Possibly an indicator that Howard knows that he wins - doesn't matter what the voters say????!!! Vote manipulation in OZ seems to be a practicable way. Stefan

Ed Barron     This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it G'day Whenever there are major changes in they way things are done there will be some group that will not benefit and may be adversely affected by the changes.  The best anyone can hope for is that the largest percentage of the population that can possibly benefit do so. I have been working since 1970 and have been paying taxes that go towards the  welfare payments, one of which is the old age pension and I did so because the governments have promised me that I would be en_title_d to get that pension when I retire.  The Hawke/Keating governments entered upon a series of changes, without community consultation, to the pension laws and funds management to the extent that I am unlikely to be en_title_d to an old age pension when I do get to retire.  This is a major change in mis-stream that occurred without any of the hoopla that GST is getting. Re the investment of pension funds, that has been going on since the year dot and is likely to go on until doomsday. Admittedly the proposed GST package can be improved as can any tax laws, but before you can improve something you must have something to improve.  I welcome the fact that the tax laws are being overhauled and that it is being done in public, unlike previous tax changes. Personally, I would support a 30% GST on ALL items except rates, first homes, education, and medical being coupled together with income tax on limited liability businesses only, and Customs Excise; ALL other taxes to be abolished.  Thus those who are on salaries, wages, sole traders, or joint traders do not pay income tax; FID, payroll tax, etc cease. This would mean that you pay tax according to your ability/desire to spend money.  Limited liability businesses would continue to pay company tax at 40% but those where the owners accept full liability for their business' operation would not.  This would provide a disencentive for those who do not wish to accept the risks of running a business while ensuring that overseas registered businesses pay tax here in Australia.  The overall effect would be a financial benefit to Australian _base_d small and medium business as they would be able to get better benefits out of their business operations. Such a system would mean vast savings in the operation of the reduced Aust Tax Office, millions of dollars worth of Tax return papers not required each year and all us little people wont have to be tax accountants for the govt as not income tax returns.  This would also spell the end of the Tax File Number. Deadly

You are absolutely right - when I read all those rubbish in the press promoting  Howard's GST! Fixing the 10% GST will never work - all countries on this world which have a GST system prove that it is politicians favourite toy! They love to screw it. Reviewing Australia's political history you can only conclude - never trust politics as it's always the tax payer who will pay for political mistakes, but politicians will have a good life doesn't matter how incompetent they are on the job! Whatever taxes are called and supposed to be for - only the 'fat cats' will truly benefit...never believe the media as the media is a political (opinion making) controlled instrument. Ok smart arse, lets see you come up with a comprehensive NEW tax package as you are so damned clever to deem the politicians (and the public servants) as imcompetent . It's one thing to mouth off, another to come up with the goods. Put your money where your mouth is, let's know YOU tax package. If it is status quo, you have failed before you start! Also prove how the fat cats will truly benefit in proportional relationship to the income of a non fat cat . SIR