Tax spending
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Introduction
This activity introduces students to the concept of a federal Budget and how the government uses tax revenue to fund goods and services that promote the living standards of all Australians. Students interpret budget data to develop hypotheses and arguments on reasons for budgetary changes over time.
Achievement standard
By the end of Year 10, students explain why and how governments manage economic performance to improve living standards. They give explanations for variations in economic performance and standards of living within and between economies. They analyse factors that influence major consumer and financial decisions and explain the short- and long-term effects of these decisions. They explain how businesses respond to changing economic conditions and improve productivity. Students evaluate the effect of organisational and workforce management on business performance.
When researching, students develop questions and formulate hypotheses to frame an investigation of an economic or business issue or event. They gather and analyse reliable data and information from different sources to identify trends, explain relationships and make predictions. Students generate alternative responses to an issue, taking into account multiple perspectives. They use cost-benefit analysis and appropriate criteria to propose and justify a course of action. They apply economics and business knowledge, skills and concepts to familiar, unfamiliar and complex hypothetical problems. Students develop and present evidence-based conclusions and reasoned arguments incorporating different points of view. They use appropriate texts, subject-specific language, conventions and concepts. They analyse the intended and unintended effects of economic and business decisions and the potential consequences of alternative actions.
Content descriptions
Economics and Business Knowledge and Understanding
The ways that governments manage economic performance to improve living standards (ACHEK052)
Economics and Business Skills
Analyse data and information in different formats to explain cause-and-effect relationships, make predictions and illustrate alternative perspectives (ACHES057).
Present reasoned arguments and evidence-based conclusions in a range of appropriate formats using economics and business conventions, language and concepts (ACHES060).
Student learning resources
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Changes to tax spending
Tax Spending Workbook
Writing paragraphs in Economics
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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.
- Brainstorm the services the Australian Government provides.
- As a class, read through the investigation, clarifying any misunderstandings as you do and consolidating student understanding of the meaning of a federal Budget and developing a hypothesis.
- Students complete the investigation, which requires them to access the tax spending workbook.
- If necessary, explicitly teach how paragraphs are structured using the paragraph model.
- Discuss with the class their findings and conclusions. Were they surprised by what they found? Why?