I hate the Tax Man, page-12

Anna,

I think it's part of the political system in that parties do what's needed for re-election with a 3-4 year view.

It's resulted in many poor policies and also in the lack of some policies (e.g. the second airport). Along with all that comes the lies from out leaders that told us years ago that the 1c petrol tax will be used to improve our roads which will lead to less accidents and saved lives. They also told us it will be a one off. That 1c became 2c and is now around half the price of petrol WOW. What a lie.

Recently they had a "one off" tax to fund the gun buy back. There was talk about making this "one-off" tax a recurring tax but the talk show programs put an end to that idea.

I'm sure the governments know the need for reform in many area but they just cannot do it without suffering massive voter backlash.

How so you tell single mums they will not the the single mother pension in future? I don't think a single women would vote for the goverment that did that. Is there a need to curtail such spending? A big Yes. Both financially and morally it makes plain sense. Politically it would spell disaster.

What to do with the education system? I don't mind providing free finance to students that is payable once you get to a certain income bracket provided that this isn't wound back.

One of our countries biggest assets is our tertiary education system and their R&D base. We need to back these to the hilt, if we do then Australia will benefit in the long term. Do it not, and we'll suffer in the future.

Innovation and commercialisation is the future NOT oil and coal. Middle eastern countries will see this in 50 years time. Lets not join them.