Most people don’t know this – and the major parties would prefer it stays that way – but Western Australia is getting a guaranteed share of GST money that no other state gets.
Here’s how it works:
Normally, GST revenue is split between the states based on need. That’s fair. Richer states like WA during the mining boom get less. Poorer states like Queensland get more. This is called Horizontal Fiscal Equalisation, and it’s designed to ensure everyone gets a fair go – no matter where they live.
But in 2018, Scott Morrison changed the rules. He put in a “floor”: No matter how rich WA gets, they will always get at least 70 cents back for every dollar of GST they raise. And that floor later went up to 75 cents.
Sounds fair, right? Until you realise:
- 🧾 No other state has this deal.
- 💸 WA was already booming from mining.
- 📉 Queensland and other states get less as a result.
- 🤫 The federal government quietly tops up the difference using your tax money.
This “fix” is costing Queensland billions. And guess who bears the brunt of it?
Wide Bay.
While WA gets its special treatment, we’re here:
- Losing hospital services.
- Waiting years for Bruce Highway upgrades.
- And on and on and on…
So why hasn’t anyone stood up against it? Because both major parties back the deal. They’re more focused on winning votes in Perth than making sure we get a fair share. And most independents? They’re based in the cities, so this issue hasn’t even hit their radar. Even Pauline Hanson and One Nation supported the GST floor for WA.
Well, I’m putting it on the radar.
Not because it’s easy. But because it’s the right thing to do.
I’m running as an independent to fight for a fair deal for regional Queensland. And if I’m elected, I’ll demand a full review of the GST carve-up and stand up for towns like ours that have been left behind.
The two major parties will never do this. To make the system fair, it’s got to come from the cross-bench.
This isn’t about East vs West. It’s about fairness vs favours.
And it’s time someone said it:
We’re not WA’s piggy bank.
Casey for Wide Bay 