WA: State budget $830 million in red, ABS says

AAP General News (Australia)
04-13-2000
WA: State budget $830 million in red, ABS says

West Australian opposition leader GEOFF GALLOP says WA faces an economic crisis following
a report that the state's forecast budget for 1999-2000 is $830 million in deficit.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics' Government Financial Estimates report predicts
the government will be $830 million in the red by June 30 this year, compared with a $31
million surplus for the 1998-99 financial year.

Dr GALLOP says WA's budgetary position is by far the worst of any state or territory
in the country, with only Queensland and South Australia also expected to deliver budget
deficits.

But WA Premier RICHARD COURT has dismissed the Bureau's report as preliminary and incomplete.

He says the review shows a significant improvement in the state's forecast budget position.

Dr GALLOP says the deficit undermines the financial credibility of the government.

AAP RTV alm/as/rt

KEYWORD: DEFICIT (PERTH)

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