Gentleman,
allow me to clarify, i did not set out to question anyones patriotism.
Nor am i trying to make anyone feel guilty because they bought offshore.
(in all honesty, given half a chance i too would snap up a 200t for $500)
I am merely trying to illustrate that, when YOU make a saving, SOMEONE ELSE misses out, its just simple economics.
In my case that SOMEONE ELSE is my local bloke, who is a hard working Australian family man, like myself.
My guess is that most of the price difference would be due to import duties ie.
TAX
As i said its only a guess, i haven't researched the price breakdown.
( if someone has the figures please post them, i always prefer the facts over an eduacated guess)
Now, if indeed the difference in price is mainly a TAX difference, then these are the same taxes that are used to pay for our roads,schools and hospitals.
We are one of the most highest taxing nations on the planet, but we also have one of the greatest countries in which to live,work and raise our families.
We also have a lifestyle that is second none, and surely the high level of taxes we pay have contributed to these facts.
Now regarding the issue of cheap Islander labour versus buying offshore,
gentlemen your arguements are flawed, allow me to explain why.
1- Yes they might live locally and spend some of their money here, but i am sure that like most new migrants they would also send a large proportion of their money back home to their families.
2- If they are uninsured, then they are also depriving our local insurance industry. (not that i love insurance companies btw)
3- If they are working "cash in hand" and not fulfilling their tax obligation, again they are short changing our community, as i illustrated above.
4- If they are unqualified, then again they have short changed our educational community, and denied future generations of tree workers the knowledge they would have gained.
So it is with these points i believe that my drawing an analogy between buying offshore and using cheap Islander labour is sound.
(although not perfect)
I hope this provokes some thought and debate.
Oh,
and just for the record,
i have never worked for an insurance company, the tax office or a stihl dealer.
