Hewson backs Baird on GST hike

The man who failed to convince Australians of the need for a GST more than 20 years ago supports a proposal to increase the tax to 15 per cent.

Former federal Liberal leader John Hewson is backing NSW Premier Mike Baird, who wants to raise GST from 10 per cent to plug future funding gaps in the health budgets of the states and territories.

"I think Mike is right that you can do it with the GST," Dr Hewson told ABC television on Monday.