NO.006

Beazley Concedes On GST

I welcome the acknowledgement by the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Beazley, that the GST

is vital for the funding of essential services such as schools, hospitals and roads by

State Governments.

I have argued consistently since the Government embarked on its tax reform programme

that the revenue base had to be broadened to ensure funding for these services and this

was a prime motivating factor behind the reform programme.

Last night, Mr Beazley finally conceded this key point.

Interviewed on Channel 9’s Nightline, Mr Beazley said: “We have to be

cognisant of the fact that he’s hidden this GST behind the States and that there are

issues there on what would be the survival of hospitals and public schools…”

Mr Beazley has now joined his State Labor colleagues, including the Queensland State

Treasurer, Mr Hamill, and the Victorian Premier, Mr Bracks, in recognising the necessity

of GST revenues for the maintenance and improvement of essential State services.

Once again last night, Mr Beazley refused to declare he would repeal the GST if ever

elected Prime Minister. He said he would repeal the GST, however, before 1 July (while

John Howard is PM).

Mr Beazley is prepared to lead just so long as there is someone to follow.

CANBERRA

18 February 2000