ANNOUNCING State Government service fees and charges is usually a relatively simple exercise around Budget time each year.
ANNOUNCING State Government service fees and charges is usually a relatively simple exercise around Budget time each year.
The process leading up to this was far more complex for the coming financial year with the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax that will apply to a number of Government services from 1 July.
I am pleased that, as a Government, we have been able to limit increases in our charges to a minimum. In particular, the State Government is not increasing its electricity, gas or public transport tariffs, and only small increases will apply to water and sewerage.
The GST will apply to electricity, gas, public transport and third party insurance charges.
In total, we see the impact of the new charges on an average household will be about $166 a year – with about $140 of that for the GST component of the charges.
Under the Federal Government’s tax reform package, tax cuts mean the same household will receive an extra $1,740 in its after-tax income each year.
Pensions and other benefits and allowances will also increase by at least two per cent after inflation and there will be other supplementary payments for people, including self-funded retirees, to go with the introduction of the GST.
In addition, where possible, State Government authorities have identified any savings that will come from removing the wholesale sales tax and reduced fuel costs.
These savings will also be passed on to consumers and, as a result, tariff increases will be less than the full 10 per cent of GST.
With transport, for example, Transperth fares will be kept to an average 6.2 per cent after GST is added and electricity and gas will increase by 9.3 per cent.
WESTERN Australia is the first State to come out with this level of detail on our charges and it will be interesting to see what the Labor States do with their charges.
New South Wales have signalled that they will have transport increases of more than 9 per cent – that’s basically adding a 3 per cent increase in the guise of GST.
Compared to other States, Western Australians will also continue to pay the lowest compulsory third party insurance premiums in Australia after the GST comes in.
Western Australia has been well served by our Governor, Major-General Michael Jeffery and his wife, Marlena, who leave Perth on 5 May.
Together they have inspired and influenced people and events all over the State and, by their example, highlighted the value of qualities including respect, friendship, duty and understanding.
They have given years of wonderful service to our State and we wish them well for the future.
The process leading up to this was far more complex for the coming financial year with the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax that will apply to a number of Government services from 1 July.
I am pleased that, as a Government, we have been able to limit increases in our charges to a minimum. In particular, the State Government is not increasing its electricity, gas or public transport tariffs, and only small increases will apply to water and sewerage.
The GST will apply to electricity, gas, public transport and third party insurance charges.
In total, we see the impact of the new charges on an average household will be about $166 a year – with about $140 of that for the GST component of the charges.
Under the Federal Government’s tax reform package, tax cuts mean the same household will receive an extra $1,740 in its after-tax income each year.
Pensions and other benefits and allowances will also increase by at least two per cent after inflation and there will be other supplementary payments for people, including self-funded retirees, to go with the introduction of the GST.
In addition, where possible, State Government authorities have identified any savings that will come from removing the wholesale sales tax and reduced fuel costs.
These savings will also be passed on to consumers and, as a result, tariff increases will be less than the full 10 per cent of GST.
With transport, for example, Transperth fares will be kept to an average 6.2 per cent after GST is added and electricity and gas will increase by 9.3 per cent.
WESTERN Australia is the first State to come out with this level of detail on our charges and it will be interesting to see what the Labor States do with their charges.
New South Wales have signalled that they will have transport increases of more than 9 per cent – that’s basically adding a 3 per cent increase in the guise of GST.
Compared to other States, Western Australians will also continue to pay the lowest compulsory third party insurance premiums in Australia after the GST comes in.
Western Australia has been well served by our Governor, Major-General Michael Jeffery and his wife, Marlena, who leave Perth on 5 May.
Together they have inspired and influenced people and events all over the State and, by their example, highlighted the value of qualities including respect, friendship, duty and understanding.
They have given years of wonderful service to our State and we wish them well for the future.
