What you said about Des Houghton’s column on free Aussie handouts

A nerve has been struck as Aussies are accused of being “shameless beggars in search of the next government handout”.

Have Aussies become too reliant on handouts?

“When will Australians learn to stand on their own two feet?”

Columnist Des Houghton struck a nerve when questioning if Aussies are now just “shameless beggars in search of the next government handout”.

“Gimme, gimme, gimme,” he wrote.

“Come on down for your concession card! Roll up for your free flu shot!

“How about free swimming lessons to go with the free education?

“And if your children are dreadful little nuisances around the house in the mornings, send them to school early for the free breakfast.”

Houghton, though, claimed the ripple effect will be felt in years to come.

“None of these freebies are really free, of course, and are the reason why we are sinking further into debt,” he wrote.

“The gravy train is a long one. It extends to the visual and performing arts industries where millions are spent with not that much to show for it. Grants are given for theatrical and literary projects that are not completed. Do the recipients have to pay it back? Of course not.

Need to visit a private doctor? No worries. Visits will soon be free, or so we are told.”

All the melon madness from the Chinchilla Melon Festival. Picture: Emily Devon

Readers were quick to pile into the debate.

Many claimed Aussies have become too used to government handouts, in part because of Labor.

Others, though, insisted that’s the way society is going as a whole.

While some said the issue has made the nation a mess – and they don’t know where it ends.

See what you had to say below and join the conversation >>>

WHAT YOU SAID

We’ve lost the plot

Lil

I remember in the mid 1900s people were embarrassed to be unemployed and “on the dole”. Now people boast about how much govt assistance they are getting. What happened?

John

The recent federal election campaign showed full well the Extent of Welfare addiction.

Ross

I bet if the government introduced free skills training, free overseas travel, free accommodation, free clothing, free meals PLUS a good salary each week and called it National Service they would run a mile. A country full of cowards.

David

Sound just like the wealthy! They are the ones with that entitled privilege, especially when they get everything (especially contacts and tuition) by going to a private school. Do you think the kids “earnt” their right to go there by working hard?

Michael

A wise man once told me … “When something is free watch people make a pig of themselves”.

Have we become reliant on handouts?

We’re a mess

Hugo

When Hawke & Keating introduced the Superannuation Guarantee, that was supposed to make us self-reliant 40 to 50 years later as those workers started to retire. We have hit that mark. Those that did the right thing and started to plan for a retirement without a government pension are now being penalised for doing exactly that.

V of R

No wonder foreigners strive to get in, then once anchored, strive to bring their relatives over, who in turn tick off the days until they can bring their relatives in.

Puzzled

“ I deserve it”

“I’m entitled to it”

”Why can’t I….”

”What about me?”

”It’s all right for you …”

Entitlement, avarice and envy have replaced aspiration and effort in Australia.

Andrew

The young generation were ultra spoiled by their parents. I’ve seen it first hand with my nephew he’s 21 and he’s never had a job, still lives at home, doesn’t even do household chores.

Rosie

Recent generations seem to have lost their sense of pride, self respect, motivation and staying power.

I blame Labor

Nick

National “Pride” died years ago sadly …. todays economically inactive kids have zero national pride as it all about “what's in it for me” or “what do I get”….you think it’s bad now …. just wait until Labor have finished re-engineering our society to that of a quasi socialist communist state that can’t keep the lights on

Kevin

The last election was won by Labor on handouts. This will all come crashing down at some future time as the borrowed money runs out.

Matthew

What about all the freebies the politicians get?

Steve

With generational bludgers (there I said it) and people expecting someone else will pay, I’m wondering how much longer those of us who work, pay taxes and bills can continue to support those who line up for every handout offered by “our” politicians.

Originally published as What you said about Des Houghton’s column on free Aussie handouts