Premier vows to lead GST fight

PREMIER Will Hodgman has vowed to fight to ensure Tasmania continues to receive its fair share of GST revenues.

With Federal Treasurer Scott Morrison expected to an- nounce a new approach to sharing the revenues by the end of this week, Mr Hodgman said he had been “in almost constant contact” with Mr Morrison and the Prime Minister.

“It is essential for the fabric of our federation and the cen- tral part of what allows Tasmanians to enjoy a similar quality of service that others ... enjoy,” Mr Hodgman said.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has promised Tasmania will not be worse off.

PREMIER Will Hodgman has mounted a spirited defence of his government’s attempts to hang on to Tasmania’s share of GST revenues.

Federal Treasurer Scott Morrison is expected to announce a new approach to sharing the revenues by the end of this week aimed at addressing long-term complaints from Western Australia that it is being short-changed.

In State Parliament, Mr Hodgman said the Liberals would take the fight down to the wire.

“We will continue to fight very strongly. I have been, if not in daily contact, in almost constant contact with the Prime Minister and the Federal Treasurer, as has my colleague, Mr Gutwein, our Treasurer, to continue to fight hard for Tasmania’s fair share,” he said in response to questions from Labor leader Rebecca White.

“It is essential for the fabric of our federation and the central part of what allows Tasmanians to enjoy a similar quality of service that others, in other, larger states might be able to enjoy. Tasmanians deserve the same quality of services delivered not only through GST distributions but also through a state government that is investing more into the schools, hospitals and essential services you talk about.”

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has promised Tasmania will not be worse off in dollar terms, leaving open several possible arrangements where top-up payments or changes to indexation would reduce revenue projections.

“Our commitment is to have a GST system that is [so] fair, that it passes the pub test in Burnie and Bunbury, in Bundaberg and Bathurst and Bendigo — right across the country,” Mr Turnbull told reporters in Sydney on Monday.

At the same time Attorney-General Christian Porter said he had been lobbying for a better deal for his state.

“We’re working to ensure that we’re going to improve WA considerably,” he said.

Pundits have suggested up to $600 million of the Tasmanian Government’s projected revenue over the next year is under threat.

Labor’s Michelle O’Byrne said Mr Hodgman had gone soft on defending the current arrangements.

“What we’ve seen again today is the absolute weakness of Premier Will Hodgman.

“It is very clear that on the issue of the GST — which he said he would fight tooth and nail for, which he said he would ensure that there was no change to the distribution model.

“He’s quite happy to roll over to his federal colleagues and have his tummy tickled. He won’t stand up to his federal colleagues.”