2013 Public Finance Debate 1: Highlights (use headset for improved audio)

Описание: "It's time...to tax the internet"
Proponent: Dr Toby Daglish, NZ Institute for the Study of Competition & Regulation
Opponent: Dr Grant Scobie, The Treasury
Commentator: Dr Lisa Marriott, Victoria University
Date: Oct 23, 2013
Venue: Old Government Buildings, Lecture Theatre 2, Victoria University

GST, as part of a broad-based low-rate system with few exemptions, should avoid the distortion of taxing some suppliers (domestic) and not others (overseas retailers). Increasing internet use will deepen and widen this distortion. On the other hand, NZ's natural trade impediment of 'distance from markets' raises consumer prices and can generate location specific rent for domestic producers of NZ consumer goods versus foreign suppliers. The GST exemption for foreign internet retailers therefore merely counteracts this effective subsidy to domestic producers and lowers prices for NZ consumers. So, who is right?

Please note the speakers have been asked to make a strong case for the purpose of the debate. The views are not necessarily theirs or that of their employer.