Australians want Albanese to act now to fix the economy – but want one tax left alone

The Age

6 hours ago

Australians want Anthony Albanese to deliver important new reforms out of the government's economic roundtable before the next election, but they draw the line at any move to lift the GST or broaden its scope.
As the prime minister said he would not 'spring' ideas on voters that might come out of the roundtable that starts on Tuesday, a Resolve Political Monitor poll shows voters could be open to changes to capital gains tax and a new way to encourage businesses to invest in new technology.
There has been tension between Albanese and Treasurer Jim Chalmers over the ambitions for policies debated at the roundtable. The prime minister made it clear on Monday that while discussions would be held around the federal cabinet table, any final decision rested with the government.
Chalmers began the day saying that some reforms 'will be implemented relatively quickly'.
More than 40 people will participate in the roundtable this week, and issues will include tax reform, the rise of AI and ways to reduce red tape across the housing sector.
Albanese and Chalmers will open the roundtable on Tuesday. The meetings will include union leaders Sally McManus and Michel O'Neil, business representatives Bran Black and Andrew McKellar, Productivity Commission chair Danielle Wood and NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey.
There has been a push by some advocates for the government to consider a change to the GST. Independent MP Kate Chaney has suggested a lift in the GST to 15 per cent offset by a $3300 payment to all adults.
But the poll shows Australians resolute in their opposition to any GST change. Just 20 per cent back a rise in the tax to 15 per cent, even with the extra revenue used to reduce personal or company taxes.