Shadow Minister,

Predictions don't always come true as you know. The GST was something that many opposed - yet today we simply take it for granted. People don't like change and often oppose it initially, that doesn't mean that they are right. Leaders need to sometimes do what they feel is best for the country - as one notable American leader from the past once said:
"Ask not what the country can do for you, but what you can do for the country." (or words to that effect).

cont'd ...

I saw a cartoon in a magazine that you may appreciate. It was of "Question Time," in Parliament with a Minister standing up and
making the following remark:

"When my distinguished colleague refers to the will of the "people," does he mean his "people" or my "people"?"

Correct me if I am wrong, but I believe this levy has nothing to do with helping individual victims, who's homes have sustained damage, but in rebuilding infrastructure.

This being the case, one could say it has nothing to do with helping Queenslanders, or other states flood victims, but is to rebuild the commonwealth & state's tax base, & to get the earning of foreign exchange back up as quickly as possible.

I have the feeling that most of us are being sold a pup with this levy.

The ABC are asking how the inhabitants of other states feel about rebuilding Queensland. If I am right they are not rebuilding Queensland, or helping Queenslanders, they are getting Anna, & Julia off the hook, & getting the export industries going again.

Without Queensland, & Western Oz mining exports there would be no foreign exchange for Sydney & Melbourne people to get their next plasma TV.

Hasbeen:

The floods have caused extensive damage to infrastructure not only in
Queensland but NSW, Victoria, and we are yet to see what's going to happen in SA as the waters flow down the Murray.

Roads, railways, power-lines, sewerage, water supplies, hospitals, schools, police stations, et cetera - are the responsibility of state and federal governments and until they are restored rebuilding in towns and cities and rural areas will be difficult. Therefore the first priority for the government is to initiate funding and restoration work on all essential services. My understanding is that
from donations collected to date and the levy, government assistance will be provided to victims who are not covered by insurance. Victims and the low-paid are exempt from the levy. The levy is for people earning over $50,000. It's a one-of levy. It certainly won't place any hardship on anyone's earnings - yet it will help those in need.

Having been affected directly by the floods I REALLY appreciated the good will, random acts of kindness, and fellow members of my community regardless of their race, religion, or creed, holding out their hands and hearts just for us. It was great, and those people will never be forgotten.

This squabbling over whose fault it all is is disgusting. They're still finding bodies and some of you have turned your backs on them. Bravo. Hope you're proud of yourselves. Come out here and I'll show you where people's lives and homes used to be.

5 BUCKS?. Unbelievable. For shame.

StG that is your finest ever post, it talks for every Australia who is worth knowing.
NSW this weekend, Australia in fact has sent many to help some took annual leave but it to them is a privilege, I would have loved to be part off.
That privilege is the driving force behind our volunteers in every endeavor, not street March's not fame or medals.
The chance to make a difference, to hide in the truck, briefly and not let the world see you cry after seeing the bravery of a family with nothing left.
And StG, may you have the fastest recovery possible may you always stand up for victims.
And may, please may my country stop letting politics drive us apart at times like these.
Finally please those anti government people throwing good will away think about this?
Get you wallet out be a proud AUSTRALIAN.