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🇦🇺 Australia /Economy & Trade

Pauline Hanson Backs Western Australia on GST After Previous Criticism

From ABC Australia · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Pauline Hanson has shifted her stance on Western Australia's GST deal, now supporting the state's benefits.
  • Previously, Hanson criticized the 2018 deal, arguing it unfairly benefited WA at the expense of other states.
  • Her change of heart appears linked to her growing relationship with mining magnate Gina Rinehart, a major financial backer of Hanson's One Nation party.

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has undergone a significant change regarding the Goods and Services Tax (GST) distribution, particularly concerning Western Australia. Three years ago, Hanson publicly opposed the 2018 GST deal, which granted substantial benefits to Western Australia while being rejected by other states and territories. She argued that it was unfair for 93 percent of Commonwealth-owned natural gas to benefit only 10 percent of Australia's population.

Is it fair that 93 per cent of Commonwealth-owned natural gas should benefit just 10 per cent of Australia's population? My view is no.

— Pauline HansonSenator Hanson's statement in parliament in September 2023, criticizing the GST deal.

At the time, Hanson criticized the deal, stating that Western Australia received a "huge benefit" without compensating other states. She also noted that billions in royalties from offshore gas projects in WA were not factored into GST distribution calculations. Her previous stance suggested that states like Queensland were being "denied their fair share."

However, Hanson's position has now evolved. Amidst ongoing debate over the GST deal, which the Productivity Commission labeled a "costly mistake" favoring only WA, Hanson has emerged as a defender of the state. She recently stated that she is "not pulling anything from WA," acknowledging the state's business success and increased GST revenue.

No, I'm not pulling anything from WA. Yes they do have the mining and they're a progressive state, but they've actually done business and encouraged business there, so the GST was increased. What's Victoria doing? They've destroyed the whole gas industry down there, the mining sector. These states cannot rely on other states to prop them up.

— Pauline HansonSenator Hanson's recent comments defending Western Australia's GST benefits.

This apparent shift in allegiance coincides with Hanson's strengthening ties with billionaire mining magnate Gina Rinehart. Rinehart, a prominent figure born and raised in WA, has become One Nation's largest financial backer, providing Hanson with a plane and significant funding. This close relationship is seen as a key factor influencing Hanson's revised views on the GST, especially as One Nation competes in a crucial by-election in WA.

For years, Queensland has been denied its fair share. This report proves it.

— David JanetzkiQueensland Treasurer David Janetzki's statement on the GST deal.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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