The Treasurer, Troy Buswell has indicated there is more pain to come for households in this year’s state budget.

With the budget due to be handed down next month, the Treasurer says the government’s focus is to deliver a surplus and to keep the state’s AAA credit rating.

The government has already increased tariffs on electricity and gas, and Mr Buswell has indicated water will be next.

“We’ve already flagged some movements in and around electricity and there will be other movements around other household fees and charges.

“They will be detailed closer to the date of the budget.

“We are mindful of the impact of any government decision on the stresses that West Australian households currently face.”

However, Mr Buswell says he has no plans to increase taxes.

“You would reasonably expect to see, as has been the case historically, that we review fees and charges.

“Now most years, most fees and charges move moderately.”

Opposition:Families suffer

The State Opposition says West Australian families are being forced to pay the price for the Government’s financial mismanagment.

The Opposition Leader, Eric Ripper, says the Government should instead focus on protecting families.

“What we’re seeing is a government with more revenue than they’ve ever had before but with more spending than they’ve ever had before, and WA families paying the price,” he said.

Small business

The Premier Colin Barnett says the holiday is over for small businesses, warning the Payroll Tax concession will be abolished on the first of June.

“To have allowed thousands of small businesses not to be paying payroll tax for 12 months was at a cost to Treasury of $100 million.

“But, that played an important role in keeping those businesses not only viable but making sure they maintained employment.”

Jobs tax

The W-A Chamber of Commerce and Industry is calling for payroll tax to be abolished, labelling it ‘a tax on jobs’.

James Pearson from the Chamber says the tax deters businesses from hiring new workers.

“Payroll tax is a tax on jobs,” he said.

“It seems to hit hardest in small businesses because it cuts in at a small number of employees and it’s paid at a rate that’s higher than most, if not, every other state in the country.”