Victoria
Western Australia Premier defends GST deal against east coast critics
Western Australian Premier Roger Cook has hit back at eastern states critics of the state's GST revenue sharing deal.
Western Australian Premier Roger Cook has launched a strong defence of the state's federal GST arrangement, accusing eastern states critics of attempting to undermine the deal. Premier Cook referred to those targeting the agreement as 'east coast clowns', reflecting the intense political sensitivity surrounding the revenue-sharing system.
The escalating political rhetoric coincided with literal alarm bells ringing within Western Australian government offices. According to reporting by state political reporter Keane Bourke, who witnessed the incident, the physical alarms sounded as officials reacted to the latest developments surrounding the GST debate.
The distribution of GST revenue remains one of the most contentious issues in Australian federalism. Under a deal struck in 2018, Western Australia is guaranteed a minimum return of 70 cents in the dollar, which is set to rise to 75 cents. This floor is heavily criticised by other states and territories, which argue it deprives them of essential funding.
Premier Cook's aggressive response highlights how fiercely Western Australia will fight to protect its current share of the national tax pool. The state government has repeatedly warned that any changes to the existing agreement would disadvantage Western Australians and breach federal commitments.
The wire report did not specify which eastern states figures prompted the Premier's 'clowns' remark. However, the outburst underscores the persistent regional tensions that the GST distribution formula continues to generate across the country.
Observers will be watching to see whether the federal government reassures Western Australia over the future of the GST floor.
This report draws on original reporting by Wire report.
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