The tax system is near breaking point as it stings workers too heavily, deters investment and penalises homeowners relocating for jobs, according to political, policy and business leaders who have warned the Coalition and Labor will be forced to confront tax reform after the federal election.

Federal and state governments must co-operate to eliminate property stamp duties, overhaul payroll tax and consider increasing or broadening the 10 per cent goods and services tax under a federation shake-up that clearly splits oversight of aged care, health, education and childcare, experts said.