We welcome the release of the Australian Government’s Tax Discussion Paper as the first step in a national conversation.
The State Government will carefully consider the Paper and the questions that it raises. I also intend to discuss the Paper with other state treasurers. The issues raised in the Paper are closely linked with the wider discussion that is already underway about the future of the Federation, particularly the allocation of spending responsibilities between the Australian and the state and territory governments. These must be considered holistically.
Tasmanians can be assured that the Government will make Tasmania’s case as strongly as possible, that we do not support any changes to the GST and, most importantly, that we will continue to support the equitable way in which the GST is distributed between the states. We will put Tasmania’s best interests forward and will not accept anything that will financially disadvantage Tasmania.