Thursday 12 May 2016
Today’s State Budget sees a further skimming of relief for vulnerable people and is bad news for the State’s biodiversity and the climate, the WA Greens say.
“This Budget ignores Western Australians who are experiencing disadvantage and does little to help people from falling into further difficulties,” Lynn MacLaren MLC said.
“We are not seeing much-needed extra funding in key areas including domestic and family violence, support services for struggling families, youth services, homelessness, and children in care, despite the growing number of people in social disadvantage.
Robin Chapple MLC said the state government had made no commitment in this year’s budget to continue funding for municipal, and essential services to Aboriginal people living in remote areas.
“Investing in communities and listening to Aboriginal elders is crucial to closing the gap; It is disappointing to see this government continuing their rhetoric of fear and uncertainty for Aboriginal people,” Mr Chapple said.
“The budget has also failed yet again to outline any real steps Western Australia will take to switch to a clean energy economy, and mitigate the very real effects of climate change.
“We are still spending money to keep our ancient coal-fired power stations running and providing massive subsidies to industry when we should in fact be investing in our state’s future.
“While the sale of Western Power has finally been acknowledged, the projected $16 billion revenue is absolutely fanciful and indicative of this government’s weak, desperate economic management.”
Ms MacLaren said environmental agencies had again taken a hit with Department of Parks and Wildlife’s conservation partnerships and programs to conserve threatened species shrunk yet again, at a time of runaway biodiversity loss in WA.
“The Barnett Government is once again guilty of making short term savings that will cost us all in the long run,” Ms MacLaren said.
“What is clear from today’s budget announcement is that under the Barnett Liberal government we will continue to see record state debt, a widening social gap and climate change policy that amounts to legislated denial,” Mr Chapple concluded.
For comment please contact Tim Oliver on 0431 9696 25 or 08 9486 8255.
