Legislative Council: Thursday, February 28, 2008

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WORKCOVER CORPORATION

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY (Leader of the Opposition) (14:25): So, the minister does not agree with the statement made by the Treasurer yesterday in his party room meeting?

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY (Minister for Police, Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Minister for Urban Development and Planning) (14:25): It is not a question of whether or not I agree with what the Treasurer said but what the Treasurer is doing. What he has done over the past six years is to restore the AAA credit rating. He has had balanced budgets—or surplus budgets, actually—every year in all six budgets, which is in direct contrast to what happened in the previous government. What this government intends to do in relation to WorkCover is to ensure that the WorkCover system not only provides the appropriate benefits for injured workers but also is a scheme which is sustainable and fully funded. I certainly agree with the Treasurer in his attempts to do that.