Comments on: Australia Divided: Rich v Poor

By: Tony Papafilis

Tony Papafilis — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 10:00:00 +0000

Journalism & similar left wing occupations (public service, union officals, social science academia, teaching etc) are the last bastions of wealth envy. The working class, for whom you all seem to care so much, have accepted that life is as is - some are born to it, some make it and most get by well enough not to have reason to gripe. The working class has largely disappeared with the rise of incomes and standards of living acorss the board meaning most are reasobaly conmfortable in this blessed, peaceful society and don’t really care hom much the rich have. Pity the journos & others warped by their wealth envy but lets not forget the millions killed as a result of wealth envious teachers (Mao) & other c-grade intellects (Lenin, Stalin) taking charge.

By: Liam O'Sullivan

Liam O'Sullivan — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 10:00:00 +0000

Mr Papafilis I don’t think anyone was suggesting we drive Australia’s organisation into the hands of people like Mao or Stalin. But you cannot deny that the money spent on King’s could be better spent on other, struggling schools. Also the increase in poverty and homelessness is a disgrace! Surely a country which has experienced over ten years of economic prosperity should have reduced (not increased) these ugly statistics!

You’re only as good as your second serve.

By: greg

greg — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 10:00:00 +0000

Tony & John make a great comedy act- there is no poverty, excessive wealth is commendable, make sure you sh-t on anyone to get your nose in the trough, might is right money is god and Jesus John Howard made sure that everyone prospered under his reign of infinite love (of money) & compassion (for the rich & white). You blokes are a sure crack up & should put aside your ’ i WANT MORE MONEY’ careers and do comedy for News Ltd end of year parties, the Sydney Institutes Friday night nosh ups & a jaunt overseas at the American Enterprise Institutes famous ‘let’s neo-con the world’ soirees. you two are sure to be a (s)hit!

By: nic

nic — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 10:00:00 +0000

You allege that “$4.37 billion is spent yearly on non-government schools, more than universities and government schools receive.”. You have only included Federal Goverment funding, not State Government funding. Surely you should have factored that in? Is this slopply or a deliberate ommission?

By: Uncle Nic

Uncle Nic — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 10:00:00 +0000

Great article, however one point needs clarification - Private Schools in NSW do receive substantial government funding, however one more than any other receives up to $13million in subsidies annually -yes $13 million. The King’s School, like other private schools, may receive $2mil but this other school is selective, private and teaches fundamental religious studies. No, not Judeo nor Christian. The school is the state’s largest Islamic school the Malek Fahd Islamic School in Greenacre. (Source SMH a couple of months ago).

The point is moot but of all the subsidised schools all the selective schools it appears that the Malek Fahd Islamic School is the most selective yet the most subsidised. I have tried calling the school to see if they accept both Sunni and Shi’ite students but unfortunately the phone is always engaged.

My point is that the impending religious and ethnic divide will surpass the economic divide. I am a migrant myself and happily support all things Australian

By: Craig

Craig — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 10:00:00 +0000

Its difficult to work out which is the more offensive. The gross burden to the taxpayer of private schools or the complete lack of action on the issue by a newly elected mob intent on keeping the status quo when it comes to inequitable funding policies.

By: Anthony

Anthony — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 10:00:00 +0000

Will be the big divisive issue of the next 10 to 20 years. Those wihout are just not going to accept that they have ‘missed out’. A very large part of the community have no concept of rent problems and housing affordability, don’t want to know, and have no interest in sharing their wealth. No, it is not just hard work; a lot of wealth is inherited or just plain good luck as to where you are born or who your parents are. Many poor people work hard. Governments of all types support the wealthy sector with tax breaks and welfare The rich should start building their compounds and high fences; do we really think the ‘have nots’ are just going to accept it forever?

By: Rod

Rod — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 10:00:00 +0000

Dear Dara, can we get the figures right? According to the Productivity Commission (2008) all Australian Governments spent $22.6 billion on Government schools ($10,010 per student) and $6 billion on non-Government schools ($5,550 per student).

If you want to have a debate about funding of non-Government schools fine, but based on hard facts.

By: John James

John James — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 10:00:00 +0000

Your resident intern is being mentored well, given this left wing ‘Ode to Misery’. Under Howard all sections of the income distribution did very well and families with kids were helped with the tax benefits and baby bonuses.
Poverty is not growing in Australia despite the best efforts of the welfare industry to present otherwise. Earlier contributors have pointed to the misleading nature of including only Federal government money to private schools and omitting State government contributions, a regular device used by the quasi-socialists who hate anything not government controlled, especially schools.
I love Anthony’s comment about ” the rich should start building their compounds high…” Who said Marxism is dead? This guy’s got an MBA from Havanna University’s Business school. He’s probably president of his local Greenpeace Committee as well, same branch as Clive Hamilton.
If Clive and his boys have their way, then poverty will grow and quickly!