Support for GST hike if other taxes cut

A recent Fairfax Ipsos poll has found that more than half of Australian voters (52 per cent) would support an increase in the 10 per cent GST if the poor were adequately compensated and other taxes are reduced.

The poll shows that fairness is a key consideration when it comes to public support for tax reform, which mirrors findings of previous Property Council research.

A survey commissioned by the Property Council mid-2015 found two-thirds of Australians (65 per cent) consider the GST to be fair, and a similar percentage agree it is better than other taxes because it is simple and can’t be dodged.

It is interesting to note that generally the public considers a rise in the rate of the GST inevitable, with 73 per cent thinking that the GST will definitely or probably be increased in the next 10 years. Only two per cent of all people surveyed believed it wouldn’t rise in the next decade.

In stark contrast, 78 per cent of people believe stamp duty is unfair and worse than other taxes.

With the survey finding that virtually all Australians (92 per cent) believe it is important that the tax system is reformed, it is clear that Australians accept the need for change provided the right reform package is in place.

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