Legislative Council - Fifty-Fourth Parliament, First Session (54-1)
2018-05-09 Daily Xml

Contents

Goods and Services Tax

The Hon. T.A. FRANKS (15:03): Supplementary: will the South Australian position be determined by the New South Wales Liberal leader or will the Treasurer actually undertake consultation with South Australians, for example, through the YourSAy website?

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS (Treasurer) (15:03): I am always happy to consult with South Australians. Indeed, the Hon. Ms Franks, on behalf of many South Australians, has put a view. My colleagues in the Liberal Party have also put a point of view. I am always happy to take consultation on this particular issue, but ultimately the decision will be taken by the state and territory governments and the commonwealth government at either a COAG meeting or a meeting of treasurers. Our position will not be dictated to by any interstate jurisdiction, but we do take notice of the views of our interstate colleagues in terms of the impact on GST revenue and any particular changes to the GST base. We certainly don't just ignore the positions that our interstate colleagues might put in relation to either this issue or indeed other issues.

The answer to the question is yes. I am happy to consult. We are receiving commentary and submissions from a wide variety of groups and individuals at the moment. My advice is that the former government received commentary and advice over a period of time on this issue as well, so all of that information is available. But ultimately, the decision will be taken by treasurers and leaders of the government at the national level.