You forgot the one policy that would save millions: off-shore detention of asylum seekers. It would cost far less to process them on the mainland and in the community. Forget the simple humanity of treating people in a manner in which we would like to be treated if the situation was reversed, or the breaches of human rights by this country on a daily basis. On a simple economic basis this is a policy that makes no sense and costs far too much.

<<Government revenues are in decline so expenditure cuts must be made. >>

No. If government revenues are in decline then the decline should be reversed.

Religion and Churches, lets get rid of religion out of politics, , why does Bronwyn Bishop say the "Lord's Prayer" it sounds completely ridiculous, after all how many politicians follow the teachings of that book? Why are Churches exempt from paying tax, like politicians they are on the gravy train, tax them.

Ojnab, you make a lot of noise about churches and religions and that, and you no nothing about any of them because your statements are all based on hate etc. You hiding behind a name like "Ojnab" when your real name is "Banjo" is very silly stuff isnt it. So why do your do such a silly thing like change your name to try to trick everybody banjo for.

Misanthrope if I wish to comment as such, that is my right, many would agree with me, many wouldn't, I accept that,the Ojnab/Banjo tag in lots of cases can be due to the fact there normally is more than one Banjo on any site and will not allow you to log in as Banjo for that reason. Most people agree that religious institutions should be taxed. Have a pleasant day Eporhtnasim

Ojnab, the reason the churches are not taxed is very simple. As research in NZ has shown (probably supported by Treasury estimates) the churches spend $2 for every $1 dollar the Government spends on social welfare. Think about all the op shops and food kitchens staffed by volunteers. All the aged care homes and drop in centres the government would have to fund if not for the churches. Try to tax them, and it all suddenly becomes a deduction and turns into a refund!

If you are thinking of the vast wealth of the Vatican, how are you going to tax a foreign power? The UCA is broke closing churches all over the place, the Anglicans are not much better.

Ojnab/Banjo, the reason Julie says the Lord's prayer is because she believes it, as is her right! You may disagree, but you do not have the right to stop her.

Jon R it is only a tradition with the Government, I do not think by waffling through the Lord's Prayer that many would and act accordingly in Parliament to its message. Humpty Dumpty might be more suitably recited by the speaker, we are fast becoming a Secular nation and like change it should go, the only good thing is it costs nothing to say.
Atheism gets no tax benefits from the Government, but some like atheist Bill Gates (Microsoft) pour millions of dollars to help the underprivileged in countries around the world.

ojnab, some Christians and other believers give a huge amount to charity too.

I'm an atheist and I donate approximately 2% of my income to charity, which isn't much at the moment, because I rely on Austudy and Family Tax benefit, but the Royal children's Hospital gets $20 a month and so does Khan Academy, which you may not have heard of, but is a great initiative to make high quality educational resources available free online.

What percentage of your income do you donate?

Still waiting, ojnab...

Or ado you rely on Bill Gates to donate on your behalf?

Craig Minns I donate nothing now as most charities do not receive all the benefits from donations, administration receives a lot of your generosity, you must realise that.
Craig during my life I have always been a volunteer with various organisations, mainly St John Ambulance , driver and attendant, and Kiwanis Club.
I also feel I do not have to tell you about whether or not I donate to anything, that is my business, I do not as stated, now perhaps you can sleep at night without worrying.
Have a great day

ojnab, you're the one who brought the subject up.

Apparently you've now changed your mind, which is entirely your right. Perhaps though, you would have been better to think before you posted?