WA's GST Advertising Camapign llustration: Don Lindsay
UPDATE: In a surprising turn of events, the Western Australia (WA) government has launched a $1 million advertising campaign to reassure residents that their 75 cent GST floor deal is secure. This decision, led by Premier Roger Cook and Treasurer Rita Saffioti, raises serious questions about their confidence in Prime Minister Anthony Albanese‘s commitment to the agreement.
The campaign, which features billboards at Canberra Airport, comes as Federal MPs depart after a parliamentary session. Critics argue that this costly initiative underscores WA Labor’s fears that the GST deal could be undermined. As one commentator pointed out, the campaign inadvertently conveys panic rather than confidence, suggesting that Labor is worried about potential changes to the GST arrangement.
WA has long faced inequities in GST distribution, historically receiving as little as 30 cents for every dollar raised. The Coalition’s implementation of the 75 cent floor was meant to correct this injustice. Without it, WA’s share for the fiscal year 2025-26 could plummet to just 0.18, severely impacting the state’s ability to fund essential services like hospitals and infrastructure.
The timing of the advertising push is telling. Cook admitted that the government aimed to ensure “Western Australia’s voices are heard in the national debate,” a sentiment echoing previous criticisms of Federal Labor’s inaction on GST issues. In a bid to highlight the importance of the 75 cent floor, Cook and Saffioti’s campaign appears more like a reaction to internal concerns than a proactive strategy.
The Premier’s previous appeals for more attention from Federal Labor, dating back to 2021, indicate a pattern of reliance on external validation. As WA Labor grapples with the potential fallout from their campaign, many are questioning why they need to spend so much to secure a commitment that should already be guaranteed.
WA’s economic stability is on the line. The state has consistently contributed more to the national economy than it receives in return. Currently, WA’s mining and export sectors are vital for maintaining the Commonwealth’s revenue surplus. Any threat to the GST floor not only jeopardizes WA’s funding but also risks undermining national economic growth.
In response to the campaign, proponents urge for more than mere advertising. They call for the GST floor to be legislated to eliminate any lingering doubts. Transparency in how Commonwealth funding is allocated to WA is also critical. Advocates argue that frequent public reporting on funding could strengthen public trust and hold the government accountable.
As the debate over the GST heats up, WA Labor’s actions signal a lack of faith in their Federal colleagues. The million-dollar campaign, rather than acting as a shield, has revealed the cracks in their confidence. The looming question remains: can WA residents trust their leaders to protect their interests in Canberra?
With the next GST discussions on the horizon, the stakes are higher than ever. West Australians deserve clarity and assurance that their financial future is secure. Until Prime Minister Albanese solidifies the GST floor into law, every promise remains tentative, and the urgency of this situation cannot be overstated.
