The thing that I am interested to see is - IF Jerry (**sorry) Gerry and his mates DO get their way and GST is levied on everything (for arguments sake) - what happens when the effect on imports takes a temporary dip in response, but then shoots up higher than before?
I think the retailers are going to rue the day - if they get their wish.
In the past, I feel that people would have been containing their spending to keep under the $1,000 limit, but if everything is going to cop the GST, then why not get $2,000 or $5,000 worth of stuff - it'll save a motza with combined shipping!
Afterwards, when the retailers are hurting MORE, who or what are they then going to blame? Also, when the buying public are reminded that this was the 'Big Cause' that would 'Save the Retailers' only to find that paying 10% more for everything they imported did NOT achieve what was so passionately claimed, then Jerry (**sorry) Gerry and his mates are going to be crucified.
(** apologies to Jerry Seinfeld, who is actually funny)