"A very powerful” case to raise the GST to 15 per cent and eliminate all exemptions"says PM Tony Abbott.

Tony Abbott says there is a “very powerful” case to raise the GST to 15 per cent and eliminate all exemptions. No mention of safety net.

The Prime Minister acknowledged the “efficiency argument for taxing earnings less and taxing spending more”.

“This is something that we’re looking at as part of a tax reform white paper and we’ll have more to say about it in the months ahead but fundamentally the overall burden of tax must come down.

When asked is an efficiency argument for taxing earning less and taxing spending more the PM said:- I accept there is a strong argument for that — but it has to be in the context of overall lower taxes.

When it has been suggested increasing the GST from 10 to 15 per cent and eliminating exemptions on items such as fresh food, healthcare and education, to fund personal and company tax cuts Mr Abbott agreed, saying it was a very powerful point.

It is becoming apparent that the Coalition has the GST in their sights and they favour no exemptions and there was no mention of compensation to pensioners etc.

Now we have this on-again, off-again approach to the GST and it’s terrible for consumer confidence. 

They’ve really got to tell us their plans — either they’re going to do the GST, or they’re not and we should be told well before the next election.

We don't want this to be suddenly unleashed on us afterwards, look what happened the last time. Almost everything they promised wouldn't happen was dumped on us after the election.

What are their true intentions? The truth is not something this government is renowned for.