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Word power: Peter Martin on “normal” Australian incomes v “top end of town”

Are many Australians woefully ignorant of what income levels currently sit within reasonable definitions of “normal” and “top end?”

Are the leaders of both of our major political parties deliberately furthering our ignorance?

According to Peter Martin’s solidly evidence-based article, the answer to both questions is a resounding “yes”.

 

That most of us have little idea of what others earn suits those in charge when they propose tax cuts skewed to high earners.

They can con us that most of us will be better off, and those on high incomes can con themselves they are not already better off.

Immediately above are the final two sentences in Peter Martin’s essay, under the headline Other Australians earn nothing like what you think.

The essay cites Australian Tax Office statistics, released this week.

Martin provides ample evidence in support of his succinct essay’s headline and its conclusion.

Click here to read it.

Footnote:

I took the candid photo on the afternoon of 20 May 2021, whilst in a street through which I often walk…but in which I never shop.

King Street is Perth’s most “fashionable”/“exclusive”/“prestigious” shopping precinct.

It is the Perth “home” to Louis Vuitton, Chanel and other “magnets” for the moneyed-vacuous.

The “rough sleeper” was directly opposite the boutique whose “iconic”, “luxe”, “chic”, “heritage” brand’s founder’s name is mostly-associated with little black dresses and expensive perfumes.

Coco Chanel ought also be remembered as a ruthless opportunist who collaborated with Nazi invaders.

If that fact – and it is a fact – is new to you, click this.

Published in opinions and journalism photographs word power