Western Australia's Opposition has launched a scathing attack on the Labor government, accusing it of blatant hypocrisy over a pre-Christmas request for spending proposals.
A Festive Wishlist Sparks Political Fire
Deputy Opposition Leader Jessica Page has taken aim at Deputy Premier and Treasurer Rita Saffioti after it was revealed that in December 2023, Ms Saffioti's office asked government departments to submit their budget bids for the 2025-26 financial year. This request came just weeks after the Mid-Year Review, where the government had warned of fiscal challenges and the need for spending restraint.
Ms Page labelled the move a "lesson in hypocrisy," arguing the government was privately planning new spending sprees while publicly talking about belt-tightening. She contrasted this with the government's criticism of the former Liberal-National government for its own pre-election spending.
"They were out there before the last election criticising the then-government for doing exactly this," Ms Page stated. "Now, they are in government, they are doing exactly the same thing."
The Timing and The Accusation
The request for proposals was sent in mid-December, with a deadline for submissions set for mid-January 2024. This timeline places the budget planning process squarely in the lead-up to the next state election in March 2025.
Ms Page's central accusation is that the Labor government is preparing a classic pre-election budget, designed to win votes with new spending announcements, despite its own rhetoric about fiscal responsibility. She pointed to the government's own words from the Mid-Year Review, which highlighted rising costs and a softening economy.
"They said they needed to show spending restraint," Ms Page said. "Yet, behind closed doors, they're asking for wishlists from all their ministers."
Government's Defence and the Road to 2025
In response, a spokesperson for the Treasurer defended the process, stating that "budget planning is undertaken every year" and is a standard part of government operations. They emphasised that all proposals would be rigorously assessed based on their merits and affordability within the broader fiscal strategy.
However, the Opposition remains unconvinced. They argue the timing is politically motivated, aiming to load up the 2025 budget with sweeteners for voters. This episode sets the stage for the upcoming political battle, where economic management and budget integrity are expected to be key issues.
The controversy highlights the perennial tension in political cycles: the balance between responsible economic management and the temptation to use the public purse to gain electoral advantage. With the 2025 state election now on the horizon, every government move, especially concerning the budget, will be scrutinised for political intent.
As both sides dig in, Western Australian voters are left to judge whether the government's early budget planning is prudent administration or the first step in a calculated pre-election spending splurge.
