Show us the legislation

Queensland has called on the Commonwealth to put its money where its mouth is and release the draft legislation it says will guarantee no state or territory will be worse off under its proposed GST calve up.

Deputy Premier and Treasurer Jackie Trad said while she was pleased the Commonwealth has agreed to legislate the guarantee following pressure from States and Territories, the detail was still lacking.

“While I welcome reports that Canberra has agreed to legislate its guarantee, I’ve continually said this government will never accept a deal that leaves Queenslanders worse off,” Ms Trad said.

“Unless this guarantee is real, economic modelling shows that Queensland could be more than $3 billion worse off by 2027.

“That kind of funding cut would have a devastating impact on the Queensland budget and our ability to provide Queenslanders with the hospitals, schools, road and rail infrastructure needed for the future.

“We won’t accept a deal without the detail and without a surety our future share of GST won’t be at the expense of our existing funding under National Partnership Agreements.

“If Scott Morrison and Josh Frydenberg want Queensland to support this plan, then they need to be upfront with Queenslanders. The plan was shared with the LNP party room and it should also be shared with Queenslanders.

“I’m calling on the Federal Treasurer to release the draft legislation to all States and Territories, so we can confirm their commitment is not another example of the Commonwealth saying one thing and doing another.

“Queenslanders have continued to be let down by this Federal Government and more often than not, the devil has always been in the detail.

“We’ve seen an unfair deal on training, cuts to remote Indigenous housing and we’re still waiting for the Commonwealth to reimburse Queensland Health for healthcare it has already delivered to Queenslanders.

“While all of this has been going on, State Opposition Leader Deb Frecklington has been missing in action. She’s failed to stand up for Queenslanders, failed to stop the Federal cuts and she’s been silent on her Federal friends’ plans to take money from Queensland.

“It’s about time Deb stood up for Queensland’s fair share.”

Media contact: Michelle Wellington 0437 323 834 or Clare Manton 0432 446 268