Thursday 11 June 2026: Legislative Assembly Question Time
12 questions · 5 Dorothy Dixers removed · 22m
Summary
Zempilas asked the Premier what steps would be taken against federal tax changes; the Premier referred to the state's GST record and support for Western Australian industry without specifying urgent action. Michel asked the Premier about the resources sector and Pilbara communities; the Premier cited BHP's $160 million Port Hedland investment under the Resources Community Investment Initiative, including school upgrades, an aquatics centre, and housing. Love asked the Minister for Mines and Petroleum about consultation with mining groups on federal capital gains tax changes; the minister acknowledged industry concerns and pointed to an expanded Exploration Incentive Scheme but did not confirm direct opposition measures. Brewer asked the Treasurer what concrete steps were being taken against federal tax changes; Saffioti did not directly answer the question, with the exchange involving a procedural matter under section 82 and interjections about misleading Parliament. Egan asked the Minister for Transport about public transport priorities; the minister highlighted the first anniversary of the Thornlie-Cockburn Link without directly addressing the question about alternative plans.
Questions
Asked of the Premier
Federal budget—Tax changes
Premier Roger Cook declined to directly state whether the Western Australian Labor government opposes the federal government's tax changes on negative gearing, trusts and capital gains tax, instead deflecting by referencing a colleague's contrasting view of the budget as visionary and indicating the state would continue discussions with the Commonwealth government on the matter.
Asked of the Premier
Federal budget—Tax changes
During question time, Member for Niddrie Basil Zempilas asked the Premier what concrete steps he would take to stop what he described as "disastrous Labor taxes" in the federal budget. Premier Roger Cook did not directly address the specific question about blocking federal tax measures, instead deflecting to highlight his government's broader record of advocating for Western Australia's interests on GST distribution and industry support.
Asked of the Minister for Mines and Petroleum
Federal budget—Tax changes
Shane Love questioned the Minister for Mines and Petroleum about federal tax changes affecting junior mining explorers, citing warnings from industry groups about negative impacts. The minister deflected from directly addressing the specific concerns by emphasizing the state government's own Exploration Incentive Scheme commitment and noting they advocate with the Commonwealth, without clearly agreeing or disagreeing with the industry assessment.
Asked of the Minister for Mines and Petroleum
Federal budget—Tax changes
The Minister for Mines and Petroleum responded to a question about opposing federal tax changes by stating that Western Australia maintains regular dialogue with the Commonwealth and has a good relationship with the federal Resources Minister, through which industry concerns are conveyed. The minister did not specify concrete steps being taken to oppose the taxes, instead focusing on the state's communication channels with the federal government.
Federal budget—Tax changes
Member Sandra Brewer raised concerns about federal government changes to capital gains tax and discretionary trust taxation, stating these policy shifts have created uncertainty for Western Australian businesses planning ahead. The exchange was marked by interjections from other members, though the Treasurer's substantive response was not detailed in the provided record.
Asked of the Treasurer
Federal budget—Tax changes
During question time, Member for Shenton Sandra Brewer asked the Treasurer what concrete steps were being taken to oppose federal Labor government tax changes. The Treasurer did not directly address the question, instead responding about comments from the shadow Treasurer and referencing section 82, while Ms Amber-Jade Sanderson interjected with an accusation of misleading Parliament.
Asked of the Minister for Health
Kalgoorlie Health Campus—Radiology billing
Liberal MP Libby Mettam asked whether the issue of patients being charged for radiology services they did not receive was discussed at a January meeting between the Minister for Health and private radiology providers from Kalgoorlie. The Minister confirmed the meeting occurred but stated the billing issue was not raised, instead indicating discussions focused on private referrals, signage, and business viability concerns.
Asked of the Minister for Health
Kalgoorlie Health Campus—Radiology billing
During question time, the Member for Vasse asked the Minister for Health why an investigation failed to detect serious over-billing issues at Kalgoorlie Health Campus. The minister rejected the characterisation of the investigation and stated that additional information was received recently, leading to a request for further assistance to clarify the situation, rather than directly addressing why the original investigation had shortcomings.
Asked of the Minister for Health
GP services—Kalbarri
Member Kirrilee Warr raised concerns about the impending closure of Kalbarri's doctors surgery and its impact on GP services in the community, asking whether the government would consider co-locating a GP service within the local health centre. Minister Meredith Hammat acknowledged the importance of regional GP services but deflected primary responsibility to the Commonwealth government, stating that Western Australia would continue to advocate for better access to care in regional areas without directly addressing the specific questions about co-location or the medical services agreement.
Asked of the Minister for Health
GP services—Kalbarri
In a supplementary question, Kirrilee Warr asked what assurances the Minister for Health could give about having an on-call GP at the Kalbarri health centre. The minister deflected from the specific question by discussing broader regional health initiatives and WACHS's telehealth capabilities rather than directly addressing the availability of on-call GP services at the Kalbarri facility.
Asked of the Minister for Transport
Coastal erosion—Lancelin and Port Denison
Shane Love questioned the Minister for Transport about coastal erosion damage at Lancelin and Port Denison from a May 31 storm, asking what action the government is taking to protect threatened public and private infrastructure including roads, homes, and facilities. Minister Rita Saffioti initially deflected by stating the issue was not directly in her portfolio, though Love countered that it related to transportation matters.
Coastal erosion—Lancelin and Port Denison
Member for Moore Shane Love pressed the Minister for Transport on the urgency of coastal erosion threatening public and private infrastructure in Lancelin and Port Denison, suggesting the minister had not fully grasped the severity of the situation. The exchange occurred during question time but no substantive ministerial response was recorded in this excerpt.