TREASURER Troy Buswell and Labor’s Treasury spokesman Ben Wyatt have agreed to an exclusive face-to-face debate, to be hosted by WA Business News, in the final fortnight of the election campaign.
The two men, who are both seen as potential future leaders of their respective parties, have agreed to the live debate on Tuesday 26 February.
The debate will be moderated by WA Business News columnist and experienced political commentator Peter Kennedy.
With management of the state’s finances shaping up as a key issue in the election, the debate will give the two political heavyweights an opportunity to present their credentials and critique each other’s performance.
They have already engaged in a spirited debate over their respective spending promises.
Just before Christmas, when releasing the mid-year financial review, Mr Buswell said Labor had “already dug a big budget black hole through making promises to the electorate that the state cannot afford”.
“This mid-year review sets the financial parameters within which the election campaign will be fought. Labor’s promises have already broken the bank,” Mr Buswell said.
Mr Wyatt has returned fire, last week accusing the state government of having unfunded promises of “more than $5 billion”.
“They have made promises without any regard to financial responsibility,” Mr Wyatt said.
The 46-year-old Mr Buswell is an economics graduate from the University of WA, and winner of the WG Salter memorial prize in economics.
Mr Wyatt, aged 38 years, is also well trained in the field, having completed a masters degree at the London School of Economics after gaining a law degree at UWA.
Both men have recovered from setbacks in their political careers to once again take the key Treasury roles in their respective parties.
The ‘Treasury’ debate will be held one week after premier Colin Barnett and Labor leader Mark McGowan have their only debate of the election campaign.
Mr McGowan challenged the premier to have three debates but Mr Barnett last week rejected the offer.
Tickets for the ‘Treasury’ debate, to be held at the Hyatt Regency as part of WA Business News's Success & Leadership breakfast series, will go on sale later this week. Email events@ wabn.com.au or call Rosemary on 9288 2100 to make a booking.
