Tsunami relief too great
I believe the Australian Government’s billion dollar commitment to the tsunami relief effort is too great.
Of course I have tremendous sympathy for the people and countries involved, and every “rich” country should contribute to the recovery. The question is how much?
I rather like the American response, which was to pledge half a billion dollars (it’s probably more by now), and then to co-ordinate a nationwide private fundraiser led by two former presidents.
Private donations ought to be encouraged, and in Australia they have already been considerable. The cricket match in Melbourne today is an excellent idea.
I just think the government’s contribution is over the top. Imagine how much good could be done in Australia with a billion dollars?
Hospital waiting lists could be slashed, new aged care facilities built. The highway between Melbourne and Brisbane could be duplicated, saving hundreds of lives. Taxes could be reduced to encourage investment and create jobs.
Put the government’s contribution into perspective as well. How little did we provide to Rwanda, Somalia and Sudan? How little did we assist Iran after the terrible earthquake there?
We’ve pumped money into Iraq, East Timor, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, but probably not as much altogether as what will go towards tsunami relief.
I have to wonder if the government’s generosity isn’t more to do with John Howard parading the world stage and wanting to leave an international legacy. I think he quite likes being the global statesman.
I seriously doubt that Peter Costello and Treasury ran to the Prime Minister’s office with a blank cheque.
These comments are probably controversial and some readers may consider me selfish. I think my reasons are clear enough. Charity is important, but it should be within the means of the giver.
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