Brief
Queensland Premier Crisafulli blames federal policies for small‑business siege
Crisafulli warned that cuts to GST shares, credit‑card rules and visa reforms amount to a siege on Queensland’s small firms.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli told a business breakfast on October 19 that recent federal actions constitute a "siege" on small businesses. He cited the GST distribution formula, the removal of credit‑card surcharges, proposed cuts to worker holiday visas and changes to trust taxation as the key grievances.
What happened
During a Centre for Economic Development Australia breakfast, Crisafulli focused most of his remarks on federal policies. He argued that Queensland receives an unfair share of GST, noting that Western Australia enjoys a “great deal” while Queensland is left with “the bad news.” He also highlighted the government’s decision to ban credit‑card surcharges at checkout and the Tax Office’s move to disallow credit‑card payments on tax debt, describing these steps as harmful to small retailers.
What the reports add
The SMH article records Crisafulli’s comments on GST, credit‑card rules, trust tax reforms and holiday‑visa changes, and adds that he linked these issues to broader concerns such as child‑safety scrutiny and ambulance ramping cuts in Queensland. The piece also notes his call for a more balanced migration debate and his stance on fossil‑fuel mining versus renewable projects.
What was said
"We’ve reached a point in the GST distribution where Western Australia has cut out an amazing deal, and I don’t begrudge that … but the beneficiary has been the states that haven’t been prepared to do the hard yards," Crisafulli said, according to SMH.
"Somehow we are viewed as big enough to stand on our own two feet, unlike the west, but small enough that we have to cop all the bad news. We’re not getting the upside Victoria and New South Wales get, and we have to call it out," he added.
On migration, he said, "I just want people to come to the country, sign up to our values, work hard, be proud Aussies – and the country’s better for it."
How it came about
The speech came as Queensland approaches the halfway point of its four‑year term, a period marked by scrutiny over child‑safety policies and ambulance funding. Earlier this week, the premier also highlighted achievements such as critical‑minerals deals and the Bruce Highway funding split, but his main message was that Queensland must defend its economic interests against what he sees as unfair federal measures.
Key facts
- Premier David Crisafulli accused the federal government of a siege on small businesses. (smh.com.au)
- He singled out GST distribution, credit‑card surcharge bans, trust tax reforms and holiday‑visa cuts as problematic. (smh.com.au)
- Crisafulli said Queensland receives less GST revenue than Victoria and New South Wales. (smh.com.au)
- The remarks were made at a Centre for Economic Development Australia breakfast on October 19, 2026. (smh.com.au)
- He also called for a balanced migration debate and defended fossil‑fuel mining over renewable projects. (smh.com.au)
Sources
- [1] smh.com.au — originally reported as “David Crisafulli: Queensland Premier challenges federal government over GST distribution and small business policy”
