Dr. Thomas questions the Treasurer about potential changes to the GST distribution agreement with the Commonwealth, specifically regarding the GST floor. The Treasurer acknowledges pressure from other states but cites verbal assurances from the Commonwealth.

AnsweredQoN 168Legislative Council
Asked
27 May 2021
Portfolio
minister representing the Treasurer

QuestionView source ↗

GST DISTRIBUTION
168. Hon Dr STEVE THOMAS to the minister representing the
Treasurer:
I refer to the GST received by the
state of Western Australia and the floor instigated by the Morrison government.
(1) What indication or evidence has the government
received that the commonwealth government is considering altering the GST
agreement struck with this state to implement the current floor in GST
payments?
(2) Has the
government received any correspondence from the commonwealth government in
regard to its position on the current GST floor agreement?
(3) If yes to (2), will the
Treasurer please table that correspondence?
(4) What evidence
does the Treasurer have that the commonwealth has any intention of changing the
GST agreement?
(5) Will the Treasurer please table
that evidence?

AnswerView source ↗

I thank the Leader of the Opposition
for some notice of the question.
(1) The
commonwealth has been under sustained pressure from other states and
territories to undo the GST reforms. For example, in recent months the South
Australian and Victorian Treasurers have raised their concerns about the GST
reforms.
(2) The Prime
Minister and federal Treasurer have provided only verbal assurances of their
intention to not unwind the GST reforms. The state government would welcome the
honourable member's support in seeking formal assurance from his
commonwealth counterparts.
(3)–(5) See
the answers to (1) and (2).

Explore WA Government Data

Search the full archive in the free dashboard, or query programmatically via API.

Explore more