Reports coming out today of a 14 year old girl who is in a critical condition in the Royal Children's Hospital after falling off the back of a tram in Melbourne's east this morning.
And when i say this morning, i mean just in the morning. 12.30am.
Apparently the girl was riding on the back bumper of the tram on Burwood Highway, Burwood East with her friend, also a teenager.
Distressing as this surely is for the family and friends of the girl, id like to ask the following: How the hell are two teenage girls, one of them only 14, allowed to be out at 12.30am on a Friday night / Saturday Morning?
Do their parents have any idea of what they are doing with their lives?
I know when i was 14, if i was out this late at night by myself or with a friend, i would have got a swift kick up the rear and been grounded for a month. And that's not so long ago.
And before you think I'm singling these two girls out for special treatment, please go out on a Friday or Saturday night and see for yourselves how many young kids are out on the town.
Every train and tram is filled with groups of 13 and 14 year olds out late on the weekend. And you see them out on the streets, some of them wearing next to nothing.
Not all of them are drinking or up to no good, but they are loud, and for the most part, you would have to say that a 13 or 14 year old probably shouldn't be out after midnight without an adult.
What it means is that parents don't know, and probably don't care what their kids do with their lives. So busy are they pursuing their aspirational dream, they have forgotten what it is like to raise children.
Tragic as this accident is, let it be a lesson to parents to wake up to themselves and keep an eye on their kids.
But, as they say, you need to register to have a dog but anyone is allowed to have children.
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Midnight Oil Play One Country at Sound Relief MCG
It seems that the Midnight Oil mini comeback at the MCG on March 14 for the bushfire concert Sound Relief has just got a little better.
Oils drummer Rob Hirst has confirmed that they are considering playing the great anthem song, One Country.
Ive always considered One Country to be one of the best Midnight Oil tracks, a song that was a lesser known track from the Blue Sky Mining album of 1990. It was overshadowed by some great other tracks including the title song, King of the Mountain, Forgotten Years and Bedlam Bridge. Obviously a fantastic album.
But One Country is a great song about Australia. I hope that the Oils do play it at Soundrelief. Id like to see it being appreciated by a new audience, and perhaps being rediscovered by the old generation of Midnight Oil fans.
The latest reports on the Victorian Bushfires state that 209 people have been declared dead. In other words, authorities are confident that they have found the remains of that many people.
But how many are missing? Or, how many people can we reasonably expect to have died in the Victorian fires in early February?
Its the one question i just cant seem to see an answer to. And its really baffling.
Any major disaster event that occurs throughout the world, the media brings us two figures. Such an amount dead, and such an amount missing.
So where is the missing figure here? And is anyone requesting it?
It seems that the media were all to eager in the first week after the fires to provide regular updates to the growing death toll. In fact, it was almost their major story.
But surely in a country such as Australia, with sophisticated record keeping and proper checks and balances by government authorities on the ground, we should have been able to ascertain a figure of how many people are actually missing. Or at least an estimation.
I can understand that some of the victims are so badly burned and disfigured that identification will take some time.
But I'm thinking that it cant be too hard for authorities to release a figure which suggests how many people have been reported missing, by families, friends, neigbours and work colleagues.
The initial missing figure and the eventual final death toll will almost never correspond, but it would at least be nice to know or have an idea how many people may have died in the fires.
I'm not suggesting conspiracy, just a breakdown in media communications or an unwillingness of the authorities to cooperate.
A man suspected of deliberately lighting fires around the Churchill region in Victoria has been arrested this morning by the Police Taskforce Ignis.
The man is reported to be a Churchill local and is aged 39. Charges are expected to be laid.
At least 21 people died as a result of the bushfire in and around Churchill. That figure, however is expected to climb.
Firebugs in Victoria face stiff penalties, up to 25 years in jail for lighting a fire which results in death. However, further charges of Murder are also possible.
Firebug and Arson Laws in Victoria.
More to come.
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Nick Xenophon, holdout Senator from South Australia, and all round tool guy, has finally agreed to a deal on the $42 billion Rudd Government stimulus package, ensuring its passing through the Senate today.
Xenophon was holding out on his desire to see billions of dollars in spending brought forward for the Murray Darling Basin.
No word yet on what the Rudd Government had to pay for this ransom demand. It was surely an outrageous attempt by Xenophon to hold the government to ransom over something that should never have been tied to this much needed economic stimulus package.
The Greens could deal. Hell, even Steve Fielding could negotiate successfully.
It looks like Nick Xenopohpn still has a bit to learn. At the very least, he may have avoided some of the political backlash which should now return to Malcolm Turnbull and the Liberals/Nationals who have opposed this package from the beginning.
The passing of this package means that it is likely that Australian workers will be getting their $900 in March or April. Don't forget that you must have lodged your 2007-2008 tax return bu June 30 this year in order to be eligible for the $900 handout.
Pity that the Senate had to sit on a Friday because of Xenophon's recalcitrance. Imagine how much extra that has cost the Commonwealth. More money which could have gone to the bushfire victims in Victoria. Good one Nick.
In perhaps the biggest act of political bravery ever witnessed, Nick Xenophon, Senator from South Australia is intending to block the package that would give Australian taxpayers and families their $900 handout.
Yes, Nick Xenophon, or "Nick the Dick" as he is known in Labor circles at the moment, has decided to selflessly throw himself in front of the bullet that was fast approaching Malcolm Turnbull. Its a Clint Eastwood "In the Line of Fire" moment - minus the protective vest.
If you thought you would only see one Meg Lees moment in your lifetime, think again.
Earlier in the day, The Greens agreed to support the package, albeit with a reduction in the $950 handout to $900.
Now Nick the Dick is demanding more money for the Murray Darling Basin. Important issue, no doubt. Just not the time for it Nick.
So any South Australians out there - you elected this tosser. Nick the Stuntman, Nick the anti gambling crusader, Nick the Media Tart, Nick the Dick. Please - you gave us Meg Lees, don't give us another Nick Xenophon.
It looks like the $950 handout from the Rudd Government to taxpayers and families is set to be cut to just $900, thanks to the Independent Senators and the Greens. The Turnbull led Liberals and Nationals want to give you nothing, so they are opposing the Rudd plan outright.
So that's right folks, the groups who always say you should get more money, the Greens, Steve Fielding and Nick Xenophon are taking $50 out of your hands.
UPDATE on Payment Dates from ATO
This will leave some families a few hundred dollars worse off. And it still takes $50 out of my pocket too. The Government was forced to make the changes, or the whole package was at risk.
Thanks Bob Brown and your band of greens. Thanks Nick Xenophon, one issue gambling crusader. And Steve Fielding, well, i saw you talk in the Senate yesterday, you are just a nutter. So much for Family First.
The Senate is due to vote on the amended package by midnight tonight.
Are you eligible for the Payment?
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Pastor Danny Nalliah of the Catch the Fire Ministries has linked the tragic bushfires to the Abortion laws which passed the State Parliament recently.
Apparently, the deaths of up to 300 people is God's way of paying Victoria back for the decision of a few legislators from the Parliament. Divine retribution.
Ive never been one to condone hate crimes, but if anyone wants to stick a big hot red poker up the arse of Danny Nalliah, I'm happy to come along and video it. I'll even post it to this site.
No judge is his or her right mind would convict anyone for doing that to someone i am happy to call a CUNT. And anyway, your defence can be that God made you do it.
Am i inciting violence by calling for Danny Nalliah to have a hot poker up his arse? Probably, but theres no shame in that. Die Danny Nalliah, Die. If there is a God, he hates you.
It has just been reported by Network 7 that Veteran Channel Nine newsreader, Brian Naylor and his wife are missing and feared dead in the fires that have consumed Victoria. Naylor and his wife Moiree live in Kinglake, which has been all but decimated by the fires.
9.50pm UPDATE: It has been reported on 3AW that very sadly, Brian Naylor and His Wife Moiree have been confirmed dead. May they and all the other Victorians who have lost their lives in these bushfires rest in peace. They will be remembered.
If you live in Victoria and think you haven't been touched by the bushfires, this news will change that. Anyone over the age of 20 in Victoria will have grown up watching Brian Naylor bring us the news, firstly on Channel 7 from 1970 to 1978, then Channel 9 until 1998. We should all remember the famous "Brian Told Me" promos as well as his memorable send off, "May your news be good news."
Brian Naylor's 6pm news was consistently the leading news program. He is dearly loved by all Victorians. In addition, Naylor is remembered for hosting carols by candlelight on many occasions, having his own documentary series and being involved in many charities. Naylor was also Victorian Father of the Year in 1998.
UPDATE: Sadly, Nine News have confirmed that the body of Brian Naylor's wife Moiree has been found in their home in Kinglake.
More to follow...
The following are the maximum penalties that apply to fire crimes in Victoria, Australia. I of course have my own radical way of dealing with firebugs and arsonists.
In the meantime, before the legislation is changed, these penalties will apply to the firebug criminals who commit these terrible acts:
Crimes Act 1958 197
Destroying or damaging property.
Intentionally and without lawful excuse destroying or damaging property by fire (arson), whether or not intending to endanger the life another, and whether or not with a view to dishonestly gaining
15 years
Crimes Act 1958 197A
Arson causing death
Committing arson as defined in section 197 and thereby causing the death of another person
25 years
Crimes Act 1958 198
Threats to destroy or damage property
Without lawful excuse making, for the purpose of causing fear, a threat to destroy or damage property belonging to another, or his or her own property in a way which the offender knows or believes will endanger the life of the victim or a third person
5 years
Crimes Act 1958 201A
Intentionally or recklessly causing a bushfire
Intentionally or recklessly causing a fire, and being reckless as to the spread of the fire to vegetation on property belong to another
15 years
Country Fire Authority Act 1958 39C
Causing fire in a country area with intent to cause damage etc. an indictable offence
On any land in country Victoria, doing any act causing a fire or for the purpose of causing a fire with intent to destroy any vegetation, produce, stock, crop, fodder or property belonging to another
12 months to 20 years
This is certainly a tragic day for Australia. Fires burning out of control over the last 24 hours across the state of Victoria have so far claimed at least 35 lives. And that figure may get much larger. My heart goes out to all the families who have lost so much.
But this terrible tragedy is heightened by the fact that authorities believe firebugs are responsible for some of the blazes that have caused such massive devastation and loss.
If it is confirmed that these fires were deliberately lit, it is nothing short of mass murder. And the perpetrators, if caught should face absolute penalties from the law.
Victoria already has some of the toughest laws in the world for dealing with arsonists, up to 15 years for arson, and up to 25 years in jail for lighting a fire that causes death. These firebug laws probably need to be stronger.
I'm not usually in favor of retrospective legislation. But in this case, I'm all for it.
Its time to make these laws even stronger. But in saying that, even a 25 year penalty hasn't seemed to be an effective deterrent against firebugs.
Id propose to go one step further. I suggest that firebugs, if convicted, should be castrated.
These guys, and for the most part I'm sure they are men, think they have balls when they commit these terrible crimes. Well lets prove them wrong.
Let them go to the "pound me in the ass prison" without their balls. That's right, lets lop off their nuts. Or better still, burn them off with a bloody hot poker.
Id be happy to do it myself, but I'm sure there would be long line of people willing to perform the act of castration. These thugs, these losers are nothing short of murderers, and minus any capital punishment laws in Australia, something needs to be done to ensure these tragedies don't happen again.
This is the audio that has just been released between Captain Chesley Sullenberger and the control tower at La Guardia Airport after the US Airways Jet was struck by birds and had to land in the Hudson River.
What amazes me is just how calm Captain Sullenberger is. No panic, just controlled. I still continue to be amazed by this story.
Yesterday i indicated my belief that the writing is on the wall for Malcolm Turnbull, and the path has been set for Peter Costello to become Leader of the Opposition.
Seems Facebook users agree at least on the stance of Turnbull in opposing the Rudd Government's economic stimulus package, and with it the $950 to Australian workers and families.
A group has been set up in Facebook by Matt Dixon called "Come on Turnbull, don't take away my $950 bucks".
At this moment, the group has over 10,000 members and counting. And the group has only been going for 24 hours.
The decision by Turnbull and the Liberals to oppose the package will be the death of his leadership. All the Premiers support the $42 billion plan, and the public are looking forward to their handouts. I cant see any upside for Turnbull.
Go and join the Facebook group - voice your opposition to Turnbull and his Liberal colleagues. Just don't forget, that when Costello takes the leadership, he is also stood firmly against this package.
4 Feb, 2009. After his worst day since taking the Leadership of the Liberal Party and the Coalition from Brendan Nelson, I'm happy to report that it is over for Malcolm Turnbull.
Not officially of course, its just my prediction. But if there was a day or an event that started the ball rolling on the demise of Turnbull's leadership, it was certainly today.
Opposing Rudd's $42 billion economic strategy is just bad politics. For whatever his economic philosophy, and we are yet to see what that might be, voters out there in the burbs will punish Turnbull in the polls. Remember, even if he doesnt succeed in blocking this package in the Parliament, voters will remember that Turnbull tried to stop them getting at the very least $950 from the Government. In some cases, he would be denying families thousands of dollars.
This is much worse that Kim Beazley's decision to oppose tax cuts a few years back. Even then, Beazley and Labor were only opposing because the cuts weren't high enough for low and middle income earners. From memory they were seeking higher tax cuts.
So have a think about how voters will view a total rejection of potentially thousands of dollars to their household budget.
I have just watched Turnbull on the 7.30 Report with Kerry O'Brien. It was truly a woeful performance. In fact, it was almost as bad as Ive seen any politician. I'm sure that teenage party host Corey Worthington would have done a better job.
So lets wait for the next Newspoll. If it doesn't show Turnbull dropping significantly in his approval rating, id be astounded.
That leaves us with Peter Costello, author, commentator and former Treasurer. Oh, and a man without "any bottle" as one politician has described him.
Costello has yet to declare his hand on whether he will run again for the seat of Higgins. But he probably will. And if he can summon up enough courage, he might even contest the leadership against Turnbull. And after the continual poor performance of Turnbull, he will certainly have the numbers.
But Costello will be opportunistic. He will be waiting to see if the polls turn around on Labor. He's not going to go into a fight if he isn't an even chance of winning. We saw that in 2007 when he had a chance to knock off Howard.
And if the polls stay high for Labor, its anyone's guess who the next Liberal leader will be. After Costello, my money is on Joe Hockey. He's much more friendly than the snarling Julie Bishop.
Either way, it will be a slow burn for Turnbull over the next few months. Bad poll after bad poll. And once the speculation on the leadership issue starts, the press rarely stops. We've seen it all before.
Farewell Malcom Turnbull - I'll take my opportunity to say goodbye while i have the chance.
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Looks like Malcom Turnbull and his band of merry men and women from the Liberals and Nationals are set to oppose the Rudd Government's 42 billion dollar stimulus package. And with that obviously means that the $950 handout you thought you were getting in March and April might not come just yet. Yes, your $950 payment could be delayed.
Kevin Rudd was hoping to get the legislation through Parliament this week. By doing so, it would have ensured that the $950 handouts would come quickly, and the infrastructure spending would get started straight away.
But thanks to Malcolm Turnbull, that may not happen. It has been confirmed that the Liberals and Nationals will vote against the package in the House and the Senate.
That means that the Government will have to negotiate with the Greens, Steve Fielding and Nick Xenophon in order to get the package through. And given they always seem to want something for their vote, you can bet that there is a real chance that this package will face delay.
That means the $950 that many of you had budgeted for, allocated to bills, new tvs, poker machines...well, time to budget again. Sorry Crown Casino and JB Hi Fi.
It seems Malcolm Turnbull still hasn't come up with any economic policy for the future. Its all glib statements, without any substance. And that's when he sticks to the one position for more than 24 hours.
Its easy enough for rest of us to see that Peter Costello is sitting on the sidelines waiting to pounce. His regular opinion editorials in the newspapers are some proof of this. But his commentary on ABC Lateline last night was perhaps the biggest example of why Costello still has an interest in the top job. More on that later.
I have said that even though I'm happy to take the $950, i disagree with the volume of the handouts in this package. But the level of infrastructure spending is probably appropriate. I might have chosen some other projects which are in need, namely health and hospitals, but for the most part, I'm happy.
What is obvious to all observers, particularly economists, is that a rescue package or economic stimulus is essential for Australia.
It's time that Turnbull and his Liberal and National colleagues recognised this. The benefit to you in all of this, is that your kids will get better facilities at their schools, your houses will be insulated, and in the short term, you will get your $950.
Remember, if its up to Turnbull, you may never see a cent.
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Yes, when it comes to young single mothers, the $950 payment is truly an example of handouts gone mad. And before you start getting your back up, I'm not talking about genuine single parents, those that do make an effort in life to get ahead.
I am referring to those who don't know how to work, who gladly receive a parenting payment pension from the Government. Without wanting to sound like a current affairs show, or a nasty talk back radio host, i know that many single mothers are abusing the system.
So when I hear that the Rudd Government are going to give them more money, and extra $950 per child in school, it makes me truly irate. Now i not going to rabbit on - I'm just going to give you one example of how much a single mother actually gets on the pension.
Lets take a single mother, 3 kids in primary school, not working. Not an unlikely scenario.
Note: These are the updated rates, effective March 2009
The fortnightly parenting payment is $569.80.
Family Tax Benefit Part A is $151.34 per fortnight, payable per child
Supplement per year, per child, Family Tax Benefit Part A, $688.20
Family Tax Benefit Part B is $89.74 per fortnight
Supplement Family Tax Benefit B, $335.80
Rent Assistance per fortnight, $147.56
Pharmaceutical Allowance of $6 per fortnight
Telephone Allowance of $92 per year
Ok, lets take all that and calculate it to represent a weekly salary.
And drumroll please. The Weekly salary, TAX FREE, for a single mother, with 3 kids in primary school is: $678
That's the equivalent of an After Tax salary of over $35,000. Or a before tax salary somewhere in the early to mid $40,000s.
But wait, there's more. If the single mother of the child is receiving child support from her former partner, or as is sometimes the case, partners, then she can be earning a whole lot more. In fact, she will be able to receive up to $2153 per year in child support or maintenance without having her Family Tax Benefit Part A reduced.
And if she does get more than this in maintenance, the Family Tax Benefit Part A only gets reduced by 50 cents for every dollar received over this amount.
Yet there's even more. This mother, if she so chose, (which of course is doubtful) can earn up to $212 per fortnight without her pension being affected.
So if the mother got only a moderate amount of child support, say to the threshold level, and worked 4 or 5 hours a week, the weekly, mostly tax free earnings would be around $860.
But why work at all? That's right, most of them don't.
So when the Rudd Government gives them more handouts, in this case $950 per child in school, you have to scratch your head in wonder. This comes just 3 months after they also received about $1000 per child in the last handouts.
We know that sales of TV's went up after that payment. We know that gambling revenue increased. We know that a lot of that money has been wasted.
Its time to stop the handouts to those who don't deserve them. I put most single mothers receiving the parenting payment in this category. They don't work and they don't want to. And it is people like you and me, regular taxpayers who are funding their lifestyle.
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As far as i can tell, there is no new money for pensioners and self funded retirees in the latest economic stimulus package from Kevin Rudd and his Government. So that's right, I'm almost sure that seniors wont get any $950 bonus handout from the government.
That is, unless some of them worked and paid tax in the 2007-2008 financial year.
And that, at least is some good news. No more handouts for pensioners i say, and no increase to the pension.
However, don't despair pensioners, the Treasurer Wayne Swan has also put out a press release today, emphasising the pension review, the results of which will be released by the end of February.
But stay tuned for the whingeing, complaining pensioners and self funded retirees over the next few days. They will be on all the current affairs and radio talk back shows. Mark my words.
In addition of course, they will have all been hit by the reduction in interest rates today by 100 basis points. A full 1% drop in interest rates cant do much for those without a mortgage but lots in savings.
But don't stress oldies - remember that prices are coming down - you cant really be under as much financial pressure as you said you were 6 months ago. And lets also not forget that in December a pensioner or self funded couple received $2100 from the Rudd Government. Not bad hey?
A section of Wayne Swan's Press release on Pensioners:
Long Term Reform
The Government recognises that comprehensive reform of Australia's pension system is needed.
In May, the Government announced an investigation into measures to strengthen the financial security of seniors, carers and people with disability as part of its broader inquiry into Australia's Future Tax System.
The Pension Review will include an examination of the appropriate levels of income support and the structure and payment of concessions, allowances and other entitlements. The review will hand down its findings to the Government by the end of February 2009.
The Government remains committed to comprehensive reform of Australia's pension and retirement income system. The final shape of pension reform will be detailed in the upcoming budget.
In addition to the $950 bonus handout per worker, families will get a whole lot more, becoming the biggest winners in the $42 billion economic rescue package delivered today by Kevin Rudd and his Government.
The Single Income Family Bonus gives an extra $950 per family, where one parent works full time, and the other is a stay at home parent with or without some part time work.
In addition to that payment, if the family has school age children, then its yet another $950 per child. So a family with 3 kids in school, with one parent working full time, and the other in part time or casual employment, could expect to receive a payment of $4,750.
And that's just incredible. Its as big as a second division win in Tattslotto. Seriously.
Of course, there are only so many plasma and LCD screens that any one family can fit in a house, so perhaps the money could go toward renovations to create some more room for to buy more televisions in the next handout package.
I'm staggered by the amount of money families receive in handouts.
This from Wayne Swan:
The Government is providing additional financial assistance to families who rely one main income earner. This includes, sole parent families and two-parent families where one parent chooses to stay at home or balance some paid work with caring for children.
The Bonus will be a one-off payment of $950 per family to every family entitled to Family Tax Benefit Part B (FTB-B), irrespective of the number of children. The one-off payment will be made in the fortnight commencing 11 March 2009 for families who receive their family assistance as fortnightly instalments.
Who will this payment assist?
It is expected that around 1� million families entitled to FTB-B on 3 February 2009 will benefit from the Single-Income Family Bonus.
How much is the payment?
The payment is $950 for each eligible family. It will not be taxable or included for social security income-testing purposes.
When and how will it be paid?
The one-off Bonus will be automatically paid by Centrelink in the fortnight commencing 11 March 2009 for families who receive their family assistance as fortnightly instalments, or as soon as practicable thereafter.
For families who receive their family payments as a lump sum at the end of the financial year, the one-off payment will be made with the rest of their FTB-B payment. The timing of these payments will depend on when families claim.
Some families will also benefit from the Tax Bonus for Working Australians, why are additional payments being made to these families?
A payment to FTB-B entitled families will provide additional support to families who rely on one main income earner. Dual income households with similar incomes will generally receive the benefit of two Tax Bonuses.
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Ah, finally i have come across the following. Its the fact sheet from the Treasurer's office, and it should be clear on who receives the $950 bonus for taxpayers. Well, mostly clear on who is eligible for the $950.
Note that you must lodge your 2007-2008 tax return by June 30 of this year. Most people will have already done this. I'm just a little curious on the line "Australian individuals...who have a net tax liability." I'm not totally familiar with tax issues, so any comments on this would be appreciated.
UPDATE on Payment Dates from ATO
(12 Feb Update, Bonus Cut Back to $900 by Senate)
$950 Tax Bonus for Working Australians
The Government will provide eligible taxpayers with a tax bonus payment of up to $950.
The bonus will be available to Australian resident taxpayers who paid net tax in the 2007-08 financial year.
Taxpayers will not need to apply for the payment. The Australian Taxation Office will make the payment to taxpayers after determining eligibility for the 2007-08 financial year.
Taxpayers must lodge their tax returns for the 2007-08 financial year by 30 June 2009 to be eligible.
This measure will benefit around 8.7 million taxpayers.
Questions and Answers
Who will be assisted?
Australian individuals who are residents for taxation purposes who have a net tax liability after considering their:
tax payable;
Medicare levy and Medicare levy surcharge;
less any offsets or imputation credits they received for the year.
The amounts of these elements are set out in the taxpayer's Notice of Assessment.
How much is the bonus?
A $950 bonus will be paid to taxpayers with taxable income up to and including $80,000.
A $650 bonus will be paid to taxpayers with income exceeding $80,000 to $90,000.
A $300 bonus will be paid to taxpayers with income exceeding $90,000 to and including $100,000.
When and how will it be paid?
Payments will begin being made from early April 2009 for those who have lodged a 2007-08 tax return.
Taxpayers will not need to apply for the payment. The Australian Taxation Office will make the payment to taxpayers after determining eligibility for the 2007-08 financial year. The vast majority of taxpayers have already lodged their tax returns.
Taxpayers who have not already lodged their 2007-08 income tax return should do so by the end of June 2009 to obtain the bonus.
The bonus will be a direct payment to taxpayers including through electronic transfer or cheque. The bonus will not be used to offset a taxpayer's tax liability.
Ok, some further information on the Tax Bonus for Working Australians as part of the Rudd Government's $42 billion stimulus package for the economy.
This is a statement from Treasurer Wayne Swan regarding the bonus. Im still trying to work out what it means to be eligible. Ie, will the worker have to be employed in a PAYE job for a set period, or say a set fortnight. Or do they just have to have been a taxpayer in the current financial year. This is obviously important for part timers, casuals, those in between employment or on extended leave.
Seems you don't have to do anything, the Australian Tax Office will organise it all for you, and perhaps you will receive a cheque in the mail. That would be nice...
UPDATE on Payment Dates from ATO
Update (Criteria for Payment of the $950)
From Wayne Swan:
Tax Bonus for Working Australians
The Government will provide an up-front, lump-sum tax bonus of up to $950 to around 8.7 million Australian workers earning $100,000 or less.
A lump-sum payment of up to $950 will be made to eligible taxpayers from April 2009. The bonus will be available to Australian resident taxpayers who paid tax in the 2007-08 financial year after taking into account available tax offsets and credits.
The bonus is subject to an income threshold test which determines that a:
• $950 bonus will be paid to eligible taxpayers with a taxable income of up to and including $80,000;
• $650 bonus will paid to eligible taxpayers with taxable incomes exceeding $80,000 and up to $90,000; and
• $300 bonus will be paid to eligible taxpayers with incomes exceeding $90,000 up to and including $100,000.
Taxpayers will not need to apply for the payment. The Australian Taxation Office will automatically make the payment after determining eligibility.
There is still some uncertainly about who is eligible to receive the handout of $950 from the Rudd Government's latest $42 billion stimulus package. It appears that it is every Australian worker, but we need to be sure that includes part time and casuals as well.
This is the section of the press statement from Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, note the use of the word "eligible". We will try to seek some more information on who is and isnt eligible to receive the $950 payment.
UPDATE on Payment Dates from ATO
(Update, Criteria for Payment of Rudd's $950),
12 feb Update, Bonus reduced to $900 by Greens, Independent Senators
Immediate Stimulus to Support Jobs and Economic Growth
Targeted bonuses to low and middle income households will provide an immediate stimulus to the economy and support Australian jobs. In conjunction with the payments delivered as part of the $10.4 billion Economic Security Strategy announced in October, these measures have been designed to assist those groups most affected by the flow-on effects of the global recession.
The five one off cash bonuses includes in today’s plan are the:
Tax Bonus for Working Australians of up to $950 paid to every eligible Australian worker earning $100,000 or less. This will support up to 8.7 million individuals.
$950 Single Income Family Bonus to support 1.5 million families with one main income earner.
$950 Farmers' Hardship Bonus paid to around 21,500 drought affected farmers and farm dependent small business owners receiving exceptional circumstances related income support.
$950 per child Back to School Bonus to support 2.8 million children from low- and middle-income families.
$950 Training and Learning Bonus paid to students and people outside of the workforce returning to study to help with the costs of education and training.
The $42 billion Nation Building and Jobs Plan builds on the stimulus measures already in place to support economic activity and jobs.
Stimulus measures already implemented by the Rudd Government include the $10.4 billion Economic Security Strategy, the $300 million program to build local community infrastructure, the $15.2 billion COAG funding package and the Nation Building Package announced in December 2008.
As part of the Kevin Rudd Government's $42 billion stimulus package is this little gem. $12.7 billion for immediate payments of $950 to every working Australian, be they single or a household.
The definition is apparently that anyone earning under $100,000 is eligible for the payment. This also applies to farmers experiencing hardship.
UPDATE on Payment Dates from ATO
That's great, finally some money for the singles in Australia. But wait for the kicker.
Families get $950 extra for every child in school. More bloody money for families. And its middle class welfare gone mad again.
This comes after the $1000 odd dollars they got per child in December. Wow.
I'm actually pleased with the package for the most part - good spending on infrastructure, in schools and in insulating homes to reduce carbon emissions in the long term.
But i really am against cash handouts - they are a short term fix and they solidify the welfare state mindset that exists in Australia.
I'll take my $950, thanks - its a small downpayment on the money i am owed for supporting families over the last few years. But lets stop more handouts. Its unfair and its not good economics.
(Update - Who is Eligible for the $950 payment to Working Australians)
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About Just Grumpy
