In The Herald: 1985
Sydney Morning Herald
Tuesday March 18, 2008
Labor's tax shake-up
* Substantial support had emerged from within the Government for an inheritance tax and clampdown on fringe benefits as part of the reform of the taxation system. But there were strong reservations in the Labor Party about the introduction of a broad-based indirect tax on goods and services. The prime minister, Bob Hawke, and the treasurer, Paul Keating, saw such a tax as a central part of the reforms, especially if imposed at the retail end, because it could provide scope for substantial income tax cuts.* Liberal Party MPs attended a seminar at Thredbo where they put aside differences and, when not discussing policy issues, played tennis, cricket or went wind-surfing or horse riding. Despite differences of opinion on policy issues, observers said the politicians "oozed" obedience and unity.* The Rand Daily Mail, South Africa's greatest single opponent of apartheid and one of the world's most quoted newspapers, would cease publishing. This closure followed several years of financial losses. The editor, Rex Gibbon, said a bridge between the races was being swept away.* The premier, Neville Wran, ended intense speculation by confirming six senior police officers were to be charged with drug offences within two days. He also warned they would not be the last to be charged as part of a purge of the force.* Iraq warned international airlines that Iranian air space was now a prohibited war zone and passenger aircraft entering it could be exposed to attacks by Iraqi war planes. An official spokesman said the prohibited zone, covering all Iranian air space, would come into effect within 24 hours. Copies of front pages from The Sydney Morning Herald can be bought through Fairfax Photos. Go to www.fairfaxfrontpages.com.
© 2008 Sydney Morning Herald