Liberals and Nationals unchecked spending a risk to WA

The inexperienced Liberals and Nationals have continued their track record of reckless and unchecked election spending with nearly $7 billion worth of commitments already made.
  • Inexperienced Liberals and Nationals racking up billions in election commitments
  • Unchecked and uncosted spending a risk to WA’s economy
  • Liberal and National unsustainable spending means Western Australians will pay more

The inexperienced Liberals and Nationals have continued their track record of reckless and unchecked election spending with nearly $7 billion worth of commitments already made.

With their spending commitments spiralling out of control, WA Labor is calling on the Liberals and Nationals to confirm whether they stand by all their election commitments made so far.

The last time the Liberals and Nationals were in Government, WA’s economy was on its knees, unemployment was at record highs, and they left a trail of debt and deficits.

The legacy of the Liberals and Nationals was a record deficit and out of control debt. After inheriting net debt from WA Labor at just $3.6 billion, debt skyrocketed under the Liberals and Nationals, projected to reach $43.7 billion by 2020, while Western Australia lost both of its triple-A credit ratings.

Under WA Labor, the state’s finances have turned around with six budget surpluses in a row, net debt now $13.5 billion lower than forecast under the Liberals and Nationals, and both triple-A credit ratings restored.

The responsible financial management by the WA Labor Government has saved taxpayers almost $5 billion in interest repayments on State debt, while at the same time delivering record spending on cost of living, housing, health and infrastructure.

Comments attributed to Treasurer Rita Saffioti:

“The Liberals and Nationals went on a pre-Christmas spending spree and have no idea how much their commitments are costing."

“The Liberals and Nationals are onto their third shadow treasurer in as many years, and it’s abundantly clear that responsible management of the state’s finances is not being factored into their spending commitments."

“The level of spending by the Liberals and Nationals is reckless and unsustainable - Libby Mettam needs to front up and admit whether she plans to stand by all their commitments made so far."

“The Liberals and Nationals are inexperienced; they cannot be trusted to manage the state’s finances and are a risk to our state’s strong economy."

“They also have to come clean on who is doing their election costings."

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