Kevin Rudd (Griffith, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

The then shadow Treasurer, now the Leader of the Opposition, said in April last year:

I have asked distinguished economist Henry Ergas to conduct an examination of the many taxes in Australia at various levels …

I presume that might have incorporated various fuel taxes as well. Who would know?

… and to report to the Opposition on options for reforming the tax system.

Then he went on to say:

In undertaking this study, Professor Ergas will consult widely, and host a Conference to advance our understanding of the strengths, weaknesses and opportunities for reform of the tax system.

I don’t see any particular exceptions from that Ergas review, other than this: it has simply disappeared without trace.

Can I say to those opposite that, if they seriously engage in the business of tax reform, it is a bit like your engagement on climate change reform and it is a bit like your engagement on industrial relations reform. Put your policies on the table. We do not happen to see that, whether it comes to fiscal strategy or whether it comes to productivity reform. These matters, in terms of the totality of the tax system, will be considered by Henry.

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