The Treasurer, Joe Hockey, has opened the door to a rise in the GST if state premiers make the case for it, but says any change to the consumption tax would be taken to an election.

The federal government has promised two white papers that will examine the tax system and the federation.

''We're honouring our promise'': Treasurer Joe Hockey. Credit:Glenn Hunt

The federal budget has foreshadowed about $80 billion in cuts to federal grants to schools and hospitals over the next decade, sparking a furious reaction from state premiers who have accused Canberra of trying to “starve them out” and force them to request a rise in the GST.

Mr Hockey told the Ten Network on Sunday that he would not promise to stop the states if they agreed to a rise in the GST.