Mr. Wyatt questions the Treasurer regarding the Premier's statement on debt repayment. The Treasurer deflects, highlighting debt reduction in forward estimates and infrastructure investment, while accusing the opposition of hypocrisy.

AnsweredQoN 425Legislative Assembly
Asked
15 August 2012
Portfolio
Treasurer

QuestionView source ↗

STATE BUDGET 2012–13
— NET DEBT
425. Mr B.S. WYATT to the Treasurer:
I ask a supplementary question. Does the Treasurer endorse
the PremierXXX ###XXXs statement that in reality he
does not have to pay back the debt?

AnswerView source ↗

The Premier can defend his own statements. What I know in
reality is that debt declines in the fourth year of the forward estimates. I
also know in reality that we have made a conscious effort and a conscious
decision to borrow money to invest in infrastructure. The member has no
credibility when he comes in here and says debt is too high when every single
one of his colleagues wants to spend more money. Every single one of his
colleagues wants to plunge the state into higher and higher net debt. The
member will have credibility when he matches his increased spending with
associated increases in debt.

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