dinosaur harvey pleas for online tariffs , page-37

well boomeronrations.
I think it is difficult from 2 points of view.
the logistical point of is one where unlike with containerized product bought in bulk and processed en massse by customs, most of the small items purchased on the net are sent in small packages. through the courier companies or handled by the post office.
The sheer weight of work involved would render any monetary gain in tax revenue as just a recovery on those costs incurred for the implementation of the tax.
the points you make about limits would be self policing and I am sure I am an upstanding member of the Australian community, but would all people actually list their purchases of Shoes, clothing, video games, etc etc!!!??
I think not. the bigger ticket items are already over the $1000 threshold, so they get taxed already, which was the confusing thing about Gerry's rant, my guess is he wants a protectionary fee added to protect his market share and the ACCC would love to rip him a new one over that I am sure, as there is a history of antagonism between them.

More importantly though, as GST is a Goods and Services Tax, then what part of the transaction , which takes place outside of Australia's tax jurisdiction would the government legally be allowed to claim a tax take on.
the only bit I see would be the actual service of the transportation, but then again, that cost was paid overseas to the courier company or postal service by the supplier in the foreign country where the goods were purchased.
So the question is why are we thinking to implement this charge.
surely it is not to increase the tax revenue for teh country, it is only in a lame attempt to protect local retailers who have proven their ability to lose touch with the way the retailing world has evolved.