Things I've noticed - am I right?

Most road funding is state based - with commonwealth usually involved with special projects and national highways, I believe.

I wonder if the TAFE thing is cos education is state based?

I would think a national auditing body would only be logical, though - but then there would be squabbling about which state got it!

Minimum wage requirements are not the same everywhere. NSW is by far the most expensive state to live in. Take a trip to Queensland and watch the fuel price drop dramatically as soon as you cross the border.

Apols - my last post referred to minimum wages needing to be different in Sydney, Perth and Katherine because of the difference in living costs. My point being that to live in Perth or wherever will cost the same whether you are sweeping the streets or serving burgers or selling newspapers.

Don't know about regional centres but as far as the state capitals, there is a difference. Sydney is dearest followed by Melbourne. Perth and Brisbane are about equal, then comes Adelaide. It is mostly caused by differences in the cost of accomodation and state taxes.

Them Taxes sound pretty rough. Can anyone tell me what costs are there compared to the U.S.?

Fuel is roughly $3.40 a gallon.

Admittedly, our minimum wage is about double what it is in the US.

thanks wilso, you read my mind. i was just going to ask about wages, considering the high taxes.

I'm a tradesman, and I certainly make a far better living than I could doing the same thing in the US. I know this, because I've checked.

Interesting, thanks.

G'day Imapom, and welcome to A2K, from one of the delinquent (and slow-learning) Aussies!

It is expensive to live here, but we do have a nice life. I live better here than my equivalent in England. (can't say about US!)

The cost of living is not the same everywhere - it's much more in Sydney - and that's generated by housing costs. They affect the price of everything you buy. I'd guess that further inland, while housing costs are cheaper, transport if a greater factor in the cost of things.

<pueo - I saw your post!>

AND - we get at least 4 weeks' annual leave a year!
Yabba dabba!!!

The taxes may be high, but the men are stunning !

'strue - and gay! (at least in Sydney!)

Thanks for the welcome, Margo.

I've been here long enough now to appreciate the difference between cities and the influences within Sydney



Oh yes, used to live just off King Street, Newtown - not quite Oxford Street but pretty close!!

Imapom,

Perhaps some of the things you have noticed are impressions only.

Tax myths and facts


There are many myths about tax in Australia.

Myth 1: Australia is a high taxing country.

Fact: Among the 30 wealthiest countries, the overall level of tax collected in Australia, by all levels of Government, was the sixth lowest in proportion to Gross Domestic Product in 2001.

Myth 2: Average Australian workers face high income tax rates.

Fact: A worker on an average full time wage pays a lower proportion of their overall income in income tax than a similar worker in the United States, which many people here describe as a low tax country. Federal income tax rates are lower in the US, but workers also have to pay state income taxes and employee social security taxes.21Source: OECD (2002) Revenue Statistics. See also ACOSS (2002), Taxation in Australia: home truths and international comparisons. ACOSS Info No 347. 2Source: OECD (2003) Taxing wages. In 2001 average US production workers paid 25% of their income in income taxes, compared with 23% in Australia. This overall tax rate is lower than their marginal tax rate (30% in Australia) because the first $6,000 of earnings is not taxed.

Myth 3: The marginal tax rates on high income earners discourage them from working.

Fact: There is not a single credible piece of research to prove this claim. The Australians who are really discouraged from working are mothers in low and middle income families. They are discouraged by the high cost of day care, and income tests in the family payment system that claw back much more of their earnings than the 48% paid in tax by a high income earner. In fact, 20% of married mothers and 50% of sole parents face overall marginal tax rates of more than 60% on their earnings because of these income tests, and the tax they pay.

Gozmo - cheers for the info. Compared to my tax level in the UK, I pay more tax here. Its not an illusion, my last tax return told me so. And the discussion about tax has stemmed from my original comment regarding the level of beaurocracy here. So, would less beaurocracy require less cash to keep it going?

I tend to agree with your reasoning for Myth 3 - the tax brackets could be much more helpful to lower income levels. Lets face it - $6000 tax free ain't a lot. And also the extra tax payable at the top end, whilst a lot, is not enough to stop people. Though I have to say I'm not impressed with the Medicare levy above $100k - what's that all about? My unimpressedness stems from the fact that if I pay that, I still cannot make full use of Medicare for two full years as an immigrant - the Govt takes my cash and I really do see nothing for it. That grates.

I've got some other observations, but I'll save them for later.

Well, enough negative nonsense - there is still enough going here to keep me in the country - whether that's something to be celebrated depends on your point of view...

Tell us a bit about yourself and we'll take a vote! What are you adding to the Aussie A2K contingent?


g'day Gozmo - long time, no see!

The gauntlet hits the floor!!

It's a fair point - what am I doing here? Came from the UK travelling, with my wife, and just kinda stayed. The lifestyle is something we can't see ourselves getting bored of. Its not a case of the grass being greener here, its just a different flavour.

I'm part of the beaurocracy - working for a local council, but that's been my working background. It's also part of my work ethic - I've worked for a consultancy, and employed consultants, and got little satisfaction from it

What do I add to the A2K contingent - not sure. I'm a science-based person, but enjoy a good argument, about pretty much anything! It might sound strange, after reading the start of this topic, but I'll always stand up for where I live, as long as someone can help me with understanding the black marks, so count me in if you need back up!

Feel free to ask me anything, and to make any comment - I'll always try to answer.

Cheers.

OK - hands up!

Do we want this class of person hanging around here????

Hello Margo,

Was not ignoring you but had a bridge fest at the weekend and no time. I am often here but read more than I write. I think Imapom should stay at A2K no matter where he chooses to live.

Welcome Imapom. I have not intended being negative. I posted the above to challenge the profligacy of popular myth rather than any comment you made.

English born are so numerous here we have all met poms of every kind. I would willingly pay the ten quid to send some back but they would not include my wife and many in-laws. I would dearly love my natural sister to move back from England but appreciate that she likes her life in London despite some issues.

Speaking of issues. Will you please note the correct spelling is bureaucracy.