And who do we thank for the high salaries and perks
of the politicians? Including the payments our former
PMs receive for life, plus the offices, and family travel?

Foxy,
You tell us. When Howard left Office his salary was $296,000/year. When Rudd departed it was $508,000.
As far as all other public funded salaries go, you might want to tell us which non union pushed through the undeserved pay rates !

As far as Australian identity in terms of a fair go, I think this general summary is a reality of the past.

Yes, we have a decent social welfare system, but the immense advantage of wealth is becoming more evident as more Australians will struggle to own a house and find well paid employment, at least based on recent trends.

High pay for politicians and public servants is another symptom of much less equal times.

Individual,

According to the Courier Mail, and the Freedom of
Information Act John Howard's salary was $330,000 as
Prime Minister. Since retirement he has cost taxpayers
$1m. He has a lavish Sydney Harbour Office. He is costing
taxpayers MORE in retirement than he did while running the
country.

Australia's second longest-serving PM - commanded an annual
salary of $330,000 in the job. But in his first year he has
raked up $1 million bill at taxpayer's expense.

The bulk of the spending went into a lavish city office
overlooking Sydney harbour.

He spent $416.952 fitting out the office in Martin Place,
including $2,510 on furniture . Taxpayer's also paid for
a $1,180 TV and video system and $3,622 worth of office
equipment and $6082 for newspapers and periodicals.

Mr Howard charged $7,739 for mobile phone bills, $1,432 for
calls from a home phone, $1834 on office calls & $4,300 on
office security.

Australia's 5 living former PMs (at that time) submitted
expenses tallying 3 million in one year the figures showed.
But Mr Howard by far was the biggest spender. He spent like
there's no tomorrow.

He spent another - $21,361 on airfares, more than $21,600 on
cars, and more than 318,000 on private staff.

I'll stop here. And you have the gall to criticize the
vulnerable in our society who need help?

Foxy,

But on the positive side it was John Howard who told Australia that there is no class system in Australia.

Mr Opinion,

For him there wasn't.