GST backdown untrue, says billionaire retailer

Photo / APN

Billionaire retailer Gerry Harvey denies he is stepping back from a campaign to have GST imposed on online purchases from overseas websites.

Harvey reportedly has been surprised by an avalanche of criticism directed at him on social media since a group of big retailers began an advertising campaign on Tuesday.

The retailers - Myer, David Jones, Target and Harvey Norman - argue a A$1000 ($1319.33) GST-free threshold gives overseas businesses an unfair advantage and say jobs will move offshore.

But Harvey says he is not retreating from the fight to convince the federal government to drop a GST exemption on overseas online purchases of less than A$1000.

"That's not in my nature to run away - I'll stand up and fight," Harvey told ABC Radio yesterday.

- AAP