The Australian Taxpayers’ Alliance, the nation’s largest grassroots advocacy group representing taxpayers, today condemned the Australian government’s anti-competitive behaviour. The Senate’s Environment and Communication Legislation Committee has okayed legislation to tax non-NBN internet users.
“Only the government can get away with fining people going to their competition,” said ATA Policy Director, Emilie Dye. “The federal government is essentially subsidising their failed company with funds collected from other people’s customers.”
“Any business or residence using an “NBN-equivalent” internet provider come 1 July 2020 must pay an additional $7.10 monthly tax. While the fee seems small it impacts people choosing their internet provider.
“Taxes are the government’s version of bashing in people’s knees for buying from the Bloods instead of the Crips. But at least they have increased transparency.
“The Australian people have been trapped in the NBN nightmare. We have already coughed up $51 billion in taxes for what can only be described as a shoddy, outdated, and unfinished system. But the taxes keep coming.”
