Fed: Lees says GST federation trip link irrelevant

AAP General News (Australia)
12-07-1999
Fed: Lees says GST federation trip link irrelevant

CANBERRA, Dec 7 AAP - Australian Democrats leader Meg Lees today insisted it was irrelevant
that both she and Prime Minister John Howard would be overseas when the GST began in July
next year.

Opposition Leader Kim Beazley, who has rejected Mr Howard's offer to join him in London
for the centenary of Britain approving the Australian federation, accused the pair of
fleeing the country to avoid the GST backlash.

But Senator Lees denied the timing of the trip has anything to do with the GST, which
the Democrats voted for in parliament.

"To actually be here or not be here in the first few weeks of July is absolutely irrelevant,"

she told reporters.

"It's absolutely irrelevant whether I'm here or anyone else is here.

"They are just scaremongering. They did not want to be involved in tax reform and now
they are trying to do as much damage as they possibly can."

Senator Lees said she disagreed with Mr Beazley's decision not to go on the trip, on
the grounds there would be too many people and that it would achieve nothing.

"That is his choice," she said.

"I have made my choice because I believe I can make this trip worthwhile."

AAP ss/mfh/arb/bwl

KEYWORD: FEDERATION LEES

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