Could The Education Bribe Be A Turning Point?

I can't help feeling that Howard's $800 per year per child education rebate may be a vote winner for the conservatives.

There'll be many parents in the outer suburb marginals who'll be sorely tempted by this bribe. They won't think about where the money's coming from, its effect on inflation and their mortgages, the leeway it gives for private schools to keep raising their fees, and the inequality of providing the rebate to the wealthy while those in real need with kids in public schools get little benefit.

It's a typical Howard move. Welfare supposedly aimed at the needy but in fact benefits the wealthier demographic. Just like the Health Insurance Rebate.

I'd like to think that the Labor party will not be tempted to match it in some way. Oink Oink, Flap Flap!

Update: The pigs are on the wing!