Labour versus income from assets

There has been some talk in the press recently that income from labour is morally superior to income from assets or passive income, hence the changes to negative gearing, capital gains tax, and discretionary trusts. 

But income from labour or work is not morally superior to income from assets or other legitimate sources. 

It is just that income from labour is much more heavily taxed than passive income. 

The changes announced by the Federal Government rebalance the ledger somewhat. 

I may add that putting money in the bank, super fund or rental property is not really risky unless chasing high rates of return. Anyone can do it. 

Real estate property investors, including myself, do that because it has been a really good tax lurk rather than giving us a warm, fuzzy feeling of helping tenants. 

Property investors can still invest in new real estate under the existing laws, which helps themselves and increases housing supply.

Robert Blakeley

Horsham 

Dedicated to Ararat

Last month, I wrote a poem dedicated to Ararat, which I recorded to air on ABC 774 Melbourne Saturday Breakfast with Brian Nankervis.

I thought the poem would be of interest for readers of The Weekly Advertiser.

Our Town, Ararat

Founded by Chinese miners 

In 1857

When they discovered gold, a great alluvial find

To others it would beckon.

The Victorian government’s ten-pound poll-tax 

Was on every Chinese arrival,

But they outsmarted them, disembarked in Robe  South Australia. Now archival.

It soon became a gold rush town

Of 40,000 people,

But not everyone’s finds on the Canton Lead

Would have been that equal.

Ararat is a ‘Goldilocks’ town

Not too big or small,

It’s just right, we have found 

So far no city sprawl.

It’s on the Western Highway 

Easy to find,

Close to several vineyards

If you fancy a drop of wine.

It’s ‘The Gateway to the Grampians’

Two and a half hours from Melbourne, 

Forty minutes from Halls Gap

An hour and a half from an ocean.

You’ll find free camping at Green Hill Lake

But you’re welcome to leave a donation,

There’s free parking in Ararat’s streets 

And is blessed with a railway station.

Check out all the eateries,

Restaurants, cafes and bars,

With big skies and no pollution 

You can still see the stars.

Ararat has much to offer

Check it out on your device,

And save me a lot of writing 

‘bout attractions sure to entice.

Now living in Ararat 

The only rats that we have seen

Are dressed in red and white uniforms

‘The Rats’ football and netball teams.

A welcoming community 

With people from many nations,

Our forebears, they did us proud

When they laid such good foundations.

Now if you’re nearing Ararat at night

Lights welcome you with a smile, 

So drop in, say hello 

And stay a little while.

Ferelise Bonollo

Ararat

The entire May 20, 2026 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!