Federal WA Liberals defend role in GST fight

Written on the 28 March 2017

Federal Justice Minister Michael Keenan has defended WA Liberals against complaints they have failed to improve the State's GST situation, saying they had secured $1.8 billion in extra funding.

As Premier Mark McGowan yesterday revealed he was pushing for a shake-up of the GST grants formula, Mr Keenan stood by the role Federal WA ministers had played fighting for a better share.

Observers were left stunned on Friday when the Commonwealth Grants Commission said the State would get back just 34¢ for every $1 of GST raised in WA next financial year. The allocation was below the 38¢ return forecast by WA Treasury and would leave the State about $230 million worse off.