United front required to stand up to Canberra on GST review

• Across party stand Tasmania’s best chance of seeing off Turnbull threat
• Labor prepared to put politics aside in best interests of state
• GST distribution too important not to present united front
Labor Leader Rebecca White has proposed a united political front as Tasmania prepares to battle for its fair share in the wake of Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s review of GST distribution.
Ms White has called on Premier Will Hodgman to join forces with Labor in preparing a joint submission to the Productivity Commission’s GST review and lobby Canberra to ensure there is no change to the current distribution system.
“The Turnbull Government’s GST distribution review by the Productivity Commission has real potential to badly hurt Tasmania with outcomes that favour the bigger mainland states,” Ms White said.
“There is political unity in the Tasmanian Parliament against changes to the GST distribution model.
“This issue is far too important for Tasmania not to present a united front by making a joint submission and also by making it clear to the Prime Minister that our state will stand together to fight for our fair share.
“An across party effort is Tasmania’s best chance of seeing off Mr Turnbull’s GST threat.
“Standing side by side sends a powerful message to Canberra that Tasmania will not tolerate any changes to the GST that negatively impact our state.
“I have proposed this approach to Premier Will Hodgman and will be formally writing to him expressing my strong belief that there are some issues that should be above politics and this is one of those key issues.”
Rebecca White MP Labor Leader