Media Release | 17 June 2025
Hon Tjorn Simba MLC
Shadow Minister for Finance; Training and Workforce Development; Major Infrastructure
Shadow Minister for Finance Tjorn Simba MLC has called out the Cook Labor Government following a damning report from the Auditor General exposing a staggering $1.6 billion in cost blowouts across major government IT projects and the absence of public transparency.
“This report is a scathing indictment of Labor’s failure to manage the digital future of government services over the last eight years,” Mr Simba said.
“It reveals a culture of secrecy, confused governance, and financial recklessness that is costing taxpayers billions.”
The Auditor General’s 2025 Transparency Report reviewed 10 major IT projects and found
- A 62% increase in total costs, with several projects doubling in cost;
- 8 out of 10 projects delayed, some by more than six years;
- Nearly $1 billion in additional funding still required to complete them;
- A complete lack of public reporting on cost or progress (in Budget papers, websites,
or annual reports).
“The Premier and Cabinet have overseen a digital debacle and deliberately shielded the scale of these failures from scrutiny.”
The report also found that governance frameworks were either missing or ineffective, with some agencies unable to explain basic cost breakdowns or track their own project milestones.
With projects without external oversight performing significantly worse.
“The fact that only one project had adequate quality assurance controls is a disgrace,” Mr Sibma said.
“Labor’s IT chaos is a textbook example of what happens when spin is prioritised over substance.”
Mr Sibma said the Liberal Party would back reforms to enhance public reporting and proper governance of major digital investments.
“Western Australians deserve a government that treats public money with respect — and one that can actually deliver on its promises.”
ENDS
Media Contact: Marty Lake 0405 068 590
