Jim Chalmers

The Grattan Institute, led by a member of Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ economic advisory panel, has recommended raising the GST from 10 to 15 per cent and expanding its base, with the $76 billion in annual revenue used to cut income taxes for lower- and middle-income workers and boost JobSeeker, pensions and rent assistance. The proposal has drawn support from crossbench MP Allegra Spender and former Coalition treasurers, but faces political pushback from shadow treasurer Tim Wilson and internal government tensions.

Assistant Treasurer Daniel Mulino has conceded the government was aware from July that the Australian Taxation Office was considering banning credit card payments, months before the decision sparked a backlash that forced a government intervention. Mr Mulino told ABC's Insiders on Sunday that he and Treasurer Jim Chalmers knew of the ATO's preference to stop accepting credit cards in July and instructed the agency to engage with credit card companies and allow a transition period.