The WA government's response to a question about earmarking federal petrol tax revenue for roads indicates that while roads are a priority, GST revenue is untied and can be allocated to other sectors like health and education.

AnsweredQoN 676Legislative Assembly
Asked
31 July 2001
Portfolio
Planning and Infrastructure

QuestionView source ↗

Will all monies received from the Federal Government from petrol taxes be used solely for road construction and road maintenance?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
16 October 2001
Responded by
Minister for Planning and Infrastructure
Response time
77 days
However, when the GST was introduced in July 2000, it replaced many State taxes, including the safety net revenue scheme. The Commonwealth grants under the GST are provided to the State Government as untied grants. In accordance with the above arrangements, the State Government appropriates a level of funds to Main Roads WA that is consistent with current priorities and fiscal parameters. Roads continue to be a priority to the State Government and, in this regard, election commitments and existing contracts will be honoured. However, it should also be remembered that, under the arrangement with the Commonwealth, the Government retains the discretion to redirect funds to other priorities such as health, education, and law and order.
In accordance with the above arrangements, the State Government appropriates a level of funds to Main Roads WA that is consistent with current priorities and fiscal parameters. Roads continue to be a priority to the State Government and, in this regard, election commitments and existing contracts will be honoured. However, it should also be remembered that, under the arrangement with the Commonwealth, the Government retains the discretion to redirect funds to other priorities such as health, education, and law and order.
However, it should also be remembered that, under the arrangement with the Commonwealth, the Government retains the discretion to redirect funds to other priorities such as health, education, and law and order.

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