Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's $900 bonus cheque is in the post for more than 8 million Australians. Are you one of the lucky millions? Will you receive the full $900? Find out below.
As Centrelink prepares to kick off the roll out of Rudd's payments today, the government is urging people to splash their cash in the shops to boost the flagging economy.
The ailing high-street has been eagerly waiting to cash in on the bonus dollars, with department store giant David Jones the latest retailer to offer incentives.
Have your say: Will you spend or save the cash bonus?
DJs is offering a bonus $20 David Jones gift card for every $200 worth of store gift cards purchased between Tuesday and Sunday March 15.
The move follows last week's cheekier proposition from retailer Kogan Technologies - which began offering a 37-inch high definition TV for $900 - billed as a "bargain" price.
However, as the nation faces up to a barrage of recent bad news, spawning speculation that Australia is already in a recession, many people fear for their financial security and may not wish to splash their cash.
According to the Australian National Retailers Association's most recent survey people are split over saving versus spending - with half planning to pay off debts and save money, and the other half planning to spend the handout.
Around 20 percent of of those spending the cash will look to buy discretionary items, with the remainder planning to pay off bills and other living expenses.
Q&A: the $900 handout
Who is eligible? The bonus will be available to Australian resident taxpayers who paid net tax in the 2007-08 financial year.
How do I claim it? You will not need to apply for the payment. The Tax Office will use its records to determine who is eligible.
To receive the payment, taxpayers must lodge their tax returns for the 2007-08 financial year by 30 June 2009.
The vast majority of taxpayers have already lodged their tax returns.
How much money will I get?
* A $900 bonus will be paid to taxpayers with taxable income up to and including $80,000. * A $600 bonus will be paid to taxpayers with income exceeding $80,000 to $90,000. * A $250 bonus will be paid to taxpayers with income exceeding $90,000 to and including $100,000.
When and how will it be paid? The Tax Office has begun checking who is eligable and will send out cheques from April 2009 for those who have lodged a 2007-08 tax return.
The bonus will be a direct payment to taxpayers including through electronic transfer or cheque. The bonus will not be used to offset a taxpayer's tax liability.
Why has the government lowered the bonus by $50? When Kevin Rudd first announced the $42 billion stimulus plan in February, he outlined plans for cash handouts of up to $950.
In recent weeks that has been reduced to a maximum of $900. The government has said the cut was made in order to strike a balance between being responsible and acting fast.
Well we got ours. So my son and myself have seasons tickets to the football now in great seats Stupid idea but they want us to blow it, so blow it I did. The seats for the 6 matches at our stadium was $480. Now I am online looking for a hotel in Sydney for the wife and I to have a night away from the kids. That'll eat up the rest.
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09:10 PM
Mar 13th, 2009
proff Member
Posts: 7401 From: The bottom of the world Registered: Oct 2004
Well we got ours. So my son and myself have seasons tickets to the football now in great seats Stupid idea but they want us to blow it, so blow it I did. The seats for the 6 matches at our stadium was $480. Now I am online looking for a hotel in Sydney for the wife and I to have a night away from the kids. That'll eat up the rest.
how come you got yours first? I think i have to wait until next month
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12:41 AM
Uaana Member
Posts: 6570 From: Robbinsdale MN US Registered: Dec 1999
Really.. Best guess is 18 mos from now if we elect a R congress/house to add balance. Worst case scenario. ya .. 2012 not sure what will be left by then except debt.
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01:00 AM
AusFiero Member
Posts: 11513 From: Dapto NSW Australia Registered: Feb 2001
Really.. Best guess is 18 mos from now if we elect a R congress/house to add balance. Worst case scenario. ya .. 2012 not sure what will be left by then except debt.
Its all over in December 2012 anyway, so party up!
I think ill stay where i am, not worth moving just to get a quick bit of cash just to be taxed higher later ( 4 or 5x ) to pay it back.
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06:41 AM
blackrams Member
Posts: 33140 From: Covington, TN, USA Registered: Feb 2003
Well we got ours. So my son and myself have seasons tickets to the football now in great seats Stupid idea but they want us to blow it, so blow it I did. The seats for the 6 matches at our stadium was $480. Now I am online looking for a hotel in Sydney for the wife and I to have a night away from the kids. That'll eat up the rest.
Aus, Just so you know, I am available for adoption.
Muslims who want to live under Islamic Sharia law were told on Wednesday to get out of Australia , as the government targeted radicals in a bid to head off potential terror attacks..
Separately, Kevin angered some Australian Muslims on Wednesday by saying he supported spy agencies monitoring the nation's mosques. Quote: 'IMMIGRANTS, NOT AUSTRALIANS, MUST ADAPT. Take It Or Leave It. I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture. Since the terrorist attacks on Bali , we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Australians. '
'This culture has been developed over two centuries of struggles, trials and victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom'
'We speak mainly ENGLISH, not Spanish, Lebanese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society . Learn the language!'
'Most Australians believe in God. This is not some Christian, right wing, political push, but a fact, because Christian men and women, on Christian principles, founded this nation, and this is clearly documented. It is certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools. If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home, because God is part of our culture.'
'We will accept your beliefs, and will not question why. All we ask is that you accept ours, and live in harmony and peaceful enjoyment with us.'
'This is OUR COUNTRY, OUR LAND, and OUR LIFESTYLE, and we will allow you every opportunity to enjoy all this. But once you are done complaining, whining, and griping about Our Flag, Our Pledge, Our Christian beliefs, or Our Way of Life, I highly encourage you take advantage of one other great Australian freedom, 'THE RIGHT TO LEAVE'.'
'If you aren't happy here then LEAVE. We didn't force you to come here. You asked to be here. So accept the country YOU accepted.'
Muslims who want to live under Islamic Sharia law were told on Wednesday to get out of Australia , as the government targeted radicals in a bid to head off potential terror attacks..
Separately, Kevin angered some Australian Muslims on Wednesday by saying he supported spy agencies monitoring the nation's mosques. Quote: 'IMMIGRANTS, NOT AUSTRALIANS, MUST ADAPT. Take It Or Leave It. I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture. Since the terrorist attacks on Bali , we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Australians. '
'This culture has been developed over two centuries of struggles, trials and victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom'
'We speak mainly ENGLISH, not Spanish, Lebanese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society . Learn the language!'
'Most Australians believe in God. This is not some Christian, right wing, political push, but a fact, because Christian men and women, on Christian principles, founded this nation, and this is clearly documented. It is certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools. If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home, because God is part of our culture.'
'We will accept your beliefs, and will not question why. All we ask is that you accept ours, and live in harmony and peaceful enjoyment with us.'
'This is OUR COUNTRY, OUR LAND, and OUR LIFESTYLE, and we will allow you every opportunity to enjoy all this. But once you are done complaining, whining, and griping about Our Flag, Our Pledge, Our Christian beliefs, or Our Way of Life, I highly encourage you take advantage of one other great Australian freedom, 'THE RIGHT TO LEAVE'.'
'If you aren't happy here then LEAVE. We didn't force you to come here. You asked to be here. So accept the country YOU accepted.'
