Western Australia’s mining boom continues to deliver “rivers of gold,” but the Productivity Commission says the 2018 GST deal that funnels billions to WA is a costly mistake that should be scrapped. This video breaks down the political fight, the economics behind GST distribution, and why the Commission says the system is producing “perverse outcomes.”

Saul Eslake explains why the Commission found the 2018 GST reforms inefficient, ineffective and not operating as intended, and why WA’s long‑running arguments about “lazy states” and “engine rooms of the economy” don’t align with the evidence.

The Productivity Commission’s Interim Report has delivered a blunt verdict on the 2018 GST distribution changes: they haven’t worked. The Commission finds the reforms have weakened fiscal equalization, created perverse outcomes, increased costs to the Commonwealth, added complexity, and disproportionately benefited Western Australia while offering no real stability for other states. It also debunks long‑standing myths about who “pays” GST and who “gets it back”. With three clear options on the table, the Federal Government now faces a major test of its commitment to equity and responsible budgeting — and both major parties must decide whether they will prioritise national fairness over political expediency.

Saul Eslake’s opening statement to the Senate Economics Legislation Committee’s public inquiry into the income tax reforms proposed by the Australian Government in the 2026-27 Federal Budget. Below that are some ‘supporting materials’ also provided to the Committee.  

Saul’s presentation to the National Manufacturing Workforce Forum, hosted by the Manufacturing Industry Skills Alliance, at the State Library of Victoria in Melbourne, on 10th June 2026.

Saul Eslake’s presentation to Anglicare’s annual CEO Forum in Melbourne on 4th June 2026. Not much politics in it, but a focus on the tax reform proposals presented in the 2026-27 Federal Budget, and other ideas about longer-term tax reform in Australia.

Saul unpicked the 2026-27 State Budget in more detail in this podcast with the Opposition’s Shadow Minister for Resources, Building & Construction and Consumer Affairs, Dr Shane Broad MP, which can be watched here: #29 Saul Eslake | The BroadCast With Shane Broad – YouTube

Saul provided a briefing on Tasmania’s 2026-27 State Budget to Members of Tasmania’s Legislative Council (the Upper House of the Tasmanian Parliament) on 26th May 2026: