Fed: PM says GST won t cost him government

AAP General News (Australia)
02-11-2000
Fed: PM says GST won t cost him government

CANBERRA, Feb 11 AAP - Prime Minister John Howard today denied a Labor fear campaign
over the GST and anger in the community over tax reform would cost him government at the
next election.

"I don't believe it will, but ... in the end that's a matter for the Australian people,"

Mr Howard told Melbourne Radio 3AW.

"We're doing this because we think its good for Australia.

"I believe that once it's introduced people will see and enjoy the benefits."

Mr Howard said many issues would influence the next poll apart from the GST, which
has many coalition backbenchers concerned, and he said he had never taken electoral support
for granted.

But he shook off current polls showing Labor in front of the government.

"Does it matter though?" he said.

"I mean, 18 months out from the last Victorian election, (Premier) Steve Bracks didn't exist.

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