"deviding nation"

Despite strong economic growth and low inflation, many Australians believe that the benefits and costs have not been fairly shared and that inequality has been rising. Indeed, according to Newspoll, ‘by a margin of 70% to 28%, Australians would prefer the gap between “rich” and “poor” to get smaller rather than have the nation’s overall wealth grow as quickly as possible’ (The Australian, 17/06/00)


The Australian government addresses the ‘problem’ of income distribution in Australia but as you will come to realise, it is not on the top of their agenda when it comes down to economic management. This paper will observe the causes of widening income dispersion, the effects of this inequality, and analyse the attempts of the government to stem the tide, which is so evidently worrying to society.

Overview of the Situation- indicators of inequality in Australia
The 2001 SoE Report on Human Settlements noted the fact that Australia's transition into the 21st century...