Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s expletive-laden tirade over GST

MALCOLM Turnbull was forced to sideline Scott Morrison in critical GST negotiations after his then treasurer allegedly abused his Tasmanian counterpart in an expletive-laden tirade.

MALCOLM Turnbull was forced to sideline Scott Morrison in critical GST negotiations after his then treasurer allegedly abused his Tasmanian counterpart in an expletive-laden tirade.

The former PM’s interventions in negotiations for a new GST carve-up came after ­sources claim Mr Morrison told Tasmanian Treasurer Peter Gutwein he was a “f---ing mendicant” — an old-­fashioned term for a beggar.

The deal with Tasmania was only clinched after Mr Turnbull negotiated directly with Tasmanian Premier Will Hodgman.

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Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison verbally abused his Tasmanian counterpart when he was Treasurer.

But last night, a spokesman for Mr Morrison categorically denied claims, saying the suggestion was “offensive”.

Asked about the claims yesterday, Mr Gutwein issued a statement saying he’d had a number of conversations with Mr Morrison regarding the GST while he was treasurer.

“I enjoy a constructive and positive working relationship with Prime Minister Morrison,” he said. “I have always said I’d fight for Tasmania’s fair share.”

It is the third damaging leak to the Herald Sun to rock the Morrison Government following $7.6 billion in infrastructure spending and a planned $4.4 billion peace deal over Catholic and independent schools funding.

Tasmanian Treasurer Peter Gutwein.

The bust-up between the two treasurers came days after federal Cabinet had ticked off a proposal for a new GST carve-up. At the time, the Turnbull government was fighting a by-election in Braddon following the resignation of Labor MP Justine Keay over citizenship issues.

So concerned were Tasmanian Liberals about Mr Morrison’s attitude towards ­their state they asked their ­counterparts in Canberra to counsel Mr Morrison before he did media in the state.

Senior Liberal sources have told the Herald Sun the government feared Tasmania had the greatest concerns outside of Western Australia over being dudded in the deal, and it was important to get the backing of its Liberal government before progressing further.

The Herald Sun understands Mr Morrison grew increasingly angry during the short call after Mr Gutwein had expressed his concerns the deal was short-changing the states.

The conversation finished with Mr Morrison’s insult and without Mr Gutwein’s backing.

Mr Turnbull then stepped in to deal directly with Mr Hodgman to alter the arrangement to ensure it would receive the state’s blessing, pending the state’s own treasury modelling backing up the figures ­presented.

On July 5, Mr Morrison announced the GST proposal, which ensured Tasmania would be $112 million better off under the new model.

Mr Hodgman said at the time his treasury department would study the proposal to determine if it was in the state’s best interests.

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