Anglicare North Queensland wants government overhaul of tax policies driving inequality

Anglicare North Queensland has issued a strong call for a government overhaul of tax policies, which it claims are not only failing to reduce inequality but are actively driving it. Read their proposed solutions.

Anglicare NQ chief executive Liz Colahan has drawn attention to the tax policies driving inequality and homelessness in the community. Picture: Supplied.

On the frontline supporting our most vulnerable people, Anglicare North Queensland has called for a government overhaul of tax policies, which are not just failing to reduce inequality, but actively driving it.

A network of independent local, state, national and international organisations that are linked to the Anglican Church, Anglicare Australia is dedicated to addressing social disadvantage by providing a range of services including housing and homelessness, youth support services, education and training, and community outreach.

Following the release of the latest Australia Fair report ‘Widening the Gap’, Anglicare North Queensland has backed calls for a fairer tax system to address inequality where the wealthiest Australians hold 90 times the wealth of those with the least.

The report revealed that Australia’s tax system, particularly its housing and superannuation policies was exacerbating wealth inequality, locking many Australians out of housing and financial security.

After seeing the dire situation on the ground in North Queensland, where people were struggling to make ends meet while the wealthy were disproportionately favoured, Anglicare NQ chief executive Liz Colahan has called for urgent reforms to create a fairer system.

Anglicare NQ chief executive officer Liz Colahan. Picture: Supplied

“It’s clear that current tax policies are not just failing to reduce inequality – they are actively driving it,” Ms Colahan said.

“The situation in our region is dire. The cost of living is skyrocketing, and housing has become a luxury many cannot afford.”

There was a particular concern about the impact of housing tax breaks, which have fuelled high property prices and pushed many vulnerable Australians out of the housing market.

Average household net wealth by wealth group in 2019-2020. Picture: University of NSW and ABS.

“It’s time for the government to take action and implement the recommendations outlined in Anglicare Australia’s report,” she said.

“This includes winding back superannuation and housing tax breaks that benefit the wealthy and focusing on policies that support those on low incomes.”

Their five recommendations included taxing housing investments equitably, fairer tax treatment of superannuation, ending cash refunds for high-wealth investors, closing tax loopholes for trusts and companies, and protecting wealth for people on low incomes.

Anglicare North Queensland called on the government to heed the report’s findings and to take meaningful steps to address the growing inequality in our nation.

“For too long, our tax system has widened the gap between the rich and the poor. By implementing fairer tax policies, we can begin to close this gap and build a more equitable Australia,” she said.

“It’s time for change, and it’s time for our government to make choices that reflect the needs of all Australians, not just the wealthy few.”

For more information, www.anglicare.asn.au/publications/australia-fair-series-widening-the-gap

Originally published as Anglicare North Queensland wants government overhaul of tax policies driving inequality