I welcome the acknowledgement by the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Beazley, that the GST is vital for the funding of essential services such as schools, hospitals and roads by State Governments.
I have argued consistently since the Government embarked on its tax reform programme that the revenue base had to be broadened to ensure funding for these services and this was a prime motivating factor behind the reform programme.
Last night, Mr Beazley finally conceded this key point.
Interviewed on Channel 9s Nightline, Mr Beazley said: "We have to be cognisant of the fact that hes hidden this GST behind the States and that there are issues there on what would be the survival of hospitals and public schools "
Mr Beazley has now joined his State Labor colleagues, including the Queensland State Treasurer, Mr Hamill, and the Victorian Premier, Mr Bracks, in recognising the necessity of GST revenues for the maintenance and improvement of essential State services.
Once again last night, Mr Beazley refused to declare he would repeal the GST if ever elected Prime Minister. He said he would repeal the GST, however, before 1 July (while John Howard is PM).
Mr Beazley is prepared to lead just so long as there is someone to follow.