GST proposals

Press, 31 August 1985, Page 18

GST proposals

Sir, — Apart from some totally inadequate compensations and a few exceptions, GST will cover every sale and service. It will effectively control every facet of our lives, the ultimate aim and tax dream come true of a socialist Labour Government. There is no mention of this in the glossy television GST propaganda or that the proposed 10 per cent rate could be increased if Labour was returned in 1987. The Government will deny this, but how can it be trusted after breaking such promises as to hold food prices (Mrs Hercus) and not to penalise national superannuitants,

and now that Mr Lange looks like reversing his non-nuclear election pledge. Shrewdly, the Government has delayed GST’s introduction so as to cushion its crippling tax and inflationary effects prior to the next election on our steadily deteriorating standard of living. We must say no to GST. — Yours, etc., B. G. PARKER. August 29, 1985.

Sir,—One point needing consideration is the uneven way in which GST will be levied if applied to rates. Local bodies assess rates in different ways, even varying ways within one local body. These variations will affect the amount individual ratepayers will pay, and, indirectly, rents that tenants pay. Moreover, GST can be varied (probably upwards) at the stroke of a pen, or tax increased by inflationary policies. As local body rates generally increase annually by more than the general rate of inflation, GST could easily become a tremendous burden and really a capital gains tax by stealth.— Yours, etc., (Mrs) S. M. IVIN. August 28, 1985.