West Australian Liberal leader Basil Zempilas has signalled he will concentrate on scrutinising the state Labor government’s energy transition plans rather than the federal debate over net-zero emissions targets.
Speaking at the WA Liberal Party’s state conference in Perth on Sunday, Zempilas said West Australians wanted emissions reduced, but not at the cost of soaring prices or unreliable electricity.
“Western Australians do care about the environment. They want to reduce emissions. We need to accept this or risk looking out of touch,” he said.
He emphasised that the party’s priority would be assessing the Cook government’s delivery of its energy plans. “Getting stuck on the question of net zero is not our focus,” Zempilas said.
“Instead we are zeroing in on Labor’s delivery of its transition plans, which are unrealistic, unaffordable and will result in greater energy unreliability.”
Addressing the state’s ongoing health system challenges, Zempilas criticised Labor for prioritising projects such as a $217 million V8 Supercar track and entertainment precinct and $65 million for the new Perth Bears rugby league franchise over hospitals.
“They have had nine years to have Western Australian health and hospitals in a better position, and they have failed the people of Western Australia. And while that’s going on, they continue to prioritise a $217m racetrack at Burswood. What could that money do for health? What could that money do for our hospitals?”
Premier Roger Cook defended the projects, accusing the Liberals of offering “thought bubbles, political slogans, but no solutions for the people.”
Meanwhile, discussions continued between Zempilas and WA Nationals leader Shane Love over a potential coalition arrangement, with no final decision reached at the Nationals’ state conference over the weekend.
Source: The Australian.
