Statement regarding COAG

I'm very pleased that myself and other first ministers have convinced the Federal Government to stand by the independent Commonwealth Grants Commission and endorse the proposed GST distribution at today's COAG meeting.

This means that Queensland stands to gain an extra $556 million in much-needed revenue.

Queensland has also secured an agreement from the Commonwealth to consider 'flexibility' when it comes to access to NDIS funding. Queenslanders are paying for this funding through the Medicare levy and this funding should not be withheld by the Commonwealth. This is a major breakthrough that could lead to far more Queenslanders accessing the NDIS scheme sooner.

The Commonwealth has also agreed to discuss an NDIS trial site in Queensland, something the former Government did not want.

It is crucial that Queensland gains a trial site ahead of the scheme's establishment in 2016. I look forward to discussing this further with the Prime Minister as soon as possible.

I also made it clear that it was not acceptable to withhold Commonwealth infrastructure funding because Queenslanders had exercised their democratic right to reject the LNP's plan to sell income earning assets including our power network and ports. The Prime Minister undertook to provide greater flexibility of access for infrastructure funding.

Finally, Queensland will be an active participant in a national effort to combat domestic and family violence. I congratulate the Prime Minister and my State and Territory colleagues for the constructive way in which every jurisdiction pledged to make this campaign a national priority.

First ministers will meet again in July to continue discussions around the Federation and tax reform.

I pledged to Queenslanders that I would do everything I can to stand up for them and protect Queensland's fair share, and by securing our GST allocation and making significant steps forward on the NDIS in particular, I have delivered on that pledge.