WA MPs refuse to support their State, Crook

NATIONALS WA Federal Member for O’Connor Tony Crook has condemned both major parties for refusing to support his Private Member’s Motion to establish a floor on GST relativities.

Mr Crook’s Private Member’s Motion was voted down by both Federal Labor and the Liberals in the House of Representatives today.

Mr Crook said the result would be devastating for the future of WA’s economy.

“It is a very disappointing outcome for WA and the people of WA,” Mr Crook said.

“Of course the only time you will see Labor and the Liberals sitting on the same side of the House is when they are dumping on Western Australia.”

Mr Crook said the WA MPs had sold out their State to play Party politics.

“It is unbelievable that WA MPs in Canberra are so willing to trade off the financial security of their home state in the interests of east-coast centric Party politics.”

Mr Crook said the decision by WA MPs to toe the Party line would cost the State billions of dollars in the next few years.

“According to current estimates, WA will be short-changed by $4 billion by 2014-15.

“The GST rip-off will cost every household in WA around $6000 in the next two years.

“That is not something I want to see, it is not something the WA State Government wants to see, but apparently the WA MPs are happy to see every household in WA contribute to the Federal coffers without any return.”

Mr Crook said the failure of WA MPs to support the motion was out of line with the best interests of the State.

“The decision not to support my motion and to instead toe the party line in Canberra flies in the face of what the State of WA and the people of WA want.”

A motion was unanimously passed by the WA State Parliament calling on the Federal Government to support Mr Crook’s motion for a fairer share of GST distribution two weeks ago.

Mr Crook said WA residents should be very disappointed with their elected MPs for failing to take a stand on this issue.

“WA MPs have ignored the wishes of the WA Premier, the WA Treasurer, and the Leader of the Opposition in the name of Party politics.”

Mr Crook said he would continue his campaign to secure a better deal for WA.