8 Dec 2012

Pigs will fly before GST reform: NSW premier

4:45 pm on 8 December 2012

New South Wales Premier Barry O'Farrell puts the chance of any change to GST in Australia on par with pigs flying.

AAP reports that as Mr O'Farrell headed into a meeting of the Council of Australian Governments at parliament house in Canberra on Friday, he was asked if GST reform was on the agenda.

"Hang on, a pig just went by," he said. "There's as much chance of reforming the GST in the lead-up to a federal (election) campaign as there is of me jumping off this building and surviving."

AAP reports Mr O'Farrell has previously called for debate on raising the 10% of the tax, or broadening its base, in lieu of getting rid of inefficient state taxes.

"I'm sceptical about so-called appetite for GST reform federally. That's why I continue to look for pigs when I come to Canberra," he said.

"Unless every state and the commonwealth agrees to reform, there will be no reform."

Mr O'Farrell also said he was bitterly disappointed a review into how GST revenue is carved up among the states and territories recommended no change to the current distribution mechanism.

"It means that NSW GST payers will continue to subsidise other parts of Australia," he said.