West Australian Premier Colin Barnett has gloated in parliament about his multi-million dollar federal funding windfall, saying it was a "damn good" outcome for one little trip to Canberra.
After WA's call to change the GST carve-up was resoundingly rejected at the recent COAG meeting, state opposition leader Mark McGowan admonished the Barnett government for failing in its mission, saying the premier should have been more diplomatic.
On Wednesday, after Prime Minister Tony Abbott confirmed a cool $499 million would go to WA to compensate for the state's dwindling share of GST revenue, Mr Barnett listed off the road projects that were now being 80 per cent federally funded.
He said Mr McGowan - who labelled the premier's empty-handed return from the COAG meeting an embarrassment - was the only person in WA that was disappointed now.
"I came back with nothing but $500 million," Mr Barnett shouted.
"Not a bad outcome - a little trip to Canberra, one night.
"I reckon that's pretty good, pretty damn good."
Treasurer Mike Nahan clarified his post-COAG meeting talk of $660 million in federal funding, saying that figure could be over two years.
"We will revisit that next year as appropriate," he said.
Dr Nahan said the extra cash would be realised in this financial year's accounts but would have no effect on the 2015/16 deficit.
Earlier, Mr Barnett told reporters he hoped there would be more emergency Commonwealth funding next year, which he expected would be even an tougher period for WA with forecast ongoing weakness in the iron ore price.
"I'd always like more but I think this has been a good result ... a good start," he said.
"Next year is probably going to be our most difficult year, so yes, I imagine there will be another discussion.
"But we'll see.
"Iron ore prices have recovered a little. If they make a further recovery, the state will be better off."
Mr Barnett also said he would push for a 50 cent in the dollar GST share "floor" to prop up the state's ailing finances.
Other states hadn't agreed to it "but I think at least they're thinking about it".
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