Yep, in many nations this is the case. I completely disagree with it.

in singapore they do military service it's compulsory

Military for the dole? Two birds, one stone.

And that's what it all comes down to. Holding on to power, at any cost.



I have, and it's not equitable. I'm not just talking about people cheating the system, but those for whom being on welfare is a way of life. They do just enough to maintain their eligibility and nothing more. Show up to a job interview in their jeans and thongs so they can put down that their looking for work, and continue taking the cheques.
I know you and I would consider being on welfare embarassing, but there are people out there who take great pride in rorting the system. And they usually scream the loudest when working for the dole is mentioned.
As for other governent spedning, absolutley should those perks and salaries be looked at. I understand the concept that you need to pay the politicians well otherwise the smartest people won't bother when they can make more money in the private sector, but I've never had anyone explain why those perks continue after leaving office.
We'll have to agree to disagree on the military spending. I think that should be increased for a few reasons, not least of which is that everyone I know who is military or ex-military has a strong moral sense and work ethic, two things that should be encouraged in our society. Before you get on your high horse, being military is not required to achieve those things, but a lot of the aforementioned dole bludgers could do with learning the order and self disciple military life engenders.

besides cheats ....the system is also shithouse.....

Have any of you guys ever had to rely on welfare, whether it's privately provided or through centrelink?

It's humiliating and there's more than enough red tape and double checks in place - I realise there are some welfare cheats out there, but the number to my understanding is very small and it costs more in admin costs stopping cheats than it does paying money to actual cheats (which will always get found out eventually and have to pay back everything anyway).

Want to rail against government spending? How about looking at the military budget or politician perks & salaries?

This.

still doesn't make it right to be bludging on the system......i don't think any right minded person denies the need for welfare for those less fortunate than ourselves, however its grossly rorted and scammed with 1000's of people illegally collecting payments, so in that regard i'm more than happy to crack down on welfare cheats and lets get it to the people who really need it and deserve it......

oh dear.....here we go again.......

http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/8454319/hsu-secretly-paid-thomson-160000-report

I like how when on balance welfare makes up such a minute percentage of the worlds budget, yet always takes the brunt of ire from those lamenting economic downturns.

And by like, I mean I find it fucking infuriating.

I haven't seen the interview, but I've read the articles and I believe he was referring to situations like that in Greece where the cost of welfare basically crippled the country. I know in Italy, the day you retire, the state pays you the wage you were last on as the pension.
As for the Libs having some agenda to ensure a poor sub-class as cheap labour, than one of the silliest things I've read in a long time.



You are a center-left social moderate.
Left: 2.15, Libertarian: 0.4
About where I thought I'd be, almost bang in the middle.
Tried, couldn't post the graph from the iPad

well i'm not pacifist, and i ended up on the left....i think we need a strong military presense, but belive it's only to be used when absolutely necessary.....

:shock: :shock:

maybe just a good father and leader????:shock:

i like to help people and protect, i'm always ready to defend and won't take shit......my old man was a copper and he wanted me to be....but i told to fuck off.....no way

Edited by batfink: 19/4/2012 05:14:07 PM

Jeez mate, you're twice as left wing than I am.

Foreign Policy:

On the left side are pacifists and anti-war activists. On the right side are those who want a strong military that intervenes around the world. You scored: 6.42

Culture:

Where are you in the culture war? On the liberal side, or the conservative side? This scale may apply more to the US than other countries. You scored: -0.37

Pretty much in the middle, as I suspected.

You are a left moderate social authoritarian.
Left: 4.24, Authoritarian: 2.2






ill stick with this as i'm not sure how to post the result graph

Edited by batfink: 19/4/2012 05:13:07 PM

You are a left moderate social libertarian.
Left: 3.73, Libertarian: 1.21

I like Gays, Abortion, and free drugs, but I'm against racism and enjoy a legal system that enforces the laws it is there to uphold.

Compass:
You are a center-left social libertarian.
Left: 2.17, Libertarian: 4.26


Foreign Policy:
On the left side are pacifists and anti-war activists. On the right side are those who want a strong military that intervenes around the world. You scored: -6.32


Culture:
Where are you in the culture war? On the liberal side, or the conservative side? This scale may apply more to the US than other countries. You scored: -7.72

i don't think that is right, i think there are alot of people rorting the social security system, and the easier you make it the more it gets loaded up....

these days there is a sort of "i'm owed it" attitude out there.....never had a days social security in my life abd i have worked for 35 years....used to be a fair days pay for fair days work....but the employee's in many cases are fucking the system over with some very average legislation....

My Political Views

I am a left moderate social authoritarian

Left: 7.16, Authoritarian: 2.01



Edited by macktheknife: 19/4/2012 04:49:45 PM

whats the bradbury thing about????

Can everyone do this quiz and post up their results?
http://www.gotoquiz.com/politics/political-spectrum-quiz.html

Edited by notorganic: 19/4/2012 04:41:41 PM

I think that left & right is pretty much a meaningless term when referring to both the ALP & LNP these days. ALP has abandoned traditional left values in droves, and the LNP has played the populist card fighting means testing on welfare programs put forward by the ALP every step of the way.

It's a bit pathetic that it's basically become a bit of a popularity contest.

The reference to Bradbury is that Abbott won't win because of Abbott, he will win because of his opponent.

I'd say maybe the Libs should look at the millions in middle class welfare that is given to people who literally don't need a cent of it. Baby Bonus, First Home Owner, Paid Maternity Leave and so on and on.

What Hockey is really against is poor low income people being given welfare. Because his party is dedicated to trying to give the big corporations as much minimal cost workers as possible, while not losing the votes from the middle class.

well i suppose TBH your more left than me and im a bit more liberal than you.....

as i think the ABC is loaded with lefties and i see the right wing stuff a little in the papers you mention....

i guess it's like not being able to see fault in your children....rose coloured glasses and all

News Ltd

who is the telegraph????? worlds worst paper, was only good when it had the page 3 pin up chick

SMH is Fairfax, same as The Age.

who owns the sydney morning herald???

i rarely read papers.....usually use them to start the fire or wrap dead prawn heads in before throwing them in the garbage........

but i do read the australian and the sydney morning herald on sundays once in a blue moon....but its advertisments and horseshit.....

cartoons are the best bit and the recipies.....

Herald Sun, The Australian, Telegraph, Courier Mail etc.