One Nation leader in WA and MLC for the South West Region, Colin Tincknell, has urged the Government to stop further budget and program cuts for the remainder of this financial year.
Mr Tincknell said, “It is a well-known fact that the Government inherited an horrendous set of books from the former Barnett Government of net public sector debt, 2016-17 of $31.9bn and a budget deficit of $2.47 bn. It is also acknowledged that the need for budget repair is a necessary Government priority. However the Government should now stop basic politics 101 theory of inflicting economic pain in the first year of Government. The people and businesses of Western Australia have endured enough economic pain in the name of budget repair.”
“The Government will receive an unexpected boost to revenue through the increase in the price of iron ore above forecasts. There will be an increase in GST during the period of the forward estimates due to the time lag in the Grant’s Commission allocation of GST payments to the States. It is now time for the McGowan Government to show it is both a good and compassionate Government and end further budget and program cuts for the remainder of this financial year. Reassess the books for the next financial and frame the budget accordingly. It can then at least explain to the people and businesses of Western Australia the reasons for any further cuts.”
“A good starting point would be for the Government to announce it will not proceed with the education budget cuts of -: closing the Landsdale School Farm; closing the 6 camp sites run by the Education Department; not proceeding with the 122% increase in the cost of Vacation Swimming lessons; closure of the Moora Residential College, changing the program delivery at Canning College from only overseas fee paying students and the decision that Tuart College will no longer take students.” Mr Tincknell concluded.
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For further information contact Colin Tincknell, Tel. (08) 9486 8106; email: colin.tincknell@mp.wa.gov.au
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