Goods and Services Tax Revenue

The majority voted in favour of a motion introduced by Tasmanian Senator Wendy Askew (Liberal) on behalf of West Australian Senator Dean Smith (Liberal)

Motion text

That the Senate—

(a) notes that, in his response to order for the production of documents no. 307 relating to the distribution of Goods and Services Tax revenue, dated 10 October 2023, the Treasurer made a public interest immunity claim on the basis that it would disclose the deliberations of the Council on Federal Financial Relations and adversely affect Commonwealth-state relations;

(b) rejects the public interest immunity claim made by the Treasurer, noting that:

(i) when a claim of public interest immunity is made on the basis that it would adversely affect Commonwealth-state relations, the agreement of the States to disclose the information should be sought and they should be invited to give reasons for any objection, and

(ii) no such agreement has been sought, nor has the Senate been advised of any objection from any state government; and

(c) requires the order to be complied with by no later than midday on 7 November 2023.