GREATER equity in education and further tax reform could be a step closer on Friday – if political parties put the national interest first.
So says Independent Lyne MP Robert Oakeshott, who believes the Gonski Report and tax reform must be priorities – not the politics of the major parties.
“There are some proposals on the table from the State Tax Working Group, such as the lowering of the GST threshold, that deserve proper consideration,” Mr Oakeshott said.
“NSW Treasurer Mike Baird has done a good job getting all states to have an agreed position on GST thresholds. The challenge now is for the Prime Minister and Treasurer to listen.
“Ernst and Young estimates that outdated tax rules could cost services for Australians up to $2.4 billion by 2016. This one change alone – lowering the GST threshold – could have quarantined higher education from any of the funding cuts announced on the weekend,” Mr Oakeshott said.
“I continue to urge the Treasurer and Prime Minister to progress comprehensive tax reform and the work that has been ongoing since the 2011 Tax Summit and the Henry Tax Review in 2009.
“The urgency of this work cannot be understated. The 2013 Federal Budget is about to be delivered and will expose our profit-based tax system as being fragile.
“Australia needs comprehensive tax reform. The opportunity to take a step forward will be on Friday, if the political parties put the nation first.
“There also is tremendous interest in the school education funding model, which I very strongly believe is critical to Australia’s future prosperity and standard of living.
“The states must reach agreement on this new, more equitable funding model if they are serious about Australia’s future,” Mr Oakeshott said.
