South Australia

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In this snapshot

South Australia will receive around $9.5 billion in GST in 2026–27, $342 million more than in 2025–‍26. The change reflects South Australia’s assessed needs for GST, changes in population and its share of the growth in the GST pool. It also reflects the 2018 GST distribution legislation.

GST distribution in 2026-27

GST distribution in 2026-27

SA 2026-2027 GST distribution compared to national average.

How South Australia compares with other states and territories

How South Australia compares with other states and territories

South Australia’s capacity to raise revenue from its own taxes is lower than the national average. 

South Australia’s revenue from mining royalties is well below the national average.

Mining revenue for GST distribution

South Australia’s revenue per person from taxes on property sales is below the national average.

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The characteristics of the people living in South Australia mean that the cost of providing government services is below the national average.

South Australia’s public sector wage costs are estimated to be lower than the national average, making it less expensive to deliver services than in other states.

Wages in relation to GST distribution

South Australia’s First Nations population, for which service costs are higher, comprises 2.9% of the state’s population, compared with the national average of 3.8%.

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Overall, the below-average revenue raising capacity of South Australia outweighs its below-average cost of providing services. It therefore receives a per person GST distribution above the national average.

Key factors that changed South Australia’s GST distribution since 2025–26

Key factors that changed South Australia’s GST distribution since 2025–26

+$267 million

Data on COVID-19 expenses from 2021–22 have fallen out of the 3 years assessed by the Commission, with expenses declining significantly in subsequent years. States with previously above-average COVID-19 expenses now have lower expenses. This decreases their GST distribution, increasing the GST distribution for other states, including South Australia.

Health

-$236 million 

A decrease in coal and iron ore prices reduced revenue for Queensland and Western Australia. This increased their GST distribution and reduced it for other states, including South Australia.

Mining revenue for GST distribution

-$192 million

An above-average increase in the value of property transfers in South Australia increased its relative revenue raising capacity, decreasing its GST distribution.

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+$69 million

Above-average growth in the number of government school students in South Australia increased its need for investment in schools, increasing its GST distribution.

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+$65 million

South Australia had a smaller share of national population growth, decreasing its relative ability to service liabilities and increasing its GST distribution.

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+$60 million

A decrease in overall urban transport investment reduced the assessed expenditure needs of states with above-average urban transport investment requirements. This increased the GST distribution of states with relatively smaller urban populations, including South Australia.

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