The govmnt used to say under $1000 it cost more to collect than it generated.
I'd like to see the designed process/es undergo a cost assessment as currently it just looks like sacking Gerry Harvey's fat arsehole.
Agree, I'll happily pay the GST on an item if I can purchase it for the same price as the yanks.
Though I think its the manufacturers that jack the price not the distributer.
Maybe both? But I reckon the price gouging is a local issue and partly justifiable. Look at how much a box packer in a warehouse is paid here compared to the USA. Or how much additional shipping is required to get products here from Asia, Europe, or USA. And of course market size. However greed is still a part of it as well, perhaps not so much with newer and smaller operators, but how does a big company that has been trading on a big mark up for 30+ years suddenly undertake a complete pricing restructure without going under? It can be done but is a risky operation. And you know...I love my Ferrari.
Just a guess but the way data matching/automation/ML/AI/IOT is going, should be theoretically be getting cheaper to let the bots do the work & police the exceptions. Or maybe give 457s out for the role. Zingggg!!
I worked in government during some huge technology upgrades (one was proudly professed as the largest ever in Australia) and system overhauls, all were said to be bringing in greater efficiencies and lower costs...none did. Ever. Or so the boss would always claim when it was time to negotiate a new agreement...
You can however get it cheaper by using an external provider that screws down their workers, as you have eluded to. More and more government work has been outsourced that was once either too important knowledge to loose from a regulator or too private for circulation outside of departments. You also need to be a citizen to work in the public service, which Peter Dutton is definitely against the increase of. So outsource it is and we shall have backpackers and those chasing a better life for those at home working as virtual slaves because we have a shortage of workers here already.
Pfft. Rookie.
Make all the shipping go through Manus and then those detention folks can process them for free.
Free? Bullshit! They will be repaying the debt they owe to us for our generous hospitality and kindness by helping them in their quest to find a better life.