The government has called an election and is now in caretaker

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21 May 1999

Doorstop Interview, Melbourne

SUBJECTS: Tax reform

JOURNALIST:

. . . confident . . ?

TREASURER:

We had some useful discussions yesterday. We’ve had a look at things overnight. We’ll see if we can make any progress this morning.

JOURNALIST:

(inaudible) discuss exempting food?

TREASURER:

Well, we want to reform the tax system. We have the objectives of broadening the indirect tax base, reducing income taxes, getting new Commonwealth-State relations and increasing benefits for families. We’re going to make sure that that’s done within a responsible economic framework. That’s what we’re here for.

JOURNALIST:

So the Democrats demands, how much will they cost?

TREASURER:

Well, we haven’t heard demands yet. We’ll see if we can progress things this morning.

JOURNALIST:

Are you close to an agreement?

TREASURER:

Oh, we’ll see if we can progress things this morning.