K'CHNG: liberals ring up another unfunded promise

25/11/04
The State Liberals have rung up another $240million in unfunded promises in the last 48 hours.
Treasurer Eric Ripper said the Coalition had made more than 350 promises worth billions but had not outlined how they would pay for them.
"Mr Barnett has a promise for every person but no plan to pay for them," Mr Ripper said.
"Yesterday, Mr Barnett committed $60million over four years to reducing school fees. Today, he announced he would spend $180million to cut motor vehicle stamp duty, currently used to pay for schools, hospitals and police services."
Mr Ripper said Mr Barnett's priorities were wrong.
"Labor is delivering $1billion in tax cuts to power the economy and create jobs," he said.
"We are also spending $1.5billion a year in new money in health, education, law and order and disability services compared to when we took office.
"These commitments are fully funded and part of a sustainable financial plan.
"Mr Barnett has no financial plan, and no credibility.
"The Liberals delivered five deficits in eight years, shrank the economy and ran down Government services."
The Treasurer said guests at the Liberal Party's well-heeled 500 Club would be delighted with the Opposition leader's announcement today.
"People who can afford to buy a Porsche Boxster, an Audi 8, a Lexus LS430, or a BMW 7-series will be much better off under the Liberal plan, at the expense of schools, hospitals and police services," Mr Ripper said.
"Someone buying a Mercedes CLK55 will save about $3,000 in stamp duty, while people buying a Toyota Corolla will save about $100."
Mr Ripper said 75 per cent of new and used light vehicles bought were valued at under $20,000.
He said car registrations in Western Australia were at record levels.
"Over the three months to October 2004, new motor vehicle registrations in WA rose by 7.2 per cent. This was the second highest rate of all States and Territories and compared with growth of 3.4 per cent nationally," Mr Ripper said.
Treasurer's office: 9222 8788