Debate resumed from 31 May, on motion by Mr Hockey:

That the bill be now read a second time.

upon which Mr Tanner moved by way of amendment:

That all words after "That" be omitted with a view to substituting the following words:

"whilst not declining to give the bill a second reading, the House notes that:

(1) the government has not achieved real tax reform in Australia, it has merely agreed to introduce an unfair GST;

(2) the new Howard/Lees GST will involve a massive tax mix switch which will hurt ordinary families, which is directly contrary to the balloted policy of the Australian Democrats;

(3) that the Howard/Lees deal will actually increase the tax on food in Australia;

(4) that ordinary people will now face a GST on top of state indirect taxes on bank accounts; and

(5) that the amended tax package is still unfair and will also damage the environment".