With the PM about to announce his anti-terrorism policy what about Taxing Terrorists?.
Why are they subsidised? Let them pay tax at least.
Why do we let some of those who promote acts of terrorism operate Tax Free and even fund or subsidise them or their schools.
I can think of no act of terrorism against Australia or Australian’s that was not stated to be based on a belief in the supernatural .
Terrorism against Australia may well be being supported, or seeded, by government grants and tax breaks. If the buildings that they promote their unlawful acts in are exempt from rates and other taxes.
In Australia, faith is optional and private but there would be too much back pressure to attempt to remove the tax breaks from the peacefully operated and generally altruistic religions.
The requirement for religious tax exemption is “a belief in a supernatural being, thing or principle” after that it is more or less open slather, amounting to around Thirty Thousand Million Australian Dollars lost to Australian revenue per annum. Across all faiths.
What about a condition precedent for any organisation of any religion or faith that before they can receive Federal Benefits, grants, or tax concessions they must undertake that:
There be no preaching of or display or provision of written material or literature or, audio, or video materials that encourages or promotes or praises:
violent acts of terrorism.
engagement in terrorist activity.
the provision of financial support to terrorists
the overthrow of or non-compliance with the Australian rule of law
symbols or role models of violent promotions of faith
the use of force, terror, war, or violence to implement any rule or holy law;
the inferiority of other faiths or non-believers
hatred or intolerance toward non-believers or notional believers
inflammatory materials with anti-Australian views
Federally, these subsidies apply to income tax, fringe benefits tax, and the goods and services tax.
State government exemptions cover land tax, payroll tax, stamp duties and car registration fees.
Local governments provide exemptions from municipal rates. Concessions may also be granted for water and power charges, volunteer expenses, retirement villages, car parking exemptions, preachers and other employees wages, buildings, renovations and up-keep.
To those who use casuistry to question “what is Terrorism” I say; Any person who cages a human being behind iron bars, soaks him in petrol and lays a trail, sets light to it and watches the man burn to death, video records it and places it on the web and any person preaches, encourages, promotes or praises such an act is a Terrorist, no matter what the cause or purported justification.
Any place in Australia that preaches displays or provides written material or literature or, audio, or video materials that encourages or promotes or praises such things should not get tax breaks or government grants to do it.