After huffing and puffing for almost 3 years about Labor’s absolute opposition to

Goods and Services Tax, all Kim Beazley could tell Australia this evening was that he

would keep it.

In his 7 minute speech, Mr Beazley could not find the time to say these words:- “I

will repeal GST”.

Nor could he pledge, he would not increase income tax.

Nor could he pledge not to increase petrol excise.

Nor could he tell you what items he would exempt from GST.

The only thing he was definite about was that he would keep the GST.

But he can’t say what on.

He can’t say what will be exempt.

He can’t say when.

He can’t say at what cost.

And he can’t say how he would fund it.

Once upon a time Labor said the GST could not be made fair. Now they think it can be

made fair. They just can’t say how, when, and by how much.

End Release

Monday, 3 July 2000