Artificial intelligence not always so clever
Posted on 06 May 2024
The academic world is embracing the power of AI, but erosion of once trusted sources of information…
Posted on 03 Feb 2024
By Greg Thom, journalist, Institute of Community Directors Australia
The not-for-profit and charity sector has thrown its weight behind changes to the federal government's stage three tax cuts but says there is still more work to do to support financially struggling Australians.
The decision to revise the stage three tax cuts caused a political storm, with the Albanese government standing accused of breaking a major election promise.
The bold move will see 11.5 million Australian taxpayers better off but halves tax cuts for more than one million people earning more than $200,000 a year
– of whom about half still support a redesign of the proposed tax cuts, according to research from the Australia Institute.
While initially opposing the new tax plan and demanding Prime Minister Anthony Albanese go to an election for lying to the nation, in a major back-flip opposition leader Peter Dutton now says the coalition will wave the revised tax legislation through federal parliament.
Though controversial, the move to amend the tax package in the name of fairness was welcomed by not-for-profit and charity organisations who have been on the frontline of helping people hit hard by the cost-of-living crisis.
“We note that all wage earners will benefit and that the new schedule is no longer skewed upwards but focused on low and mid-level wage earners. These are the average Australians struggling with the high cost of food, electricity, rents and mortgages and other essentials. “People on average incomes will see a doubling of their tax benefit and this will help create a fairer Australia, which is the focus of our advocacy positions.”
“Without these amendments, the stage three tax cuts were set to supercharge inequality, further lining the pockets of Australia's wealthiest with another $9075 they did not need while offering nothing to those on the lowest incomes bearing the brunt of a cost-of-living crisis."
“With people on low and modest incomes facing a serious cost of living crisis, we had repeatedly urged the Albanese Government to not proceed with giving the most dollars to people on the highest incomes. The changes announced today are a better deal for people earning low, modest and middle incomes, including people earning under $45,000. “We are pleased the Albanese Government has listened to the community to make the package fairer.”
“We commend the decision to change course on the stage three tax cuts. This is an important step in making the Australian tax system more equitable. We hope it generates a sharper focus across the federal parliament on what can be done to reduce poverty and grow prosperity for all.”
“Australians are being given the false impression (by the Coalition) that they would be better off under the old package. That is simply not true. Instead of helping people cope, the original design of the tax cuts would leave behind the most disadvantaged part of the country. “This is a clear choice. The Opposition can support spending on the country’s wealthiest areas – or they can back changes that give cost-of-living relief to their constituents who actually need it.”
Posted on 06 May 2024
The academic world is embracing the power of AI, but erosion of once trusted sources of information…
Posted on 02 May 2024
A former drug addict and homeless man who turned his life around after volunteering at a Western…
Posted on 01 May 2024
Bridging the gulf between the diametrically opposed aims of the charity and not-for-profit sector…
Posted on 30 Apr 2024
The epidemic of violence against women will not end unless we all recognise that it is us, not…
Posted on 30 Apr 2024
Dinah Thomasset has turned her experience as a young mother struggling with postpartum depression…
Posted on 30 Apr 2024
As Australians take to the streets to demand more action to prevent violence against women, and a…
Posted on 30 Apr 2024
Australian volunteers are helping to alleviate “period poverty” in two of the poorest regions of…
Posted on 30 Apr 2024
The death of Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom and six of her colleagues killed when their convoy…
Posted on 30 Apr 2024
Billions of dollars in “secret” funding could be prised loose from federal and state government…
Posted on 24 Apr 2024
UPDATED: The nation’s top not-for-profit thinkers have summed up the big challenges for the sector…
Posted on 24 Apr 2024
A survey of more than 45,000 rental listings has revealed not a single dwelling would be affordable…
Posted on 24 Apr 2024
Even as a young girl, Adelaide’s Women’s and Children’s Hospital Foundation CEO Jane Scotcher knew…