...business cannot expect subsidies from the Abbott Government. That interpretation would be credible if the Abbott Government were consistent in responding to industries’ pleas for assistance, but in its election campaign and its few months in office the Coalition has been sending mixed messages. Some industries, or even specific firms, are granted their wishes with little if any justification, while others are refused. The “free market” argument is being selectively invoked. Even before the election, Abbott promised favours to particular industries — most notably the coal and other carbon-intensive industries, which he plans to subsidise by removing the market discipline of a price on carbon. Then during the election campaign, Abbott promised $16 million for a chocolate factory. So, by some unrevealed principle, those who help people avoid tax in salary-sacrifice arrangements and those who live off commissions for doing nothing at all are worthy of assistance, while those who make cars and package fruit are unworthy.
Posted on: Mon, 03 Feb 2014 03:44:58 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015