Western Australia's Premier Roger Cook has embarked on a crucial mission to the nation's capital, determined to hold the Prime Minister to his word on protecting the state's hard-won GST deal.
The high-stakes meeting comes amid growing concerns that eastern state counterparts are mounting pressure to overhaul the current distribution system that guarantees WA receives at least 70 cents for every dollar of GST revenue it generates.
Securing WA's Economic Future
Cook's Canberra dash represents a proactive move to reinforce Anthony Albanese's pre-election commitment to maintain the GST floor until at least 2030. With state budgets across the country feeling the pinch, Western Australian officials fear renewed attempts to redistribute the state's mining wealth.
'This isn't just about numbers on a spreadsheet,' a government insider revealed. 'It's about ensuring Western Australia can continue to fund essential services and infrastructure projects that benefit the entire nation.'
The Background Battle
The current GST arrangement was established after WA's share plummeted to just 30 cents in the dollar during the mining boom, despite the state generating substantial economic activity that benefited other jurisdictions. The hard-fought deal implemented a floor that prevents such extreme outcomes from recurring.
However, with changing economic conditions and varying state fortunes, the agreement faces constant scrutiny from states that stand to gain from a return to the previous distribution model.
What's at Stake for Western Australians
- Funding for hospitals, schools and emergency services
- Critical infrastructure projects across the state
- Economic stability in a volatile global environment
- Long-term planning certainty for state budgets
The Premier's office has emphasised that this isn't about special treatment, but rather ensuring fair compensation for the resources revenue that significantly contributes to the national economy.
With billions of dollars hanging in the balance, all eyes will be on the outcome of these high-level negotiations between the WA Premier and the Federal Government.
