Finance Minister Mathias Cormann has hinted the federal government might consider a hike in the GST as part of rejig of the tax mix after a new report estimated it could raise up to $30 billion a year.
Deloitte Access Economics modelled raising the GST to 15 per cent and also examined raising the tax to 12.5 per cent and broadening the base to include fresh food.
Senator Cormann described the report as a "very good" contribution to the tax reform debate, telling ABC radio on Monday there was "too heavy a reliance" on personal and company taxes.
Deloitte partner Chris Richardson said the GST could be raised without harming low-income earners.
Under the 15 per cent scenario the government could raise an extra $30 billion a year, he said.
A 12.5 per cent hike and extending coverage to fresh food would raise an extra $20 billion.
"That's big bucks," Mr Richardson told ABC radio on Monday.
The report also advocated cutting the company tax rate as a way to boost investment, wages and living standards, even if the budget remained in deficit.
Mr Richardson expressed frustration that both sides of politics were "happily throttling" each other rather than focusing on running the country.
Senator Cormann said the coalition would finalise its tax reform agenda before the next election.
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