Blither references to fighting on behalf of the state are not enough. There must be a plan. Just as Defence Minister and Western Australia Senator David Johnston and the WA premier have talked up Western Australia's entitlement to some of Tasmania's share, we haven't heard much from Tasmanian Senator Eric Abetz who is a cabinet minister and Senator Johnston's senior.

Nor have we heard much from Senate President Senator Stephen Parry. These senior figures in the Abbott government are also senators in the states' house, so perhaps they might tell Tasmanians their priority - with Tasmania or the Abbott government?

We are entitled to know what the plan is. Tasmanians elected three Liberals to the House of Representatives last year, while holding four of the state's 12 senate positions.

Western Australia is demanding change. Its proportional share of the GST has dropped by two-thirds since 2004, while Tasmania continues to enjoy more than $1.60 for every dollar distributed.

Like other mainland states this assessment forgets to mention the billions of dollars in defence spending which Tasmania misses out on, even on procurement, and worse, the historical neglect of Tasmania's transport disadvantages.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott keeps saying smaller states like Tasmania will be no worse off, but it won't count for much when the bigger states press for changes.

Tasmanians may wonder what all this has to do with them. They would soon find out if the taps were screwed tighter in Canberra, which makes up two-thirds of annual funding to the state.

If there are to be changes to the GST next year it will be time for our state and federal Liberal politicians to reveal their plan of attack, if there is one.