Just 12 per cent of Australians think inequality is improving, the results of a new poll show, despite assurances from the Treasurer Scott Morrison.
The latest Essential Media Polling, released today, shows most Australians think inequality is getting worse (52%), with a quarter of Australians saying it is a severe problem.
Amongst Liberal National Party voters the numbers didn’t get much better, with 43 per cent of Coalition supporters saying inequality was rising and only 15 per cent saying it was reducing.
The poll also revealed the Australian public has a strong set of concerns around a number of economic indicators, such as funding for public services, cost of living and secure work.
People’s top concerns were improving health care, housing affordability and reducing unemployment – all of which are issues which are made worse by rising inequality in Australia.
Eighty six per cent of people want to see funding increased for public infrastructure by closing the loop holes multi-national companies use to avoid paying tax, and 81 per cent want the Government to force multi-national companies to pay a minimum tax rate on Australian earnings.
Quotes attributable to Australian Council of Trade Unions Secretary Sally McManus:
“Right now in Australia, people are working two jobs just to survive. At the same time, corporate profits are soaring and the Turnbull Government is providing tax cuts to major corporations. That’s inequality.”
“Next week Parliament will resume and the Government will continue to push its cuts to corporate taxes.”
“Housing and health costs are going through the roof. People’s income hasn’t increased in years. And yet the Government is defending the interests of tax cutting corporations.”
“Inequality is fueled by a sick and broken ideology, neo-liberalism, and the Turnbull Government is addicted to it. This government encourages privatisation, empowers major corporations at the expense of working people. You can see the results in the poll – everyone is sick of it.”
“The current rules allow for inequality to exist. We are going to change the rules so working people have a chance at having a decent, secure living without having to be in the top one per cent.”
ENDS
