'Burning platform' is here for GST reform: Ken Henry
Twenty years after introducing the GST, John Howard says the secret to successfully prosecuting tax reform is convincing voters it is good for the economy and fair to Australians.
The GST, introduced during the prime ministership of John Howard, was the last major tax reform. Paul Harris
The top tax adviser to John Howard and Peter Costello when the goods and services tax was introduced 20 years ago this week says federal and state governments must seize on the "burning platform" created by the coronavirus recession to make difficult tax reforms to boost the economic recovery.
Former Treasury secretary Ken Henry writes in The Australian Financial Review on Monday that "outstanding political leadership is required" and leaders have to be able to "make the case in language that resonates with voters", just as Mr Howard and Mr Costello did two decades ago.
John KehoeEconomics editorJohn Kehoe is economics editor at Parliament House, Canberra. He writes on economics, politics and business. John was Washington correspondent covering Donald Trump’s first election. He joined the Financial Review in 2008 from Treasury. Connect with John on Twitter. Email John at jkehoe@afr.com
