Support for GST rise if it goes to health

Most voters would support a rise in GST if the money went to health and hospitals.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott wants a national debate about the GST's rate and breadth, but has promised not to make any changes in this term of government.

The Essential poll released on Tuesday found 56 per cent of voters supported a rise in the goods and services tax from its current 10 per cent rate if the money was directly invested in hospitals and health services.

Two-thirds of Greens voters and 63 per cent of Liberal-National coalition supporters agreed with the suggestion.

But support was weaker among Labor voters (57 per cent).

A majority of coalition voters also supported a rise in the GST if it went to age pensions or road and rail infrastructure.