The last Coalition government ensured that GST distribution encouraged States to develop their economies and natural resources. We stand by that approach. We want States to grow the economy first, not start by reaching for the begging bowl.
Western Australia isn’t in a strong fiscal position by luck. It dug, drilled and backed its own industry to drive the prosperity of the state. That’s the model every state should follow, not a target for punishment.
The Prime Minister should be encouraging every state to grow its own economy, not looking for ways to claw back what Western Australia has earned.
In 2024, Anthony Albanese stood in Perth and signed “NO CHANGE TO WA GST” on a journalist’s arm and said there were no circumstances under which he’d ever change Western Australia’s GST deal.
We know he betrayed the Australian people 50 times over not to introduce new taxes, so West Australians are now looking to see if he has had a “change of policy” on the GST too.
The Prime Minister should immediately recommit to his 2024 promise, if not it will be confirmed he is once again playing his slippery and sneaky games.
The Coalition will continue to follow the Productivity Commission’s work until the final report is released early next year.
