Facepalm. Massive facepalm.
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It probably makes then feel like they are contributing in some way (as you point out, they aren’t really) and it allows people like red panda to grandstand about how beneficiaries are taxed and taxed again via GST.
35,000 people on ‘Jobseeker’ for more than one year when employers are crying out for workers.
Thanks for clarifying. As I said, I think it is ridiculous that benefits are taxed. It would be far better to make them tax free so that people get a little more in their pocket. That way, maybe (at least some) beneficiaries would be able to survive without needing additional emergency type payments.
As an example, taken from the WINZ website:
A single person over 18 on a supported living payment (health related)
Gross weekly payment = $443.73
Nett weekly payment = $384.92
Tax = $58.81/week
$58 is a significant amount. Enough for many people on that benefit to manage without having to ask WINZ for extra support via an emergency grant or whatever. $58 could be the difference between being able to put food on the table that week, or seeing a GP, or putting towards their power bill. It makes absolutely no sense to tax beneficiaries, then have to provide additional financial support, in order for them to survive.
Our government, whichever one, needs to start thinking outside the square.
Jones' prediction for election - 20 to 23 seats for Act.
https://nopunchespulled.com/2023/09/...irs/#more-5536