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Parliamentary Questions


Question Without Notice No. 1139 asked in the Legislative Council on 9 December 2021 by Hon Dr Steve Thomas

Parliament: 41 Session: 1

GST DISTRIBUTION — IRON ORE PRICE

1139. Hon Dr STEVE THOMAS to the minister representing the Treasurer:

I note the comments of the Prime Minister in The West Australian today that the GST arrangement between the commonwealth and the state that has resulted in billions of dollars of additional revenue pouring into Western Australia's coffers will not be reversed or changed.

(1) Will the Treasurer now thank the Prime Minister for this reassurance and end his scare campaign on the threat of changes to the state's GST arrangements?

(2) If no to (1), is this because the government is taking a position to support its federal Labor colleagues and candidates?

(3) What is the current spot price of iron ore as measured by Treasury?

(4) When will the 2021 mid-year financial projections statement be released?

(5) Will the mid-year financial projections statement acknowledge that the support of the commonwealth and the mountains of cash coming from iron ore are the real reason for the massive surpluses enjoyed by the government?

Several members interjected.

The PRESIDENT: Has everybody got their little piece out now?

Hon MATTHEW SWINBOURN replied:

I provide the following answer on behalf of the minister representing the Treasurer.

(1)–(2) The honourable member's New South Wales Liberal Party counterparts are leading the calls for Western Australia's share of the GST to be cut. Any push to cut WA's share of GST is unfair. This is especially unfair given how much our state has contributed to the eastern states as their communities and economies struggle to grapple with COVID-19 outbreaks. Western Australia has powered the nation's economy. For other states to then turn around in a coordinated campaign to reduce WA's fair share of GST is un-Australian.

(3) It is $US108.50 a tonne.

(4)–(5) The Government mid-year financial projections statement must be released by 31 December each year.