Penny Wong SA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate
2:29 pm
My question is to Senator Cormann, the Minister representing the Treasurer. On 3 January, the Treasurer announced that the Turnbull government had extended the deadline for the Productivity Commission inquiry's report into the economic impact of horizontal fiscal equalisation from January to 15 May—conveniently after the South Australian and Tasmanian state elections. What discussions did the Treasurer or his office have with the Productivity Commission before the commission apparently requested an extension?
Mathias Cormann WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Finance
2:30 pm
I thank Senator Wong for that question. My advice is that it was the Productivity Commission that made such a request to the Treasurer. I will, on the basis of the question, ask the Treasurer whether he has anything else to add to that answer.
Penny Wong SA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate
Did the Treasurer or his office discuss the possibility of a delay with any of his cabinet colleagues or their officers before making a decision? If so, when and with whom was the possibility of a delay beyond the South Australian and Tasmanian state elections first discussed?
Mathias Cormann WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Finance
I take that question on notice. I'm not sure what discussions the Treasurer may or may not have had. I am not aware of any such discussions.
Penny Wong SA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate
Given the Productivity Commission's interim report proposes cuts to the distribution of GST revenue of $557 million to South Australia and $160 million to Tasmania, will the minister rule out any changes to the distribution of the GST which would see cuts to South Australia and Tasmania?
Mathias Cormann WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Finance
2:31 pm
As Senator Wong would well know, the report she references is not a government report; it is a report from an independent statutory authority to government. In fact, it is only a draft report on which some further consultation is taking place as we speak. In due course, the Productivity Commission will release a report. As every Australian would expect the government to do, when that final report comes forward, the government will consider it and provide a response in due course.