What budget small change could do for people without a voice

DEAR Minister Cowen, we’re just approaching the start of December, and I know you have to deal with as many demands as Santa Claus.

Indeed, a lot of people this year are starting to look at you as if you were Santa himself. But, I wonder, is Santa Claus a republican? I’ve often heard you speak about republicanism, the sort you believe in and that motivates you in politics. It’s a republicanism that believes in democracy and in greater equality first and foremost. That’s what I’ve heard you say, anyway, and I know you believe it.

So I want to take the liberty of suggesting three areas that urgently need some additional investment. All three are activities that would advance that notion of republicanism that puts democracy and equality first. They are three announcements you could make in your budget in a couple of weeks’ time, and they would make a profound difference.