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.