PARLIAMENT RETURNS

Last week the 42nd Parliament was officially opened by the Governor, His Excellency the Honourable Chris Dawson AC APM.

As the Leader of the Opposition, it was a privilege to stand and hold the Labor Government to account in the Parliament.

The questions we asked are the questions Western Australians should have answered. Why is the Premier prioritising his race track and rugby team over the delivery of essential services like hospital beds and safe schools.

The Treasurer also introduced a Bill to authorise a further $1.9 billion in spending, including $500 million until June 30 that is not accounted for – basically a half a billion dollar ‘contingency’ for what might come. That’s $6 million per day. This is sloppy fiscal management.

We also learned that the State Budget will be delivered on June 19, where generally, following an election, the Budget is handed down in August or September.

That means the Government was either working on this Budget during the election campaign, or we will be getting a hastily cobbled together Budget in June.

We will be in a strong position to scrutinise this Budget and hold this Cook Labor Government to account.

LABOR’S GHOST TRAINS MEAN REAL PAIN

With a now near $14 billion overspend and projects facing delay after delay, Metronet is more spin than it is substance.

Last week West Australians were reminded once again of the ongoing disaster that is Labor’s chief pet project.

When the government cut the ribbon on its over-budget and over-time Ellenbrook line, it boasted that 5200 patrons would be boarding the line from day one. We now know it is closer to 1900 patrons a day representing a clear failure to deliver value for money for West Australians.

We also learnt that the full reopening Armadale line will again be delayed. In August 2023 Rita Saffioti said she was “100% confident” that the Armadale line would reopen on time.

Labor’s reckless spending and blatant disregard for their own timelines and promises mean trains get taken off tracks, projects are delayed and the basics like health, housing and coat of living are ignored.

OUR SHADOW CABINET IS READY TO STAND UP FOR WA

The Liberal National Shadow Cabinet stands in stark contrast to WA Labor’s cabinet of union appointed back room wheelers and dealers.

The Alliance team is made up of MPs with varied real life jobs and experiences from areas including local government, mining, primary industry, health and advocacy to name a few.

Myself, Sandra Brewer, David Bolt, Jonathan Huston, Liam Staltari and Adam Hort join the existing team of Libby Mettam, Neil Thompson, Steve Martin, Steve Thomas, Nick Goiran and Tjorn Sibma.

The WA Liberals team that I lead stands ready to strongly advocate for the interests of Western Australians and present an alternative government they deserve and trust.