Bureaucratic Solipsism

It’s like a comedy that’s not funny:

Labor is preparing to outlaw debit card surcharges in a broad crackdown on consumer fees as the Albanese government attempts to ease financial pressures on families in the lead up to a federal election next year.

The government will outline its plans – and more funding for the competition watchdog to target businesses charging excessive fees – at the same time the Reserve Bank of Australia on Tuesday launches a comprehensive review of payment costs for retailers.

How about, before further meddling in private commercial arrangements, Labor consider some of these things to ease financial pressures on families:

• cut taxes

• cut regulations

• cut regulators

• cut government spending

• cut non-front line public servants

You know, like, the things the governments do to increase financial pressures on families.

Clueless. Clowns. Canberra.

As Leo Tolstoy wrote:

I sit on a man's back choking him and making him carry me, and yet assure myself and others that I am sorry for him and wish to lighten his load by all means possible… except by getting off his back.

Hey Canberra. Get the hell off our backs!