[LINK] Priorities [WAS: Battery back-up mandatory for NBN?]

[Stilgherrian]

On 07/11/2010, at 9:51 AM, David Boxall wrote:
> On 5/11/2010 11:36 AM, Bernard Robertson-Dunn wrote:
>> ... If we had $43b to spend only once, ...
> OK, _if_ we assume that $43 billion of taxpayer's money is to be spent 
> (which is not true), then dividing that figure by the population yields 
> approximately $2,000 per head. That is to be spent over eight years: 
> $250 per year. Which is about $5 per week or 70 cents per day.
> 
> Coupled with the fact that, as a nation, we have income rather than a 
> static fortune, does that bring the matter into perspective?

To add another perspective-providing figure, "A second economic stimulus package worth $47 billion was announced in February 2009. It comprises an infrastructure program worth $26 billion, $2.7 billion in small business tax breaks, and $12.7 billion for cash bonuses, including $950 for every Australian taxpayer who earned less than $80,000 during the 2007-8 financial year."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudd-Gillard_Government#Economy

I also recall seeing a figure the other day, but I can't remember where just now, that the tax cuts offered by Labor before this year's federal election were worth $50 billion on their own.

David's overall point is right, I'd say: that if we were offered a tax cut of $5 a week we'd call the government stingy.

Stil


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