Costello penalises Western Australians for voting against extended trading

15/12/05
In a sign of increasing arrogance, Federal Treasurer Peter Costello has penalised Western Australians $23.8million in 2005-06 while at the same time announcing a massive $11.5billion surplus.
Treasurer Eric Ripper said the $23.8million could have gone towards WA schools, hospitals and police stations.
"Instead it has gone into Peter Costello's pockets," he Ripper said.
Earlier today, Mr Costello announced he was penalising WA for not implementing some National Competition Policy reform commitments.
Mr Ripper said the penalty included $7.94million in 2005-06 for not deregulating retail trading.
However, he said the penalty was unjustified because WA had satisfied the NCC public interest guidelines by holding a referendum on the issue in February.
"Mr Costello is penalising WA for giving voters what they wanted on retail trading," Mr Ripper said.
"There is no better judge than the people of WA. The Commonwealth should have accepted their will and not withheld the funding."
But the news was not all bad with Mr Costello acknowledging the progress WA has made on electricity reform and grain marketing through a $15.4million refund of last year's suspension.
"We are keen supporters of competition, but we recognise the clear choice made by Western Australians on retail trading hours and we respect that choice," Mr Ripper said.
Minister's office - 9222 8788