A $52.9 Billion Gamble
Buried deep within the 2023-24 Federal Budget lies a figure that speaks volumes about the government's commitment to appeasing Western Australia. On page 3 of Budget Paper 3, nestled under the unassuming title "Federal Financial Relations," a staggering $52.9 billion price tag reveals the true cost of the GST No Worse Off Guarantee (NoWO) extended to WA.
would it be more cost-effective to simply hand every WA elector a million-dollar Westfield voucher?
The answer, while seemingly outlandish, highlights the sheer magnitude of the NoWO deal. This bipartisan agreement, driven by the critical need for WA's support in the upcoming election, has effectively locked the federal government into a financially burdensome commitment.
Aboriginal Legal Services Left in the Lurch
While the government focuses on appeasing one state, another critical area faces neglect. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services (ATSILS) across the country received a mere $15 million in the budget, falling drastically short of their $229 million request. This meager allocation leaves these vital services struggling to provide adequate representation, with potentially devastating consequences.
"Further service freezes would have dire consequences for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. When culturally safe, accessible legal help isn't available, the result is more children taken from their families, more family violence, more unjust imprisonment, and the very real possibility of more deaths in custody."
The government's ongoing review of legal assistance funding offers a glimmer of hope, but for now, Aboriginal legal services remain underfunded and under pressure, leaving vulnerable communities at risk.