Both major parties promise a level of public services – Labor more than the Libs. However, neither is willing to put taxes at a level commensurate with those services. In general they won’t even talk about raising taxes.

The government subsidises private schools. The cost is less than an adequate public educational system, but the result is social segregation. Children in private schools are more likely to get a better education and with that start in life are more likely to go on to university. We are short changing some of our children, but it is cheaper. We are creating two classes of Australians. Let Australian children of different backgrounds grow up together, learn together and work together.

The government subsidises private health insurance. The cost is less than an adequate public health system, but the result is those with less money have a shorter life expectancy.

One way to deal with the gap between revenue and services is by borrowing. That means that part of tax revenue goes for interest payments. Another way is to sell off assets. The consumer will pay more for those services, government will be deprived of the income and the gap will still be there when the temporary infusion of cash is used up.

The following is a solution:

1. Have those who wish to segregate and indoctrinate their children in private schools pay the full cost. Have education free, compulsory and secular as stated in the Queensland Education act of 1875. Provide such education at all levels so students can reach their full potential.

2. Have those who want private rooms and other extras not necessary for health care pay the full cost of the insurance. Make adequate health services including preventive medicine available to all Australians.

3. Sporting clubs, olympic venues and most other facilities not necessary for health, education, infrastructure, the environment or public security should be financed by those who use them.

4. Eliminate the GST which is a greater burden on the poor.

5. Have a graduated income tax sufficient to pay for public needs.

You are obviously a teacher david f, but what do you teach. It sure can't be math. With your scheme no one would have anything left after taxes.

I agree.
It is funny how it is all "user pays" with the rightards until it comes to private schooling or private health then its gimme gimme gimme.
A bit like how it is all "nanny state this and nanny state that" until they want to license cyclists or income manage the poor. Then its all "we know best" and "its for their own good".

The rich have had their taxes massively reduced in recent decades, not to mention their ongoing fraud and evasion of taxes, and to blame the resulting taxation shortfall on the poor and unwell and seek to wind back their meagre benefits just shows the evil, greed driven, spitefulness of the right and their followers.

Dear Hasbeen,

I taught mathematics, and my sense of number is quite good. Apparently an income tax adequate to pay for what we get is reasonable to me and too high for you. Like many others you want something for nothing.

Taxes would still be much lower than there are in Scandinavia because those governments provide more than the governments in most developed countries.

What I want david, is a whole lot less given to everyone, me included, so those who put in the effort prosper, rather than be ripped off to keep the idle in comfort.

As we now have governments being elected on their appeal to the bludgers, it is going to be grab what you can, before the self induced crash of bankruptcy.

Maggie Thatcher said it, & we are about to do it, run out of other peoples money that is.

Hasbeen, your argument is based upon the false premise that those who aren't rich are bludgers!