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.
This activity contributes to the following outcomes.
A student:
- applies consumer, financial, economic, business, legal, political and employment concepts and terminology in a variety of contexts COM5-1
- researches and assesses information using a variety of sources COM5-7
- explains information using a variety of forms COM5-8
- works independently and collaboratively to meet individual and collective goals within specified timeframes COM5-9.
Related Stage 4 outcomes: COM4-1, COM4-7, COM4-8, COM4-9
Related Life Skills outcomes: COMLS-11, COMLS-12, COMLS-13
Content descriptions
Core 2: The Economic and Business Environment
The nature of the economy
Students:
- explain the interdependence between different sectors of the economy, for example the role of the government in protecting consumers.
The nature of markets within the economy
Students:
- examine the reasons for government intervention in the market, for example energy pricing, prevention of environmental degradation, conservation of natural resources.
Core 3: Employment and Work Futures
Work and wellbeing
Students:
- examine the contribution of work to the wellbeing of individuals and broader society, including:
- the redistribution of income through taxation, and government expenditure, e.g.in education, health, infrastructure and social welfare (ACHEK052).
Student learning resources
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Changes to tax spending
Tax Spending Workbook
Writing paragraphs in Commerce
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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. The activity was written for students in Stage 5, however it can be modified to suit the needs of Stage 4 students and Life skills students.
- 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?