George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Hansard source

Senator Di Natale, your question addresses two important topics—one is tax reform and the other is the defence white paper—and on both of those important matters of national discussion this government has been very agile. Let me deal with them one at a time.

Senator Di Natale, as you know because it has been much discussed in this chamber since late last year, the government has initiated a national conversation about tax reform in which many voices have been heard on a variety of topics. One of those topics about which much has been heard is whether or not there should be a change to the tax mix by having an increase to the GST. That was a discussion, in fact, initiated by the Premier of South Australia, Mr Jay Weatherill, and the Premier of New South Wales, Mr Mike Baird. Having heard the voices of all stakeholders in that discussion—state premiers, local government, party representatives in this parliament, economists, commentators and industries—the government has decided to rule out an increase to the GST, but there remains nevertheless a long way to go in the national discussion about tax reform.

In relation to the defence white paper, I join with my colleagues on the government side in congratulating Senator Marise Payne on a magnificent body of work. I should also acknowledge the contribution in laying the foundations for that body of work of previous defence ministers Senator Johnston and Mr Kevin Andrews. Senator Di Natale, the fiscal outlook incorporates the defence white paper and the next update of our fiscal position will be released as usual in the 2016-17 budget.