WA has a valid claim on more GST revenue

Under the current formula, however, Queensland stands to lose around half of this amount. What incentive then is there for a state to develop its gas industry? New South Wales has just as good CSG resources as Queensland but it will get bailed out thanks to a subsidy from Queensland CSG royalties.

This is not a "veil of ignorance" it is simply plain ignorance.

I live in central Queensland. The CSG industry has brought many jobs and investment but it has also brought housing stress, road damage and inflated costs for local governments.

Western Australia and Queensland have been arguing for years that these costs need to be factored in when splitting up the GST. In 2005, Canada adopted a 50 per cent discount to mining royalties in response to similar concerns in their federal division of revenues.

The current approach is in effect a mining tax by stealth and reduces incentives for states to develop their own industries. This makes us poorer as a nation with fewer good job opportunities.

Tony Abbott has pointed out that we have 16 months until another state or federal election in Australia: a unique opportunity to put political squabbling aside and come together in the national interest. He has invited Premiers to come together for a "Camp David" style retreat in July to work matters out. For our interests, let's hope that the Premiers use the next few months to grow up.