A NEW IMPORT TAX FROM THE ‘LOW TAX’ TURNBULL GOVERNMENT

Malcolm Turnbull, Scott Morrison and Peter Dutton need to come clean today on reports the Turnbull Government is planning a new $5 per parcel import tax.

 

Here’s yet another new tax from the supposed ‘low tax’ Turnbull Government.

 

When it’s not increasing income tax for seven million working and middle income Australians, it’s planning new taxes like the reported tax on small parcels that will be passed on to the consumer.

 

The new import tax will affect millions of Australian consumers who purchase online and from overseas retailers every year.

 

Fairfax reports the new import tax could double the cost of some small parcels when compared to the GST.

 

The Turnbull Government needs to be upfront with Australians about the proposal and come forward and make the public case for it.

 

It’s clear from the Government’s response that it preferred to try and sneak this change through without public debate under the cover of bigger political debates on Budget night.

 

Today’s reports also suggest other jurisdictions could consider imposing reciprocal charges on Australian exporters.

 

Labor believes protecting Australia’s borders – including inspecting international mail items – is critical to our safety and security but the Turnbull Government needs to be upfront and honest about any costs they’re passing onto everyday Australians.