The concept of fairness and justice for all is a long held Australia value, the notion of equal opportunity for all is accepted as normal. The current generation of younger working people is expected to provide for those who now cannot work, and fully provide for themselves, those referred to as the older "retired" generation. By providing for others in this way, younger Australians have an expectation that through their hard work they too will not only accumulate assets such as a family home, free of debt like many of today's retired generation have done, some owning several properties as investments as well, they will also be supported by future generations when a time comes that they are unable to fully support themselves.

Unfortunately many young Australians believe they are unfairly carrying the burden for the older generation, and will never have the same opportunities, such as secure home ownership, in a comfortable retirement with very generous pensions and benefits that the older generation is now enjoying at their expense.

Can't blame them when the numbers show they are stuffed. Can't buy a home even on two wage packets and left paying for boomers third or tenth mortgage in some mouldy slum for 800 bucks a week. Just go towards the light the me generation. Your selfishness and lack of care have screwed the whole planet and it is your grandchildren and their grandchildren who will suffer. May they curse your names.

Please don't assume that older retired Australians are a total waste of space.
I am well in to my advanced years, but the last ten years, at least, have been hectic.
A frantic scramble to get things done.
I have spent them giving practical help to those neighbours who needed it.
Everything from mowing lawns to being transport for them.
And done this on a regular basis.
And even baby-sitting for an extended time.
Perhaps I have not contributed as much as a younger person might.
But I have certainly put in the effort.
I don't think I have been a waste of space.

The left constantly talks about unity and how important it is. It constantly tells us that diversity is our strength.

But its game plan is to divide the society into competing groups which it can then play off against each other for their, the left's, electoral advantage.

Right v left.
Rich v. poor
City v. bush
Business v. consumer
Jew v. Muhammadian
Aboriginal v. White
Immigrant v. Australian-born

and now... old v. young.

Championing this made-up claim of intergenerational inequity is just another way of saying to one group that you've been disadvantaged and we are your saviours so vote for us.

But they do nothing for these supposed disadvantaged. They claimed they'd build 1.2 million houses - not going to get within cooee of that. They gave money to first home buyers. All they did was increase the prices of houses to the benefit of those who already owned a home. They gave stamp duty relief...same result ie increases in home prices.

The things that would actually help those who allegedly suffer intergenerational inequity such as reducing immigration or reducing building regulations are not going to happen. So they throw sand in the eyes of the electorate to try to maintain support of the supposed disadvantaged. And it works

I have three kids in their 30s. All have their own home. All their friends have their own home. The claims about the young generation being unable to buy into the housing market are overblown and are aimed at the cohort who expect the government to provide everything for them.

Hi Trumpster,

"I (Trumpster) have three kids in their 30s. All have their own home. All their friends have their own home."

Realistically, being in a Super Max Prison cannot be considered as having your own home. Nor is it feasible to house all 27 million Australian in jails, then claim they all have a home! As the family Godfather you might think that way. How is Uncle Al doing in Alcatraz, that tax fraud charge was a bum rap, don't you agree?

Maybe Magoo can have a go at decolonisation like South Africa did? That's been working well.

https://youtu.be/c0sbFFvVyx8?si=4bkQ7TaAh7QJbrF4

Hi again Trumpster,

"But its game plan is to divide the society into competing groups which it can then play off against each other for their, the left's, electoral advantage."

That is Trumpism all over, so are you saying your folk hero Dangerous Doctor Donald is a lefty? Just as you claim Adolf was a lefty because he had the word socialist in the Nazi party name. In my opinion the Horseshoe Political Theory holds true, moderates at the top centre, some being progressive, others being conservative, with extremists hard right and hard left at the extremes, but coming closer together.

On this topic there is a necessary debate in Australia about intergenerational equity. The debate centres around issues of housing, welfare, taxation and living standards into the future. As a member of the Baby Boomer cohort I have done well from the system, and my expectations in life have been met. Many young people believe they are being asked unfairly to contribute to an already over indulgent cohort, the Baby Boomers, whilst having little prospect of obtaining the same benefits in the future for themselves.

Is it fair that a young person paying income tax, having no prospect of owning their own home one day, pays a tax subsidy like negative gearing to a landlord who owns 30 houses, and the young taxpayer has to pay sky high rent for one of them. Hardly seems fair.

You'll hate this. My wife who owns a unit outright, in inner Sydney, lets it for $100/week less than what the agent said it should be, but she only rents it to overseas students. There were 3 Indian girls going to Uni at one time, handy to shops and public transport, short distance to Uni, ideal for students. Her argument is she is getting the capital gain, and we don't need the extra $100 week, so she tells me.

South Africa is a good example of what can happen when you look for a scapegoat and ignore all else. Every problem there was the fault of the colonisers (mostly white people). Now who do you blame now that the colonisers have long gone and corruption and mismanagement are rife? Some still think Mandela a hero, not the bloodthirsty communist that he was. He should be remembered for his use of necklacing to deal with rivals.

https://youtu.be/7LWdR0kIhCk?si=6XmDKCcr3llIcInj

As with SA, the issues detrimental to living standards are ones of mismanagement and corruption. You might start with net zero/renewable energy, the NDIS, indigenous spending, productivity reform, curbing the ballooning public sector (twice as many public servants as Japan, for example), mass-migration, the nuclear ban, and the control of mining/exploration by political activist lunatics.

Just when we think Albanese couldn't get any lower, he comes up with elder abuse. Not just the relatively few wealthy elders, but all of them.

The ones who go without other things so that they can afford health cover.
The ones who struggled through Keating's 18% interest rate.
The ones balloted in to fight in nothing to do with us civil war Vietnam.
The ones who went without luxuries to pay off their mortgages early.
The ones who lived on one income and stayed home to raise their own children.
The ones whose often meagre savings, plus property will go to those children.
The ones who made Australia what it was before Albanese popped out of the slime.

“The only way in which you can redistribute wealth effectively is by destroying the incentives to have wealth”. (Milton Friedman).

Of course older generations are wealthier than younger ones. It takes decades to acquire wealth - most of which will cease to be inherited by the young after Albanese has stolen it, and or, the smart ones hide it or blow it on themselves, and to hell with the young, who are mostly responsible for their own problems because they neither respect experience nor old people.

Parents have a legal duty towards their children until the children reach adulthood: 18 years of age.

What happens after that is up to individual families. Not Albanese, who will never stop blaming other people for his own incompetence and ultra-left ideology.

"being in a Super Max Prison cannot be considered as having your own home."

As usual, when Paul can't approach an issue with any intelligence, he decides that playing the fool is a good substitute.

"That is Trumpism all over, so are you saying your folk hero Dangerous Doctor Donald is a lefty? "

Paul does this all the time. He doesn't dispute that what I said about the ALP trying to divide society for electoral gain is true, but just claims, without evidence, that the other side does it too. So he back-handedly agrees with my point..... which makes me think I might be wrong </grin>

"You'll hate this. "

Why would I hate it? Why should I give a second thought to your wife's charitable acts

The older people Albanese wants to screw over to get young votes - 50% of them at least - say that their financial situation has declined in just three months. (Pulse)

“For every older Australian living comfortably, there’s another counting every dollar, skipping meals, or even putting off healthcare”.

By the time Albanese can't get anymore out of them, the younger generation whining about old people will be paying even more tax for the age pensions that oldies will have to fall back on.

Note well the Milton Friedman quote.

Only 33% of middle class oldies were better off, and only 18% of those “better off” under the Jolly Roger flag of the pirate Anthony Albanese.

It's a wonder Albanese hasn't replaced the 3 flags he yaps to us in front of with the Jolly Roger. He is certainly ‘rogering’ us.

Hi Trumpster,

One thing that can be relied on is lack of humour from those old conservative narks, always pessimistic, always negative.

I was thinking you get a little upset with aliens such as Indian students. Don't want them here, the wife is helping them to stay. Shocking state of affairs!

Hi ttbn,

Milton Friedman, dead 20 years, died at the age of 94. A bit of ancient history like all that other guff about old Keating, the Vietnam War and women barefoot, pregnant and in the kitchen. You've got to stop living in the past, and wake up to what is a whole new world, or you'll be joining Milton up there in the clouds.

Hi Paul,

What you are advocating sounds to me much like decolonisation, and wherever it has happened the economic outcome has often been disastrous. Fiscal prudence, education, infrastructure, and eliminating corruption might not sound exciting to you, but they play a crucial role in improving living standards.

Unlike CM, I think everyone's contribution here is valuable, but that value depends on whether you choose to rail against others or find opportunity to learn about the world.

Hi Trumpster,

"He (Paul) doesn't dispute that what I (Trumpster) said about the ALP trying to divide society for electoral gain is true, but just claims, without evidence, that the other side does it too."

I do dispute that claim, the Big Two political parties are moderate centralist parties, looking to garner support from the mass middle ground. If you were to apply that to radicals like One Nation I would agree.

I'm not sure what the Noalition want in giving preferences in the Farrer by-election to One Nation, over a popular independent (there's no Labor candidate). They look to me like the conservatives in pre-war Germany trying to butter up the Nazi's, see where thast got them, a firing squad.

Fester

I'm amazed that a sensible person like you keeps feeding the nasty troll.

Hi Fester,

There should not be unrealistic scapegoating, and those things you mentioned, fiscal prudence, education, infrastructure, and eliminating corruption are very important in a well balanced society. What is questioned by younger people is fairness, the system whereby they carry the heavy burden of providing for the older generation and themselves today. A system that gives some very liberal benefits through taxation and welfare to others, who have already accumulated considerable wealth. Many believe they will never receive the same consideration in the future, nor will they have the same opportunities that people in the past have enjoyed.

Hi ttbn,

You call anyone who doesn't agree with your world view a troll, so be it.

ttbn,

It's all about perspective. Paul poses an interesting question, and if everyone were to agree, how pointless this place would be. As I said before, it is what you might learn on olo that makes it of value. Engaging in attacks on others demonstrates that people are missing the point.

Hi Paul,

"Many believe they will never receive the same consideration in the future, nor will they have the same opportunities that people in the past have enjoyed."

Maybe, but going after the wealthy tends to destroy economies rather than build them. Singapore is a shining example of the benefits of eliminating corruption and investing in education and infrastructure. Russia is a shining example of how to destroy a nation with bad decisions and corruption. Russia should be the wealthiest nation on earth instead of a pariah.

https://youtu.be/Jvvdz8Q3Q_k?si=58hqL5GHPm-qvcHC

Hi Fester,

I don't think its a case of going after the wealthy as such, the wealthy do very well from our system, Harry Triguboff Australia's second richest person is in the housing market, good for Harry. Rightly there is a focus on housing, but its not only housing, oddly home ownership is a desired value in Australian society, more so than in many other western countries, Europe for instance, so it is being given a lot of attention. What young people believe, and I think they are predominantly correct, is there is an uneven playing field when it comes to government largesse, a bias in favour of those in society who are already relatively well off. Government recognises that imbalance, and they want to address it in some small way. Can we agree on that?

Fester,

You must do what you feel the need to do, of course; and people do disagree with each other. But, to me, it is not “pointless”, as you apparently think it is, to refuse to argue with people you know are still going to hold their own views, as is their right.

Online Opinion will never be “pointless” to me because it provides me with what it invites me to do: express my opinion on all sorts of things. The only other chance I get is every three of four years at elections.

There is nothing to “learn” here, except that different people have different opinions, but we already knew that. The idea, I believe, is to express your opinion on subjects, not on other people's opinions you disagree with: particularly when you know those opinions are set in concrete. We are all the same in that regard.

So why argue? Life has taught me that it is better to encourage your own ‘side’ - to strengthen it - than it is to argue with the other side, which is futile, particularly when you argue with obnoxious trolls whose only purpose is to insult and hurt you.

With trolls, I think it's ok to give our opinions on what you think of any subject they raise (their threads are usually traps to gather victims to subject to their malignancy) but to keep feeding them is pointless and self-demeaning.

You might like to read up on of trolls, narcissists and suchlike psychopaths. There's no cure.

Hi Paul,

"What young people believe, and I think they are predominantly correct, is there is an uneven playing field when it comes to government largesse, a bias in favour of those in society who are already relatively well off. Government recognises that imbalance, and they want to address it in some small way. Can we agree on that?"

It's the same as you have been saying all along. It's scapegoating. South Africa does the same. It's horrible and holds no prospect of increasing the prosperity of a nation. My mum's family had friends who escaped the Nazis in Austria. Went in one door wealthy and came out the other penniless and with exit visas. At least they lived. Many didn't. That is what addressing an imbalance is all about.

https://youtu.be/dFpgOUkp8Q8?si=aYRn8r8iZE7LMWJ6

ttbn,

I understand your sentiment, and can think of one person I argued with quite a bit here. The arguments went nowhere, but what I found that I enjoyed were the things I learned during the course of the arguments. And as well as learning a few things, my opinions do change. For example, in this discussion I changed my opinion of Nelson Mandela.

Yes, it's always good to air a gripe, but gaining nothing is missing out. Yes, I have read much of psychopaths etc, and dealt with a few in my time. Very unpleasant people, which is one reason why I treat discussions as a means of gaining perspective and understanding rather than persuasion.

Hi Fester,

I don't want to see any section of Australian society marginalised, scapegoated or disadvantaged in anyway, I support progressive improvement. Where there is an injustice or imbalance, steps should be taken to remedy the situation. What is highlighted here is an imbalance between those in the emerging generation, mostly young productive people under 40, and that section of society which for their part have obtained their goals in life, which places them in a comfortable position. Its not a case of taking from one and giving to the other, rather its about opportunity, and creating pathways so all Australians can realise their goals in life. Government can play a part in that by ensuring that its not being overly generous to one section, while burdening the other. The interaction between welfare, housing and taxation is a good example, in my view there is too much from government that favours the affluent in society, call them the investor class, and those less resourced, call them the productive class, who have a goal of home ownership, but are being unfairly disadvantaged through the action of government.

Hi Paul,

You claim no intent to cause harm, yet you want to redress an imbalance? What do you propose? It does sound a lot like "eat the rich" to me, which does not help the disadvantaged. I enjoyed watching this fellow explain why.

https://youtu.be/M9IVeHyyMP8?si=1tYswfu4NLZ1YTbL

Perhaps you could provide a successful example of a nation addressing the imbalance. All the examples I can think of ended badly, which is why I don't think it all that smart to try again.

“Mental illness is a metaphor. Minds can be ‘sick’ only in the sense that jokes are ‘sick’ or economies are ‘sick’ …. mental illness is not something a person has, but is something he does or is”

Hi Fester,

Addressing an imbalance is not necessarily harmful to anyone. The property market is the most obvious example of intergenerational imbalance between younger people desiring home ownership, and older people who are given advantage through government incentives to obtain and hold investment property. The advantage exists to some degree because of a tax system which penalises income to the advantage of property. The largesse created by government policy on negative gearing and capital gains tax unfairly advantages investors over owner occupiers. To give an analogy, its like a football match where one side kicks off with a 10 nil lead, the other side can overcome the deficit and win, but its hard for them to do so. Removing the 10 point advantage doesn't harm anyone, it just makes the game fair for all.

Intergenerational equity goes beyond housing, it also extends to future retirement and what government can do in the area of what it provides now and in the future. Government should ensure as far as possible that no one is being disadvantaged today, whilst having little prospect of a reasonable future retirement for themselves. Put it this way, is it fair for government to say; "We'll tax income earners today to provide benefits for those who can't provide for themselves, but don't expect the same benefits in the future, as today's system is unsustainable long term."

Hi Paul,

You keep beating the same “eat the rich” drum. You see the wealth of people as something to be taken to help the disadvantaged. It has been the strategy of nations like South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Cuba and Venezuela, invariably with horrible outcomes. Further, there is a vast body of economic analysis showing why the strategy is a bad one.

So rather than get economic policy ideas from the likes of Jacob Zuma, Robert Mugabe, Fidel Castro and Hugo Chavez, why not get a few ideas from nations like Singapore? Lee Kuan Yew saw the creation of prosperity as an objective, not an anomaly to be curtailed. That is where efficient spending, eliminating corruption, building productive infrastructure and investing in the skill set of the population triumphs over the politics of envy.

One example of many in Australia is net zero/renewables. The promise of wind and solar was of cheap energy and economic growth. Instead we have skyrocketing electricity prices along with the flight of industry, with $20 billion a year of taxpayer money going to koala clubbing grifters and god knows how much more being wasted on other bs projects. The money wasted alone on Snowy Hydro could have easily built 4gw of nuclear generation or refurbished every coal fired power station in the country, giving the nation cheap power and providing a great economic benefit.

If you want to look after the people you need a prosperous nation, not a nation bankrupted by corruption and idiotic ideas.

running up one trillion dollar debt, stealing money from those who worked for it and having filthy snouts in trough (ask Wells) shows these dei incompetent clowns are treacherous fools. And they talk about intergenerational theft. Dear oh dear!

Then there's all the off budget expenditure that escapes public scrutiny. It is outright fraud. Getting economic tips from Robert Mugabe is the icing on the cake. I can hardly believe that Magoo has done so much in a single year.

Hi Fester,

You have gone right off track here by comparing Australia with economic conditions in third world African countries, bring up the likes of Robert Mugabe etc, and a general spray about koala clubbing grifters etc. There's no "eat the rich" nonsense at all.

The government have an opportunity in tonight's budget to address intergenerational equity in the housing market in a small way, by correcting anomalies created by capital gains tax and negative gearing arrangements. You may not agree with change, but I believe its necessary to help create housing opportunities for younger home buyers.

If younger people are persuaded to see themselves as victims of their elders and turn to Labor for protection, so much the better – from Labor’s point of view.

‘One of the consequences of such notions as “entitlements” is that people who have contributed nothing to society feel that society owes them something, apparently just for being nice enough to grace us with their presence.’ Thomas Sowell

Hi Paul,

"There's no "eat the rich" nonsense at all."

When you target the wealth of part of a nation to help another part of a nation, that is by definition "eating the rich". It is a definition, not nonsense. I encouraged you to give examples of successful implementation and supporting research. You have provided none, saying only that disadvantaged people think it a good idea and you agree with them. Nor did I only give African examples. In fact, I said that whenever and wherever the eat the rich idea had been used it had failed. The link I gave also named Sweden as another nation that used the idea, but abandoned it after it failed.

If you want to help the disadvantaged then follow the lead of successful nations. Getting your economic policy ideas from dysfunctional shole nations will harm everyone along with defenceless koalas.

As expected tonight's budget went part way towards removing an obvious disadvantage to younger Australians trying to enter the home ownership market. The abolition of negative gearing for new property investors and replacing the 50% capital gains tax discount with an inflation-linked approach will level the playing field to a certain degree. Without such tax breaks there will be a disincentive to use property as an income stream by the highest income earners over younger poorer folk looking to buy. This can only be a good thing.

Hi Fester,

Just as a side in the 2022/23 tax year;

91 Australians who earned more than $1 million in total income paid no tax, according to data from the Australian Taxation Office. The data shows overall, these 91 millionaires claimed $390 million worth of different deductions to reduce their tax bills to zero. The majority of these zero tax payers live in the affluent suburbs of Sydney and Melbourne. It gives the lie to your claim of "eating the rich". Don't worry the rich do very well for themselves in Australia, they don't need all that extra help they afford themselves through their very generous governments for most of the past 125 years.

Hi Fester,

"When you target the wealth of part of a nation to help another part of a nation, that is by definition "eating the rich"

In 1999 the Howard/Costello government did exactly the opposite, they changed negative gearing, capital gains and trust arrangements to favour wealthy investors. I assume it was done in an attempt to stimulate the housing rental market, which was a problem even then. That arrangement existed for 27 years until yesterday. The changes didn't work, rents increased exponentially as house prices did likewise.

I assume as a conservative you support largesse for the rich. Unless you have hundreds of investment properties or own a large corporation, you believe in the discredited "trickle down economic effect", that tax breaks, deregulation, and financial benefits for corporations and the wealthy will stimulate investment, create jobs, and eventually boost the economy for everyone. At best it partially works, with a few crumbs falling off the table going to you, at worse its a "let them eat cake" scenario.

Hi Paul,

Robert Mugabe would be proud of you. "See all those wealthy white farmers? They are the reason you are poor.". Now that all the farmers have fled or been murdered, Zimbabwe is destitute. Congratulations for another triumph of the politics of envy.

My reason for opposing IE is the absence of supporting models and real world examples. Note that there was modelling of negative gearing proposal that indicated no benefit.

If you want to care for people then follow the example of successful nations. Blaming the plight of the disadvantaged on wealthy citizens does not help anyone.

Hi Fester,

You do yourself no service in trying to link me and intergeneratinal equity to Robert Mugabe, white farmers and Zimbabwe, irrelevant nonsense. What is it with you and Africa, are you a displaced white from there?

For 27 years Australia tried the Howard/Costello model, it didn't work. You will go on about Australian values, and equality of opportunity, then given this you want to favour the rich. Hypocrisy at it worse.

Give you a simple example, a doctor with an income of $500,000/year from his practice. Having a large income he has been able to invest, through bank loans, in 6 rental properties. The rent from the properties does not cover the full mortgage cost, so the "loss" he writes off against his practice income, thus reducing his tax burden. Over time his properties one by one are paid off by rental income, sells a property with a substantial capital gain, to invest in another property, but tax is only levelled against 50% of that capital gain. YOU expect young people seeking their own home to compete with that. BTW, add in a Family Trust and the doctor will pay zero tax.

"Note that there was modelling of negative gearing proposal that indicated no benefit." Treasury modelling indicates these changes will allow 75,000 first home buyers into the market. Where is your "no benefit modelling from?

Fester,

The comparison with Mugabe and Albanese is a good one insofar as their ultra Left politics goes.

Now that Mugabe has gone, as Albanese surely must also do at the next election, I gather from a piece I read a couple of days ago that the Zimbabwe government is now recompensing foreigners and white Zimbabweans for the farms that were stolen from them and handed over to people who didn't have a clue what to do with them.

Zimbabwe seems to be a bit better after Mugabe's demise.

Here's hoping Australia will get better after Albanese's demise. It certainly could not get any worse.

Hi Paul,

Your choice to hop on the bus and the people you share the ride with are not my doing. Hey, but let's look at what Magoo is up to. Basically it's another tax grab. So fifty b on the disabled, fifty b on indigenous people, twenty b plus goodness knows what on koala clubbing grifters, and now a big tax slug. And that is not all the wastage by a long way.How does this make Australia and Australians prosperous?

Do you see why Australians might benefit from getting ideas from prosperous nations?

Hi Paul,

Treasury modelling suggested a price reduction of a few percent. Given modelling errors, that's as good as SFA. As I said, no one benefits from a spendthrift government with idiotic ideas. Howard and Costello have been gone for nearly twenty years, but I guess it's much easier for you to blame them as it is to point a finger at Magoo, much like the Zimbabwean government might still be blaming the farmers for all their problems.

Some people never learn.

Hi Fester,

What is this preoccupation you have with Zimbabwe and South Africa of all places, is that your country of birth, are you the "love child" of Ian Smith and Fred de Klerk? You seem to have an affinity with white racists from Africa, which has no relevance to Australia.

"Howard and Costello have been gone for nearly twenty years" Yes, but their unfair legacy re, negative gearing and capital gains tax, is still with us. Well it was until last night, when reasonable changers were made to some of it.

"So fifty b on the disabled, fifty b on indigenous people, twenty b plus goodness knows what on koala clubbing grifters (don't know what that is),....And that is not all the wastage by a long way." Are you saying every dollar spent in those areas is a waste. You don't mention the billions spent on militarism, or benefits to the big end of town. Your side of politics never mention militarism or corporate greed as being waste.

Hi Paul,

You push a "them and us" line all the time like a 1930s throwback. Or maybe you are like those silly Russian meatwavers, full of paranoia and irrationality, but given your climate apocalypse proclivities, perhaps "heatwaver" is more apt? The sad reality is that you are being fleeced by the people you think are serving your interests, although a good thing you are not headed to your demise like those deluded Russian sods.

Helping the disabled isn't a waste, but how much of the fifty b went to grifters? Twenty is the number I hear. Magoo is out of control.

Hi fester,
I watched this a while back.

I Exposed a $4.6 Billion Disability Fraud Scheme
http://youtu.be/YDPsRyV5lQk

Hi AC,

You get no argument from me concerning the rip-offs and rorts within the NDIS. I support the principle of the scheme, but clearly the execution has been a systemic failure, created by both sides of politics. The quicker a clean up and clean out is instigated the better.

Just as a local observation. House prices down by The Bay in Brisbane, have absolutely skyrocketed over the past few years. Friends of ours have just sold their place, moving to a local retirement village, a nice and neat, well keep'd 3 bed brick and tile bungalow, nothing to spend, on a good size land for $1.2 million. Rents in the local area are up to $1,000/week and more. I assume the same over your way?

Hi AC,

Any waste is awful, especially with all that is happening in the world. My concern is net zero as I believe that to be a complete waste

Imagine the difference that trillion dollars plus would make by not being pd up against a wall or given to grifters?

Way to much nonsense going on.

Hi Paul, yes rent is getting pricey down this way.
I think you'd be looking at $800 per week minimum in Redland Bay now.
Even average houses are around million to buy in Capalaba now I think.

Hi Fester

I think one of the very first posts I made on this forum was about building a prison to put politicians in.
I'd be handing out free paid holidays to anyone in government that touched NDIS.
When they screw things up on this level, they shouldn't get travel entitlements, free paid lunches that make their faces bloated and fat neck rolls like a stuffed turkey and a golden forever handshake.

Australians need idiot-proof systems so that idiot's-in-charge don't screw things up at a magnitude that is simply unacceptable.

This isn't even about the NDIS.
It's about creating foolproof systems and about government accountability.
If you can't do your job and be accountable for your actions, then you shouldn't be in that position.

Democracy is idiots convincing other idiots to vote for them.

Hi AC,

I think democracy better as I believe most disasters arise when one person has too much say, like Sri Lanka and fertilizer usage. The separation of powers is a substantial protection. Auditing and bodies like ICAC can also make a big difference.

The pursuit of net zero is destroying Australia.

Paul

"What is this preoccupation you have with Zimbabwe and South Africa of all places, is that your country of birth, are you the "love child" of Ian Smith and Fred de Klerk? You seem to have an affinity with white racists from Africa, which has no relevance to Australia."

That is quite typical of your regular moronic, targeted, and highly offensive commentary here. Here is a talk on the history of Rhodesia, something I suspect you know nothing of.

https://youtu.be/Aj3p3lJP8Q0?si=hvJ4V0kgtLaqScBq

If you hate Nazis so much then you might stop behaving like one. Being civilised is a choice.

Hi Fester,

I thought we were discussing intergenerational equity in Australia, I don't see the relevance of discussing the 'History Of Rhodesia'. I have no interest in discussing Rhodesia, Zimbabwe, Robert Margabi, South Africa, Russian meatwavers, (whoever they are) koala clubbing grifters (also whoever they are) Mozambique, Cuba or Venezuela within the confines of this topic. I think that is a load of worthless hooey on your part. If you have something sensible to say, please post it. Until then.

Bye-Bye For Now.

"The pursuit of net zero is destroying Australia."

We might have more pressing concerns.
I'm no financial wizz, but the U.S. bond market might be imploding.

That trip by Trump seemed to me almost like he was begging China to help him save the U.S. economy.

Take in the piece in the Atlantic by Robert Kagan
(Victoria Nuland's husband - head neocon)

Checkmate in Iran
http://www.theatlantic.com/international/2026/05/iran-war-trump-losing/687094/
'Washington can’t reverse or control the consequences of losing this war.'

Did the power just shift with this US / China meeting?

I've heard rumours the Gulf states might kick out the U.S. and opt for security guarantees from Russia and China, I don't think the U.S. is getting back into the Persian Gulf so that means Iran is now a world power and the petro-dollar might be over.

Goldman Says Yuan 20% Undervalued, Boosts Currency Forecasts
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-05-11/goldman-says-yuan-20-undervalued-boosts-currency-forecasts

The markets may be deciding that Americas toast.
No longer a smart place to put money.
Out of control debt spiral.

The Persian Gulf has 5 really important resources, Oil, Gas, Urea, Sulfur, and Helium,,, and the supply constaints are starting to hit.

All the airlines cancelling flights and adding extra charges amid jet fuel crisis
http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/jet-fuel-shortage-flight-cancellations-tui-easyjet-ryanair-b2976445.html

Trump won't have to worry about selling his soybeans... there wont be any.

As of May 2026, 70% of U.S. farmers are struggling to afford necessary fertilizer for spring planting due to soaring prices driven by global supply chain disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. The crisis, exacerbated by the war in Iran, has forced many producers to reduce planting acreage, switch to less input-intensive crops, or skip fertilization, raising severe concerns about food supply and rising prices.

The real damage hasn't hit yet.

Paul,

Intergenerational equity is wealth redistribution as you acknowledged by seeing it as addressing an imbalance in the wealth of young and old. I cited economic research and real world examples showing that it would not help anyone as well as implying that the difference showed that citizens could acquire wealth in their lifetimes. RSA and Zimbabwe were cited because they are spectacular examples of wealth redistribution failing.

As it happens IE was just a bs term that Magoo used to hide a tax grab. Removing negative gearing, increasing CGT and introducing a 30% death tax won't help young Australians, especially as many believe that they will only get ahead via inheritance.

But cheer up Paul, we're going to be a renewable energy superpower. Never mind seven Tasmanias of land being covered with toxic wind and solar, all the natural heritage and defenceless animals being destroyed, or the Chinese mines in Africa using slave labour and resembling biblical disaster scenes from Cecil B. Demille, except all the death and injury is real. When you've got all that filthy lucre you won't give a rats about all the harm you are doing, just like Magoo.

Hi Paul,
I support the Greens position on Palestine, occasionally they stand up for other useful things, but I'm not a progressive.
I mostly support the ON immigration position, but I won't support Zionists.
I'm not voting for Greater Israel or genocide, end of story.

Wheres that leave me right?
Add in some new candidates on the ballot:
Vote 1: Skippy the Bush Kangaroo?

I think that the people living here first should have a right to decide who (where from) and how many and if they don't then somethings wrong.
And I'm to be screamed at and called racist for it, then they can all go back to where they came from, no offense.

And as the pollies, I'm not sure any of them are really fit to lead.

Hi Fester,
Are you watching those Danger Dan Magoo videos too?
Albo at Mardi Gras 'My bums hurting'. Lol.
The Sultan of Brunei one was pretty funny.
http://youtu.be/zGPbbX-Z-gc

Hi AC,

Yes, I do watch DD but wish that he had no cause to make any videos. I liked Toto commenting, "I'm surrounded by dheads." and also have a chuckle every time I see Dan's bike crash.

There is so much going on. It needs to be called out.

Hi AC,

At the last two elections, council and state, I voted for my mate who ran as an independent enviro/developer, pro Buddhism and smoking the herb candidate, a"broad church" idea. At council he had a policy about rubberised footpaths instead of concrete ones (true), and people swinging from long ropes in trees, (also true). I was sort of not his campaign manager, even had a couple of slogans "More For Moore" and "Corruption Is King" thought that would appeal to the monarchists. Okay at council election, ran a creditable last. Was going great guns at the state gig, even had the LNP preferencing 2nd (true), until someone gave em' the goss, spilt the beans, and told how me mate had worked his way through Uni by making porno movies with his then girlfriend, gee he was one of the best educated candidates running (made a lot of movies). The LNP hurriedly reprinted their HTV's, put the mate last. So much for that.

Hi Fester,
"Yes, I do watch DD but wish that he had no cause to make any videos."
- I don't know about that, I wonder if mocking the leaders of your own democratic nation doesn't serve some healthy purpose.
Its almost refreshing to cut through the rot sometimes, and laugh at the stupidity of it all, even if we're essentially laughing at ourselves.

Hi Fester,

"Intergenerational equity is wealth redistribution as you acknowledged by seeing it as addressing an imbalance in the wealth of young and old"

The imbalance is in the way income is taxed differently due government tax policy, between those who work for wages to obtain income, and those who obtain income through investment. This is manifestly unfair with the acquisition of housing. Those who simply rely on savings from wages to purchase and pay for a house, and those who can take financial advantage by the use of negative gearing and capital gains tax arrangements.

No one is taking wealth off one section of society and redistributing it to another. All it is doing is creating a level playing field for both.

We should have known! Why Angus Taylor is so against changers to negative gearing, capital gains tax and trusts, he's a big beneficiary from all three!

Angus Taylor holds interests in an estimated nine properties, the majority of which are structured through a complex network of private companies and family trusts. Through his primary family company, Gufee Pty Ltd, and family trusts (such as the AJ & L Taylor Family Trust and Maclaughlin River Land Trust), he holds substantial pastoral and agricultural interests. Taylor's property empire spans close to 3,000 hectares of farming and agribusiness land, as well as a residential home in Goulburn and an investment property in Sydney. And we thought he was doing it for the "little people". Yeah sure he is

" No one is taking wealth off one section of society and redistributing it to another. All it is doing is creating a level playing field for both."

It was a level playing field, now it's harder for all, especially the young. Just a tax grab for a profligate government. NZ abandoned Ng in 2021, only to reverse the decision a few years later.

So you've replaced Foxy here? Tough job.

Hi Fester,

So you've replaced Hasbeen here? Easy job.

Taylor thinks he's onto a vote winner with indexing the tax scales, whilst keeping Labors $1,000 instant tax write off, plus keeping Labor's WATO scheme which gives $250 cash back to wage earners every year. The only problem is the coast $250 billion for indexation, and another $250 billion to keep Labors schemes.

The Fraser government introduced bracket creep indexation in 1976, but abandoned it completely in 1982 due to economic pressures within the economy. To keep all his cash splash promises Taylor is going to have to borrow another trillion dollars to add to the already trillion dollar debt the Coalition created when in government.

For a level playing field you have to have level-headed players. Present demographic is unable to supply either !

Hi Paul,

Now you hark back to Fraser. I look at the budget in the context of economic theory and historical examples. It won't help young Australians. It won't help any Australians. It will help foreign environmental vandals and koala clubbers. It is a disaster and is decidedly on the nose with the punters.

Those on the Woke Left don't actually understand the concept of equity !

Indy,

Equity means that everyone except for the corrupt authoritarians in charge are equally destitute.

A budget that does nothing to curb graft and profligacy, with the measures taken all proven ways to make people and nations poorer. Magoo is a complete numpty.

fester,
as you would have realised by now, I meant equality rather than equity ! Equality is what we should have & equity is what the parasitic ruling class have us do battle with.
I have stated many times that in order for people to do well according to their merit we must have a Flat Tax. Anything else is just corrupt manipulation & navigating loopholes.

What we should have is a tax system where everyone from the largest corporation to the smallest wage earner pays their fair share of tax. We don't have that now, instead those with the means and the past political clout to avoid tax, do so at will.

Not surprising, everyone wants government services and welfare like Aged Pensions, but don't want to pay for it. Right Indy?

Hi Paul,

The fossil fuel industry paid 74 billion last year. How much did the koala clubbing grifters pay? That guy from Snowy got two million last year including a 300K bonus, whether for koalas killed, environment destroyed or small businesses bankrupted is anyone's guess.

How do the taxes Australians pay compare with prosperous nations? Can your politics of envy stand up to scrutiny?

Paul1405,
Unlike you I had to actually work & contribute to my Pension !

Hi Fester,

"Australia's tax system is a paradox: the overall tax burden is relatively low compared to similar developed nations, but it relies heavily on taxing individual wage earners. The tax system relies massively on personal income tax to fund public services. Australia taxes wages more than many peer nations, which leads many working Australians to feel highly taxed."

Developed countries with much higher tax rates than Australia include, Belgium, Finland, France, Japan, Denmark, Austria, Sweden, Spain Canada (part) Ireland and South Korea. Others with similar tax rates include Germany, NZ, Greece, Iceland, UK, Italy, Israel and the US and a few more, AND the US also adds a property tax, on top of other taxes.

Paul1405,
The countries you claim to be higher taxed than Australia are forced to compensate for the islamic invasion !