The state opposition claims millions of dollars in federal funding earmarked for infrastructure projects in WA could be put at risk should the three unaligned independent MPs side with the federal coalition.
State opposition Lleader Eric Ripper said federal opposition Leader Tony Abbott promised funding cuts for the states' infrastructure projects in his election costings.
The projects which currently attract federal funding include $236 million for the Northbridge link, $339 million for the Oakajee Port, and $225 million for the Fiona Stanley Hospital.
"Federal Labor also promised $480 million from 2011-12 for the WA Gateway project and a
further $100 million to complete the full upgrade of the Great Eastern Highway from Kooyong
road to Tonkin Highway. Mr Abbott did not match these commitments," said Mr Ripper.
"Mr Barnett must say how WA can possibly complete these projects without Federal funding.
"I have no doubt Mr Barnett will simply respond with an attack on the mining tax. Yet on
behalf of their shareholders, most of whom live outside Western Australia, BHP Billiton and
Rio Tinto have already agreed to pay this tax.
"Simply attacking the tax leaves unanswered the basic question now confronting Mr Barnett
and all Western Australians - where is the money coming from for these vital infrastructure
projects if Mr Abbott wins power."
