Yes, you did read that correctly – an increase in GST, not SG aka super guarantee.
In a move that has prompted many to scratch their heads, Brogden is in fact serious about his tax push.
He has even gone so far as to push for the abolition of all New South Wales state taxes if his proposed GST increase to 15 per cent is given the green light.
Cue further head scratching.
Many would be forgiven for thinking Brogden has reignited his political ambitions and is considering making another run, or perhaps using his position within the FSC (formerly known as the Investment and Financial Services Association) to promote politics rather than policy.
Let’s take a moment to think about this. Could Brogden be attempting to relive his Liberal Party days vicariously through the FSC and its new found policy push?
Well, that could have been the plan. However, after last week’s history-making move by new Prime Minister Julia Gillard, it may now be a case of back to the drawing board.
Yet despite the posturing, the man himself has defended his actions as being purely policy driven not politically motivated.
“Are we about politics or policy? We’re about policy. A number of the things I’m talking about aren’t popular politics, in fact, I’m probably reasonably confident that a number of the ideas I’m putting forward may be rejected by political parties,” Brogden said.
“They will be rejected today, but I think in years to come as we continue to debate these policies and continue to engage in the economic policy debate the rightness of these ideas will see through.”
However, perhaps Brogden was just taking the initiative?
In such a politically dishevelled climate it seems only logical for some to rise to the occasion and promote grand visions, and for others to fall, as they say, by the wayside.
That’s of course not to say Brogden has picked the right fight at the right time.
It would seem a more pressing policy push to lobby the government on an increase in SG, particularly as more Australians are moving towards retirement than those who are not.
It would also make sense for an organisation like the FSC to come out hard with a policy that specifically affects its members, such as a strong stance on the Future of Financial Advice reforms.
I’m sure the MLCs and AMPs out there, as well as the little guys, would appreciate a vocally strong organisation to take a stand for their professional rights, particularly an association with a chief with such an understanding and connection to Australian modern day politics.
Though, perhaps Brogden knows something we all don’t?
