I was very pleased to read in the Courier-Mail this morning that:
Speculation is mounting the Abbott Government’s white papers on tax and federation reform, due by the end of next year, will include broadening the GST, and encouraging the states to dump inefficient taxes such as stamp duty.
I’ve previously commented on the need to broaden the GST (by removing exemptions on fresh food and some health and education items) and to cut inefficient taxes such as stamp duty which State Governments are reliant upon. My previous posts include:
New Treasury modelling supports change in tax mix towards GST
Dr Parkinson right that the GST should be broadened
GST changes should be considered as part of wide-ranging tax and expenditure review
Government has to rely on inefficient taxes to fix budget – GST reform needed
Queensland Economy Watch 
Some serious tax reform is sorely needed. I only hope that any increase or broadening of the GST is actually conditional on the states and territories abolishing inefficient taxes such as stamp duty and payroll tax.
Agreed. Thanks for the comment, Jim.