Just when you start losing faith in The People, they go ahead and do something lovely. Something really lovely, like raising more than $27,000 for a man they’ve never met.
That man is Duncan Storrar, the dead set Aussie legend who schooled the pollies on budget fairness during Monday night’s episode of Q&A. Watch the video clip above.
Duncan has been propelled to cult hero status after he slammed the government’s decision to cut income tax for high earners, given he can’t even afford to take his little girls to see a movie.
The $6000 toaster is a cheeky nod to Assistant Treasurer and Small Business Minister Kelly O’Dwyer’s baffling response on Monday night’s show.
When Duncan questioned why “rich people” deserve the tax-free threshold lift, O’Dwyer banged on about “jobs” and “growth”, using the example of how company tax cuts have helped one cafe owner afford… you guessed it, a $6000 toaster.
Just 19 hours in, more than 900 people have donated to the fundraiser, many of whom have left comments in support of their new hero.
One donor wrote, “Good on you Duncan, here’s some of my future tax break that I don’t really need. It’s a shame the Liberals just didn’t give it straight to you & others who need it much more than me.”
And another. “A small gesture from a fellow human with a disability, but without the extra burden of kids. Hopefully enough for a few loaves and some jam. You go Duncan. Hopefully this is tax free :)”
As well as inspiring people to part with their cash, Duncan’s story also has social media users hailing his statements. Take a look on Twitter and it’s likely you’ll spot hashtags like “I stand with Duncan” and “Duncan for PM”.
It’s unclear whether Duncan is aware of the campaigns or the money that’s been raised for him, but lord knows we’d all love to be there when he buys those movie tickets for his kids.
Top Comments
I know some folks are finding it frustrating but can we, please, stop judging people harshly because they respond in a helpful way to someone in distress? Impulsive kindness is a good thing. We need more unsolicited acts of kindness in the world, not fewer. Duncan did nothing wrong. He got up and asked a question on national TV and other people agreed with him. You might not agree with him but he did nothing wrong. He didn't start the Gofundme page and had no knowledge of it until he was contacted by the people who started it.
There are plenty of people who don't have enough income to be paying income tax. To me, at least, this does not make them less valuable as human beings or less worthy of having their needs met. They are not required to be "deserving" (whatever the hell that means), but simply needing support and be prepared to help themselves become independent again. I have a disability. I've also had cancer three times in the last fifteen years. I'm still unable to earn my own living. Does that make me less of a person, less "deserving" than my high-flying professional sister?
In Duncan's case it seems to me that he must be paying some tax anyway for this to even be an issue for him. Even a tiny tax cut to someone in that position can make a significant difference. Newstart hasn't been increased in twenty years, while the cost of living has risen hugely. It's not an easy life on the dole and disability payments are better but still not adequate. Why castigate the man for wanting a few dollars extra in his bank account?
Well said, Australia seems to be in the habit of judging people's worth by their yearly income these days, I think it is wrong. Good on him, I hope he and his girls enjoy the money.
"Why castigate the man for wanting a few dollars extra in his bank account?"
Why not show a bit of appreciation for what he is receiving instead of complaining about not getting more.
"Why not show a bit of appreciation for what he is receiving instead of complaining about not getting more"
Could be said to high-income earners whinging about how much tax they pay. And they don't have the excuse of living so close to the breadline.
Except the high tax payers are complaining about something being taken away, completely different.
You're kidding me. He's an ex druggie and pays effectively no tax even accounting for the GST. Financial support, health care card, medicare etc. mean he's getting far more than is contributing. Some call this a heartless response. I'd call it a fact especially as his choices led him to where he now is. Also, his son, now 20 says living with this father led HIM hetting hooked on drugs too.