Better days are coming

On 28 October, Greens Leader David Shoebridge addressed the National Press Club, setting out a bold new vision for Australia's future.

Australia is one of the wealthiest countries in the world. Yet millions are struggling to afford the basics while big corporations make record profits and billionaires grow wealthier.

It doesn't have to be this way.

For decades, Labor and the Liberals have put corporate profits ahead of the public good.

The Greens have a different vision: one where everyone can afford a good life, essential services put people first, and our country's extraordinary wealth benefits all of us.

It's time to tax wealth, not work.

David announced a plan to put more money back in the pockets of everyday Australians, paid for by making big gas and mining corporations pay their fair share.

Under the Greens' plan:

• More than $1,000 back in the pockets of almost every working Australian every year, by lifting the tax-free threshold from $18,200 to $26,000.
• A $1,000 annual boost for people on income support, including pensioners, carers, students and jobseekers.
• An additional $45 billion a year from gas and mining corporations, by fairly taxing the resources that belong to all Australians.

This plan is backed by research from independent think tank Prosper Australia, which outlines how a fairer approach to taxing our natural resources could raise billions more in public revenue every year.

We have the wealth to do this. What's been missing is the political will.

How did Australia become so unequal?

Today, the wealthiest 1% of Australians hold more wealth than the bottom 75% combined.

Over decades, successive governments have sold off public assets, handed essential services to private corporations and turned housing into a vehicle for investment rather than a basic right.

Meanwhile, wages haven't kept pace with rising costs, and more wealth has flowed into the hands of the few.
 

Inequality isn't inevitable. It's the result of political choices, and we can make different ones.

A better future is possible

The Greens believe government should be a force for good.

That means affordable homes, quality public services, free and accessible healthcare, secure jobs and decent wages. It means investing in publicly owned renewable energy, protecting our environment and making sure everyone can live with dignity and security.

And it means an economy that gives people more time with their friends, families and communities.

Life should be more than affordable. It should be exciting, joyous and full of possibility.

But good policies alone won't change the country. We need people coming together, organising in their communities and building the political power to challenge the corporations and vested interests protecting the status quo.

That's how we've won change before. And it's how we'll do it again.

Better days are coming. Together, we can build the political power to make them happen.