Federal Resources Minister Madeleine King has sharply criticised an interim Productivity Commission report recommending a reduction in Western Australia’s GST share, calling the document “unbalanced, highly speculative and clearly incorrect.”
She reassured voters that the Albanese government remains firmly committed to protecting WA’s financial position a message delivered as Labor launched its campaign in the battleground seat of Secret Harbour, south of Perth. Please confirm all political information with a trusted source.
Her comments came just a day after WA Premier Roger Cook blasted the report as an “attack on Western Australians,” even labelling its authors “east‑coast clowns.” The report, released on Friday, argues the federal government should scrap the 2018 GST distribution changes, claiming WA is the only jurisdiction benefiting from what it called a “costly mistake.”
Minister King pushed back forcefully, telling voters: “I want to make it clear to all Western Australians that the Albanese Labor government has your back.” She emphasised that WA’s resource‑driven economy plays a crucial national role and deserves stable, predictable revenue.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, whose government has extended the GST deal to 2029, said WA would continue to receive its “fair share.” However, he signalled he would wait for the final report in December before commenting on specific recommendations.
The political clash underscores the high stakes surrounding GST distribution a perennial flashpoint between WA and eastern states and sets the stage for a heated debate as the final review approaches.
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