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"These individuals are not just counting cards in the casino – they are bringing their own dealer and their own deck.”
This is the position that Labor holds when it comes to people, people like our clients, using accountants, like us, to manage their tax responsibilities.
Sadly it appears that Shorten doesn’t really understand what we do day in and day out, instead using this as another opportunity to play rich against poor in order to nab a few extra votes, appealing to a Aussie ‘fair go’ mentality. Suggesting that having some help from people familiar with the tax system, is an unfair advantage to those with access, but too is directly a disadvantage to the average Australian.
Without jumping too far down the rabbit hole of money theory, capitalism vs socialism, privilege, and other things politicians may use to polarise citizens, we just want to ask a question. Are what we and other accountants contributing to society net beneficial?
Disregard the tax ‘losses’ that Bill is eyeing off, does our tax know-how, our advice, our commitment to small businesses across the country actually expand the economy? Are we making our fair contribution to the nation, or are we just helping the ‘rich get richer’?
It would be interesting to see what Labour’s ‘typical’ accountant looks like. Maybe they’re some high-flying personality, helping their clients squeeze another Mazaratti into their shed. Running complex spread sheets, working out where the next opportunity to take advantage of the system is.
Our real life picture as small business accountants is significantly different. We spend each and every day helping our clients grow their businesses. They’re people with families, people who employ members of our community. They are good at what they do, yet when it comes to the tax system, and strategic planning, they know it’s not their strong suit. It’s where people just like us, and accountants across the country step into the gap. We have testimony after testimony of good businesses becoming great businesses. Bill, that means more jobs, more revenue, more spending, and yes, more tax.
We don’t want to take the credit, we’re more like the Yodas of the business world, little green sages helping people reach their best, their potential. Helping real Aussies achieve the Australian dream, while helping the families, and communities roundabout these individuals.
No one dislikes Yoda..
Ironically, we’re just helping people with the complex and confusing tax system the government has created. Perhaps suggesting tax reform might be better, after all we’re following the law that is instituted. Blaming us for a problem the government has created is a low blow, yet how many average audience viewers will connect the dots? It instead contributes to the negative sentiment and furthering divisions amongst our communities.
We don’t appreciate being made out like Sith Lords, hiding in dark places puppet-ed by even more shadowy figures only ever seen via holograms.
Accountants, we’re for the people. The people who are building businesses, actually making jobs, dreaming up the future Australia, and bloody well contributing to the tax system.
