WA premier clashes with Productivity Commission over GST
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The gist
WA Premier Roger Cook called Productivity Commission authors 'east coast clowns' over GST report. Albanese vowed no change to WA's GST deal, sparking institutional clash.
Background
The Productivity Commission's interim report, released earlier this month, recommended scrapping the 2018 GST deal that guarantees Western Australia a 75-cent floor per dollar of GST contributed. The report called the deal a 'costly mistake' that disproportionately benefits WA. Premier Roger Cook reacted angrily, labeling the authors 'east coast clowns', while Prime Minister Anthony Albanese pledged no change to the arrangement, drawing criticism from the Commission for undermining its integrity.
How it unfolded
- 2018The Morrison government introduced a GST reform with a 75% floor for Western Australia.
- earlier this monthThe Productivity Commission published an interim report finding the 2018 GST deal was a 'costly mistake' and recommended scrapping it.
- Aug 24, 2026Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, on a visit to Perth, vowed 'no change' to WA's GST arrangements while he is prime minister.
- Aug 26, 2026Productivity Commission commissioner Angela Jackson slammed attacks on the Commission's integrity as 'unacceptable' and said Albanese's comments were 'disappointing'.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Prime Minister Albanese said there will be no change to WA's GST arrangements while he is prime minister, asserting WA deserves its fair share.
- Official
- Productivity Commission commissioner Angela Jackson called the political attacks 'unacceptable' and said the Commission is 'above politics'.
- Party
- WA Premier Roger Cook praised Albanese as a PM who 'gets WA' and said the guarantee 'finalises this debate'.
- Caution
- Nationals leader Matt Canavan insisted Albanese go further, recalling a promise signed on a reporter's arm two years ago.