"Tell 'em they're dreamin'."
That's Tasmanian premier Will Hodgman's message to proponents who would see the island state's share of GST revenue reduced.
Unveiling the Liberal administration's $5.8 billion budget on Thursday, Treasurer Peter Gutwein admitted that $2.4 billion in GST revenue for the coming financial year is the state's single largest income source.
With a narrow $54 million surplus which hovers at a similar level for the following three years, an upcoming Productivity Commission review of GST distribution could ruin the government's plans.
"Any significant change would have a detrimental impact on the state," the treasurer said.
Mr Hodgman was more forceful in his rejection of any reduction.
"We're certainly primed to have that fight again and we've successfully fought off those challenges (before)," the premier said.
"If anyone thinks that a change to the GST is going to be accepted by the state of Tasmania I'll tell 'em they're dreamin' because we deserve our fair share."
Regardless of the upcoming commission ruling, Mr Gutwein said the government has spent sensibly in its budget.
"We've allowed for a sensible budget outcome, surpluses of around $50 million across the forward estimates, that provides us with a reasonable buffer."
