GEN Still image from supplied video of WA Premier Roger Cook and Treasurer Rita Saffioti during a meeting at Paliament House in Canberra for a meeting with Federal Minister Murray Watt. Pic: Premiers' Department.
Roger Cook, the Western Australian Premier, expressed confidence in securing support from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese regarding the State’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) arrangement. This follows discussions held on October 10, 2023 in Canberra, where Cook, alongside Treasurer Rita Saffioti, engaged with federal leaders to safeguard WA’s financial interests amidst a review of the 2018 GST deal.
The Premier emphasized the importance of maintaining WA’s GST deal, which ensures the state receives 75 cents for every dollar of GST revenue collected. Cook articulated concerns that WA could be disadvantaged in terms of transport and other funding as Eastern States aim to alter the current financial arrangements.
“It’s true that GST and other grants represent the lowest proportion of our budget than any other State,” Cook stated during his Canberra visit, highlighting the need for continued advocacy for significant projects needing federal support.
In a proactive step, WA plans to launch a $1 million advertising campaign titled “WA’s GST is working for Australia,” aimed at emphasizing the state’s contributions to the national economy. Although the campaign will commence on October 11, 2023, billboards in Canberra will not be displayed until October 16, 2023, after the Premier’s departure.
Cook characterized Albanese as a key ally in the ongoing GST discussions, asserting the necessity of amplifying WA’s voice in a complex debate. “We wanted to make sure that WA voices are heard in what can sometimes be a fairly loud and clunky debate,” he remarked.
In a bid to strengthen lobbying efforts, former under-treasurer Michael Barnes joined Cook in Canberra. High-profile business figures, including mining magnate Andrew “Twiggy” Forrest, will participate in a roundtable meeting next month, as efforts intensify to rally support from influential stakeholders.
Housing Minister John Carey refuted concerns regarding potential backlash from other states due to the advertising campaign, underscoring its purpose of asserting WA’s economic significance. “The point of the campaign is to let east coast States know ‘Back off. We are the engine room of the Australian economy,’” Carey asserted.
Saffioti recently engaged in a public dispute with economist Saul Eslake, who criticized WA for allegedly using the GST floor to inflate its budget surplus. The Treasurer countered Eslake’s claims, asserting that his statistics were misleading and did not account for the full scope of WA’s infrastructure investments, which include significant contributions from Government Trading Enterprises.
On the environmental front, Cook met with Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt to discuss reforms to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act. Following opposition to a previous version of the legislation, federal authorities aim to address concerns from the resources sector, including the definition of “unacceptable impact” and ensuring existing operations are grandfathered.
“It is clear that Senator Watt has had deep engagement, particularly with large resource companies which understand the importance of this legislation,” Cook noted. He voiced optimism regarding the potential for achieving a balance between environmental protection and industry interests.
The proposed legislative package is expected to facilitate faster project approvals while enhancing environmental safeguards. It is set to pass the lower house, but requires support from either the Coalition or the Greens to navigate the Senate.
The Coalition has raised concerns, echoing industry apprehensions, with Shadow Minister Angie Bell questioning Cook’s silence on the reforms. “Why has Roger Cook been silent on the current proposed reforms, especially when business is telling us the current proposal before the house is completely unworkable?” she queried.
Meanwhile, a senior Greens source criticized the bill, describing it as poorly constructed. However, the minor party is reportedly focused on negotiating a limited number of substantial amendments, indicating a desire for a deal that aligns with business interests.
As discussions continue, both political factions aim to finalize their positions while navigating internal challenges. The outcome of these talks will significantly affect WA’s financial landscape and environmental policy moving forward.
