The Australian Weekend Magazine has a list of 12 things that used to be "free".
1. Music Downloads
2. Airports
3. Directory Assistance
4. Rubbish Tips
5. Education
6. Water
7. Bread at Restaurants
8. Bank Service
9. Fishing
10.Roads
11.Parking
12.Doctors
The question is have taxes reduced and we are being asked to pay using the money that we used to pay in taxes or are some such as Music Downloads not really a fair change to reflect the fact that it was really stealing. Airports are a major rip off, with airport charges and taxes more than some fares. Charges for rubbish tips and water seem fair to reflect shortages of land and water and to promote responsible environmental management. Trouble is these seem to be revenue black holes for governments. Bread at restaurants seems fair, especially living in a family with gluten intolerances. Banks and Telephone companies seem to be trying to stiff the general population with a raft of hidden and stealth charges to make a buck. In any other industry, it would be considered extortion. Banks encouraged ATMs by making them free. Last year we paid $583 million for the privilege of using our own money. Roads and parking seem fair game if they can improve service and flat out discourage people from driving and to encourage public transportation. Seems these are just money grabs, rather like speeding tickets, which just go into general government revenue, without trying to link the revenue source with reinvestment to reduce the related problem. As for doctors, you can still get doctors without a gap, but be prepared to wait an hour. Think about how much of our taxes goes to maintain this system. As for fishing, I hate it, so charge what you like. So slish slosh taxes, fees, charges, fines, call it what you like, nothing much has changed.
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