Key facts
- The Productivity Commission (PC) has criticized comments made by Western Australian Premier Roger Cook.
- Cook referred to the PC as "east coast clowns" and called its GST report "deceitful."
The Productivity Commission has labeled comments by Western Australian Premier Roger Cook, calling the commission "east coast clowns" and its GST report deceitful, as "unacceptable" and having "crossed a line." The commission stated it welcomes debate but not attacks on its integrity.
The exchange highlights a significant political rift over fiscal arrangements in Australia, with the independent Productivity Commission asserting its integrity against political attacks, while the Prime Minister has preemptively shut down proposed changes to a deal that significantly benefits Western Australia.
The Productivity Commission (PC) has publicly rebuked Western Australian Premier Roger Cook for his remarks, which included labeling the commission "east coast clowns" and describing its report on the state's GST deal as "deceitful." PC Commissioner Angela Jackson stated that while the commission welcomes public debate, Cook's comments "crossed a line" and were "unacceptable," particularly in their attack on the integrity of the advisory body.
The PC's interim report on the 2018 GST legislation found that the deal had not met its objectives, made the system less fair, and resulted in an additional $23 billion being directed to Western Australia. The commission's interim recommendation to reverse the deal was supported by all other states and territories.
However, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has already declared that no changes will be made to the GST arrangements while he is in office. Jackson described Albanese's comments as "disappointing" but affirmed that the PC's process for its final report, due by year-end, would not be influenced by political commentary, emphasizing the commission's position "above politics."
Industry and Science Minister Tim Ayres acknowledged "strong views" and a "colourful contest" surrounding the GST issue in WA, but defended Albanese's stance, stating the Prime Minister "gets Western Australia" and understands its needs and contributions.