Statement of resignation by Finance and Racing and Gaming Minister Max Evans

21/12/99
I have decided to resign from Cabinet to facilitate a reshuffle.
I do so reluctantly, but I have recently decided not to stand for my North Metropolitan seat at the next election and I can therefore see some merit in leaving Cabinet now.
I have thoroughly enjoyed the privilege and the challenge of serving the State in Cabinet and I will miss the responsibility.
However, life moves on and we all move with it.
I am proud of the achievements of this Government and my own part in them.
We faced a huge challenge to restore the State's finances when we came to government in 1993.
Western Australians should never forget the disaster of the Labor Party's 10 years in office, or that the Royal Commission found that that disaster was basically fraudulent.
State debt was spiralling just to keep the ordinary services of government operating.
We stopped the rot in our first year and since then we have presented six consecutive balanced consolidated fund budgets.
In that time we reduced State debt by $1.6 billion as well as funding $1.25 billion of capital works without using loan funds.
In the same period we increased our health budget by 44 per cent, from $1.28 billion to $1.83 billion.
Our education budget has gone up by 30 per cent.
Our police budget has gone up by 72 per cent.
Our increase in disability services funding of 70 per cent has led the rest of Australia.
We have funded the $800 million Infill Sewerage Program and the remarkable urban renewal program which has brought new living opportunities to many of Perth's previously rundown suburbs.
Our commitment to public transport with 800 new buses on order and the Perth to Rockingham and Mandurah railway line in planning is matched by our huge commitment to roads, including the new Graham Farmer Freeway bridge across the river and the duplication of the Narrows now in progress.
When careless commentators take their minds off imaginary cuts, they will see that this Government has been one of great achievement and excellent financial management.
We have also reformed the whole budget process and now have budgets through Parliament before the start of the financial year.
We have four-year forward estimates and we allow departments to carry funds forward to give them better capacity for forward planning and sound management.
Within my own portfolios we have introduced numerous reforms to stamp duty, land tax and payroll tax.
Our liquor reforms have led to great improvements in the responsible sale and consumption of alcohol, and the introduction of accords has allowed communities to become involved in local decision-making.
The restructured TAB has been the most successful in Australia and has increased its turnover by 70 per cent in my time.
The Insurance Commission has gone from having massive debts to a healthy surplus and Western Australian motorists continue to pay the lowest third party insurance premiums in Australia for a family vehicle.
There have been numerous other highlights of my seven years in Cabinet and I will leave the position satisfied with what has been done, but eager to see that the quality of government is maintained now and after the next election.
I thank my wife Barbara for her unfailing support. She and I have been active contributors to the community throughout our lives and we will continue to be in the future.
Media Contact: Hugh Ryan 94813244