The Nationals WA have rejected the Liberal Party’s position Royalties for Regions and say neither major party can be trusted to deliver the regional development program.
“Regional voters deserve better than the two major Perth-based political parties pretending they care about Royalties for Regions just before an election,” Leader of The Nationals WA Mia Davies said.
“Our commitment to restoring Royalties for Regions on behalf of the regional families, businesses and communities we represent has never wavered once in Opposition or in Government,” she said.
“The same cannot be said for the two major city-based political Parties.”
Ms Davies said both major parties, dominated by city MPs, had a poor track record when it came to regional development and Royalties for Regions.
“Over the last four years, the Labor Party has ripped at least $1.9 billion from Royalties for Regions to fund their Perth election promises, like Metronet.
“Labor has deliberately short-changed the people of regional WA, restricting opportunities for these communities to grow and diversify in ways that would benefit the whole State.”
Ms Davies said the Liberal Party was no better.
“Regional people haven’t forgotten the Liberal Party’s attack on Royalties for Regions before and after the 2017 State election, and it appears they are still intending to curtail the State’s only regional development fund.”
Ms Davies said the Liberal Party’s announcement to restore Royalties for Regions came with conditions that meant regional WA would only see the funds if the Liberals thought they could afford it.
“The Liberal Party’s commitment to Royalties for Regions is conditional on finding savings in the State Budget. It is far from a rock-solid promise to deliver the State’s only regional development fund in full.
“The Nationals WA have been clear and upfront with voters about our intentions to restore the integrity of Royalties for Regions for years,” Ms Davies said.
Deputy Leader Shane Love said Royalties for Regions had been created by The Nationals WA in 2007 to counter decades of regional neglect from both sides of politics.
“Reversing the cuts made by Labor and guaranteeing this legislated fund is a priority for Government will only happen with The Nationals sitting at the decision-making table,” Mr Love said.
“Regional development and Royalties for Regions is non-negotiable and should be a key part of our State’s ongoing sustainable economic and social development,” he said.
