Joe Spagnolo: There are impressive 2022-23 Budget figures, but it’s time for McGowan to deliver on promises

As the saying goes — the proof will be in the pudding. And I’m sure many West Australians are looking forward to the pudding. In many cases, it’s been a long time cooking. Today’s Budget is a numbers bonanza. I’ve never seen so many billions. There are some very impressive figures in this Budget. There is, for example, a staggering $5.7 billion Budget surplus forecast for this year — and a further $11 billion in surpluses estimated for future years. And there was a $5.8 billion surplus last financial year. The word “record” appears a lot in the Budget papers. “The McGowan Government will invest a record $2.5 billion in health and mental health,” Budget papers say. Another media statement screams: “Metronet powering ahead with record $6 billion.” And another statement reads: “The McGowan Labor Government is investing a record $12 billion in regional infrastructure.” But as good as the zeroes look, the McGowan Government will need to deliver on its growing list of promises since coming to power in 2017. Sure, there is big spending in this Budget to help the over-stretched health system, but can we afford to have another year of ambulances lined up outside Royal Perth waiting for a bed? Yes, there are billions promised for more social housing. But what about the current 18,000 WA families waiting for a government house? Where do they go in the meantime? In an interview I did with Premier/Treasurer Mark McGowan last week, he admitted that the actual delivery of promised infrastructure projects was a major challenge. “You put more money in, but delivery is hard,” McGowan said. “Because the industry is so heated.” Where, for example, is the promised rail line to Perth Airport? A new maternity hospital for Perth? Good luck with building that one. This is an important Budget for McGowan. He has received many accolades for his performance as Premier. But he also wants to be remembered as a great Treasurer. And at the end of the day, McGowan and his administration will be judged by what is actually achieved during Labor’s tenure and not by the size of surpluses. And in this environment of labour shortages and an overheated building industry, it’s going to be tough to deliver on some promises – in the short term, anyway. On an entirely different level, this is also an important Budget for Anthony Albanese. As I said in April, this Budget — just a few days out from next week’s Federal election — could also sway a few valuable votes Albanese’s way. Scott Morrison has pushed the idea this election campaign that only Liberal governments are good economic managers. McGowan’s Budget delivers surpluses, reductions in state debt and cost of living relief by way of a power bill credit. McGowan boasts the only surplus in the country and debt levels that are the envy of the nation – forecast to be below $30 billion this financial year. Albanese can piggy back on McGowan’s Budget — reminding WA voters that Labor can manage the economy. As Albanese prepares for one more assault on WA next week before the Federal election, I am sure he will remind WA voters of McGowan’s billions.