From The West Australian today:
Behind the scenes, senior members of the State Government are worried that Mr Barnett is not in tune with community sentiment about the downturn and the Government’s economic stewardship.
They fear the March 2017 State election could be much tighter than Mr Barnett believes and warned that he should not take victory over a struggling Labor Opposition for granted. In an interview withThe West Australian, Mr Barnett looked ahead to the 2021 poll, saying his successor as Liberal leader and premier was already in State Parliament and would take over “close” to the 2021 election when he would be almost 71.
With Liberals watching whether Treasurer Mike Nahan will join Liza Harvey in challenging for the deputy leadership next year, Mr Barnett has talked up the long-term prospects of his younger MPs. “I expect the next term to be my last term in politics and it will be,” he said.
“So at some stage as we approach the following election, I will step aside but it will be close to that following election.
…Mr Barnett promised in April 2009 to never preside over a Budget deficit but today’s mid-year update will further write down State revenues, as iron ore forecasts are downgraded.
“When Mike reveals his mid-year Budget update, he will blame falling iron ore royalties and GST as primary culprits,” one Liberal said.
“This is true but a more honest assessment would also include Government failures on Budget management.”
The WA Budget update is out today so we will see just how delusional the Barnett Government remains. Judging by the above, exceedingly so.
