Tax isn't the problem: Equity and Distribution is.

The mere word TAX can send some into a ranting fit but we cant forget the daily benefits that tax brings us. Free education, income support, health care, water and waste services, roads just to name a few.

Car tax isn't an altogether appalling idea but how should the money raised be spent?  Regional people need roads that are safe, safety programs for young drivers and more importantly we need money directed to a public transport system that will ensure that rising fuel costs do not further isolate us.

Rising fuel costs are not a thing of the past and as 'peak oil' comes into play we are in for some severe oil shocks. On average regional people pay more at the bowser and often private car travel is the only transport option available so there needs to be action to address regional inequity.

Talking to unemployed young people on the South Coast they cant afford to buy a car let alone fuel one and the transport options are so poor that getting to a place of higher education such as TAFE or University is impossible unless you can hitch a ride. At least with pensioners the option for community transport is available-  this service has seen a real rise in demand. When Shoalhaven City Council surveyed the needs of the city transport was the most mentioned service gap.

Simply if you can afford a large vehicle such as a 4x4 you should be able to afford more tax. 4x4s in particular use more fuel, put more pressure on ageing and failing roads and don't necessarily offer more safety. Most of the 4x4s I see are in the morning driven by mums dropping children at school and would rarely make it off road. Our family have two of these vehicles in our driveway- mine spends 80% of its time driving on a highway.

So if all the funds of a car tax were spent on improving Sydney's public transport system that would compound the distribution of wealth problems faced by regional dwellers. It could have a net benefit effect for the state, moving the most people in the most efficient manner- improving workplace productivity and take pressure of the roads- but tax needs to be about equity and we need to stop complaining about it and engage in constructive criticism of its distribution.
The axe the tax campaign is a typical reactionary position that we will see more of as the State Election campaign ramps up over the coming weeks, trying to win electoral favour without analysis of the deeper problem.

4x4s at work on the swings and roundabouts of tax, pay more, claim as a business expense- contribute less

Big Tax this; Big Tax that : The Rhetoric is Boring

I am sick of hearing Labour and Liberal hammering each other with their childish slogans on BIG NEW TAX'S and hoping that we are all taking enough notice to not vote for new tax in the upcoming federal election.

Guess what....... I LIKE TAX.......In fact I delviered my annual tax papers to the accountant and told her that I wanted to pay my fair share and not to go looking for any deductions that were a little bit marginal.

I like tax as it delivers to us, free hospital services, free schooling, income support, heavily subsidised public transport, a reasonable road network, foreign aid helping those in need, of course this list could go on and on. In short tax pays for things we need, use or want on a daily basis, without us all paying our share things would certainly be more grim.

Somehow I still manage to be on the sitting state Liberal members mailing list, who today invited me to sign a petition calling on the NSW State government to NOT put up car registration as it would deliver more public transport services to the city. Even though I am a country dwelling girl, I dont have a problem with improving City transport- the city must have more capacity to get people off the roads and less dependent on fossil fuel.

I wont be signing the petition.....maybe I should send her a letter instead.........

POWER SHIFT:Youth Climate Summit

Last nights council meeting saw unanimous support for my motion requesting funding for 2 youth delegates to attend the Power Shift:National Youth Climate Summit.

What was behind my actions?

Every year along with many other volunteers I attend World Environment Day at Ulladulla High School. the event is for year 7 and covers many aspects about the importance of our environment-my group focuses on biodiversity in plant life and how important plant life is in the web of life.

This year I attended the assembly to represent the Landcare group. Principal Tracey Provost gave an excellent talk on the challenges of climate change, Tracey made the statement 'that those who would make the greatest difference were in the room today'-Tracey meant the young people, but nearly 200 faces turned towards me, with expectant looks on their faces.

When I had time to reflect on this moment, I felt deeply ashamed that people of my generation-the so called Generation X are letting the Millennium Generation down when it comes to real action on climate change. We haven't been able to effectively lobby government to give us the tools we need to reduce carbon pollution- those tools include a Carbon Tax (not the useless version of CPRS currently being debated) a commitment to demand management, investment in energy savings technology and a move to renewable energy.

When I heard about Power Shift: National Youth Summit, I felt that sending delegate from the Shoalhaven was an excellent way to empower our Youth to help take control of the debate. Knowledge, skills and tools will be available for the delegates that attend, I hope that our Shoalhaven delegates come home as Climate Change leaders and help pull others along the path to action.

Thanks to the other Councillors who supported this small financial commitment that hopefully will have great benefit for helping empower the youth of Shoalhaven.