Are you arguing against the GST? Tell that to the state Labor governments - imho it's the best thing Howard has done. It's fairer and more effective than the broken system that it replaced.
Only Howard had the balls to introduce a Goods and Services Tax prior to an election. The Labor Part knew it was necessary but argued against it simply as a means to get into power. Keating knew it was needed but won an election on the basis of a crude "if you don't understand it you can't vote for it".
Only Howard in recent times has taken on unpopular measures that the country needs. Beazley only got close because he was opposoition leader when Howard rolled the dice in the interests of the country.
Keating did some good things but most weren't difficult or politically brave - e.g. virtually has floated their currency.
