Release: Independent policy group announces 15 recommendations for government

One of Australia’s leading independent policy research organisations has today announced 15 detailed recommendations for the Federal Government.

The Australian Taxpayers’ Alliance outlined its top policy recommendations as a guide for federal election candidates in the lead up to the election.

The recommendations aim to increase equality, decrease financial burdens in low-income households and reduce the number of people in the prison system by decriminalising victimless crimes.

One recommendation calls for the fuel excise tax to be scrapped indefinitely.

“It is low income earners living further out who are often unable to use public transport and face lengthy daily commutes, so the fuel excise is another tax disproportionately harming blue collar Australians,” the report states.
”Removing the tax in its entirety will remove this inequity in our tax code.”

Another recommendation calls for the introduction of a publicly funded voucher system within public schools.

“It is unfair that (a child’s) academic endeavours could be hampered by a parent’s inability to afford the costs of private education,” the report states.

“The Federal Government should provide vouchers to gifted students at public institutions to attend a local private school.

“The average public school student costs the government $4,000 in annual fees which could fund a voucher for gifted students to subsidise the costs of attending the local private school.

“This initiative would be at no greater cost to the taxpayer and would ease the burden off the public school system which, in many areas, is unable to cope with the growing number of students.”

Australian Taxpayers’ Alliance Chief Operations Officer Gabe Buckley said every election cycle inspired promises of schemes and interventions from both sides of politics, all claiming to improve the lives of voters.

“All taxpayers wind up with are new taxes, new regulations and an ever-expanding bill to cover it all,” Mr Buckley said.

“Instead of promising to govern Australians harder than ever, perhaps the next government could ease back some of the red tape that is strangling ordinary Australians.”

Since 2011, the Australian Taxpayers’ Alliance has advocated for everyday Australians against everything from irresponsible to downright corrupt government moves.

The ATA is a grassroots advocacy group fighting for smaller government, more transparency and less bureaucracy.

FULL LIST: How to revive Australia with 15 simple policies