are the key to our future and they are doing extremely well. It is important to note that, even given that our state final demand figures are very strong. I note that today the federal government tabled its task force report on export infrastructure. Although I have not had time to read the entire report, I have read the summary. It concludes that the greatest impediment to developing infrastructure is the current economic regulatory framework. That was not the point of view we took when we gave evidence to the task force. I thank my colleague the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure for her contribution. That recommendation needs to be carefully looked at, because we want to make sure that organisations that are in a dominant economic position or that have monopoly power do not use their position to keep out competition. Much of the talk about “regulatory reform” is the code for letting the monopolists get their way. We must be very careful when we deal with those issues. I was very disappointed that the report did not take on board what this government has been saying on behalf of this state. Our words have been backed up by the facts. Much of the resource allocation from the commonwealth these days is based upon the political requirements of the federal government and the eastern states and are not in Australia’s national interests. That is a very important conclusion for any objective study of the way the commonwealth government is operating. There is great potential in Western Australia. We have assets that we know about: the traditional resource assets plus new aspects of our economy that are becoming important, such as tourism. There are also creative people. We can add significantly to Australia’s growth. However, our ability to do that is being hampered by the fact that the federal government looks to its own political interests in the eastern states rather than to the national interests. It is a great shame that the report on infrastructure did not focus on that key issue. It is important to note that today is Foundation Day. Let us be proud of our achievements but conscious of our failings. Let us note the strength of our economy today - the one per cent growth for the March quarter and six per cent in the final demand through to the past 12 months. Let us also note that, once again, the commonwealth government is missing the opportunity to recognise what we can do here in Western Australia to create job opportunities for all Australians. The SPEAKER : Order! The Premier indicated he wished everyone to read the Governor’s speech. Would he like to table it? Dr G.I. Gallop : Yes, I will table it. [See paper 494.]
I alert all members of the house to an excellent speech at the National Reconciliation Conference by the Western Australian Governor, His Excellency Lieutenant General John Sanderson, titled “Happiness is Belonging”. I am sure all members of Parliament would gain from reading this speech by a person of great wisdom. His Excellency headed the United Nations government in Cambodia and has seen many things in his time. His views on the world are always worth listening to. In that speech he spoke about the importance of forgiveness and renewal in human history. I urge all members to read it. The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics figures on Western Australia’s state accounts show that, in the March quarter 2005, state final demand grew by one per cent - the fastest of all the states. Western Australia’s economy continues to perform extremely well. In the 12 months to March this year, our domestic economy grew by six per cent. On top of that, our exports will provide the final figure for gross state product. We are again enjoying very strong economic growth in Western Australia, and we are building on our strengths. This is a global state and, therefore, exports are the key to our future and they are doing extremely well. It is important to note that, even given that our state final demand figures are very strong. I note that today the federal government tabled its task force report on export infrastructure. Although I have not had time to read the entire report, I have read the summary. It concludes that the greatest impediment to developing infrastructure is the current economic regulatory framework. That was not the point of view we took when we gave evidence to the task force. I thank my colleague the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure for her contribution. That recommendation needs to be carefully looked at, because we want to make sure that organisations that are in a dominant economic position or that have monopoly power do not use their position to keep out competition. Much of the talk about “regulatory reform” is the code for letting the monopolists get their way. We must be very careful when we deal with those issues. I was very disappointed that the report did not take on board what this government has been saying on behalf of this state. Our words have been backed up by the facts. Much of the resource allocation from the commonwealth these days is based upon the political requirements of the federal government and the eastern states and are not in Australia’s national interests. That is a very important conclusion for any objective study of the way the commonwealth government is operating. There is great potential in Western Australia. We have assets that we know about: the traditional resource assets plus new aspects of our economy that are becoming important, such as tourism. There are also creative people. We can add significantly to Australia’s growth. However, our ability to do that is being hampered by the fact that the federal government looks to its own political interests in the eastern states rather than to the national interests. It is a great shame that the report on infrastructure did not focus on that key issue. It is important to note that today is Foundation Day. Let us be proud of our achievements but conscious of our failings. Let us note the strength of our economy today - the one per cent growth for the March quarter and six per cent in the final demand through to the past 12 months. Let us also note that, once again, the commonwealth government is missing the opportunity to recognise what we can do here in Western Australia to create job opportunities for all Australians. The SPEAKER : Order! The Premier indicated he wished everyone to read the Governor’s speech. Would he like to table it? Dr G.I. Gallop : Yes, I will table it. [See paper 494.]
The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics figures on Western Australia’s state accounts show that, in the March quarter 2005, state final demand grew by one per cent - the fastest of all the states. Western Australia’s economy continues to perform extremely well. In the 12 months to March this year, our domestic economy grew by six per cent. On top of that, our exports will provide the final figure for gross state product. We are again enjoying very strong economic growth in Western Australia, and we are building on our strengths. This is a global state and, therefore, exports are the key to our future and they are doing extremely well. It is important to note that, even given that our state final demand figures are very strong. I note that today the federal government tabled its task force report on export infrastructure. Although I have not had time to read the entire report, I have read the summary. It concludes that the greatest impediment to developing infrastructure is the current economic regulatory framework. That was not the point of view we took when we gave evidence to the task force. I thank my colleague the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure for her contribution. That recommendation needs to be carefully looked at, because we want to make sure that organisations that are in a dominant economic position or that have monopoly power do not use their position to keep out competition. Much of the talk about “regulatory reform” is the code for letting the monopolists get their way. We must be very careful when we deal with those issues. I was very disappointed that the report did not take on board what this government has been saying on behalf of this state. Our words have been backed up by the facts. Much of the resource allocation from the commonwealth these days is based upon the political requirements of the federal government and the eastern states and are not in Australia’s national interests. That is a very important conclusion for any objective study of the way the commonwealth government is operating. There is great potential in Western Australia. We have assets that we know about: the traditional resource assets plus new aspects of our economy that are becoming important, such as tourism. There are also creative people. We can add significantly to Australia’s growth. However, our ability to do that is being hampered by the fact that the federal government looks to its own political interests in the eastern states rather than to the national interests. It is a great shame that the report on infrastructure did not focus on that key issue. It is important to note that today is Foundation Day. Let us be proud of our achievements but conscious of our failings. Let us note the strength of our economy today - the one per cent growth for the March quarter and six per cent in the final demand through to the past 12 months. Let us also note that, once again, the commonwealth government is missing the opportunity to recognise what we can do here in Western Australia to create job opportunities for all Australians. The SPEAKER : Order! The Premier indicated he wished everyone to read the Governor’s speech. Would he like to table it? Dr G.I. Gallop : Yes, I will table it. [See paper 494.]
I note that today the federal government tabled its task force report on export infrastructure. Although I have not had time to read the entire report, I have read the summary. It concludes that the greatest impediment to developing infrastructure is the current economic regulatory framework. That was not the point of view we took when we gave evidence to the task force. I thank my colleague the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure for her contribution. That recommendation needs to be carefully looked at, because we want to make sure that organisations that are in a dominant economic position or that have monopoly power do not use their position to keep out competition. Much of the talk about “regulatory reform” is the code for letting the monopolists get their way. We must be very careful when we deal with those issues. I was very disappointed that the report did not take on board what this government has been saying on behalf of this state. Our words have been backed up by the facts. Much of the resource allocation from the commonwealth these days is based upon the political requirements of the federal government and the eastern states and are not in Australia’s national interests. That is a very important conclusion for any objective study of the way the commonwealth government is operating. There is great potential in Western Australia. We have assets that we know about: the traditional resource assets plus new aspects of our economy that are becoming important, such as tourism. There are also creative people. We can add significantly to Australia’s growth. However, our ability to do that is being hampered by the fact that the federal government looks to its own political interests in the eastern states rather than to the national interests. It is a great shame that the report on infrastructure did not focus on that key issue. It is important to note that today is Foundation Day. Let us be proud of our achievements but conscious of our failings. Let us note the strength of our economy today - the one per cent growth for the March quarter and six per cent in the final demand through to the past 12 months. Let us also note that, once again, the commonwealth government is missing the opportunity to recognise what we can do here in Western Australia to create job opportunities for all Australians. The SPEAKER : Order! The Premier indicated he wished everyone to read the Governor’s speech. Would he like to table it? Dr G.I. Gallop : Yes, I will table it. [See paper 494.]
I was very disappointed that the report did not take on board what this government has been saying on behalf of this state. Our words have been backed up by the facts. Much of the resource allocation from the commonwealth these days is based upon the political requirements of the federal government and the eastern states and are not in Australia’s national interests. That is a very important conclusion for any objective study of the way the commonwealth government is operating. There is great potential in Western Australia. We have assets that we know about: the traditional resource assets plus new aspects of our economy that are becoming important, such as tourism. There are also creative people. We can add significantly to Australia’s growth. However, our ability to do that is being hampered by the fact that the federal government looks to its own political interests in the eastern states rather than to the national interests. It is a great shame that the report on infrastructure did not focus on that key issue. It is important to note that today is Foundation Day. Let us be proud of our achievements but conscious of our failings. Let us note the strength of our economy today - the one per cent growth for the March quarter and six per cent in the final demand through to the past 12 months. Let us also note that, once again, the commonwealth government is missing the opportunity to recognise what we can do here in Western Australia to create job opportunities for all Australians. The SPEAKER : Order! The Premier indicated he wished everyone to read the Governor’s speech. Would he like to table it? Dr G.I. Gallop : Yes, I will table it. [See paper 494.]
It is important to note that today is Foundation Day. Let us be proud of our achievements but conscious of our failings. Let us note the strength of our economy today - the one per cent growth for the March quarter and six per cent in the final demand through to the past 12 months. Let us also note that, once again, the commonwealth government is missing the opportunity to recognise what we can do here in Western Australia to create job opportunities for all Australians. The SPEAKER : Order! The Premier indicated he wished everyone to read the Governor’s speech. Would he like to table it? Dr G.I. Gallop : Yes, I will table it. [See paper 494.]
The SPEAKER : Order! The Premier indicated he wished everyone to read the Governor’s speech. Would he like to table it? Dr G.I. Gallop : Yes, I will table it. [See paper 494.]
Dr G.I. Gallop : Yes, I will table it. [See paper 494.]
[See paper 494.]
Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: I will begin by noting that today, 1 June, is, of course, Foundation Day in Western Australia. It was on this day 176 years ago that the HMS Parmelia first sighted land in Western Australia. Mr P.B. Watson interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP : I was just about to qualify my comment by noting that people in Albany point to the settlement that occurred there in 1826. Nonetheless, what we understand to be modern Western Australia was founded in 1829. Western Australians can be very proud of their achievements. We also need to be conscious of our failings. If we take that mixture of pride in our achievements and remain conscious of our failings, we will face the future as a very strong state. I alert all members of the house to an excellent speech at the National Reconciliation Conference by the Western Australian Governor, His Excellency Lieutenant General John Sanderson, titled “Happiness is Belonging”. I am sure all members of Parliament would gain from reading this speech by a person of great wisdom. His Excellency headed the United Nations government in Cambodia and has seen many things in his time. His views on the world are always worth listening to. In that speech he spoke about the importance of forgiveness and renewal in human history. I urge all members to read it. The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics figures on Western Australia’s state accounts show that, in the March quarter 2005, state final demand grew by one per cent - the fastest of all the states. Western Australia’s economy continues to perform extremely well. In the 12 months to March this year, our domestic economy grew by six per cent. On top of that, our exports will provide the final figure for gross state product. We are again enjoying very strong economic growth in Western Australia, and we are building on our strengths. This is a global state and, therefore, exports are the key to our future and they are doing extremely well. It is important to note that, even given that our state final demand figures are very strong. I note that today the federal government tabled its task force report on export infrastructure. Although I have not had time to read the entire report, I have read the summary. It concludes that the greatest impediment to developing infrastructure is the current economic regulatory framework. That was not the point of view we took when we gave evidence to the task force. I thank my colleague the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure for her contribution. That recommendation needs to be carefully looked at, because we want to make sure that organisations that are in a dominant economic position or that have monopoly power do not use their position to keep out competition. Much of the talk about “regulatory reform” is the code for letting the monopolists get their way. We must be very careful when we deal with those issues. I was very disappointed that the report did not take on board what this government has been saying on behalf of this state. Our words have been backed up by the facts. Much of the resource allocation from the commonwealth these days is based upon the political requirements of the federal government and the eastern states and are not in Australia’s national interests. That is a very important conclusion for any objective study of the way the commonwealth government is operating. There is great potential in Western Australia. We have assets that we know about: the traditional resource assets plus new aspects of our economy that are becoming important, such as tourism. There are also creative people. We can add significantly to Australia’s growth. However, our ability to do that is being hampered by the fact that the federal government looks to its own political interests in the eastern states rather than to the national interests. It is a great shame that the report on infrastructure did not focus on that key issue. It is important to note that today is Foundation Day. Let us be proud of our achievements but conscious of our failings. Let us note the strength of our economy today - the one per cent growth for the March quarter and six per cent in the final demand through to the past 12 months. Let us also note that, once again, the commonwealth government is missing the opportunity to recognise what we can do here in Western Australia to create job opportunities for all Australians. The SPEAKER : Order! The Premier indicated he wished everyone to read the Governor’s speech. Would he like to table it? Dr G.I. Gallop : Yes, I will table it. [See paper 494.]
I will begin by noting that today, 1 June, is, of course, Foundation Day in Western Australia. It was on this day 176 years ago that the HMS Parmelia first sighted land in Western Australia. Mr P.B. Watson interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP : I was just about to qualify my comment by noting that people in Albany point to the settlement that occurred there in 1826. Nonetheless, what we understand to be modern Western Australia was founded in 1829. Western Australians can be very proud of their achievements. We also need to be conscious of our failings. If we take that mixture of pride in our achievements and remain conscious of our failings, we will face the future as a very strong state. I alert all members of the house to an excellent speech at the National Reconciliation Conference by the Western Australian Governor, His Excellency Lieutenant General John Sanderson, titled “Happiness is Belonging”. I am sure all members of Parliament would gain from reading this speech by a person of great wisdom. His Excellency headed the United Nations government in Cambodia and has seen many things in his time. His views on the world are always worth listening to. In that speech he spoke about the importance of forgiveness and renewal in human history. I urge all members to read it. The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics figures on Western Australia’s state accounts show that, in the March quarter 2005, state final demand grew by one per cent - the fastest of all the states. Western Australia’s economy continues to perform extremely well. In the 12 months to March this year, our domestic economy grew by six per cent. On top of that, our exports will provide the final figure for gross state product. We are again enjoying very strong economic growth in Western Australia, and we are building on our strengths. This is a global state and, therefore, exports are the key to our future and they are doing extremely well. It is important to note that, even given that our state final demand figures are very strong. I note that today the federal government tabled its task force report on export infrastructure. Although I have not had time to read the entire report, I have read the summary. It concludes that the greatest impediment to developing infrastructure is the current economic regulatory framework. That was not the point of view we took when we gave evidence to the task force. I thank my colleague the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure for her contribution. That recommendation needs to be carefully looked at, because we want to make sure that organisations that are in a dominant economic position or that have monopoly power do not use their position to keep out competition. Much of the talk about “regulatory reform” is the code for letting the monopolists get their way. We must be very careful when we deal with those issues. I was very disappointed that the report did not take on board what this government has been saying on behalf of this state. Our words have been backed up by the facts. Much of the resource allocation from the commonwealth these days is based upon the political requirements of the federal government and the eastern states and are not in Australia’s national interests. That is a very important conclusion for any objective study of the way the commonwealth government is operating. There is great potential in Western Australia. We have assets that we know about: the traditional resource assets plus new aspects of our economy that are becoming important, such as tourism. There are also creative people. We can add significantly to Australia’s growth. However, our ability to do that is being hampered by the fact that the federal government looks to its own political interests in the eastern states rather than to the national interests. It is a great shame that the report on infrastructure did not focus on that key issue. It is important to note that today is Foundation Day. Let us be proud of our achievements but conscious of our failings. Let us note the strength of our economy today - the one per cent growth for the March quarter and six per cent in the final demand through to the past 12 months. Let us also note that, once again, the commonwealth government is missing the opportunity to recognise what we can do here in Western Australia to create job opportunities for all Australians. The SPEAKER : Order! The Premier indicated he wished everyone to read the Governor’s speech. Would he like to table it? Dr G.I. Gallop : Yes, I will table it. [See paper 494.]
Mr P.B. Watson interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP : I was just about to qualify my comment by noting that people in Albany point to the settlement that occurred there in 1826. Nonetheless, what we understand to be modern Western Australia was founded in 1829. Western Australians can be very proud of their achievements. We also need to be conscious of our failings. If we take that mixture of pride in our achievements and remain conscious of our failings, we will face the future as a very strong state. I alert all members of the house to an excellent speech at the National Reconciliation Conference by the Western Australian Governor, His Excellency Lieutenant General John Sanderson, titled “Happiness is Belonging”. I am sure all members of Parliament would gain from reading this speech by a person of great wisdom. His Excellency headed the United Nations government in Cambodia and has seen many things in his time. His views on the world are always worth listening to. In that speech he spoke about the importance of forgiveness and renewal in human history. I urge all members to read it. The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics figures on Western Australia’s state accounts show that, in the March quarter 2005, state final demand grew by one per cent - the fastest of all the states. Western Australia’s economy continues to perform extremely well. In the 12 months to March this year, our domestic economy grew by six per cent. On top of that, our exports will provide the final figure for gross state product. We are again enjoying very strong economic growth in Western Australia, and we are building on our strengths. This is a global state and, therefore, exports are the key to our future and they are doing extremely well. It is important to note that, even given that our state final demand figures are very strong. I note that today the federal government tabled its task force report on export infrastructure. Although I have not had time to read the entire report, I have read the summary. It concludes that the greatest impediment to developing infrastructure is the current economic regulatory framework. That was not the point of view we took when we gave evidence to the task force. I thank my colleague the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure for her contribution. That recommendation needs to be carefully looked at, because we want to make sure that organisations that are in a dominant economic position or that have monopoly power do not use their position to keep out competition. Much of the talk about “regulatory reform” is the code for letting the monopolists get their way. We must be very careful when we deal with those issues. I was very disappointed that the report did not take on board what this government has been saying on behalf of this state. Our words have been backed up by the facts. Much of the resource allocation from the commonwealth these days is based upon the political requirements of the federal government and the eastern states and are not in Australia’s national interests. That is a very important conclusion for any objective study of the way the commonwealth government is operating. There is great potential in Western Australia. We have assets that we know about: the traditional resource assets plus new aspects of our economy that are becoming important, such as tourism. There are also creative people. We can add significantly to Australia’s growth. However, our ability to do that is being hampered by the fact that the federal government looks to its own political interests in the eastern states rather than to the national interests. It is a great shame that the report on infrastructure did not focus on that key issue. It is important to note that today is Foundation Day. Let us be proud of our achievements but conscious of our failings. Let us note the strength of our economy today - the one per cent growth for the March quarter and six per cent in the final demand through to the past 12 months. Let us also note that, once again, the commonwealth government is missing the opportunity to recognise what we can do here in Western Australia to create job opportunities for all Australians. The SPEAKER : Order! The Premier indicated he wished everyone to read the Governor’s speech. Would he like to table it? Dr G.I. Gallop : Yes, I will table it. [See paper 494.]
Dr G.I. GALLOP : I was just about to qualify my comment by noting that people in Albany point to the settlement that occurred there in 1826. Nonetheless, what we understand to be modern Western Australia was founded in 1829. Western Australians can be very proud of their achievements. We also need to be conscious of our failings. If we take that mixture of pride in our achievements and remain conscious of our failings, we will face the future as a very strong state. I alert all members of the house to an excellent speech at the National Reconciliation Conference by the Western Australian Governor, His Excellency Lieutenant General John Sanderson, titled “Happiness is Belonging”. I am sure all members of Parliament would gain from reading this speech by a person of great wisdom. His Excellency headed the United Nations government in Cambodia and has seen many things in his time. His views on the world are always worth listening to. In that speech he spoke about the importance of forgiveness and renewal in human history. I urge all members to read it. The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics figures on Western Australia’s state accounts show that, in the March quarter 2005, state final demand grew by one per cent - the fastest of all the states. Western Australia’s economy continues to perform extremely well. In the 12 months to March this year, our domestic economy grew by six per cent. On top of that, our exports will provide the final figure for gross state product. We are again enjoying very strong economic growth in Western Australia, and we are building on our strengths. This is a global state and, therefore, exports are the key to our future and they are doing extremely well. It is important to note that, even given that our state final demand figures are very strong. I note that today the federal government tabled its task force report on export infrastructure. Although I have not had time to read the entire report, I have read the summary. It concludes that the greatest impediment to developing infrastructure is the current economic regulatory framework. That was not the point of view we took when we gave evidence to the task force. I thank my colleague the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure for her contribution. That recommendation needs to be carefully looked at, because we want to make sure that organisations that are in a dominant economic position or that have monopoly power do not use their position to keep out competition. Much of the talk about “regulatory reform” is the code for letting the monopolists get their way. We must be very careful when we deal with those issues. I was very disappointed that the report did not take on board what this government has been saying on behalf of this state. Our words have been backed up by the facts. Much of the resource allocation from the commonwealth these days is based upon the political requirements of the federal government and the eastern states and are not in Australia’s national interests. That is a very important conclusion for any objective study of the way the commonwealth government is operating. There is great potential in Western Australia. We have assets that we know about: the traditional resource assets plus new aspects of our economy that are becoming important, such as tourism. There are also creative people. We can add significantly to Australia’s growth. However, our ability to do that is being hampered by the fact that the federal government looks to its own political interests in the eastern states rather than to the national interests. It is a great shame that the report on infrastructure did not focus on that key issue. It is important to note that today is Foundation Day. Let us be proud of our achievements but conscious of our failings. Let us note the strength of our economy today - the one per cent growth for the March quarter and six per cent in the final demand through to the past 12 months. Let us also note that, once again, the commonwealth government is missing the opportunity to recognise what we can do here in Western Australia to create job opportunities for all Australians. The SPEAKER : Order! The Premier indicated he wished everyone to read the Governor’s speech. Would he like to table it? Dr G.I. Gallop : Yes, I will table it. [See paper 494.]
I alert all members of the house to an excellent speech at the National Reconciliation Conference by the Western Australian Governor, His Excellency Lieutenant General John Sanderson, titled “Happiness is Belonging”. I am sure all members of Parliament would gain from reading this speech by a person of great wisdom. His Excellency headed the United Nations government in Cambodia and has seen many things in his time. His views on the world are always worth listening to. In that speech he spoke about the importance of forgiveness and renewal in human history. I urge all members to read it. The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics figures on Western Australia’s state accounts show that, in the March quarter 2005, state final demand grew by one per cent - the fastest of all the states. Western Australia’s economy continues to perform extremely well. In the 12 months to March this year, our domestic economy grew by six per cent. On top of that, our exports will provide the final figure for gross state product. We are again enjoying very strong economic growth in Western Australia, and we are building on our strengths. This is a global state and, therefore, exports are the key to our future and they are doing extremely well. It is important to note that, even given that our state final demand figures are very strong. I note that today the federal government tabled its task force report on export infrastructure. Although I have not had time to read the entire report, I have read the summary. It concludes that the greatest impediment to developing infrastructure is the current economic regulatory framework. That was not the point of view we took when we gave evidence to the task force. I thank my colleague the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure for her contribution. That recommendation needs to be carefully looked at, because we want to make sure that organisations that are in a dominant economic position or that have monopoly power do not use their position to keep out competition. Much of the talk about “regulatory reform” is the code for letting the monopolists get their way. We must be very careful when we deal with those issues. I was very disappointed that the report did not take on board what this government has been saying on behalf of this state. Our words have been backed up by the facts. Much of the resource allocation from the commonwealth these days is based upon the political requirements of the federal government and the eastern states and are not in Australia’s national interests. That is a very important conclusion for any objective study of the way the commonwealth government is operating. There is great potential in Western Australia. We have assets that we know about: the traditional resource assets plus new aspects of our economy that are becoming important, such as tourism. There are also creative people. We can add significantly to Australia’s growth. However, our ability to do that is being hampered by the fact that the federal government looks to its own political interests in the eastern states rather than to the national interests. It is a great shame that the report on infrastructure did not focus on that key issue. It is important to note that today is Foundation Day. Let us be proud of our achievements but conscious of our failings. Let us note the strength of our economy today - the one per cent growth for the March quarter and six per cent in the final demand through to the past 12 months. Let us also note that, once again, the commonwealth government is missing the opportunity to recognise what we can do here in Western Australia to create job opportunities for all Australians. The SPEAKER : Order! The Premier indicated he wished everyone to read the Governor’s speech. Would he like to table it? Dr G.I. Gallop : Yes, I will table it. [See paper 494.]
The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics figures on Western Australia’s state accounts show that, in the March quarter 2005, state final demand grew by one per cent - the fastest of all the states. Western Australia’s economy continues to perform extremely well. In the 12 months to March this year, our domestic economy grew by six per cent. On top of that, our exports will provide the final figure for gross state product. We are again enjoying very strong economic growth in Western Australia, and we are building on our strengths. This is a global state and, therefore, exports are the key to our future and they are doing extremely well. It is important to note that, even given that our state final demand figures are very strong. I note that today the federal government tabled its task force report on export infrastructure. Although I have not had time to read the entire report, I have read the summary. It concludes that the greatest impediment to developing infrastructure is the current economic regulatory framework. That was not the point of view we took when we gave evidence to the task force. I thank my colleague the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure for her contribution. That recommendation needs to be carefully looked at, because we want to make sure that organisations that are in a dominant economic position or that have monopoly power do not use their position to keep out competition. Much of the talk about “regulatory reform” is the code for letting the monopolists get their way. We must be very careful when we deal with those issues. I was very disappointed that the report did not take on board what this government has been saying on behalf of this state. Our words have been backed up by the facts. Much of the resource allocation from the commonwealth these days is based upon the political requirements of the federal government and the eastern states and are not in Australia’s national interests. That is a very important conclusion for any objective study of the way the commonwealth government is operating. There is great potential in Western Australia. We have assets that we know about: the traditional resource assets plus new aspects of our economy that are becoming important, such as tourism. There are also creative people. We can add significantly to Australia’s growth. However, our ability to do that is being hampered by the fact that the federal government looks to its own political interests in the eastern states rather than to the national interests. It is a great shame that the report on infrastructure did not focus on that key issue. It is important to note that today is Foundation Day. Let us be proud of our achievements but conscious of our failings. Let us note the strength of our economy today - the one per cent growth for the March quarter and six per cent in the final demand through to the past 12 months. Let us also note that, once again, the commonwealth government is missing the opportunity to recognise what we can do here in Western Australia to create job opportunities for all Australians. The SPEAKER : Order! The Premier indicated he wished everyone to read the Governor’s speech. Would he like to table it? Dr G.I. Gallop : Yes, I will table it. [See paper 494.]
I note that today the federal government tabled its task force report on export infrastructure. Although I have not had time to read the entire report, I have read the summary. It concludes that the greatest impediment to developing infrastructure is the current economic regulatory framework. That was not the point of view we took when we gave evidence to the task force. I thank my colleague the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure for her contribution. That recommendation needs to be carefully looked at, because we want to make sure that organisations that are in a dominant economic position or that have monopoly power do not use their position to keep out competition. Much of the talk about “regulatory reform” is the code for letting the monopolists get their way. We must be very careful when we deal with those issues. I was very disappointed that the report did not take on board what this government has been saying on behalf of this state. Our words have been backed up by the facts. Much of the resource allocation from the commonwealth these days is based upon the political requirements of the federal government and the eastern states and are not in Australia’s national interests. That is a very important conclusion for any objective study of the way the commonwealth government is operating. There is great potential in Western Australia. We have assets that we know about: the traditional resource assets plus new aspects of our economy that are becoming important, such as tourism. There are also creative people. We can add significantly to Australia’s growth. However, our ability to do that is being hampered by the fact that the federal government looks to its own political interests in the eastern states rather than to the national interests. It is a great shame that the report on infrastructure did not focus on that key issue. It is important to note that today is Foundation Day. Let us be proud of our achievements but conscious of our failings. Let us note the strength of our economy today - the one per cent growth for the March quarter and six per cent in the final demand through to the past 12 months. Let us also note that, once again, the commonwealth government is missing the opportunity to recognise what we can do here in Western Australia to create job opportunities for all Australians. The SPEAKER : Order! The Premier indicated he wished everyone to read the Governor’s speech. Would he like to table it? Dr G.I. Gallop : Yes, I will table it. [See paper 494.]
I was very disappointed that the report did not take on board what this government has been saying on behalf of this state. Our words have been backed up by the facts. Much of the resource allocation from the commonwealth these days is based upon the political requirements of the federal government and the eastern states and are not in Australia’s national interests. That is a very important conclusion for any objective study of the way the commonwealth government is operating. There is great potential in Western Australia. We have assets that we know about: the traditional resource assets plus new aspects of our economy that are becoming important, such as tourism. There are also creative people. We can add significantly to Australia’s growth. However, our ability to do that is being hampered by the fact that the federal government looks to its own political interests in the eastern states rather than to the national interests. It is a great shame that the report on infrastructure did not focus on that key issue. It is important to note that today is Foundation Day. Let us be proud of our achievements but conscious of our failings. Let us note the strength of our economy today - the one per cent growth for the March quarter and six per cent in the final demand through to the past 12 months. Let us also note that, once again, the commonwealth government is missing the opportunity to recognise what we can do here in Western Australia to create job opportunities for all Australians. The SPEAKER : Order! The Premier indicated he wished everyone to read the Governor’s speech. Would he like to table it? Dr G.I. Gallop : Yes, I will table it. [See paper 494.]
It is important to note that today is Foundation Day. Let us be proud of our achievements but conscious of our failings. Let us note the strength of our economy today - the one per cent growth for the March quarter and six per cent in the final demand through to the past 12 months. Let us also note that, once again, the commonwealth government is missing the opportunity to recognise what we can do here in Western Australia to create job opportunities for all Australians. The SPEAKER : Order! The Premier indicated he wished everyone to read the Governor’s speech. Would he like to table it? Dr G.I. Gallop : Yes, I will table it. [See paper 494.]
The SPEAKER : Order! The Premier indicated he wished everyone to read the Governor’s speech. Would he like to table it? Dr G.I. Gallop : Yes, I will table it. [See paper 494.]
Dr G.I. Gallop : Yes, I will table it. [See paper 494.]
[See paper 494.]
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