I seems we are to get only limited tax reform.
Hung Parliament and an impending election has it stalled.
We are partly to blame, our hip pocket nerve lets us panic at the very thought and forces politicians to bend.
GST was to kill our economy, remember? it first was ALP policy then Howard despite his never ever again, got it passed.
Just maybe recent advice from both sides, to reconsider it are worth a look.
We know, almost all of us, we need reform.
I think fear of the impacts on the true working poor, and non working poor, lets us not look for solutions.
If GST went up, to a level high enough to swallow all those niggledy tax,s getting in the way of every one.
And if it covered all Goods and Services, we could end PAYE tax for those on minimum wage say $40.000 a year, to assist those most in need.
To further help in reform we need to see an end to offshore tax havens and the ability of the rich to avoid tax.

A valid point Belly? In principle, I support the idea of taxing consuption rather than production.
However, I must declare that I have a vested interest in this area and am extremely worried about the prospect of broadening the base of the GST to cover all areas.
I have been involved in horticulture for many years,and as you know, the products I produce are not subject to GST. In the current economic climate, is is extremely difficult for us to be able to continue to present our customers with affordable fresh produce. Here are a couple of possible effects of an increase in fresh produce prices:

- Less consumption of these products and an even greater shift towards processed goods. (Not ideal for one of if not THE fattest nation on the earth)

- An increase in the amount of imported fresh produce. (You may not see this as a bad thing.)

- You would be taxing items that are not considered part of discretionary spending. i.e. It could be argued that all people buy these items, so it in fact more greatly impacts the poorest.

I know that I am biased on this issue, but I feel that my points are valid none the less.

A sugestion; what about a sliding scale of GST? The less essential the good or service, the higher the rate of GST.
The bean counters and bearocrats would have a field day with this one!

Unfortunately for all of us the Government and the politicians are continually looking for ways to extract more money from us the people.

Taxation keeps increasing and parliament creates more statutes to penalize and fine people such as the traffic office camera's etc.

They apparently disregard and ignore the following,

It is the onus and responsibility of any person or entity claiming government status to prove they act for or as a legitimate public servant of the Commonwealth of Australia. Any instrument including but not limited to Acts and amendments must be proven valid as defined within an Act to Constitute the Commonwealth of Australia 1900 (UK)

Unless we the people question the authority of the Politicians it will only get worse so we must remind them that they are our elected servants to do our bidding. We do not want increased tax burdens on us the ordinary people of Australia.

If they must increase taxation apply it to the foreign corporations that are buying our Australian assets and infrastructure, most of which is now foreign owned

Wayne Swan should be prosecuted for the abuse of the English language.

Whenever he says tax reform or savings, he means tax increases or new taxes. The existing taxes are almost never changed or reduced.

Man of The Land I understand and agree.
It was always my intention to say this.
GST could/should be removed to help our industry survive.
I do not like imported foods, fresh for sure we grow good food.
No expert in this or any area my thoughts are these.
Forget those who want less tax, they are usually the ones who want more from governments.
Forget too those with selective memory's, J W Howard taxed us much more than this current government.
It is my view, always has been, tax reform involves some welfare reform.
Remember I hold the view 80% of us think alike.
Far too many just will not work, some migrants have never worked, yet are fixed to Social Welfare,our tax dollars.
NO not saying all, not calling for cuts, but even a welded on Socialist, if they still exist, must agree welfare was meant for the needy not greedy.
If not all GST could cover much more, and remembering the final result must in truth be we pay more tax, and that tax increases as time passes, we then consider spending.
Getting a return for welfare is hardly harsh, why we do not do it baffles me.
Why do we pay welfare to folk who never paid tax here?
Interesting subject.