Published on 17 February 2026
Board members of the Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) has joined senior NSW Treasury officials to discuss the Federal Productivity Commission’s Review of the GST Distribution Reforms this week. CMA Chairman Mayor Rick Firman OAM of Temora Shire described the online meeting as constructively positive. The technical rich online meeting followed a recent sit-down between Mayor Firman and CMA Board Member Mayor Sue Moore of Singleton Council with the NSW Premier, the Hon Chris Minns MP and NSW Treasurer, the Hon Daniel Mookhey MLC to discuss the Review. “The CMA recognises the far-reaching effects of the distribution if the GST. There is no question that the quantum of funding that NSW receives, impacts on the funding available to deliver services and facilities into the remote, rural and regional communities our Members represent,” said Mayor Firman. “The Treasury officials gave us a concise background of the current system and how the 2018 reforms to the GST distribution have impacted on NSW. The CMA believes that it is imperative that NSW, as Australia’s most populous State, receives its fair share of GST revenue. Both the CMA and NSW Government are preparing submissions to the Review. “Rural, remote and regional Councils have numerous financial sustainability challenges, i. It is reasonable to assume that a better deal on GST distribution could result in increased financial support for councils and in turn our communities to relieve those pressures,” Mayor Firman said. “Our CMA slogan is ‘what we want is nothing more than equity’ and while that relates to our rural, remote and regional members, it is perfectly apt for the NSW Government’s and CMA’s efforts to get a fair GST deal for our State.” In another online meeting open to all CMA Members and their Council staff, CEO of Little Wings Clare Pearson gave a presentation about her charitable organisation, which flies sick country kids to city hospitals. Last year alone, Little Wings conducted 2,385 missions, assisted 5110 children, conducted 109 medical clinics and was supported by 26 volunteer pilots. “Ms. Pearson gave our members an overview of the Little Wings charitable service, how it operates, how families in country communities can access the service, and the ways our members can support its’ vital work. We had Mayors and staff from throughout NSW in this online session and it was inspiring,” Mayor Firman said. “Our Little Wings presentation along with the meeting with the NSW Treasury officials show the depth and breadth of the CMA Board’s engagement on behalf of our members and demonstrates the growing role of our CMA” Cr Firman said.