The Death of Free Camping + Super Tax Changes Explained

THE TLDR: NSW National Parks plans to hike camping fees up to $89p/night to combat 'Ghost Bookings', while other countries like Scotland & Norway embrace free camping rights

KEY FACTS:

1️⃣ Premium campsites could cost more than renting a house nearby ($679p/week for a site with basic facilities).

2️⃣ The changes aim to stop people booking multiple cheap sites to secure private camping areas for themselves.

3️⃣ Environmental advocates argue for simpler solutions like first-come-first-served systems, instead of fee increases.

Delve deeper with our Punter Citations:
ABC: NSW national parks propose standarding camping fees amid rise in 'ghost camping'
Hip Camp: Is Wild Camping Legal in Scotland?
Visit Norway: The right to roam, Enjoying Norway

THE TLDR: The government is proposing to increase tax on superannuation earnings over $3 million from 15% to 30%, affecting only the wealthiest 0.5% of Australians. This still gives them a better tax deal than regular income earners.

KEY FACTS:
1️⃣ Currently, the top 10% of earners receive $22 billion in super tax breaks, while the bottom 50% only get 13% of the benefits.

2️⃣ The proposed change would only affect 80,000 people out of 17 million super accounts.

3️⃣ The reform could raise up to $40 billion in revenue, while still taxing wealthy super accounts at a lower rate than regular income.

4️⃣ The billions saved could fund universal free dental care (costing $8-9B/year) and help those who actually need retirement support, rather than subsidizing tax breaks for the wealthy.

Delve deeper with our Punter Citations:
The Guardian: Misleading fear campaigns may kill Labor’s superannuation changes. But here are the real numbers
SBS: Wages on the rise: How does your income compare to others?

THE TLDR: A new gas plant by US corporation ConocoPhillips is being built 5km off the iconic Great Ocean Road near the 12 Apostles. This is giving away natural resources while compromising scenic landmarks.

KEY FACTS:
1️⃣ The gas plant will be visible from the Great Ocean Road tourist route and 12 Apostles

2️⃣ While Australians can't fish in nearby marine parks due to environmental concerns, foreign gas companies can build major industrial projects just outside these zones

3️⃣ Despite claims it's for domestic supply, 2/3 of East Coast gas is exported, making this likely another export project

Delve deeper with our Punter Citations:
The Guardian: Victoria approves first gas project in 10 years near the famous Twelve Apostles
The Australia Institute: There's a huge new gas rig looming over our 12 Apostles
The Australia Institute: Gas exports: 56% given to corporations royalty-free