Fairness of the taxation system
Access denied
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.
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
- examines the role of law in society COM5-3
- evaluates options for solving problems and issues COM5-5
- 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, COM4-3, COM4-5, COM4-7, COM4-8, COM4-9
Related Life Skills outcomes: COMLS-12, COMLS-13
Content descriptions
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).
Core 4: Law, society and political involvement
The role and structure of the legal system
Students:
- investigate the nature of laws and the reasons for laws in society in relation to values, morals and ethics.
Option 5: Law in action
Current issues
- investigate a current issue relating to the law in action.
Teacher resources
In order to see the resources you must Register or Login if you already have an account.
Ethical principles
Income tax and the redistribution of income
Student learning resources
In order to see the resources you must Register or Login if you already have an account.
Is income tax fair?
Other resources you might like
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.