Lively debate as leaders go head to head

Colin Barnett and Mark McGowan prior to the WA Leaders debate. Picture: Jordan Shields Source: PerthNow

Colin Barnett wins the coin toss at the WA Leaders debate. Picture: Jordan Shields Source: PerthNow

Colin Barnett prior to the WA Leaders debate. Picture: Jordan Shields Source: PerthNow

COLIN Barnett has defended the performance of his scandal-prone Treasurer Troy Buswell during the leaders' live debate on television.

The Premier said his Treasurer hadn't compromised his role as a minister but was "accident-prone''.

When asked during the debate on ABC why Mr Buswell had been promoted to Treasurer despite revelations in 2008 he sniffed the chair of a Liberal female staff member after she had sat in it - writhing in mock sexual pleasure - Mr Barnett said he was one of the most outstanding ministers he'd worked with.

"Yes, he's accident-prone if you like but has he done anything which is illegal, has he compromised his role as a minister, has he been questioned by the Corruption and Crime Commission as Labor ministers were? No,'' Mr Barnett said.

"He's made some mistakes in his private life and his behaviour.

"On one occasion he made a mistake which I thought potentially compromised him as a minister and I removed him from the treasury portfolio.

"The public sector commissioner conducted an inquiry and he was totally cleared.

"I respect people who work and do their job, and Troy Buswell is an outstanding minister.''

Opposition Leader Mark McGowan said Mr Buswell wouldn't have been promoted "anywhere else - in fact he would have been out the door''.

"The only place that's he's promoted is inside Mr Barnett's cabinet.''

Mr McGowan said state debt was rising under Mr Buswell and he had presided over Perth's worst congestion crisis as transport minister.

LABOR SUPPORTS GOVERNMENT POLICY

The debate also revealed Mr McGowan's support for mandatory sentencing measures introduced and proposed by the Liberals.

He said he supported tough measures to deal with crime including mandatory jail terms for people who assaulted police officers.

"I am not opposed to tough measures to people who commit crimes,'' Mr McGowan said.

"We support the mandatory sentencing arrangements that Mr Barnett has suggested.

"But you need to do more than that to deal with crime. You need to employ more police officers.''

He recently said he did not support mandatory sentencing in relation to animal cruelty offences as it removed the discretion of the WA judiciary.

Mr Barnett said assaults on police officers had fallen 40 per cent since the law was introduced.

CANBERRA PLAYS A ROLE

Getting tough with Canberra is something Mr Barnett has become known for, and his political opponent says he'll do the same.

Mr McGowan has repeatedly deflected questions over why Prime Minister Julia Gillard won't be visiting ahead of the March 9 poll, saying it will be a state election fought on state issues.

Mr Barnett received strong praise from his federal counterpart on Sunday, with Opposition Leader Tony Abbott saying he wanted to model himself on the premier's style if he were to become prime minister.

But during the live debate, Mr McGowan shrugged off suggestions Ms Gillard's support would be "toxic'' to his leadership chances in WA, where her mining tax is unpopular.

"It is possible to be tough with Canberra and get results and that's what I'll do,'' Mr McGowan said.

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