The National Retail Association (NRA) has today cautiously welcomed a renewed focus on serious tax reform, but warns it must not come at the expense of retailers.
NRA CEO Trevor Evans has welcomed comments from New South Wales Premier Mike Baird regarding the need for GST reform, but warned that the focus must be on reforming taxes, not increasing taxes.
“Before supporting any broader changes, retailers want to see the government commit to closing the loopholes in the existing GST system. That means clamping down on the Low-Value Threshold, to ensure the GST applies equally to all products bought online,” Mr Evans said.
“If those loopholes aren’t closed, the disadvantage faced by Aussie businesses would increase,” he said.
“Businesses expect any increase to the GST to be offset by the removal of job-destroying taxes like payroll, as well as income tax cuts.”
In addition, Mr Evans said that all governments should work harder to convince Australians that the existing tax take was being spent efficiently.
“We need to know that government spending is under control so that the focus of the GST debate is about tax reform, not tax increases,” Mr Evans said.
The NRA is Australia’s largest and most diverse retail industry organisation, and has been representing the interests of the retail, fast food and broader service sector for almost 100 years.
Media contact: the NRA media unit 07 3240 0152.