Western Australia Minister for Finance Simon O’Brien

Opposition Empty Words On Government Office Space

Victor P Taffa

Finance Minister Simon O’Brien has strongly refuted claims made by Opposition spokesperson Mark McGowan that the State Government is wasting taxpayers’ money for unoccupied buildings.

Mr. O’Brien said Mr. McGowan is way off the mark as the State Government’s leased agreements are spread across 96 buildings which are now being consolidated into about 15 properties.

“He claims Government offices have sat empty under the Liberal-National Government costing taxpayers more than $707,000, but Mr. McGowan’s figures relate to expenditure of vacated office accommodation over a period of almost three years. In dollar terms that is much less than 1% (0.125 %) of total lease costs per year.

The Minister said given the difficulty in aligning the expiry of old leases with the start of new leases, this was a good outcome, demonstrating good planning and thrifty management.

“Specifically in my own Finance portfolio, it is true that Building Management and Works vacated a number of locations to consolidate its operations, however these building leases are being back-filled by other Government agencies.” Mr. O’Brien said.

The State Government’s Master Planning approach to office accommodation will deliver a significant reduction in costs compared with the previous piecemeal approach.

“We have been improving Government accommodation policy and hope to realise the $20 Million p.a. savings that the Auditor General identified in the 2006 report.” Mr. O’Brien said.