Asset sales will be swift, WA premier says

The West Australian government is aiming for a quick sale of assets as it struggles to rein in debt, with the premier tipping the Perth Market Authority will be first to go.

After the state government lost its AAA credit rating with Standard & Poors almost a year ago, it said it would put certain assets on the chopping block.

Late last month fellow ratings agency Moody's downgraded WA's credit rating to Aa1.

Premier Colin Barnett said the Perth Market Authority, which operates Market City in Canning Vale, the Utah Point port handling facilities in Port Hedland and Kwinana Bulk Terminal south of Perth were the first assets up for sale.

He says he doesn't want the sales process to drag on.

"I don't want to get caught up with endless consultants and processes, as can happen, and these assets that we've identified, I believe, are fairly simple compared to previous privatisations," he told reporters on Wednesday.

"Obviously there will be due diligence and financial advice and the like, but we do intend to move quickly."

Mr Barnett said he welcomed the Chamber of Fruit and Vegetable Industries' interest in assembling a consortium to buy the Perth Market Authority.

He added the large parcel of land that the Market City distribution centre occupied was a key attraction and could see the involvement of a property developer.

"I think that would be a good outcome. It would ensure the growth of the market themselves and that they remain central," Mr Barnett said.

The premier also brushed aside talk of tension between the WA Liberals and Nationals after the latter expressed concern about plans to sell betting agency TAB, describing their relationship as "very strong".