Following on from my earlier post [see post 26th May], what should the Labour Govt do?

They are correct to target middle-class welfare, but they haven’t been prepared to ‘bite-the-bullet’ as they should have. They had a mandate from a populace who recognised that the recession was not of their making, and therefore the perfect opportunity to impose tougher conditions on various sectors of the economy.

For one thing, they would have elicited understanding from most people if they had rescinded their promised middle-class and especially upper income, tax cuts. These tax cuts were originally only proposed because they had to try and keep pace with a hugely spending Howard government, desperate to spend themselves back into peoples’ favour [thence into power for a fourth term]. Surely, with the new economic environment, people would understand if they were rescinded?

The other is a simple one, but one that is only for a courageous government: raise petrol taxes! It is an option that would not only raise revenues but would encourage conservation, in one fell swoop. However, unfortunately I don't think the Rudd Government would have the courage for this one, just as the Howard Govt didn't.

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Virgin vs Qantas

Took a flight on Virgin Blue the other day and what a pleasant surprise [as opposed to the tired and grumpy old Qantas]! They even seemed pleased to advertise their friendliness - part of their trademark is the line: "we’re happy to have your company"!

It may seem a little corny, and they're not perfect. But at least they try to make your trip as pleasant as possible, unlike the sour, miserable souls who crew the Qantas flights, and who are only there because they’re waiting for their pensions. The difference shows.

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