Following discussions with the independent Senators, the Government has proposed terms of reference for an inquiry by the Senate into the tax reform proposals. The reporting date of 15 February 1999 is indicated as giving sufficient time for issues to be examined thoroughly, while allowing the Government's legislative timetable to be met (ie legislation be passed by 1 July 1999). The proposed terms of reference for the inquiry include:
The Economics Legislation Committee report on the effects of equity, efficiency and compliance costs of including or not including food in the GST, together with any related adjustments to the tax package if food were GST zero-rated.
The Community Affairs References Committee report on the effects of zero-rating of health services, including an examination of which services should be zero-rated under the tax package.
The Employment, Education and Training References Committee report on the scope and effectiveness of the proposed zero-rating arrangements in the tax package for education in maintaining its quality and affordability and the effects on education of imposing a GST on ancillary resources and services. The inquiry proposal will be put to the Senate for debate.
(Source: Treasurer's media release no 111, 10 November 1998)
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