TAB

The state government is aiming to collect up to $5 billion from a vastly expanded privatisation program that includes Fremantle Ports, the TAB, office buildings, residential land estates, Keystart loans, houses, plantations and power stations.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott flew into Perth today to announce $500 million of extra Commonwealth funding for WA roads, while his finance minister Mathias Cormann kept up pressure on the state government to reciprocate by privatising more state-owned assets.

Whether state and territory leaders like it or not, federal cuts to education and health put GST reform front and centre.

The state and federal budgets have created new opportunities for the private sector, as governments seek to repair their strained finances.

Treasurer Mike Nahan says the government could generate proceeds of up to $3 billion through the sale of several assets earmarked in the budget as candidates for privatisation.