@kbkorb @Neil1808 @Npars01 @Clackable @stopgopfox
Great to see such discussion appear on Fedi that's not initiated by us.

In the past we've extolled extensively a two-pronged approach. Yes #salesTax (#GST) is about #consumption. Reinstate the pre-GST #LuxuryGoodsTax. Initiatives like #GNUTaler limit online surveillance despite online payment. More about that on request.

Removing #incomeTax and reverting to #LandTax that increases the more land one owns is imperative (known as #Georgism).

@edavies
If you go too far upstream to energy generation, you run into the "socialise the cost" issue— all pay despite some people being more aggressive consumers. Its best to have taxes on luxury and high-impact goods. If that is what #JamesHansen writes about, then we agree.

We in #Australia once had a #luxuryGoodsTax (20%). It was abolished when #GST (10%) was brought in

Does he write for a publication not (#)cheatingHumanity?

#consumptionTax
@openrisk@mastodon.green @douginamug

@neltnerb
Hi Brian, there is no 10% GST on fresh food, and milk, bread, dairy, even minimally processed meats, sanitary items. We can thank a #minorParty, the #AustralianDemocrats, for ensuring that a few other essentials were added to the exemption.

Processed foods do attract the 10%.

Pre GST there was a #luxuryGoodsTax for #displaysOfWealth items, like #yachts and #sportsCars, that was unfortunately brought under the umbrella of GST.

@clacke @strypey @wyatwerp