Mozz, I wish I knew more about the tax system and other tax systems but from behind a veil of ignorance I think aboloshing PAYG or income tax and increasing GST could be a good option.

Simply, everyone needs to consume products/goods, it can't be avoided. So you pay no income tax but there is a flat 30% sales tax. That means Kerry Packer types can still claim that their income is $7.50 a year, it won't matter. Because everytime the company pays for business trips, holiday house, helicopter, prestige car, ....30% gst is put into the public purse. Same for the average bloke buying bread, beer, boats and bait.

If you have savings for retirement or house or car or sex doll, interest is not taxable and does't matter if it is part of your income. You pay your tax when you buy stuff.

I'm sure this is over simplified and there would be problems but everyone is paying an equal amount relative to their spending and what they can afford.

I would rather live in a country that wants to see abundant and quality services and infrastructure. Such as bikeways (urban and national) hospitals, libraries, public transport, better and more interesting sports and recreation facilities FOR THE PUBLIC not elite athletes, education. Part of the problem with most fair minded people compaining about tax is that they feel removed from real choices as to tax spending.

Another saving would be get rid of state goverments, and administration that doubles up duties such as state & federal hospital admin.

freediver wrote on Dec 11^th, 2008 at 10:40am:


Yes, I agree that there are too many handouts for some and not enough for others such as carers etc. I support work for the dole but think there are valid concerns about exploitation.

http://www.ozpolitic.com/green-tax-shift/green-tax-shift.html

freediver wrote on Dec 11^th, 2008 at 10:40am:


Charge the tax on the goods arriving into the counrty.

freediver wrote on Dec 11^th, 2008 at 10:40am:


I think they get away with far too much. A business exec's leased business car is for eg. a $330K Porche. It is claimed as an expence. At best the government should allow a claim only equivalent to a standard grade sedan or station wagon (commodore or falcon for instance) or pick an arbitrary value of say $40K that can be claimed against. You spoke about handouts, well the private sector are the kings of the free lunch and more.

I'd totally love to revamp the tax system. I don't think taxes are bad, I just think they're buggered up and are a disgrace to the people who work so hard to put food on government's table.

It's not right that hard working people have to come home and do their taxes. I don't know if you Aussies have to do this, but we Americans have to pay an annual tax and figure it out based on marriage, how many kids we have, our income, all that crap. It's a pain in the ass and shouldn't be.


Income tax I believe is okay if it's done for us. Like.. before you receive your paycheck, so much percentage is taken out.

Sales tax is fine too. So are nationalized businesses.


I just can't stand having to work my ass off only to have to every year work a little harder figuring out my tax bracket so the IRS doesn't harrass me. Makes me deeply consider just waiting around with a shotgun, and letting the IRS come to me. Maybe that'll teach them to make a sensible tax plan when there's corpses rotting all over my yard.


The irony is they might want to fine me for litering.