Premier Mark McGowan has refused to back Royalties for Regions projects approved for funding before the former Liberal-National government lost office.
During parliamentary question time on Tuesday, Mr McGowan would only confirm “royalties for regions will remain” and that regions minister Alannah MacTiernan was “doing a magnificent job” ensuring funding would be spent wisely.
He did not respond to questioning by Blackwood-Stirling MP Terry Redman about which projects would be cut in a review of Royalties for Regions commissioned by the McGowan Government ahead of the budget.
“It might surprise the backbencher on the front bench to know that just because the National Party was committed to something, does not mean the Labor Party is committed to it,” Mr McGowan said.
“We have our priorities.
“They are about job creation, fixing dangerous regional roads and making sure we focus on sustainable communities, health, education and the like.”
Mr McGowan told Mr Redman he should not “get on his high horse about these things given his record when he was in office”.
Ms MacTiernan confirmed a review was under way.
“As we have made clear, as a result of the diabolical finances left by the former Liberal-National Government, all Royalties for Regions projects and programs are under review as part of the budget process,” she said.
“The review will be completed prior to the Budget.”
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