Andrew Leigh

NOW TURNBULL WANTS HIGHER STATE TAXES TOO

 

For a PM who says he wants lower taxes, Malcolm Turnbull sure loves talking about raising them.

 

Fresh from a week in which his Treasurer confirmed he’s ready and willing to make the hard sell for a higher GST, Malcolm Turnbull is now talking up higher state taxes as well.

 

Speaking on Adelaide radio, the Prime Minister called on state governments to increase state charges like payroll tax and land tax to cover the $80 billion his party has cut from schools and hospitals funding.

Taking Mal-splaining to new heights, Mr Turnbull said:

 

“They have to be prepared to go to their citizens and say we need to raise more money to spend on our schools and hospitals and we are going to raise this state tax or that state tax.”

5AA Radio, 5 February

 

This, despite the Prime Minister’s refusal to be upfront about his own plans for a higher GST and repeated claims that spending is already out of control.

 

What exactly does Malcolm Turnbull believe on tax? Or is it one rule for his Government and another one entirely for the states and territories who must bear the brunt of Liberal cuts?

 

Mr Turnbull might think it is innovative and agile to cut states' grants and force them into raising taxes, but most voters will see through his pea and thimble trick. 

 

Labor’s approach is clear: we do not support raising the GST and will instead seek to address Australia’s budgetary challenges through a fair package of savings and revenue measures over the coming decade.

 

Lower taxes? Higher taxes? Someone else's taxes? When someone works out where the Prime Minister stands on tax, perhaps they could let him know.

 

FRIDAY, 5 FEBRUARY 2015

 

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