State Budget: Your five-minute guide

WA families to pay more under Treasurer Mike Nahan's first State Budget. Source: PerthNow

FAMILIES have been slugged with a $324 increase and the Barnett Government will sell off billions of dollars worth of assets to claw back debt. Here's a five-minute guide to the big decisions.

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Wild storm blacks out 13,000 homes

Residents were evacuated from this three-storey appartment in Cottesloe after a gust of wind tore the roof off. Picture: Theo Fakos Source: News Corp Australia

A STRONG cold front dumped nearly 50mm of rain on Perth and parts of the South West — and brought thunderstorms with destructive 100km/h winds which blacked out thousands of homes.

The Bureau of Meteorology issued a Severe Thunderstorm warning for the south and south-east of the state, from Walpole to Salmon Gums east to Isrealite Bay.

The Bureau is forecasting destructive winds up to 100km/h which could cause damage to homes and property.

An earlier warning for the metropolitan area and Great Southern has now been cancelled.

Hawkstone Street's most famous resident Alan Bond gets the papers after an apartment block lost its roof across the road from Mr Bond's home. Picture: Theo Fakos

The Bureau said wind gusts of 106km/h had been measured at Busselton Jetty, 102km/h at Rottnest and 98km/h at Swanbourne and Melville Water.

At the height of the storm, 13,000 homes were without power, but Western Power, by 1pm, had restored electricity to more than 10,000 of those properties.

A three-storey apartment block in Hawkstone Street, Cottesloe, oppposite Alan Bond's house, lost its roof when a squally gust struck.

Motorists battle awful weather on the commute to work this morning, looking north on Kwinana Freeway from Cale Street, Como. Picture: Main Roads camera

Residents of the three-storey building were left shivering in the rain after strong winds ripped the roof off their building.

The apartment was evacuated this morning and Department of Fire and Emergency Service crews are on site attempting to secure the building.

The SES received 89 calls from the Perth metropolitan area reporting storm damage overnight, mostly for leaking roofs and fallen branches.

The hardest hit suburb appears to be Cockburn, which had 16 calls reporting damage.

A DFES spokesman said more calls were expected as residents awoke and inspected damage from last night's storm.

Senior forecaster with the Bureau of Meteorology, Neil Bennett, said: "A strong cold front and rain band moved over western parts of the state from late Wednesday afternoon.

"Heavy rain occurred with the rain band and Learmonth Airport recorded the heaviest fall in the State with 93.8mm, which is the wettest May day on record there (records commenced on January 1, 1945)

"The heaviest fall in the Metro area was 63.2mm at Karnet.''

"Early this morning an area of showers and thunderstorms moved aver the Metro area generating damaging wind gusts.''

13,000 WITHOUT POWER

More than 13,000 homes were without power throughout Perth, including about 2000 in Bayswater.

A spokesman from Western Power said strong wind and lightning were responsible for most of the blackouts and crews were working to have the power back as soon as possible.

More thunderstorms hit the city and southern suburbs early this morning, bringing more rain and lightning.

And the forecast for today is for more showers, isolated thunderstorms this morning, possible hail with 25-40km/h winds.

Perth can expect a top of just 19C, with a further 8mm-10mm of rain likely.

Perth received 47mm in the downpour, from around 3pm to 9am today, with Karnet in the Hills recording 63mm, Bickley 62mm and Roleystone 60mm.

Dwellingup, 100km south of the city, recorded 53mm.

Pearce, 45km inland, got 40mm, but Swanbourne recorded just over 9mm. Mandurah has had 20mm.

GODSEND FOR WA FARMERS

The rain is a godsend for WA farmers, who are enjoying one of the best starts to the grain growing season ever. After a dry start, many farmers have now received two good opening rains as they work round-the- clock to get crops into the ground.

Much of the agricultural region, from Kalbarri south-east to Esperance received at least 10mm to 15mm, with many getting much heavier falls.

In the North West, Learmonth, topped the state with 94mm.

The slow moving rain band, which hovered over the metropolitan area for much of the night from late yesterday, moved inland and delivered good rains to some parts of the Wheatbelt.

On the Midwest coast, Geraldton and nearby Badgingarra got 36mm, with most centres receiving 20mm to 40mm, at West Dandaragan. Kalbarri got 47mm.

Further inland, Cunderdin and Dalwallinu received just over 22mm to 6am today, while Southern Cross got 25mm.

In the Great Southern, Culford got 44mm, Cuballing, just north of Narrgoin, 39mm, Williams 38mm, Pingelly 36mm and Wickepin 35mm.

Wandering, 120km south-east of Perth, had 34mm and Katanning 22mm.

In the South West, many centres received between 25mm-45mm with Harvey getting 47mm, Donnybrook 46mm, North Boyanup 42mm. Collie received 29mm and Witchcliffe 28mm. Bunbury had 26mm.

There are more showers forecast for today, with conditions expected to ease later in the day.

Residents were evacuated from this three-storey appartment in Cottesloe after a gust of wind tore the roof off. Picture: Theo Fakos Source: News Corp Australia

THE WEEK AHEAD

Thursday

Min 13C

Max 19C

Showers. Chance of a storm.

Friday

Min 13C

Max 21C

Shower or two.

Saturday

Min 14C

Max 22C

Shower or two.

Sunday

Min 12C

Max 23C

Morning shower or two.

Monday

Min 14C

Max 23C

A few showers, easing

Tuesday

Min 14C

Max 21C

Partly cloudy.

Wednesday

Min12C

Max 21C

Mostly sunny

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Serco contract to be reviewed early

CCTV shows Cameron John Graham on the run in January. He and another prison kicked their way out of a Serco van in Geraldton. Source: Supplied

A REVIEW will be held into WA's court security and prisoner transport services contract two years before it is due to end.

In the Budget, the government says it will carry out a "mid-term evaluation" of the $50 million–a-year contract which is currently held by multi-national Serco.

As part of "efficiency" savings, the government says it will be evaluating programs to "identify opportunities to deliver services more efficiently and effectively" and that a "suite" of "performance indicators" for custodial services was being developed.

While the current contract with Serco is not due to expire until the end of June 2016, the Budget says a review to "inform future procurement decisions" will be held in mid-2014.

The WA Prison Officers Union, which along with the Opposition, has been calling for the government to dump Serco and hold a forensic inquiry into its policies and procedures following a series of escapes this year, says it hopes the review will not just look at costs, but also look at the quality of service delivery.

"It would be a good thing for the service delivery to be reviewed as long as that is done not just with an eye to driving down costs but also moving up quality," secretary John Welch said. "One would hope it would look at not just the question of cost but also the question of quality, and we know there have been significant concerns over a long period of time about the quality currently provided."

Maximum security prisoners Cameron John Graham and Kelden Edward Fraser escaped while under the watch of Serco on January 3. The pair managed to kick their way out of a prison van at Geraldton airport.

Two weeks later remand prisoner Bradley McIntosh-Narrier escaped from Serco guards at Joondalup hospital.

Following an investigation by the Department of Corrective Services into the Geraldton escape, it was revealed guards had left an external door open to allow for ventilation and that there was a fault with a lock on the internal door.

Serco was ordered to upgrade its entire fleet and pay more than $420,000 for the massive manhunt.

It will spend nearly $300,000 upgrading its fleet of vans.

There are provisions in WA's court security and custodial services contract that says the escape of two or more prisoners in a service year that are deemed to be the contractor's fault constitutes an "event of default".

Serco has been contacted for comment.

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Viney wins bump appeal, free to play

Melbourne's Jack Viney has been cleared to play this weekend after the AFL appeals board overturned the two-match suspension he was handed by the tribunal.

A happy Jack Viney leaves the appeal hearing at AFL House. Picture: Colleen Petch. Source: News Corp Australia

MELBOURNE'S Jack Viney is free to play against the Western Bulldogs after beating his two-match suspension for rough conduct — and the odds — at the AFL Appeals Board.

The hard-nosed midfielder said footy can "just go back to normal now" after confusion surrounding the bump was settled by last night's verdict.

Suspended on Tuesday night by the AFL Tribunal for his part in the clash that left Adelaide's Tom Lynch with a broken jaw, Melbourne appealed that decision on the grounds that "the decision was so unreasonable, that no tribunal acting reasonably could have come to that decision having regard to the evidence before it".

Viney's odds going in to the hearing weren't great given that just one of the 14 cases previously taken to this Appeals Board had been successful.

But after a 74-minute session at Etihad Stadium — heard by Chairman Peter O'Callaghan QC, Brian Collis QC and Michael Green — followed by a 14-minute deliberation process, O'Callaghan emerged to deliver the words so many in the AFL community wanted to hear.

"We have concluded that the appeal should be upheld," O'Callaghan said after noting the difficulty of the case given the "hysteria" around it.

"And while the board is not obliged to give reasons ... we will do so in due course."

A noticeably relieved Viney said afterwards: "I always thought I was in the right".

"So I'm just really glad to be able to play," Viney said.

He also said, despite enduring "a stressful week", he would be fully ready to play at the MCG tomorrow night.

Melbourne football manager Josh Mahoney said the club felt it was important to appeal "not only for our footy club and for Jack but for the good of the game".

FOOTBALL'S BIGGEST TRIBUNAL CASES

"There's been some confusion about our argument," Mahoney said.

"We were certainly never saying anything about the bump, we actually support the rule that if a player chooses to bump and makes head high contact that there's the chance that he may be cited.

"However our argument all along was that Jack was playing an instinctive game, he had a very limited reaction time to make a decision and it was all in protection of himself rather than going for the bump."

Did the Appeals Board get the Jack Viney decision right?

Viney's case was led by David Grace QC, who said slow motion replays of the incident gave unfair appearance of Viney's actions being "a voluntary and intentional bump".

"What happened to Mr Lynch was an accident. It wasn't in any way intended as a result of a bump," Grace said.

"Mr Viney could not reasonably foresee that the consequences of the evasive action that he took — even if it was technically described as a bump, which is not conceded (by Viney) — was within his control.

"What I submit is that the Tribunal jury ought to have so found, on the balance of probabilities, that there was nothing Jack Viney could have done to change the intentions or be able to control the actions of Lynch and (Alex) Georgiou.

"The course of action was set in train and there was nothing he could do. Half a second is what he is being criticised for. That half a second time span does not allow considered decision making to occur."

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Tough times: Families $324 worse off

Political editor Joe Spagnolo takes you through the WA State budget including the hit families will cop in the wake of increased household costs.

WA Premier Colin Barnett. Source: News Corp Australia

HOUSEHOLD annual fees and charges will go up more than $300 as part of a tough WA Budget that will also see the Barnett Government raid the Royalties for Regions scheme and sell major assets.

Releasing his first State Budget, Treasurer Mike Nahan made no excuses for a tough Budget – revealing state debt now topped the $20 billion mark.

Part of the Budget will see first home buyers no longer be exempt from the stamp duty tax for homes under $500,000. The new threshold will be $430,000.

FULL COVERAGE

● AT A GLANCE: Your five-minute guide

● BREAKDOWN: Winners and losers

● STANDARD AND POOR'S: Budget leaves WA 'open to shocks'

● HOUSING: Stamp duty hit for first homebuyers

As foreshadowed in The Sunday Times on the weekend, household fees and charges will go up by about $324 from July 1. Electricity charges alone are set to go up by about $62 a year.

The average family will now spend $5224 a year in household fees and charges (not including gas) as compared to $4900 this year.

Breaking an election promise not to raise power bills by more than the inflation rate, Premier Colin Barnett has authorised electricity hikes of 4.5 per cent per cent.

Water charges will go up 6 per cent, or $84 a year.

As well, there will be 20 per cent hikes in student fares and 5 per cent increases in the Emergency Services Levy.

And, parking in the Perth CBD will also be more expensive in 2014-15, with a $365 increase in the Perth Parking Levy over two years.

Treasurer Mike Nahan delivering his first State Budget to Parliament. Picture: Stewart Allen Source: News Corp Australia

Land tax will increase 10 per cent.

Dr Nahan tried to play down the increases by saying WA families were still well off compared to those in other states across Australia.

"If you compare the NSW basket of goods it is 40 per cent higher (than WA), " he said.

"It is (increase WA fees and charges) is what you have to do."

Dr Nahan, the fourth Treasurer for the Barnett Government since it came into power in 2008, said tough measures were needed to get the state's finances back on track.

"It's the right budget for its time," he said.

● HEALTH: Another $40m for Fiona Stanley Hospital

● STATE DEBT: TAB, port facilities in sell-off firing line

● COMMENT: WA Budget targets wrong people

Dr Nahan said the Utah Point bulk export facility at Port Hedland, Kwinana bulk terminal, the TAB, Perth Market Authority and "surplus" hospitals sites like Princess Margaret were all were likely to be sold off to pay back debt.

He would not say when the assets would be sold or how much the Government expected to reap from the fire sale.

However, informed Liberal sources have told PerthNow that the Government is hoping to get about $1.5 billion every year up until the 2017 election.

"The government will keep a close eye on the state's debt levels, and in conjunction with sound budget management, will pursue an orderly program of asset sales. This will be overseen by the Premier," Dr Nahan said.

Former treasurer Troy Buswell looks on as his successor Mike Nahan delivers the Budget he had much involvement in. Picture: Stewart Allen Source: News Corp Australia

Dr Nahan said the Water Corporation's assets, like wastewater treatment plants, were also on the radar.

In a controversial move, Mr Barnett will raid $3 billion from the Nationals' Royalties for Regions fund over the next four years – instead of their normal 25 per cent entitlement.

According to Treasury forecasts, the Nationals were entitled to $6.9 billion over the next four years in Royalties for Regions funding, but will only get $4 billion to spend.

WA's precarious financial position was highlighted by revelations WA would record a $183 million surplus for 2013-14 - well short of the $386 million forecast by Treasury last August.

The surplus is expected to drop to just $5 million in 2015-16.

● LAW AND ORDER: Police wage cap row

● TRANSPORT: Student fares up 20 per cent

● EDUCATION: Education spared further cuts

● SOCIAL WELFARE: $90m boost for child protection

State debt will tip the $22 billion mark this financial year, increasing to just under $30 billion in four years time.

Business investment is expected to drop to $60 billion over the next four years, but exports are expected to increase from $140 billion in 2013-14 to $170 billion in 2017-18.

Despite the pressure of delivering his first Budget just two months after being made Treasurer, Mr Nahan was quite relaxed.

He even referenced a few less-fortunate Liberal colleagues when recounting his reaction to being told to wipe $420 million out of the Budget two weeks ago, because a drop in iron ore prices affected projected revenue from royalties.

"So I sat down and had a bottle of wine. I wasn't driving. And no, it wasn't Grange," he said.

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Rents drop again, vacancies rising

Rents in Perth are dropping as vacancies increase. Picture: file image Source: News Corp Australia

REIWA president David Airey. Source: News Limited

HAPPY hump day, tenants — Perth rents have dropped again, according to the latest figures for April.

Rents dropped $10 to a median of $450 per week across the metropolitan area for the three months to April, data released today from the Real Estate Institute of WA shows.

There are now more than 5000 rental homes on the market in Perth, representing a vacancy rate of 4 per cent.

And instead of queues 20 deep at rental home inspections as was seen in 2012, For Lease signs can now be seen in suburbs across the city.

"Supply is now a third above where it might usually be and the number of properties for rent is around 56 per cent higher than the same time last year," REIWA president David Airey said.

"As a result we have seen the median rent slowly coming down over the last nine months, having dropped again around April," Mr Airey said.

The data shows the median weekly rent for a house is now $460 per week while apartments and units cost a median of $440 per week.

"This represents a drop of 2.2 per cent in the three months to April and 4.3 per cent over the last year," Mr Airey said.

Rents peaked in September last year at a median of $480 per week, although the market had been easing since early 2013.

Mr Airey attributed the shift in the market to the downturn in the mining sector, slower population growth and first homebuyer activity over the past year.

"Many tenants have left the rental system to buy a home of their own while interest rates are very low," Mr Airey said.

Mr Airey said it was important for landlords to understand the changed conditions and to talk with their property managers about setting the right price for new leases.

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Man denies fatal push charge

Patrick Sunill Lilii, 26, accused of fatally pushing a man away outside a Perth nightclub. Zak Harvey hit his head on the ground and died three days later. Picture: Calla Wahlquist Source: PerthNow

A MAN who allegedly pushed away a man who tried to drunkenly hug him outside a nightclub, causing him to hit his head, has pleaded not guilty to grievous bodily harm.

Zak Alan Harvey, 32, died three days after his head hit the pavement on Murray Street outside Capitol Nightclub in Perth on April 20.

Police say that Mr Harvey was intoxicated and had been trying to hug people standing outside the club.

He is alleged to have put his arms around the neck of Patrick Sunill Lilii, 26, who allegedly pushed him away, causing him to fall to the ground.

Mr Lilii today pleaded not guilty to the charge, through his lawyer, at Perth Magistrates Court.

The prosecution indicated it was considering upgrading the charges.

Mr Lilii, who was supported by family members, was committed to the District Court on July 31.

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’Hero’ acted on instinct to save teen

A good Samaritan has saved a teenager pulling him from a burning car.

An 18-year-old man is fighting for his life after he was pulled from the burning wreck of his car which was struck at high speed by a stolen car on Kwinana Freeway. Source: PerthNow

A MAN who pulled a teenager from a fiery crash, potentially saving his life, says he's not a hero and was acting on instinct.

An 18-year-old is fighting for his life after the car he was driving was struck by a stolen car at high speed on Kwinana Freeway just south of the Narrows Bridge late last night.

The teenager was driving a Suzuki Swift in the northbound lanes about 10.25pm when it struck a guard rail near the Mill Point Road entry, causing it to veer back into traffic, colliding with a Ford Festiva, which was also travelling north.

Police believe the two vehicles were travelling together, and the Festiva, which had three people on board, was stolen.

It is believed the Suzuki caught fire on impact, trapping the injured driver who was then pulled from the wreckage by Lyle Thomas.

Mr Thomas told Nine News he acted on instinct when he pulled over his car.

"I was really worried for his life, but that's really all I was concerned about," he said.

"I opened the door, undid the seat belt and I could see he was bleeding and I was worried about damaging his spine.

"I knew that he had no chance in the car. I had to move him."

Mr Thomas said others then pulled over to help, including a registered nurse.

The teen was taken to Royal Perth Hospital, where he remains in a critical condition.

Two people in the stolen Festiva were arrested at the scene but they are also in hospital, believed to be suffering possible back injuries.

A third person in the Festiva fled the scene.

Police would like to speak to anyone who saw the crash or either vehicle prior to the crash. Anyone with any information is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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Perth, South West face downpour

Motorists deal with stormy weather, as seen from the Main Roads camera overlooking Leach Highway this afternoon. Picture: Main Roads WA Source: Supplied

PERTH and the South West face a drenching tonight with up to 25mm tipped to fall from late afternoon today.

The first strong cold front of the season is likely to bring heavy rain to much of the south of the state, but showers will extend from as far north as Port Hedland to Israelite Bay in the south-east of the state over the next 24 hours.

Motorists are urged to take care with the weather creating treacherous road conditions during peak hour drive home.

● PERTH TRAFFIC CAMERAS: How does your journey look?

Rain in the late afternoon, possibly from around 4pm, with isolated thunderstorms is expected to deliver 15mm-25mm of rain to the city.

Perth can expect a maximum today of 23C.

Perth had 1.8mm overnight, with Bickley in the Hills getting 11.4mm to 9am today.

Perth and the South West face a drenching tonight. Picture: File image Source: News Limited

The rain will come as a blessing for grain growers, many of whom enjoyed one of the best starts to the season with falls up to 45mm in some parts last week.

A second cold front which delivers further rain would be almost too good to be true for farmers throughout the Wheatbelt.

The Bureau of Meteorology forecast for Perth is: "Cloudy. Isolated showers, increasing to rain in the late afternoon with isolated thunderstorms, gusty winds and heavy falls possible. Winds north to northwesterly 20 to 30km/h tending west to northwesterly in the evening.''

"A strong cold front and associated rain band will cross the west coast Wednesday evening, moving across the state during Thursday, producing a period of heavy rain and gusty winds.

"A weak ridge of high pressure will develop in its wake through central parts of the state on Friday with a moist westerly flow persisting over southern parts.

STATE FORECAST

Showers over central and western parts of the state west of a line from about Port Hedland to Israelite Bay. Rain, thunderstorms, moderate to heavy falls and gusty winds developing in the west late in the day.

THE WEEK AHEAD

Thursday

Min 13C

Max 20C

Rain easing. Chance of a storm.

Friday

Min 13C

Max 21C

Shower or two.

Saturday

Min 12C

Max 20C

Shower or two.

Sunday

Min 12C

Max 23C

Chance of a shower.

Monday

Min 14C

Max 23C

Shower or two.

Tuesday

Min 14C

Max 21C

Shower or two.

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Pain, no gain: Budget to hit families hard

BUDGET LOOMS: WA Treasurer Mike Nahan and Premier Colin Barnett. Source: News Limited

COLIN Barnett will announce his sixth consecutive WA Budget surplus tomorrow – but at a huge cost as he jacks up fees and charges to help pay off mounting state debt.

Government sources said new Treasurer Mike Nahan would announce small surpluses for 2013-14 and the new financial year, but was expected to deliver a tough Budget for WA families.

Sources say:

● Mr Barnett would break a key election promise by increasing electricity charges by 5 per cent, instead of the inflation rate of 2.5 per cent

● Water charges would also go up 5 per cent, as would the fire and emergency services levy and student fares would go up between 15 and 20 per cent

● The Barnett Government is expected to go against the wishes of the real estate industry by tampering with the first home buyers $500,000 transfer duty free threshold. Land tax could also go up

● In an effort to pay back state debt, which is tipped to bust the $20 billion mark for the first time in WA's history, Mr Barnett is preparing to sell off about $1.5 billion worth of state assets in 2014-15, with the Kwinana Bulk Terminal, Utah Point bulk export facility at Port Hedland and possibly the TAB set to go.

It is not known how much of the government's privatisation plan will be announced tomorrow.

● STAMP DUTY SET TO LOWER

● COMMENT: TIME FOR TOUGH LOVE

Mr Barnett today confirmed the stamp duty concession for first home buyers would change in tomorrow's Budget.

Mr Barnett told a media outlet during a question and answer session that the stamp duty concession would continue, "although we are examining the level at which it is pitched".

The Opposition also expects electricity price rises will be aggressive.

During the election campaign last year, Mr Barnett promised to keep power price rises "at or around inflation", but newly installed Treasurer Mike Nahan recently said that would be a "struggle".

The premier described the Budget as "reasonably tough ... to suit the times we're in".

"The next couple of years are going to be a little bit tougher for everyone," he said.

"But we have kept any increases in taxes and charges to a minimum."

Real Estate Industry of WA boss Neville Pozzi told PerthNow young West Australians were already struggling to enter a market where the median house price had climbed to $550,000.

He said the current regulations, which meant first home buyers paid no stamp duty on homes up to $500,000, had helped stimulate what had been a struggling market.

He said lowering the stamp duty free threshold would force many young people into the outer suburbs, which were traditionally cheaper.

"All this will do is reduce the availability of properties that first home buyers can purchase," he said.

"If the number of first home buyers falls, then it also affects trade up buyers in the market which would then have a significant knock on effect to transfer duty.

"This could yet come back to bite the government."

State opposition leader Mark McGowan said the big increases in fees and charges were "an assault on ordinary families and a monumental broken promise."

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