PM Transcripts

Transcripts from the Prime Ministers of Australia

Howard, John

Period of Service: 11/03/1996 - 03/12/2007
Release Date:
22/02/2000
Release Type:
Interview
Transcript ID:
11490
Released by:
  • Howard, John Winston
TRANSCRIPT OF THE PRIME MINISTER THE HON JOHN HOWARD MP DOORSTOP INTERVIEW, FAIRBAIRN AIRPORT Subject: Labor’s tax position.

E&OE...............................................................................................

JOURNALIST:

Mr Beazley says his tax policy is all aimed at alleviating the tax burden

on Australian families.

PRIME MINISTER:

That's why he won't rule out lifting income tax on Australian

families. And this morning we have this new report that the Labor Party

is looking at axing the health insurance rebate. Well I call on Mr Beazley

to guarantee that any government he leads would keep that rebate. Axing

the rebate would be a savage tax increase for 32% of the Australian population.

Many people who have private health insurance are elderly Australians,

self-funded retirees, people who regard private health insurance as a

very valuable safety net.

JOURNALIST:

And what does this whole tax debate say about Mr Beazley's leadership?

PRIME MINISTER:

Well I think he's been very weak. He was bullied by the States into

giving an undertaking about the roll-back. He now faces the dilemma that

he can't get out of, that you can't be all things to all men.

You can't say you're going to roll-back the GST, tell the States

they won't be worse off, keep a budget surplus, and not lift income

tax. Now it's just impossible. And if Mr Beazley had been stronger

he would have resisted the bullying attempts of the State Labor leaders.

JOURNALIST:

No ticker?

PRIME MINISTER:

See you later.

[Ends]

11490