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NewsMEDIA RELEASE: OLDER AUSTRALIANS OPEN-MINDED ABOUT A CHANGE TO THE GST: 2 NOVEMBER 2015
MEDIA RELEASE: OLDER AUSTRALIANS OPEN-MINDED ABOUT A CHANGE TO THE GST: 2 NOVEMBER 2015

MEDIA RELEASE: OLDER AUSTRALIANS OPEN-MINDED ABOUT A CHANGE TO THE GST: 2 NOVEMBER 2015

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The news is abuzz with talk of increasing the GST to 15% and close to one in two older Australians agree it is time for reform, according to a survey.

While Cabinet Secretary Arthur Sinodinos is concerned some states may be politically hostile to change the feeling is not necessarily representative in the community.

Out of 20,000 over-50’s surveyed by the FiftyUp Club in recent months:

·      17% believe the rates should be increased above 10%;

·      17% believe the base should be broadened to include more items that are currently exempt; and

·      Another 12% would like to broaden the base and increase the rate.

However, another 46% do not want a change in the GST at all. These are the group of older Australian’s that the government needs to have a conversation with.

Such a fundamental change to the tax system may require other trade-offs in the tax system to compensate Australians.

One change many older Australians would like to see is a change to costly tax concessions on superannuation, which have broadly benefitted higher income earners.

FiftyUp Club research shows almost half of the over-50’s think tax concessions for people with large super balances should be wound back.

“The GST debate needs to be had openly and honestly with the people and while the FiftyUp Club survey indicates older Australians are even split on the need for any change a significant number are open to conversation,” said FiftyUp Club spokesperson Christopher Zinn.

 

MEDIA ENQUIRIES:

Jackie Levett, FiftyUp Club media contact

EMAIL: Jackie@fiftyupclub.com

PHONE: 0434 995 611 

Originally posted on .

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MEDIA RELEASE: OLDER AUSTRALIANS OPEN-MINDED ABOUT A CHANGE TO THE GST: 2 NOVEMBER 2015

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Anthony
Anthony from NSW commented:

No rise in GST. Cut government waste. Spend within budget.Stop funding wasteful UN.Stop Councils, Health funds and utilities raising fees above CPI.Fine petrol companies gouging at bowser.Fine, shame companies and make them backpay avoided taxes.Stop subsidising wind farms.Selectively target immigration.Support self funded retirees and pensioners.Stop squeezing them.Bring access to politicians superanuation into line with everyone else.Stop continuing entitlements to ex politicians.Cut tax exemptions to big companies.Place a ceiling on superanuation tax exemptions. 

Dawn
Dawn from QLD commented:

An increase in the GST would mean that earners that are not paying their share of taxation will be paying through what they are buying. Tourists too will be paying GST on their purchases. The only concern I have is for people on low, fixed incomes such as pensioners are going to be squeezed even more. Cheers DB, Qld 

John
John from QLD commented:

My wife and I are VERY much more than just over 50. Both in our 70's and I still work self employed. Cannot agree that a 50% increase in the G.S.T. would be acceptable. Perhaps the Government should do what Australian families have to do. If there is no money available put off projects until we can afford them. 

Cheryl
Cheryl from QLD commented:

When the GST first came in the Qld Govt did not drop stamp duty charges as promised, will they drop them now, how can we trust them to meet any obligations that they may promise this time 

Someone
Someone from WA commented:

If I recall correctly when the current GST of 10% was introduced a raft of state taxes (stamp duty on insurances being one) were supposed to be cut. This did not happen. We are being told if GST is raised state taxes will be removed. Honestly I am expected to believe this the second time around. How about getting multi national companies to pay the tax they should be paying as other companies in Australia do. How about when politicians leave or retire from the Government their entitlements cease as they do when I leave my employer. Then I will listen to any proposal to change the GST level. 

john
john from VIC commented:

We need to do something positive! I think this should start with politicians ongoing payments after retiring (no-one else gets this), there overly generous super benefits (voted for by themselves) and a curb on entitlements. The pollies state we need to tighten our belts, so let's start with them! 

Marilyn
Marilyn from QLD commented:

Raise GST to 15% but leave all the exemptions on fresh food, medical and educational expenses in place. 

Peter
Peter from QLD commented:

No politician or economist ever talks about "the elephant in the room". ADMINISTRATION PUBLIC SERVANTS. In the main they reside in Canberra, are insular, very executive government minded, grossly overpaid and beaurecratic that prepare stats and spin that result the rest of us are told what to do with our lives, not allowed to make our own decisions and be accountable for them. They serve no real usefull purpose for a great cost to the country. 

Someone
Someone from NSW commented:

No increase to GST. Reduce Government spending. People should pay when visiting a doctor, as Prime Minister Tony Abbott suggested, people that visit a doctor pay $7. People with minor problems run to see a doctor. As a pensioner I will gladly pay my fees when visiting a doctor. No GST increase. Anne 

David
David from NSW commented:

David from NSW commented : Perhaps we should elect politicians that know how to run a Country instead of political parties that are stacked with dummies that keep coming up with idea's that ruin the Country , by that I mean anybody that want's to sit in the house , should be grilled by a panel to see if their fit to be a politician in the first place . That way we might find some proper people to run Australia . 

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