Q&A audience member spotlights tax fairness as election issue

Australian battler Duncan Storrar has become an internet sensation after posing a question about the fairness of tax-free thresholds on the ABC's Q&A program.

Duncan Storrar

Duncan Storrar asking a question on ABC's 'Q&A', May 9 2016. Source: ABC Australia

It appears everyone would love to have a beer with Duncan.

Australian battler Duncan Storrar is the internet's latest hero after putting a human face on the federal budget during Monday night's Q&A program on the ABC.

It came after Mr Storrar asked a question about tax breaks for higher income earners during the debate, sparking the #istandwithduncan to trend on social media.
"I've got a disability and a low education, that means I've spent my whole life working off a minimum wage. You're gonna lift the tax-free threshold for rich people," he said, addressing panellist, federal minister Kelly O'Dwyer.

"If you lift my tax-free threshold, that changes my life," he went on.

"That means that I get to say to my little girls, 'Daddy's not broke this weekend. We can go to the pictures'. Rich people don't even notice their tax-free threshold lift. Why don't I get it? Why do they get it?"

Ms O'Dwyer responded with an example of a cafe owner, whose turnover of over $2 million meant under proposed federal changes, he could buy a $6000 toaster and hire more staff.

Australian Industry Group CEO Innes Willox, also tried to set Mr Storrar straight.

"If you're on a minimum wage with a family, you would not pay much tax if any at all," he said.

Mr Storrar responded: "I pay tax every time I go to the supermarket, every time I hop in my car."
Viewers backed him on social media.

"Let them eat toast," one wit tweeted.
"My blood is boiling watching last nights #qanda. KELLY O'DWYER WHAT A DISGRACE," another wrote.

Others asked why it was so hard for politicians to see what really mattered to people.

"Most people know people like Duncan. Very few know people with $6000 toasters," Jane Alcorn chimed in.


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Source: AAP


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Q&A audience member spotlights tax fairness as election issue | SBS News