This is pretty sad news, but with the declining dollar it has become much less attractive to purchase overseas orders anyway. Not saying lowering the threshold to $20 is right. I have been doing most of my shopping at retail, because it really works out cheaper or about the same for the stuff I want anyway. If and when a lower threshold comes into affect, I would actually be more worried about local retail prices going up, thus negating the point of the lower threshold to make an even playing field. The result is higher prices for everyone, for the sake of increasing government revenue
Small businesses will be paying tax on importing even if they have small parcels, when they sell the item add gst as well, prices will go up and still be uncompetitive. This lowering of the threshold will net all the ones avoiding tax, to bad for individuals who just want to be hobby sellers.
Since Im not a small business Im just having an opinion, but dont see the benefits if there are any