you are here: > United Australia > Article 17
 
2. Universal Principles
  
  Article 17- Government Fees and Charges  
17.1 Contribution  
  To function, a society requires the assistance of all its citizens. A fair and harmonious society is one that encourages its citizens and corporations to succeed while at the same time calling on each man, woman and corporation to make some kind of financial contribution where they can.  
  The word “tax” (latin) historically denotes the concept of a tribute for losing a battle. It is and has always been a word and concept considered unfair by most communities.  
  By this Charter, the word tax, the concept of tax and taxes is abolished for all forms of government.  
17.2 Relative contribution  
  A fair and enlightened society is one where those citizens and corporations who can afford to, contribute more than those with less. By this Charter it is considered a moral and ethical requirement of the wealthiest Members to contribute more to the benefit of the Society in which they live.  
  Therefore, the financial contribution required from wealthier Members and corporations will always be greater than that required from those less wealthy.  
  Members or corporations who reject such a notion or seek to avoid making a proper contribution also reject the very society which has helped them earn their wealth. Such behaviour will not be tolerated in a fair and just society.  
  The notion of a contribution to society can never be rightly compared to the concept of tax.  
17.3 Fairness of relative contribution  
  To be fair, the relative level of contribution of citizens and corporations must balance between the overall needs and expectations of the society and the just reward for effort.  
  The total income earned by an individual or corporation must always be considered by rights their own, with no inherent claim of right to any of this income by any form of government.  
  Instead, the level of contribution required to be made by all citizens, workers and corporations of the society is based on an agreement of trust that the government shall seek to deliver the most cost effective services the society, its citizens and corporations require, while individuals and corporations agree to make a relative contribution to this goal.  
17.4 Fairest and simplest calculation process  
  A feature of tax law in most modern societies is the level of complexity introduced through complex exemptions and calculations. While the intention might initially have been a fair system, the result is usually far from fair.  
  History suggests that wherever an extra exemption of complexity is introduced the chance for evasion and corruption of the system increases. Therefore the fairest system for calculating the level of contribution fees of a man, woman or corporation will always be one that is the simplest.  
17.5 Fee for service  
  The operation of government in many ways should mirror the principle of good government of any corporation in the providing of quality services to its customers.  
  Wherever a quality service is provided to citizens, residents, international corporations or people, a model of fee for service should exist.  
17.6 Fair price for services  
  Unlike a corporation which seeks to optimize its profits by maximizing price, it shall be a founding principle of this Charter that prices for all government services should be fair.  
  The power to set prices for government related services should always vest in the Executive Government.  
17.7 Non permission to set fees, charges, taxes without Parliamentary approval  
  By this Charter, Provinces, states and all local communities are forbidden from setting fees, charges or taxes of any kind without lawful approval by the National Parliament in conjunction with Executive Government approval.  
  Where a state or province imposes a fee, charge or tax without proper and lawful approval, such action itself shall be deemed unlawful with officials responsible for such acts themselves liable for criminal and civil proceedings.  
     
 
 

Copyright © 2010 United Australia.Org. All rights reserved.