Barnaby Is Right

From The Australian:

A CRACKDOWN on existing disability entitlements and a levy on higher-income earners are being considered as part of the Gillard government’s plans to fund the $15 billion-a-year national disability insurance scheme…

Yesterday Ms Gillard said reasonable options, even those previously rejected, were being considered. She said the concept of “burden sharing” would guide the government’s decisions.

“The more who share the work, the lighter the load for all: business, families, institutions,” she said.

Fine.

But rather than starting with a “crackdown” on the usual populist political targets – people on Disability Support pensions, and “higher” income earners – how about we see our erstwhile “leaders” … well, lead … with a personal example.

Let us begin this concept of “burden sharing” with a May budget that includes a “crackdown” or “levy” on these high income earners –

Prime Minister Julia Gillard – $495,430

Deputy PM Wayne Swan – $390,627

Cabinet Minister – $328,698

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott – $352,517

Speaker – $333,462

Shadow Minister – $238,187

Backbencher – $190,550

Source: The “independent” Remuneration Tribunal.

Tags: budget deficit, crackdown, Disability Support, election 2013, gonski, julia gillard, NDIS, pensions, politician's salaries, share the burden