UPDATE: In a groundbreaking initiative, Bondi MP Allegra Spender is rallying content creators to engage young Australians in urgent conversations about tax reform. This effort comes as the nation grapples with housing affordability and stagnant wages, issues that resonate deeply with the youth.
During a tax roundtable held at Parliament House on July 14, 2023, Spender emphasized the need for a fresh approach to discussing taxation, stating, “You have to convince people why it’s important before you can convince them what the solution is.” The event aimed to bridge the gap between policymakers and younger generations who feel marginalized by the current tax system.
Former Treasury Secretary Ken Henry voiced his concerns, declaring the existing tax framework “broken,” and urged attendees to craft a compelling narrative that motivates action. “Most people in the community do not know tax reform is necessary,” he stated, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
As young Australians increasingly feel the weight of financial burdens, Spender noted that conversations typically revolve around personal concerns such as home ownership and job security rather than specific tax policies. “They talk to me about the fact that they’re worried about their kids, whether they can get a home,” she said, indicating a disconnect between tax discussions and everyday life.
To engage this demographic, Spender has turned to social media, leveraging platforms like Instagram to disseminate vital information. The roundtable featured influential figures such as Konrad Benjamin, known for his viral Punter’s Politics videos, and personal finance podcaster Natasha Etschmann, who boasts over 300,000 followers across social media. Their involvement aims to resonate with a younger audience increasingly disillusioned by economic inequality.
Benjamin underscored the importance of gaining support from everyday Australians, stating, “Getting buy-in from regular punters who felt left out was an important step if things were to change politically.” He acknowledged that the solutions proposed, such as more effective carbon and resource taxation and reducing reliance on personal income tax, have been echoed for over a decade.
In a clear call to action, Benjamin declared, “We’re trying to shape the political discourse around something like tax, because it’s been dominated by the Murdoch channels.” The message is clear: young Australians, often termed “wage slaves,” are bearing the brunt of a flawed system, and change is imperative.
As this conversation continues to evolve, both Spender and her allies are committed to making tax reform a priority. The urgency of this issue cannot be overstated, as the financial future of an entire generation hangs in the balance. What happens next will be critical, as these discussions could pave the way for significant legislative changes in the near future.
