Web purchases may be taxed in Australia: Report

The Australian government is considering imposing the goods and services tax on Internet purchases such as Netflix subscriptions, local media reported on Thursday.

When put forward next Tuesday, the Australian government's latest budget could include a tax on so-called "intangibles" bought through an online store for use in the country such as downloaded music, movies and books, according to Fairfax Media.

A 2012 review by two former state premiers found lost GST revenue on software downloads, e-books and other "intangibles" amounted to $800 million a year. Software imports are believed to have doubled in the three years since.