I am sure all aussies are well aware of the devestation occuring with the Victorian Bushfires, and many people from other countries also. It has been the worst disaster Australia has ever seen and the death toll stands at 181 with 2000+ homes destroyed. Now that this has happened, myself and my friends all agree that the 10.4b rescue package should be diverted to the bushfire appeal instead. They certainly need it more than most aussies at the moment and it would go a long way for them. Given the tragedy and that it is money we wouldn't usually have anyway, what is everyone elses opinion on this? Would you be willing to give up the $900?
I think you will change your mind if unemployment reaches 20% because they diverted the stimulus package.
We've given 100 million already and hoping there's more on the way. I agree with live-cms_com. As devastating as it is, the stimulus package is to fix an altogether different problem. However, I'd like to see a different allocation of goverment funds to further help out the bushfire victims, as 1 commentator mentioned, the $100 million given freely by Aussies should at least be matched by the government. May I also say the kindness shown right now and victim fundraisers all over the place makes me very proud to be an Aussie right now.
Thanks for your input, its interesting to see different views. I agree that the government should atleast match the donations. But I do wonder how much this rescue package will really help, apparently a lot of the last payouts they made to families ($1000 per child) got wasted on pokies and alcohol.
Agreed, it probably did! - But that's what the dole bludgers do isn't it? I never got a cent last time and I won't get any of this next lot. I guess they must know what they're doing on that? I hate the fact we went from a 40 billion surplus to a 200 billion deficit within one year. I was impressed with Rudd & wanted him at the start (anyone but Howard) but now I really wonder wtf he's doing! I think it's the big business scammer policies that pushed prices way above actual worth in the first place and the economy is only falling to more realistic prices. Let it fall and let us keep the money we don't have. Rudd's using borrowed money to pay for this stimulus. As someone else said in another context, it's like using a credit card to buy more credit. Stuff making my kids pay for the banks to keep their massive profits.