Tony Abbott (Warringah, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

This matter was extensively dealt with in the chamber and elsewhere yesterday. As the Leader of the Opposition is well aware, the GST is a tax which is raised for the states and territories and it cannot be changed without the consent of all the states and territories. All the states and territories need to unanimously request any change in the GST. As the Treasurer indicated yesterday, he is happy to see the states and territories talk amongst themselves and decide whether they all agree on this. If they all agree on this, obviously we would be happy to be accommodating. There is nothing remarkable about this. As the member for Perth said earlier today, 'I don't think that this is a world beating issue, but at the end of the day it is up to the states—I mean, I agree, that if the states decide that they would prefer to forgo the revenue, then let it be'. I could hardly put it better myself. I commend the member for Perth, who seems a little embarrassed to be quoted in the parliament right now; nevertheless, she was the voice of common sense.

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