Income Inequality - Who do you believe?

St Vincent de Paul Society [Australia] spokesman John Wicks states

From 1994 to 2003, real mean incomes for the poorest Australians grew at a slower rate than those on higher incomes.

For example, someone earning $269 received only a 12 per cent rise - or $32.28. Medium earners on $449 a week enjoyed a 14 per cent, or $62.86. And high income earners, on a real mean weekly income of $975, received a 16 per cent or $156 boost.

Mr Wicks said the federal budget tax cuts were likely to increase the gap.

Dr John Falzon also comments on the "Welfare to work" plan saying it is very short sighted in respect of Australia’s future economic growth and outlook. “If we do not invest in health, housing, education and skills training for all Australians we will reduce our chances of developing a highly skilled productive workforce. If we choose to go down the US path of pushing people off welfare so as to reduce social expenditure we will lose our chance of creating a fair and compassionate Australia.” he said.