JobKeeper and Aviation employees in Oz.

[zanzibar]

I was until recently employed but am now stood down. I cannot access Job Keeper because of the ownership status of my employer. Now, whilst my income is modest (permanent part-timer), the break-up of how the tax I’ve paid is representative of how everyone’s tax dollars are spent. I’ve attached my most recent tax receipt for reference.

In it you will see that around 40% of my tax liability goes towards welfare. I am quite happy about that.

You will also see that my tax dollars go towards Health, Defence, Education, Transport and Communication, Public Order and Safety, Foreign Affairs and Economic Aid, Housing, Industry Assistance and several other components. I am also quite happy about all that as I see it as part of my role as a tax paying citizen towards making Australia the great country that it is. This is so for all Australian taxpayers irrespective of the ownership of their employer.

I make the point that I contribute to Australia as does every other tax payer but, because of an arbitrary ruling, I am denied assistance when it is needed. Because of my age I am not entitled to Job Seeker, so, no support whatsoever despite never, ever having made a call for any benefits over 40 odd years of working. If my employer wasn’t foreign owned at least I’d qualify for Job Keeper until the decision is made as to my redundancy or otherwise. I cannot see where this exclusion is fair, just and reasonable.

I note that the government’s total debt last year was $546 billion. IF the entire $60 billion that is spoken of was spent (which in itself is debatable), it would result in a modest 11% debt increase overall. It would roughly result in an increase in interest repayments of around $2 billion/year. It sounds a lot but in terms of relativity it isn’t. Is that too big a price to pay to have all Australian workers treated uniformly?

[almostthere!]

Originally Posted by zanzibar

Is that too big a price to pay to have all Australian workers treated uniformly?

It's a subsidy to Australian businesses, not employees, the sooner people acknowledge that, the better.

[down3gr33ns]

It's a subsidy to Australian businesses, not employees, the sooner people acknowledge that, the better.

Maybe, but the effect is to keep the economy ticking over in some form, albeit limited. Allowing stood down employees to have some degree of income has got to benefit the economy and the ultimate recovery.

The subsidy, paid to the businesses, flows to the employees whereas, in those companies excluded, nothing flows to the employees.

Tell me that equates to "we're all in this together".

[down3gr33ns]

Just a small point, employees do not claim "JobKeeper", their employers do (from the ATO).

and whom in turn pass it on in full to the employees.

However, there are the niggards who thought doing that imposed an unfair "administrative burden"

[Buster Hyman]

I get that they are supporting Australian businesses, and that's fair, but then the question becomes, "Do foreign owned companies pay tax in Oz?" Considering they've been chasing a few online companies for tax, I'd say that's the case. I guess it's one of those questions where you'd need a serious understanding of Tax Law to properly answer but, the can of worms remain.

[zanzibar]

"Do foreign owned companies pay tax in Oz?"

You ask a valid question. A lot don't on their "profits" because they shift them offshore via various means however, they pay payroll tax and their employees make their contribution towards the government coffers.

The employees shouldn't be penalised for the possibly nefarious deeds by the employers.




good observation, thanks - fixed.

[Bend alot]

1 or 2 "Labour Hire" firms will have shafted a number of employees or as they claim "independent contractors" .

It is a brave new World.

[Buster Hyman]

Originally Posted by zanzibar

The employees shouldn't be penalised for the possibly nefarious deeds by the employers.

Absolutely. We're all in unchartered waters but just trying to get my head around the legalities. The ethics though are unquestionable.

Originally Posted by zanzibar

good observation, thanks - fixed.

[Car RAMROD]

Originally Posted by Buster Hyman

Absolutely. We're all in unchartered waters....

“Together” so they say.

yet some have been given life jackets. Others left to tread water by themselves.

[Hasherucf]

Would have liked to see more help for the Aviation industry from the government. Many of us are facing a career change and fast tracking us into another career would help the economy. For example Pilots as Loco drivers or Engineers as Fitters or Electricians.

I've looked into the uni short courses on offer from the government incentive and many are aimed towards Health care professionals or Teachers. Two groups that shouldn't be out of work at the moment. Also most require a degree to apply and as most aviation workers haven't required that in the past, as our licences are our more important paperwork, we are ineligible. Not one uni is offering a Graduate Certificate in Aviation!

I don't blame universities as this was sprung upon them by a government scrambling to get anything happening. Aviation will be the hardest sector to restart , just the training and fuel sectors will take time to ramp up. I think the travel industry (60% domestic , soon to be 99%) and hospitality will bounce back easier.

I'm unsure how long our global isolationist stance can last as most of the world moves through the pandemic. Government ministers catchphrase I have heard a lot is "We bought ourselves time". Hinting maybe to a full expose to the virus in the future. Certainly if a vaccine is unsuccessful there will need to be a plan B... through to Z . Certainly aviation sector jobs will start appearing overseas well before Australia rebounds.

[patagonianworelaud]

Quote:
I believe none of the employees for of any of the ME3 airlines in Australia were eligible
Quote:
one small Pacific carrier whose staff here are ineligible
Quote:
Toll Dnata has 6000 people missing out on JobKeeper

For a moment I thought my original query was starting to get some traction. That thought was short lived .