State Budget

The Hon. S.C. MULLIGHAN (Lee) (14:41): My question is to the Premier. Can the Premier commit that his government will deliver a budget surplus in the 2018-19 and 2019-20 financial years?

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL (Dunstan—Premier) (14:41): Certainly, all will be revealed in June this year. Obviously, we are subject to what happens in the federal budget, which comes down in April. I think there has been some very significant revaluation of the forward projections for the GST distribution as provided in the Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook which those opposite should have access to but, if not, we are happy to send them through.

Mr Malinauskas interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The leader is warned. He has been particularly vocal today. The Premier has the call.

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL: I feel confident that we will post a surplus this year. That's exactly what we are working towards, as for future years. I think we need to wait to see what happens in the budget when it comes down in June.

Mr Hughes: More cuts.

The SPEAKER: The member for Giles can depart for half an hour under 137A, and when he does the member for Lee can have a question.

The honourable member for Giles having withdrawn from the chamber: