We wanted war? We got it.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Funds not appropriated?
Three choices: (a) Deficit spending; (b) Budget cuts; (c) War tax.
(a) is out; deficit spending would make a laughing stock of this government and its rhetoric about fiscal responsibility.
(c) was dismissed by PM Abbott: When asked about ruling out a “war tax,” Abbott answered, “yes, I can.” (October).
That leaves (b) ... taking more money and opportunities from those who need them.
No more!
“We think we can afford it ... (it’s) a significant amount of money but ... we can manage these things.” (Abbott)
How?
Magic incantations will cause half-a-billion dollars to appear?
Aren’t we in a “budget crisis”?
Such lunacy!
Charge $7 for every medical visit, yet we can afford a war?
Jobseekers wait six months before claiming unemployment, yet we can pay $670,000 for each of 600 soldiers deployed to UAE? (ASPI via SMH)
This government has no mandate for this extra-curricular war; it’s a government prerogative, supported by the Opposition.
We have a moral responsibility to ensure it’s funded ... and the only way to achieve that is through a progressive war levy. Ensure everybody – excluding those serving on-site and their immediate families –pays it.
Call it a “levy” not a “tax,” and allow Abbott to save face.
We ignored previous wars in Afghanistan and Iraq because they were remote, because we had little involvement; it’s imperative we don’t ignore this war (or any future war).
A war levy hits our pocketbooks – we cannot ignore it; it will keep us from mortgaging the future of our children and grandchildren!
Judy Bamberger
ACT
* With apologies to Edwin Starr, Norman Whitfield and Barrett.