Prime Minister Albanese publicly supported keeping WA’s existing GST share ahead of a National Cabinet meeting with state and territory leaders.

Opposition figures, including Angus Taylor and Matt Canavan, are depicted as defending the policy with weak claims, as WA Premier Cook defends the deal.

PC Commissioner Angela Jackson condemned Premier Cook’s remarks as crossing a line, reiterating that public debate should strengthen, not undermine, the Commission’s integrity.

The Productivity Commission issued an interim, scathing report arguing the 2018 GST deal was a costly mistake that failed to meet its objectives and diverted about $23 billion to Western Australia.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and WA Premier Roger Cook criticized the PC; Cook called the PC an “east coast clown(s)” and Albanese signaled no changes to WA’s GST while he remains Prime Minister.

The PC’s interim findings advocate scrapping the current GST carve-up, prompting pushback from WA as the Premier labeled the PC’s critics and the report’s tone as unacceptable.

Industry and Innovation Minister Tim Ayres described the GST debate as healthy for democracy, defended Labor’s stance, and rejected the idea of a political “glass jaw,” while acknowledging the PC’s importance.

The Productivity Commission will conduct further consultations and is slated to deliver a final report by year-end.

The discourse around the GST review is skeptical and critical of bipartisan support, with some labeling much of the discussion bulldust.

WA Treasurer Rita Saffioti said the GST review isn’t over and stressed the need to present robust economic arguments to ensure WA’s position is reflected in the final report.

The dispute underscores broader tensions between Western Australia and eastern states over fiscal arrangements and the role of independent review bodies in policy.

The controversy coincides with One Nation’s opposition activity targeting Labor-held WA seats, intensifying GST reform pressure.