✅ Plain-language lesson
Neoliberalism replaced public funding with “user pays”:
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Student loans
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Private health
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Tolls
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Fines and fees
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Paid parking
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Higher TAFE and university costs
Instead of funding services with public money, governments shifted costs onto individuals.
This created:
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Debt
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Inequality
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Barriers to education
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Profit-driven healthcare
The idea that “taxpayers can’t afford it” was used to justify cuts — even though Australia can create its own currency.
✅ Discussion Question
Which services should be returned to full public funding?