ACT Greens MLA Jo Clay brought forward a motion calling on the Government to negotiate fairer Commonwealth funding contributions for the ACT. This included by advocating for a fossil fuel tax, seeking minimum 50:50 Commonwealth funding on all major infrastructure projects, seeking a reimbursement of $550 million in backpay due to historical population undercounting, seeking a waiver on historic housing debt, and seeking a fairer funding allocation for the ACT in lieu of forgone payroll tax on federal government employees.
Research from the Australia Institute shows payroll tax is an important part of any state or territory's ability to raise revenue. Despite being the ACT’s largest employer, the Commonwealth Government does not pay payroll tax. This means the ACT is unable to raise the same payroll tax revenue as other jurisdictions, potentially missing out on between $500 million and $850 million annually.
Treasurer Chris Steel moved an amendment that removed the call for a fossil fuel tax from the motion. Thomas voted against this amendment, alongside Independent MLA Fiona Carrick and the ACT Greens, as it diminished the ambition of the motion, but the amendment passed with the support of ACT Labor and the Canberra Liberals. The amended motion passed unopposed.