WA ‘spud king’ Tony Galati and his son Frank have thrown their support behind CCIWA’s fight to keep WA’s GST share.
Spudshed co-founder Tony Galati backs CCIWA’s GST campaign
The GST revenue distribution process is currently under review, which, according to CCIWA data, could cut more than $6 billion in funding for infrastructure and everyday services in WA.
Tony, Spudshed founder, said it was important all Western Australians understood what was at stake if WA lost its GST safety net, which is guaranteed not to fall below 75 cents in the dollar.
“Spudshed is a proud West Aussie business, and we share the fear that WA will go back to the old system, which only gave us back 30 cents in every dollar,” he said.
“We all pay GST, and even under the current model WA gets the least back of any state or territory.
“People in WA are hardworking, and we keep the national economy strong. We don’t want to see even more of our hard-earned money heading over east.”
Spudshed CEO Frank Galati said WA could not afford to go backwards with the GST share. “It might seem like a complicated economic issue, but what it boils down to will be less money for the services and infrastructure every day West Aussies rely on,” he said.
“If our hard-earned money is contributing to the nation, then of course, we want our fair share back to fund our roads, schools, hospitals and more.”
GST safety net ‘not up for grabs’
CCIWA Chief Economist Dr Daniel Kiely said having the backing of the Galatis and Spudshed highlighted the importance of WA’s GST fight.
“Tony Galati isn’t just a WA icon, he’s also one of our State’s most successful businesspeople,” he said.
“Having the support of Tony and the Galati group, along with the many other distinguished Western Australians who have joined this fight, shows what’s at stake for WA.
“The Prime Minister has promised repeatedly that WA’s GST deal won’t change but we know he will come under immense pressure from the East Coast to change that view.
“Our campaign aims to send a clear message to Canberra that WA’s GST safety net is not up for grabs.”
Tony said Western Australians were hard workers who “keep Australia afloat” and should not be penalised.
“We need the money to stay here to continue supporting our ongoing development and increasing population,” he said.
The Galatis join a growing list of industry heavyweights backing CCIWA’s campaign to keep the GST deal.
To support the GST safety net, the petition can be signed here.
