Labor opposes any GST changes: Emerson Federal Labor is "totally opposed" to increasing the rate of the GST or broadening it, Trade Minister Craig Emerson says. The government claims Opposition Leader Tony Abbott's plan for a tax white paper within two years, announced in his budget reply speech last week, is code for increasing the rate of the GST. Dr Emerson says shadow treasurer Joe Hockey is "actively inviting" state governments to persuade him why the tax's base should be broadened to include fresh food and why its rate should be increased. "This is a coalition plan," Dr Emerson told ABC radio on Monday. He said the Gillard government was opposed to such changes. "There's no merit in increasing the GST rate or widening the base - this is not Labor policy," the minister said. He stressed the GST was introduced by a coalition government and opposed by Labor while in opposition. "The history of the GST is that it is a coalition tax (and) Labor opposed it," Dr Emerson said. West Australian Premier Colin Barnett told The West Australian newspaper a fresh look at the GST was necessary. "It's been more than a decade since the GST was introduced so it's appropriate that it be re-examined and all issues considered," Mr Barnett said. But he said the coalition tax review should focus on "fairer and more equitable" distribution between the states and territories, based on population figures.