Western Australia's Secession Manifesto: A New Era?

0:00This is Cory, keeping Sydney in the know. You're listening to Sydney News today. A fresh movement for Western Australia to break away from the rest of the country has gained attention with a detailed 400-page manifesto. It lays out a blueprint for the state to thrive as its own nation, fueled by its vast natural resources like iron ore and gas. Former Barrister Julian Gillespie leaves the charge, arguing the federal government drains too much from resource-rich states. He calls the current setup parasitic, with Western Australia sending billions eastward while getting little back. The plan proposes a simple 20% tax on resource exports to fund everything. It will keep all goods and services, tax revenue and land taxes in the state, scrap income tax entirely, so workers pocket every dollar earned, and hand key services like roads and schools to local councils. A new Western Australian defense force would handle security. This idea echoes history from 1933, when voters back the session in a referendum by a

1:03two-to-one margin. That push fizzled out due to legal hurdles and lack of federal support. Now, the manifesto has reignited the debate, prompting questions about fairness in Australia's federation and whether resource states deserve more. Control over their wealth. Thanks to our sponsor for supporting today's coverage. When you want calm, do not reach for your phone. Stay back and listen, S-O-L-L-I-SOLYPELLOW.COM