12.07.2015 Views

2012-13 Government Mid-year Financial Projections Statement

2012-13 Government Mid-year Financial Projections Statement

2012-13 Government Mid-year Financial Projections Statement

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<strong>Financial</strong> <strong>Projections</strong>Light RailThe <strong>Government</strong> has announced its support for a light rail system to link Mirrabooka withthe Perth central business district (CBD), and extending east-west through the CBD to theQEII Medical Centre and the Causeway. The first phase of the system is scheduled to beoperational by 2018, with construction expected to commence in 2016. Consistent withsound asset management principles, the forward estimates include $15.8 million forplanning the light rail project. However, as an accurate estimate of cost will not beavailable until that planning work has been completed, the forward estimates do notinclude funding for the commencement of construction. It is noted, though,that application has been made to the Commonwealth <strong>Government</strong> for funding under theNation Building Program.National Disability Insurance SchemeWestern Australia is committed to a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and isactively involved in its development, including discussions with the Commonwealth onpossible launch site arrangements for the State. The full cost of the NDIS at a nationallevel is estimated by the Commonwealth to be around $16 billion (in 20<strong>13</strong>-14 prices).If a 50:50 funding split arrangement were to apply to Western Australia, it is currentlyestimated that the additional cost would be around $112 million per annum (20<strong>13</strong>-14prices). This represents a 15% increase on existing disability expenditure of around$710 million per annum (20<strong>13</strong>-14 prices). However, there remains significant uncertaintyaround the cost estimates, partly reflecting that definitions of eligibility and reasonableand necessary support for people with disabilities are yet to be clarified and tested bylaunch sites.Population GrowthWestern Australia’s population is expected to increase by 2.8% in <strong>2012</strong>-<strong>13</strong>, with growthforecast to remain above its historical average (of 2% per annum) over the forwardestimates period, supported by strong levels of net overseas migration.If current migration rates continue, population growth is likely to increase at a strongerrate over the forecast period, increasing demand for services and infrastructure providedby the State’s public sector. The State’s revenue growth is much less sensitive topopulation growth and, therefore, would be expected to fall significantly short of thedemand for increased spending.Special Purpose AccountsSpecial Purpose Accounts (SPAs) are established under various sections of the <strong>Financial</strong>Management Act 2006. SPA balances provide a funding source for particular initiatives.It is important to note that each dollar that is spent from SPA balances will increase netdebt (and reduce the net operating balance if the spending is for recurrent purposes) by thesame amount. In this way, these SPA balances are no different from other fundingsources, including new borrowings. Accordingly, to the extent that future decisions mayinvolve spending from these SPA balances, the net debt (and potentially net operatingbalance) forecasts in this mid-<strong>year</strong> review will be impacted.41

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