Tax cuts failing to prevent hardship

The Federal Government has introduced a new Education Tax Refund to help with the cost of books or a laptop but these payments will have only minimal benefit to those on low income and will not address the systemic issues surrounding public education.

Small tax cuts and one off payments are never going to deliver opportunities for low income families to take part in the Australian community and are a long way from creating an inclusive society touted by Julia Gillard and the Federal Government.

Rather than tinkering around the edges of tax policy, the government needs to make real its rhetoric and invest in the future, in education, transport, housing and other infrastructure. If the $31 billion promised in tax cuts was instead used for schools and hospitals, in the long term our children will be better served.

Through closer partnership with the community sector, the government can tap into vast wisdom and experience to help shape, implement and evaluate social policy designed to create a truly inclusive and prosperous society.

We can help by applying our learning’s to make sure all Australians have not only the economic means but also the skills and support they need to participate in their community. It can only lead to a stronger nation in the long run.

There are many domestic and world forces influencing the cost of living and the Australian Federal Government cannot control all of them. But it can and should ensure that all Australians are able to afford to participate fully in the community and contribute to the fabric that makes up this wonderful country.