Ian Goodenough (Moore, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

The National Commission of Audit report is an essential step in addressing Labor's record of waste and mismanagement. The Commission of Audit was a key election commitment of the coalition. It will assess the role and scope of government, as well as ensuring taxpayers' money is spent wisely and in an efficient manner. The Prime Minister has set the tone of how this government will go about the business of governing in a purposeful, methodical and logical way, without making hasty or rash decisions. Labor has left a legacy of $123 billion in budget deficits, the largest budget deficits in Australia's history, and national debt approaching $667 billion. This government will make the difficult fiscal decisions to get the budget under control and Australia back on track to economic prosperity.

The Western Australian Senate election has nothing whatsoever to do with the timing of the Commission of Audit report being released. So important is this issue to those opposite that there is not one opposition member from Western Australia present in the chamber! The Commission of Audit's final report will form part of the 2014-15 budget process which is due in May and should not be rushed. The commission's work is very complex and addresses issues such as the division of responsibilities between local, state and federal governments. It is a process that has involved public and private hearings, submissions from stakeholders and input from government departments. It is a considered and robust process which should not be rushed. The Western Australian Senate election has nothing to do with the Commission of Audit report. It is a mere distraction, a red herring, a smoke screen.

If those opposite wish to question the commitment of this government in Western Australia, let us first consider Labor's record in when in government. Based on information from the Clean Energy Regulator, between 2012 and 2013 Labor's carbon tax cost the Western Australian economy $626 million. Western Australian power companies were hit with a $260 million impact from the carbon tax, affecting all sectors of industry, the economy and consumers.

Western Australia's mining industry, which has seen a slowdown in activity affecting many mining workers and allied industries, has been particularly burdened by the carbon tax, for example: Woodside Energy, $172 million; BHP Worsley Alumina, $56 million;    BHP Burrup, $55 million; Yara Pilbara, $35 million.

On top of the carbon tax, Labor burdened Western Australians with a mining tax that raised a fraction of what it promised yet saddled business with millions of dollars in compliance costs and red tape—costing jobs and discouraging investment.

Labor committed $482 million to two very important road projects in Western Australia—the upgrades of the Great Northern Highway and the North Coastal Highway—but did not fund these projects, because funding was contingent on the mining tax which did not raise sufficient revenue.

What is required in Western Australia is a strong team of senators who are prepared to stand up for their home state, Liberal senators who are prepared to support the work of the 12 government members of the House of Representatives.

Debate adjourned.

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