>A true indication of the generosity of Australians would be to leave decisions on foreign aid to individuals

This misunderstands what foreign aid even is, it has nothing to do with generosity.

>Senator Jacquie Lambie had called for cuts to foreign aid.

Heres a duplicitous mendacious women, that got in on the back of Clive Palmers billions, then when he had served his purposes, stabbed him in the back. ? Her recently elected other senator found her so toxic she had to leave her party, as have two of her state based members. I'd not trust her to choose the cereal for breakfast let alone offer policy advice (speaking as a Tasmanian). Perhaps she is representative of the aspirations and it's me that's out of sync.

>The problem of the national debt, caused by spending exceeding revenue, was a matter of considerable concern.

At a Federal level its irrelevant, inflation is the only concern, the states on the other hand will sink the ship. but its the states that do all the spending and the Feds that rise most of the money.

I do agree lots of spending is misguided, I'd like to see the removal of aged pensions, you've had 6-7 decades to get yourself together, if that wasn't enough don't expect federal aid.

I kind of gave up after that, so much wrong with the article.

Foreign aid apart from in the case of catastrophic events should indeed be abolished; but China wouldn't stop buying support.

What was saved could be added to defence spending, to thwart China that would still be handling out foreign aid to put the donees against us and for China.

Slash the public sector as Dutton says he will.

Putting up prices (e.g. electricity) then using the people's money to help them pay the bills is ridiculous,

While compulsory taxation is morally wrong, assuming that it will continue anyway, I would like to see:

Taxes temporarily increased so that all present debt is paid quickly and no new debt ever taken again.

Welfare increased so to reduce financial-based anxiety and prevent employment-coercion and poverty-based crimes.
This increase should also make all state-involvement in employment relations redundant, because when employers offer unfair or immoral terms, workers will be able to survive without and not be obliged to accept them.

Public education abolished and replaced by education-vouchers that allow parents to spend on their children's education as they see fit.

Public health replaced by limited medical subsidies:
For welfare recipients, as an extra component.
For others, as a tax deduction for medical expenses.
For those with particularly high medical expenses, as long-term HECS-like loans once they run out of their own money.

Allow tax-payers to control what their tax is used for, so for example:
Pacifists will not be required to finance the military.
Those opposing particular foreign countries and organisations will not be forced to pay them.
Those who believe in welfare may contribute more to it.