Titanium Hand wrote:Did you see the papers this morning? $300 p/a tax going to be applied to every household in an attempt to finance the Fire fighters better. I'm one of the first to say my two bob about additional taxes, this one however seems really worthwhile, that is of course if the money ends up where it is supposed to go
I heard this last night on the news and I'm outraged.
Sorry TH, I have to disagree with you. It's a rort.
The present government axed millions off the RFS budget this financial year. Now (after a massive amount of bushfires that was being predicted as of last financial year) they want to tax everyone in the state to pay for the RFS and emergency services. Hypocrisy.
In reality, who generally are most affected by bush fires?
Rural people/communities and families. You don't generally get bushfires in Pitt St or at Kirribilli house.
Our brigade has at least one family member from every family in our small community.
A new tax doesn't replace lost stock and property. It won't matter if you're in the RFS, you'll still get taxed, ostensibly to fund your own volunteer work. A large percentage of the RFS don't get paid to fight fires, and depending where they work, might not get paid for taking the day off to do RFS duties either.
The RFS rely heavily on donations as well. There is a fear that an imposed tax will see those donations dry up.
History show that the NSW state 2 x 2 fuel tax doesn't go to roads like it's supposed too, or on a federal level, the medicare levy doesn't all go to health.
IMO a new tax simply further hurts those most affected.
Typical political stunt that will gain the support of the urban majority, therefore will be acceptable, but wrong. Given the population of Sydney, why should the inhabitants of that city pay (via tax) for a service or services they largely don't require? Sydney should be jumping up and down as well.
They need to remember they are elected officials...
Point taken