Tony Abbott's proposed tax white paper process is just a stealth review of the GST.
Mr Abbott said that a Coalition Government would undertake a tax white paper:
Within two years, an incoming Coalition government will consult with the community to produce a comprehensive white paper on tax reform.
[BUDGET-IN-REPLY – 16 MAY 2013]
What Mr Abbott really intends to do is consider changing the rate and base of the GST and the way it is distributed to the States and Territories.
The Liberals introduced the GST and originally proposed to include it on fresh fruit and vegetables, health services and education.
And now the Liberal Premiers are pushing for the GST to be redistributed on a per capita basis, which would rip hundreds of millions of dollars away from States like Tasmania and South Australia.
The Government opposes any change to the rate or base of the GST and the Government commissioned an independent review of GST distribution which found the current system of Horizontal Fiscal Equalisation works well.
Mr Abbott's tax white paper is just a ruse. Mr Abbott will collaborate with his Liberal Premier mates to jack up the GST and rip money away from the smaller States.