Ursula Stephens (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Parliamentary Secretary for Social Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector) Share this | Hansard source

Can I thank Senator Fifield for indicating support and remind him that, while he might have talked about the member for Griffith and his opposition to the GST in 1999, of course we also had the previous member for Bennelong, who said there would never, ever be a GST. So let us not just revisit history.

However, can I take the issues that are in front of us in the measures in this bill to reduce GST compliance costs to streamline GST administration and remove the anomalies. Senator Fifield has worked through each of the schedules that are in the amendments. I just want to make the point that the measures take effect from the date of royal assent. I commend the bill to the Senate.

Question agreed to.

Bill read a second time.