Fairness of the taxation system
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Introduction
In this activity, students are asked to consider whether the income taxation system in Australia is fair. They learn that Australia has a progressive income tax system and how the government intervenes in the economy to ensure a more equitable distribution of income.
Achievement standard
By the end of Year 8, students explain how markets operate and recognise why governments may influence the market’s operation. They explain the rights and responsibilities of consumers and businesses in terms of financial and economic decision-making. They explain why different types of businesses exist and describe the different ways businesses can respond to opportunities in the market. Students describe influences on the way people work and factors that may affect work in the future.
When researching, students develop questions and gather relevant data and information from different sources to investigate an economic or business issue. They interpret data to identify trends and relationships. They propose a range of alternative responses to an issue and evaluate the costs and benefits of each alternative. They apply economics and business knowledge, skills and concepts to familiar and unfamiliar problems. Students develop and present evidence-based conclusions using appropriate texts, subject-specific language and concepts. They identify the effects of an economic or business decision and the potential consequences of alternative actions.
Content descriptions
Economics and Business Knowledge and Understanding
The ways markets in Australia operate to enable the distribution of resources, and why they may be influenced by government (ACHEK027).
Economics and Business Skills
Apply economics and business knowledge, skills and concepts in familiar and new situations (ACHES036).
Present evidence-based conclusions using economics and business language and concepts in a range of appropriate formats, and reflect on the consequences of alternative actions (ACHES037).
Teacher resources
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Ethical principles
Income tax and the redistribution of income
Student learning resources
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Is Income tax fair?
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Suggested activity sequence
This sequence is intended as a framework to be modified and adapted by teachers to suit the needs of a class group.
- Think-pair-share: What is the difference between equality and equity?
- Brainstorm real-world examples of each.
- Display the Ethical principles – Visualiser and discuss ethical principles and the difference between equality, equity and justice.
- Discuss any differences between the views of students before and after they viewed the visualiser.
- Display and explain information on the Income tax and the redistribution of income – Visualiser.
- Use a grouping strategy to organise students into groups of 4.
- As a class, read the investigation.
- Groups complete parts 1-3 of the investigation.
Use a discussion strategy to support collaboration and participation, such as talking cards.
- Groups share their answers, with justifications, to the 2 questions they were asked to consider:
- Do you think the progressive income system in Australia is fair?
- Is the tax system designed to benefit the common good?
- Students individually complete part 4 of the investigation.
- If time permits, invite students to present their introductions to the conference.