What does the Australian government spend your income tax on?
Percentages vary from year to year based on changes in government policy and the economy but most recently, the highest percentage of funds from income tax was spent on:
- Social security and welfare: This includes programs such as the Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, and JobSeeker Payment. In the 2021-22 financial year, around 36% of income tax revenue was spent on social security and welfare.
- Health: This includes funding for public hospitals, Medicare, and other health-related programs. In the 2021-22 financial year, around 17% of income tax revenue was spent on health.
- Education and training: This includes funding for public schools, universities, and vocational education and training programs. In the 2021-22 financial year, around 7% of income tax revenue was spent on education and training.
- Defence: This includes funding for the Australian Defence Force and other defence-related programs. In the 2021-22 financial year, around 7% of income tax revenue was spent on defence.
- Public order and safety: This includes funding for police, emergency services, and other programs aimed at promoting public safety. In the 2021-22 financial year, around 4% of income tax revenue was spent on public order and safety.