As the ageing population in Australia continues to grow, the government is beginning to look at creative ways to help fund the nation's aged care sector. One idea that has been floating around recently is the introduction of a new levy or tax on younger Australians to help senior Australians.

Aged Care Minister Anika Wells has stated that the government has a 'genuine duty to deliberate' on any option to reverse the difficulties faced by the aged care sector, including exploring the concept of a levy.

While the Minister hasn't confirmed whether the government will introduce this tax, she's acknowledged that it might be necessary to ensure fair and equitable funding for the sector moving forward.

'We need to have an honest, responsible, and mature discussion about what aged care is going to look like in this country,' Anika explained during a recent interview with ABC.

'If I'm setting up a task force that is going to answer the question of how do we sustainably, equitably fund aged care in Australia moving forward, we need to deliberate on the recommendations to aged care funding that were handed by the Royal Commission.'

Young Australians are confronted with the possibility of a new levy aimed at funding the needs of an ageing population. Credit: Pexels/Andrea Piacquadio.

Of course, this potential levy might spark heated conversations around the dinner table as your adult children and grandchildren ponder the prospect of taking on this financial responsibility.

This idea for a levy comes at a time when many young Australians are already feeling the pinch due to existing financial pressures like inflated house prices, hefty HECS fees, and increasing interest rates. It's worth considering whether this additional burden might further strain relationships between the generations.

The proposed levy was one of several recommendations made by the Royal Commission into Aged Care aimed at addressing the current flaws within the system. If it were to come to fruition, it would function similarly to a Medicare-style tax, applied to all taxpayers.

Ms Wells consistently evaded direct answers when asked about the government's potential introduction of a levy or its functioning, stating that such a step would be premature.

Her emphasis lay not on determining the funding amount required but rather on finding ways to enhance outcomes for individuals within the sector, considering the previous administrations' inability to bring about meaningful reforms.

Ms Wells stated that the task force would delve into avenues for empowering Australians with greater choices regarding their entry into aged care and the available care options.

Nonetheless, she deemed it too early to speculate on the funding mechanism for this innovation, evading queries concerning the existing means testing measures. These measures grant Australians owning modest apartments the same subsidy as those who possess multimillion-dollar properties.

​

As the conversation develops, some critics have questioned whether this is the right solution. Veteran political journalist Samantha Maiden thinks that the levy could contribute to so-called 'intergenerational warfare'.

'Why should young people who are facing HECS debts and rising interest rates and inflation pay for a levy for the [seniors] to have lava lamps in their aged care home?' she asked during a recent television appearance.

Samantha argued that older Australians, many of whom are asset-rich (particularly when it comes to property), should be encouraged to utilise these assets to fund their own aged care.

She even went as far as suggesting that taxing young people, many of whom can't yet afford to purchase a home, might be unfair.

Key Takeaways

• Aged Care Minister Anika Wells acknowledges the government's responsibility to address the failing aged care sector and is considering a tax levy to boost funding.
• The Minister is focusing not on the amount of funding required but on ways to improve outcomes for those within the sector.
• A task force is being set up to explore ways to give Australians better choices regarding their aged care options and develop incentives for industry innovation.

Here at the Seniors Discount Club, we recognise the importance of quality aged care while also considering the potential impact on our younger generations. We want to see meaningful and equitable solutions for tackling the current challenges facing the aged care sector, and it's essential to keep an open dialogue on this matter.

We encourage you to discuss these recommendations and ideas with your adult children and grandchildren. What is their perspective on the potential levy? By opening up these conversations, we can ensure that the solution is equitable, sustainable, and fair for everyone involved.

As the discussion continues, we will keep an eye on any updates regarding the idea of a new levy. What do you think of this proposition? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below as well!

 

[Judy HB]

And the politicians themselves pay millions a year in gratitudes to past pollies who get more per meal allowance each than is spent on all the residents in a care home. Stop funding the past pollies who can earn upwards of their previous salaries in one day for just bull*****ing at a lunch to the faithful.TAX these Bas****S to the extent of the top earners. That would help the residents to get a good, healthy meal occasionally.

Why do these past Pollies need SUCH a big allowance paid? Reduce the lot of them, we’re all paying taxes to support the rich when cost of living is so high. Just not fair!!

 

[Rosalie30]

It’s the same in the UK. It’s called National Insurance and it comes off your pay as a separate levy to any other taxes. It pays for sick pay, a pension on retirement, and the NHS. Nothing to pay when you see a doctor or to have medical tests or or have to go to hospital.
We pay for it our whole working life to cover our health and financial wellbeing. And young people who object now perhaps forget that they too will be old some day.

And this also means your Age Pension is NOT means tested. Instead our Govt. encourages us to boost our Super to prevent us qualifying for this pension. Australian Age Pension should be paid in full to all Retirees. We have a modest joint amount of Super, therefore receive only a megre part-pension amount. This also sees our spending and financial affairs constantly under scrutiny to ensure we are not paid a dollar too much. Sickening!

 

[Shane/#]

As the ageing population in Australia continues to grow, the government is beginning to look at creative ways to help fund the nation's aged care sector. One idea that has been floating around recently is the introduction of a new levy or tax on younger Australians to help senior Australians.

Aged Care Minister Anika Wells has stated that the government has a 'genuine duty to deliberate' on any option to reverse the difficulties faced by the aged care sector, including exploring the concept of a levy.

While the Minister hasn't confirmed whether the government will introduce this tax, she's acknowledged that it might be necessary to ensure fair and equitable funding for the sector moving forward.

'We need to have an honest, responsible, and mature discussion about what aged care is going to look like in this country,' Anika explained during a recent interview with ABC.

'If I'm setting up a task force that is going to answer the question of how do we sustainably, equitably fund aged care in Australia moving forward, we need to deliberate on the recommendations to aged care funding that were handed by the Royal Commission.'

View attachment 22059

Young Australians are confronted with the possibility of a new levy aimed at funding the needs of an ageing population. Credit: Pexels/Andrea Piacquadio.

Of course, this potential levy might spark heated conversations around the dinner table as your adult children and grandchildren ponder the prospect of taking on this financial responsibility.

This idea for a levy comes at a time when many young Australians are already feeling the pinch due to existing financial pressures like inflated house prices, hefty HECS fees, and increasing interest rates. It's worth considering whether this additional burden might further strain relationships between the generations.

The proposed levy was one of several recommendations made by the Royal Commission into Aged Care aimed at addressing the current flaws within the system. If it were to come to fruition, it would function similarly to a Medicare-style tax, applied to all taxpayers.

Ms Wells consistently evaded direct answers when asked about the government's potential introduction of a levy or its functioning, stating that such a step would be premature.

Her emphasis lay not on determining the funding amount required but rather on finding ways to enhance outcomes for individuals within the sector, considering the previous administrations' inability to bring about meaningful reforms.

Ms Wells stated that the task force would delve into avenues for empowering Australians with greater choices regarding their entry into aged care and the available care options.

Nonetheless, she deemed it too early to speculate on the funding mechanism for this innovation, evading queries concerning the existing means testing measures. These measures grant Australians owning modest apartments the same subsidy as those who possess multimillion-dollar properties.

​

As the conversation develops, some critics have questioned whether this is the right solution. Veteran political journalist Samantha Maiden thinks that the levy could contribute to so-called 'intergenerational warfare'.

'Why should young people who are facing HECS debts and rising interest rates and inflation pay for a levy for the [seniors] to have lava lamps in their aged care home?' she asked during a recent television appearance.

Samantha argued that older Australians, many of whom are asset-rich (particularly when it comes to property), should be encouraged to utilise these assets to fund their own aged care.

She even went as far as suggesting that taxing young people, many of whom can't yet afford to purchase a home, might be unfair.

Key Takeaways

• Aged Care Minister Anika Wells acknowledges the government's responsibility to address the failing aged care sector and is considering a tax levy to boost funding.
• The Minister is focusing not on the amount of funding required but on ways to improve outcomes for those within the sector.
• A task force is being set up to explore ways to give Australians better choices regarding their aged care options and develop incentives for industry innovation.

Here at the Seniors Discount Club, we recognise the importance of quality aged care while also considering the potential impact on our younger generations. We want to see meaningful and equitable solutions for tackling the current challenges facing the aged care sector, and it's essential to keep an open dialogue on this matter.

We encourage you to discuss these recommendations and ideas with your adult children and grandchildren. What is their perspective on the potential levy? By opening up these conversations, we can ensure that the solution is equitable, sustainable, and fair for everyone involved.

As the discussion continues, we will keep an eye on any updates regarding the idea of a new levy. What do you think of this proposition? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below as well!

hmmm interesting the Howard government year's ago gave international companies a free rein to rape and pillage the Australian resources gas and petroleum with minimal taxes to be payed where they should have made them pay royalties on every litre of fuel and gigajoule of gas instead they opened their arm's and gave them free rein on these resources which would have payed for pension funds, retirement care,schools, police, hospitals etc instead these companies still pay no taxes or close to nil so billion's and billions that has gone to those companies in tax havens outside of the country so work it out multinational companies are still raping Australia resources for profit this needs to change and the burden of aged care and more would be solved

 

[mylittletibbies]

No I don't think the

It’s the same in the UK. It’s called National Insurance and it comes off your pay as a separate levy to any other taxes. It pays for sick pay, a pension on retirement, and the NHS. Nothing to pay when you see a doctor or to have medical tests or or have to go to hospital.
We pay for it our whole workinc

I did not begrudge my Fathers assets. He got a room, his money was banked, when he died, money was completely refunded. What’s the problem? Sounds like youngsters want their inheritance well before their due.

I'm going to say differently to what most have said.
I have always said our government needs a system where when we are working money should come out to help when we are older.

I believe the Hecs debt for our uni students are to hugh and needs to be lowered. Where as overseas students do already pay a higher fee and maybe these fees should be made higher, they are coming here to study only to go back to their country after gaining their qualifications.

An aged care levy needs to be introduced , it doesn't have to be high , everyone is going to become a senior like it or not .

Zzg life to cover our health and financial wellbeing. And young people who object now perhaps forget that they too will be old some day

The Federal Government should simply increase amount of GST to 12.5% as a trial to ascertain if thatbUtrelieves the pressure.

Sorry, but everybody is and has paid a tax since the end of the 2nd world war that was to go into a fund to pay for your pensions and aged care.
The pollies past couldn't stand looking at all that money sitting there and over the years it has gone into general revenue and never been replaced.
So NO a new levy (just a different word for a tax) shouldn't even be being considered, we've already paid and I don't remember our tax being cut when they decided to start spending OUR money and now they want to double up and make everyone pay again.
Why don't they look at cutting their own lurks and perks.

 

[MariaG]

I remember the outcry when the Medicare Levy was introduced.
I remember the outrage when GST was introduced.
I remember the horrible taxes those who were grieving had to pay .. it was called death duty.
If you own more than one property, you might have to pay Land Tax, so there goes the investment to cover retirement and old age.
It goes on, and on, and on.
What do they say ... there is nothing more certain than death and taxes.
On a personal level, I used to look at each new levy, or tax, or duty to figure out what was going to be done with the revenue. Most times, the outcome was either hidden, or translated as blah, blah, blah.
When it comes to Aged Care, well, we had no choices offered to us. Our aim is to receive in home aged care as long as possible. For that service, we pay every fortnight directly out of the pension. The taxes and levies don't cover such things. Yes, we were means tested through My Aged Care to take advantage of any services at all. Yet, between us, we had at least 60 years in the work force paying all those taxes and levies and duties, and whatever else was introduced.
When I was younger and in a good working job, would I have been willing to subsidise my OWN future aged care requirements.. Darn tooting I would. The difference between this an others, is that I would want to see some of my generations' contributions go toward our own care.
The problem is, we do not see how these funds are distributed. We will not see how this proposed levy is utilised. In my mind. That is the rub.

 

[Pommyoz]

It's not a matter of putting lava lamps in senior's care facilities! The problem is not having enough staff available to take care of the elderly. This puts pressure on the staff, as well as limiting the amount of care they can provide.

I didnt understand that about lava lamps, seems she was clutching at anything to make a point, we, the elderly MUST have a lava lamp, good grief!!

 

[kevinwoodtufftyke52@gmail]

As the ageing population in Australia continues to grow, the government is beginning to look at creative ways to help fund the nation's aged care sector. One idea that has been floating around recently is the introduction of a new levy or tax on younger Australians to help senior Australians.

Aged Care Minister Anika Wells has stated that the government has a 'genuine duty to deliberate' on any option to reverse the difficulties faced by the aged care sector, including exploring the concept of a levy.

While the Minister hasn't confirmed whether the government will introduce this tax, she's acknowledged that it might be necessary to ensure fair and equitable funding for the sector moving forward.

'We need to have an honest, responsible, and mature discussion about what aged care is going to look like in this country,' Anika explained during a recent interview with ABC.

'If I'm setting up a task force that is going to answer the question of how do we sustainably, equitably fund aged care in Australia moving forward, we need to deliberate on the recommendations to aged care funding that were handed by the Royal Commission.'

View attachment 22059

Young Australians are confronted with the possibility of a new levy aimed at funding the needs of an ageing population. Credit: Pexels/Andrea Piacquadio.

Of course, this potential levy might spark heated conversations around the dinner table as your adult children and grandchildren ponder the prospect of taking on this financial responsibility.

This idea for a levy comes at a time when many young Australians are already feeling the pinch due to existing financial pressures like inflated house prices, hefty HECS fees, and increasing interest rates. It's worth considering whether this additional burden might further strain relationships between the generations.

The proposed levy was one of several recommendations made by the Royal Commission into Aged Care aimed at addressing the current flaws within the system. If it were to come to fruition, it would function similarly to a Medicare-style tax, applied to all taxpayers.

Ms Wells consistently evaded direct answers when asked about the government's potential introduction of a levy or its functioning, stating that such a step would be premature.

Her emphasis lay not on determining the funding amount required but rather on finding ways to enhance outcomes for individuals within the sector, considering the previous administrations' inability to bring about meaningful reforms.

Ms Wells stated that the task force would delve into avenues for empowering Australians with greater choices regarding their entry into aged care and the available care options.

Nonetheless, she deemed it too early to speculate on the funding mechanism for this innovation, evading queries concerning the existing means testing measures. These measures grant Australians owning modest apartments the same subsidy as those who possess multimillion-dollar properties.

​

As the conversation develops, some critics have questioned whether this is the right solution. Veteran political journalist Samantha Maiden thinks that the levy could contribute to so-called 'intergenerational warfare'.

'Why should young people who are facing HECS debts and rising interest rates and inflation pay for a levy for the [seniors] to have lava lamps in their aged care home?' she asked during a recent television appearance.

Samantha argued that older Australians, many of whom are asset-rich (particularly when it comes to property), should be encouraged to utilise these assets to fund their own aged care.

She even went as far as suggesting that taxing young people, many of whom can't yet afford to purchase a home, might be unfair.

Key Takeaways

• Aged Care Minister Anika Wells acknowledges the government's responsibility to address the failing aged care sector and is considering a tax levy to boost funding.
• The Minister is focusing not on the amount of funding required but on ways to improve outcomes for those within the sector.
• A task force is being set up to explore ways to give Australians better choices regarding their aged care options and develop incentives for industry innovation.

Here at the Seniors Discount Club, we recognise the importance of quality aged care while also considering the potential impact on our younger generations. We want to see meaningful and equitable solutions for tackling the current challenges facing the aged care sector, and it's essential to keep an open dialogue on this matter.

We encourage you to discuss these recommendations and ideas with your adult children and grandchildren. What is their perspective on the potential levy? By opening up these conversations, we can ensure that the solution is equitable, sustainable, and fair for everyone involved.

As the discussion continues, we will keep an eye on any updates regarding the idea of a new levy. What do you think of this proposition? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below as well!

No new taxes would be required if the Federal government got those overseas companies to pay their fair share of tax.

 

[Gsr]

The young are happy to accept free child care so they can go to work. Surely they should be required to either pay for their children to be cared for or else there should be a levy to cover this cost which I consider is grossly unfair to the majority of the population who raised their children without the help of the govt in providing child care. If they want to have free care for the young then surely there should be free care for the elderly who have worked all their lives, paid taxes, raised their families (who now want lots of freebies).
I am all in favour of a levy to cover the cost of caring for our senior citizens.

I agree, most of us at SDC brought up our children with very little help from the government, some got a few dollars child endowment a fortnight which paid for nothing much. We got no help from other taxpayers, childcare, preschool, all paid for by us, and it was quite expensive when put into comparison with what we earnt back then. So I am of the opinion if taxpayers now have to fund childcare so people can be double income families then they should also have to help fund aged care. Anyone who has the means to fund their own aged care should have to do so, including ex politicians. It is time the wealthy were hit in the hip pocket a lot more instead of the poor getting slugged all the time. A good start would be to cancel stage three tax cuts, but oh dear, it has been legislated and no one in government has the common sense to over ride it for fear of upsetting the wealthy population. Might mean no more invites to posh weddings etc.

 

[Ezzy]

A point was made about companies paying taxes. How many overseas companies send profits overseas & pay no tax, & l refer to lkea for one?
How little tax do our mining companies pay? Increasing taxes & making overseas companies pay taxes in line with Australian companies would help pull the country out of the mire created by Government Generosity!

What ever happened to the saying, "Charity begins at home"? Governments need to get your own backyard into shape! sending huge sums of money overseas & look after elderly Australians first. Surely Australian Citizens are worth saving first!!!

Most of those elderly folk were the backbone who built this country & now they are being tossed aside like an oily rag.

 

[Jest]

As the ageing population in Australia continues to grow, the government is beginning to look at creative ways to help fund the nation's aged care sector. One idea that has been floating around recently is the introduction of a new levy or tax on younger Australians to help senior Australians.

Aged Care Minister Anika Wells has stated that the government has a 'genuine duty to deliberate' on any option to reverse the difficulties faced by the aged care sector, including exploring the concept of a levy.

While the Minister hasn't confirmed whether the government will introduce this tax, she's acknowledged that it might be necessary to ensure fair and equitable funding for the sector moving forward.

'We need to have an honest, responsible, and mature discussion about what aged care is going to look like in this country,' Anika explained during a recent interview with ABC.

'If I'm setting up a task force that is going to answer the question of how do we sustainably, equitably fund aged care in Australia moving forward, we need to deliberate on the recommendations to aged care funding that were handed by the Royal Commission.'

View attachment 22059

Young Australians are confronted with the possibility of a new levy aimed at funding the needs of an ageing population. Credit: Pexels/Andrea Piacquadio.

Of course, this potential levy might spark heated conversations around the dinner table as your adult children and grandchildren ponder the prospect of taking on this financial responsibility.

This idea for a levy comes at a time when many young Australians are already feeling the pinch due to existing financial pressures like inflated house prices, hefty HECS fees, and increasing interest rates. It's worth considering whether this additional burden might further strain relationships between the generations.

The proposed levy was one of several recommendations made by the Royal Commission into Aged Care aimed at addressing the current flaws within the system. If it were to come to fruition, it would function similarly to a Medicare-style tax, applied to all taxpayers.

Ms Wells consistently evaded direct answers when asked about the government's potential introduction of a levy or its functioning, stating that such a step would be premature.

Her emphasis lay not on determining the funding amount required but rather on finding ways to enhance outcomes for individuals within the sector, considering the previous administrations' inability to bring about meaningful reforms.

Ms Wells stated that the task force would delve into avenues for empowering Australians with greater choices regarding their entry into aged care and the available care options.

Nonetheless, she deemed it too early to speculate on the funding mechanism for this innovation, evading queries concerning the existing means testing measures. These measures grant Australians owning modest apartments the same subsidy as those who possess multimillion-dollar properties.

​

As the conversation develops, some critics have questioned whether this is the right solution. Veteran political journalist Samantha Maiden thinks that the levy could contribute to so-called 'intergenerational warfare'.

'Why should young people who are facing HECS debts and rising interest rates and inflation pay for a levy for the [seniors] to have lava lamps in their aged care home?' she asked during a recent television appearance.

Samantha argued that older Australians, many of whom are asset-rich (particularly when it comes to property), should be encouraged to utilise these assets to fund their own aged care.

She even went as far as suggesting that taxing young people, many of whom can't yet afford to purchase a home, might be unfair.

Key Takeaways

• Aged Care Minister Anika Wells acknowledges the government's responsibility to address the failing aged care sector and is considering a tax levy to boost funding.
• The Minister is focusing not on the amount of funding required but on ways to improve outcomes for those within the sector.
• A task force is being set up to explore ways to give Australians better choices regarding their aged care options and develop incentives for industry innovation.

Here at the Seniors Discount Club, we recognise the importance of quality aged care while also considering the potential impact on our younger generations. We want to see meaningful and equitable solutions for tackling the current challenges facing the aged care sector, and it's essential to keep an open dialogue on this matter.

We encourage you to discuss these recommendations and ideas with your adult children and grandchildren. What is their perspective on the potential levy? By opening up these conversations, we can ensure that the solution is equitable, sustainable, and fair for everyone involved.

As the discussion continues, we will keep an eye on any updates regarding the idea of a new levy. What do you think of this proposition? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below as well!

is that not what happens everywhere. the elderly have paid for their parents etc.??

 

[Jest]

A point was made about companies paying taxes. How many overseas companies send profits overseas & pay no tax, & l refer to lkea for one?
How little tax do our mining companies pay? Increasing taxes & making overseas companies pay taxes in line with Australian companies would help pull the country out of the mire created by Government Generosity!

What ever happened to the saying, "Charity begins at home"? Governments need to get your own backyard into shape! sending huge sums of money overseas & look after elderly Australians first. Surely Australian Citizens are worth saving first!!!

Most of those elderly folk were the backbone who built this country & now they are being tossed aside like an oily rag.

most of what the qld government do is paid from the mining so I think you should rethink. it is coal which if used for us would be much cheaper power bills. but no, everyone wants climate change.

 

[Esma Rose]

I am just waiting for the one tax you can bet on it, to come with the final blow. DEATH TAX.

 

[Esma Rose]

Here we go. Get ready, Game, Set and Match......Death Duties???????????????????