George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Hansard source

Senator Lines, I am afraid that the proposition that you have put to me is entirely false. During tight budgetary conditions, I can inform you that the Commonwealth is increasing annual funding for Western Australia's hospitals by 27 per cent over the next four years, on top of growth of 16 per cent in 2014-15. So, Senator Lines, you can come in here with the misinformation that we know the Labor Party specialises in, but the facts are a 27 per cent increase in funding for Western Australian hospitals by the Commonwealth over the next four years on top of the 16 per cent increase in 2014-15. By the way, we are also increasing funding for Western Australian schools by 42 per cent over the next four years, on top of a growth of eight per cent for Western Australian schools in 2014-15.

As well as that, Senator Lines, you might be interested to know that the government is investing $5.2 billion in Western Australia to build the infrastructure of the 21st century, including: $925 million for the Perth Freight Link, $675 million to the Gateway at Perth airport, $615 million to the NorthLink WA Swan Valley Bypass and $308 million to upgrade the Great Northern Highway from Muchea to Wubin. The Abbott government has given Western Australia an additional $500 million for infrastructure projects which will be exempt from the GST distribution system. So, Senator Lines, contrary to what you assert in your question, not only on hospitals but across a whole range of policies, Western Australia has been treated very well by this government. (Time expired)