Treasurer fights for better financial deal for WA

25/3/04
Western Australian Treasurer Eric Ripper heads to Canberra today for a showdown with Federal Treasurer Peter Costello and other State Treasurers over the level of Commonwealth funding for State and Territory Governments.
Mr Ripper said he would fight to get a better financial deal for WA so it could afford to invest in important community priorities.
"I will be arguing that Mr Costello should accept the recommendation of the Commonwealth Grants Commission that WA is entitled to a $231million increase in our share of grants in 2004-05," he said.
"After all, we have suffered 10 years of cuts and we are a growing State with needs in health, education and law and order and in the provision of ports, roads and other infrastructure to secure our economic future."
The meeting takes place tomorrow (Friday).
Treasurer's office: 9222 8788