Western Australia rejects Productivity Commission GST report

Western Australian Premier Roger Cook and Treasurer Rita Saffioti have strongly criticized an interim Productivity Commission report regarding the Goods and Services Tax (GST) distribution model. The report labels the 2018 GST deal a “mistake” that could cost Australian taxpayers up to $12 billion annually and claims the current system reduces equity by disproportionately benefiting Western Australia.

Premier Cook stated that the proposed changes could remove up to $6 billion from the Western Australian economy, impacting funding for essential services such as teachers, police, nurses, and hospital infrastructure. He characterized the report's findings as “dodgy, deceitful, and quite frankly dumb,” arguing that the changes would punish the state for its economic success to support other states.

Treasurer Saffioti added that the report fails to acknowledge Western Australia’s contribution to the national economy and the federal budget. The state government has signaled that its position on the matter is that “the only change we will accept is no change.”