Tax rates maybe lowered, but GST implemented

I refer to the report, Tax rates maybe lowered, but GST implemented wherein the Deputy Finance Minister announced that on implementation of the GST for goods and services, individual and corporate tax rates will be cut.

Notwithstanding the fact that more than 50% of our working citizens fall into the non taxable group by virtue of not earning sufficient income, and at least 10% of our population are the elderly and the retired, the Government has again chosen to ignore the silent suffering majority. The Govt need to consider how these group of people, (many of whom are just surviving day to day, or trying to keep business costs down), will be affected by the implementation of the GST, which, because of the roll-on effect will increase prices of goods and services by up to 20%.

If only because of political reasons, the Govt has to remember that this suffering majority belongs to a significant number of voters, who may feel that the latest 'gimmick announcement' of the Govt is "enough is enough" and vote with their feet.

In the meantime, they will just go a little hungrier.

GST: Prices may go up 20%