NW projects to be part of State inquiry

Port Hedland’s multipurpose recreation centre Wanangkura Stadium and accommodation built throughout the Pilbara are to come under scrutiny.

Former under-treasurer John Langoulant will head a probe exploring the financial risk of major projects under the former Barnett government.

A total of 26 projects will be investigated, commissioned by the former Liberal government, and the probe will look into other Pilbara projects, such as investment in the Pilbara Underground Power Project, Ningaloo Centre, Bulgarra regional sports complex and Karratha Health Campus.

Premier Mark McGowan said West Australian taxpayers had a right to know where the money went and should know how the previous government had accumulated a Budget deficit.

Mr McGowan said the Liberals and Nationals refused to answer simple questions about how taxpayers’ money was being spent.

He said the previous government had overseen a massive cost blowout on major projects and questions needed to be answered so future governments would not fall into the same trap of wasteful spending.

“We need to get to the bottom of these deals and the Commission of Inquiry will answer these questions,” he said.

“It will bring a high level of scrutiny, transparency and accountability to a series of decisions and projects of the former government.”

Treasurer Ben Wyatt said Mr Langoulant was well placed to probe the integrity of decision-making processes.

The inquiry is expected to cost $1.5 million and is due to report by the end of October.