NSW: Howard says CPI impact of GST less than forecast

AAP General News (Australia)
04-29-2001
NSW: Howard says CPI impact of GST less than forecast

Prime Minister JOHN HOWARD has refused to be drawn on a report showing the cost of
many services has risen by more than 10 per cent under the GST.

Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show house and car insurance rose by 38.5 per
cent between July 2000 and March 2001, well above a predicted seven per cent rise.

Sports fees went up 12 per cent, hairdressing costs 11.7 per cent, electricity 12 per
cent, public transport and taxi fares 11 per cent, takeaway and restaurant meals 10.4
per cent, and cigarettes 18 per cent.

Mr HOWARD says he hasn't analysed the ABS report.

But he says he knows that the CPI impact of the GST has been less than forecast at
the time of the tax's introduction.

AAP RTV aa/jmt

KEYWORD: TAX HOWARD (SYDNEY)

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