Mark Pownall and Mark Beyer discuss the state budget, including iron ore royalties, new infrastructure priorities, debt and tax reform, labour shortages and border restrictions, mining technology, Perdaman, logging and Smiths Beach.
Western Australians will be waiting to reap the full benefits of the massive surge in royalty revenue, with Premier Mark McGowan saying today he wanted a lasting impact.
The prime minister has denied failing to secure a Pfizer vaccine deal soon enough after revelations about the negotiations sparked a barrage of criticism.
BUDGET: When Australia suffered through its first major pandemic lockdown last year, Western Australians supported other states to the tune of more than $21 billion.
Crown Resorts shelled out almost $10 million in payouts to three of its most senior executives when they left the embattled casino business, according to its latest report.
BUDGET: An iron ore windfall and a world-beating economy have meant state revenue will smash expectations by $6.7 billion, with spending prioritised in health, housing and climate action.
BUDGET: Last year’s boom in iron ore prices underpinned a massive surge in WA government revenue but the good times are coming to an end, with treasury assuming prices will fall sharply.
BUDGET: The state government has deferred 16 infrastructure projects to take heat out of the construction industry while setting aside funds for a new desalination plant and port at Kwinana.
BUDGET: The state government’s 140,000 strong workforce can expect a pay bonus next year following a decision to bring forward a review of the public sector wages policy.
BUDGET: COVID-19 has become endemic in this year’s state budget, with a potential outbreak hanging bleakly over the state’s economic and fiscal outlook.
A cashed-up Western Australian government faces spending pressures across the board as Premier Mark McGowan prepares to deliver a record budget surplus.
