GST Reforms WA

Western Australia’s GST share supports WA and the national economy. A strong WA economy helps keep Australia strong.

Right now, Australia’s system for sharing GST revenue between the States is under review by the Productivity Commission (PC) which has released an interim report. If the current distribution changes, as outlined in the report, WA could lose up to $6 billion each year. This money helps fund essential services like hospitals, schools and regional programs that Western Australians rely on. It also would significantly reduce the State’s ability to invest in economic infrastructure that also supports the national economy.

The Productivity Commission (PC) interim report

The Productivity Commission is reviewing the 2018 GST Reforms to assess whether they are working as intended. The interim report was published on 14 August 2026. Here’s what you need to know:

The PC has recommended unwinding the 2018 GST Reforms. This would see WA’s per person share of GST falling from 83% to just 24%
WA will lose up to $6 billion a year if any of the recommended changes from the report are adopted
This would be equal to the cost of WA’s public education system or the wages of the nurses, doctors, and medical staff in public hospitals
It is also equivalent to the State's investment in economic infrastructure, including WA's ports, water and electricity, and roads that support the State and national economy.
The report recommends returning to full equalisation, which penalises states for growing their economies and in particular, their resources sectors.
The report contradicts the recommendations from its 2018 inquiry, which found the previous GST distribution system was broken and needed to change.

WA isn’t seeking a greater share of the GST, but to maintain the current 2018 GST Reforms. The WA Government has made a submission, alongside a People’s Submission reflecting feedback from more than 6,000 Western Australians.

The PC’s final report is due by the end of the year.

Help keep WA’s GST deal and join the fight by making your voice heard.

Why is it important to keep the 2018 GST Reforms?

The outcome of this review will have a direct impact on households, businesses and communities across Western Australia—as well as the broader Australian economy.

WA’s share of the GST funding helps provide essential infrastructure and services people rely on every day, including roads, hospitals, schools, public transport, ports and power. It also supports major projects that benefit the national economy, with WA producing almost half of Australia’s exports.

WA isn’t seeking a larger share of the GST pool, but to maintain the current GST distribution arrangements under the 2018 reforms.