The bill addresses both food insecurity and food wastage, two pressing issues in Australia. By incentivizing corporations to donate edible food that would otherwise be wasted, the bill aims to maximize overall well-being by providing essential support to those in need [Judgment]. The environmental benefits of reducing food waste further bolster its utility, as less food waste means lower environmental impact, aligning with sustainability goals.
This tax incentive also provides a practical and immediate solution to food stress, helping charities meet the growing demand for food assistance without waiting for long-term policy changes.
From a propertarian perspective, government intervention in the form of tax incentives could be seen as an unnecessary intrusion into the free market. Companies should have the autonomy to decide how to manage their resources, and a tax offset may distort market dynamics by encouraging behavior that the market does not naturally sustain [Judgment].
Moreover, there's a concern about the potential for misuse or manipulation of the tax offset, despite the integrity measures included in the bill. Ensuring compliance and monitoring could result in additional administrative burdens and costs.
2024-07-02
Before Senate
SMITH, Sen Dean
Unspecified
Taxation, Social Support / Welfare, Climate Change / Environment