Premier Roger Cook speaks to the media at WA Museum Boola Bardip on Friday to announce the new Terracotta Warriors exhibition.
UPDATE: The Western Australian Government has just announced a bold $1 million advertising campaign aimed at promoting the significance of WA’s GST deal, as the stakes for the state’s financial future escalate. This urgent initiative targets the east coast, emphasizing the critical importance of maintaining WA’s fair share of GST revenue amid ongoing debates.
The campaign comes at a pivotal time. While officials, including Treasurer Jim Chalmers, have insisted there will be no changes to the GST framework, concerns linger about the sustainability of WA’s financial arrangements. The current GST deal, greatly improved in 2018, guarantees all states a minimum share and extends top-up payments through 2029-30, but WA’s per capita share remains lower than that of other states.
Premier Roger Cook articulated the urgency of the situation, stating, “The bottom line is that WA’s GST is working for Australia, and my Government is calling on business leaders and the community to come together as Team WA to help keep the share fair.” The campaign will utilize newspapers and billboards across major east coast cities, ensuring that Federal politicians cannot overlook WA’s message.
“The gloves are off to defend WA’s fair share of the GST,” stated Treasurer Rita Saffioti, highlighting the necessity of this campaign. “We’re making it clear to those east coast whingers what they’re risking by trying to tear it down.”
With WA experiencing a booming economy and record population growth, the state’s financial health is at a premium. The backdrop of WA’s economic struggles, notably when its GST share plunged below 30 cents on the dollar, underscores the stakes involved. It took years of negotiation, initiated by former premier Colin Barnett in 2011, to rectify the situation.
As the Productivity Commission reviews the current GST deal, a report is expected by the end of next year. Chalmers emphasized the need to ensure the optimal funding system for schools, hospitals, and essential services. He reassured WA that Federal Labor politicians are “big, enthusiastic backers” of the state’s interests. However, the central question remains: What happens after Chalmers and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese leave office?
The urgency of this advertising blitz can’t be overstated. If WA’s message fails to resonate with the broader Australian populace, the repercussions could jeopardize the state’s financial future. The campaign, designed to rally support from both businesses and the community, aims to remind the nation that WA’s prosperity contributes significantly to the country’s economic fabric.
In a climate where the east coast often overlooks WA’s contributions, this campaign is a strategic move to ensure that West Australians’ voices are heard and that their financial entitlements are protected. As the campaign rolls out, all eyes will be on its impact and the response from federal leaders. The message is clear: WA’s financial future relies on unity and unwavering support for fair GST distribution.
Stay tuned for updates as this developing story unfolds and further reactions from politicians and citizens alike are anticipated.
