Productivity Commission criticizes WA GST deal, sparks political backlash
Consensus Summary
The Productivity Commission released an interim report earlier this month criticizing the 2018 GST legislation as a costly mistake that cost taxpayers almost $23 billion, with WA being the only state to benefit. WA Premier Roger Cook strongly criticized the report, calling the commission 'east coast clowns' and their findings 'dodgy, deceitful, and quite frankly dumb.' The commission responded by stating that Cook's comments crossed a line and attacked their integrity, though they welcomed public debate. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese dismissed the report's recommendations, stating there would be no changes to WA's GST arrangements while he remains in office. The final report is expected by the end of this year, and the commission has emphasized its independence from political influence. Both sources agree on the financial impact of the 2018 legislation and the political backlash it has sparked, though they differ slightly on the timing of the report's release and specific political reactions.
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
Key details reported by multiple sources:
- The Productivity Commission's interim report on GST distribution reforms was released earlier this month
- The 2018 GST legislation was described as a 'costly mistake' that cost taxpayers almost $23 billion
- WA Premier Roger Cook called the Productivity Commission 'east coast clowns' and criticized their report as 'dodgy, deceitful, and quite frankly dumb'
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated there would be no change to WA GST arrangements while he is prime minister
- The Productivity Commission's final report is due by the end of this year
- The Productivity Commission was commissioned to review the 2018 GST legislation by the Morrison government
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- WA Premier Roger Cook met with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese earlier this week
- Resources Minister Madeleine King sympathized with Cook's comments and cast doubt on the report's methodology
- Industry Minister Tim Ayres described Cook's 'east coast clowns' comment as 'colourful language' but insisted Labor welcomed debate
- Ms King said the commission had not reviewed the GST deal as methodically as it might have and noted there are no Western Australians on the Productivity Commission
- Dr. Jackson said the prime minister's comments were 'disappointing' but added that most economists would take being described as 'economic rationalists' as a 'badge of honour'
- The Productivity Commission's interim report said WA was the only state better off under the current GST arrangements
- Angela Jackson said the Productivity Commission welcomed criticism and comments on its work but found Cook's remarks 'unacceptable'
- Jackson linked the tone of the criticism to broader issues in public debate internationally
- Tim Ayres said there were 'strong views' about the GST issue in WA and a 'colourful contest' about the issue
- Albanese ruled out any GST changes even before the Productivity Commission’s final report
Where the reporting differs
Details that conflict, or appear in only some outlets:
- The ABC says the interim report was released 'this month' and 'this week,' while the Guardian does not specify a date for its release but mentions a meeting of national cabinet on Wednesday
- The ABC states the Productivity Commission's interim report was released 'earlier this month' and 'this week,' while the Guardian does not mention a specific date for the release but refers to a meeting on Wednesday
- The ABC says the Productivity Commission's interim report was released 'Tuesday,' while the Guardian does not mention a specific day for the release but refers to a meeting on Wednesday
- The ABC says the Productivity Commission's interim report was released 'this week,' while the Guardian mentions a meeting on Wednesday, which could imply the report was released earlier in the week
Source Articles
Productivity Commission slams 'clowns' comments after GST report
The Productivity Commission says the WA premier "crossed a line" with his criticisms of the body's interim report on GST, adding that political commentary from federal government ministers undermines the commission's integrity.
Productivity Commission says ‘line was crossed’ when WA premier labelled them ‘east coast clowns’ over GST
Commissioner Angela Jackson also said it was ‘disappointing’ that Anthony Albanese had ruled out changes to Western Australia’s GST arrangements Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast The Productivity Commission has condemned attacks on its integrity as “unacceptable” after its scathing assessment of Western Australia’s sweetheart GST deal as a costly mistake sparked a fierce political backlash and name-calling. Angela
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