29-05-2025
Disgusting moment Aussie politicians' joke about taxing YOU: 'Arrogant'
Victorian treasurer Jaclyn Symes has been slammed as 'arrogant' by a radio host after she asked a room of voters to share their 'favourite tax'.
Symes posed the question at a post-budget Property Council of Australia breakfast at Sofitel Melbourne on Collins, in the city's CBD, on Tuesday.
Speaking to a room of more than 200 of the state's property developers and investors, Symes asked: 'Let's have a show of hands, what is the worst tax?'
The majority of the audience remained silent while others laughed nervously, prompting the treasurer to ask: 'What is your favourite tax?'
After a pause, Property Council chief executive Mike Zorbas asked the crowd: 'Who's in favour of national tax reforms?'
His question was met with several attendees raising their hands.
Radio host Jacqui Felgate, who presents 3AW Drive, was horrified by the treasurer's seemingly poor attempt at a joke.
'I'm just staggered by this and the word I'm going to use today is arrogance,' she said.
'People in construction who are trying to keep their businesses going, first time buyers who can't buy a home.
'Small business owners, farmers, retirees, young, old workers in this state.
'The destruction that the level of tax in Victoria has done to people's lives.'
Ms Felgate then read a list of the taxes Victorians are subject to, including Covid tax, land tax, fire services levy, work cover levy and payroll tax.
'And a generational level of debt,' she added.
'Let me tell you treasurer, no one is laughing. So whether it's a bad joke that just didn't land or pure arrogance, no one is laughing.'
Aussies were also enraged by the treasurer's questions.
'THANK YOU Jacqui… Keep that excellent reporting you are doing for us the listeners… Love your segment,' one commented.
Another wrote: 'I have so MUCH RESPECT for you for calling them out on their DISGUSTING and DISRESPECTFUL behaviour! Thank you!'
'Continued lack of understanding of what Victorians actually want or need. We are all being crushed by this government's continued spending on things we neither need or want; and the continued taxes being forced on us,' a third commented.
'Something has to give, hopefully Victorians realise what is happening and take action when it is time to vote.'
Developer Max Shifman, who attended the breakfast, said Symes' question showed how 'tone deaf she is' when it came to the state's property industry.
He told the Herald Sun the industry had been 'brought to its knees through sky high taxes and regulation'.
