Aussie 'battler' makes mark on Q&A panel

An audience member who described himself as having a “disability and a low education” put the Q&A panel to the test on Monday night, leaving many viewers disgusted at the poor response from the politicians.

Duncan Storrar addressed the questions to the three politicians on the panel – Assistant Treasurer Kelly O’Dwyer, Shadow Assistant Treasurer Andrew Leigh and Greens MP Adam Bandt.

"I've got a disability and a low education, that means I've spent my whole life working for minimum wage. You're gonna lift the tax-free threshold for rich people," he said.

“If you lift my tax-free threshold, that changes my life. That means that I get to say to my little girls: ‘Daddy’s not broke this weekend. We can go to the pictures’.

"Rich people don’t even notice their tax-free threshold lift. Why don’t I get it? Why do they get it?”

Ms O’Dwyer attempted to explain that it was middle-class earners who earned between $80,000 - $87,000 per year that were receiving the tax cuts.

“It’s all about balance and we believe we’re making appropriate choices that are balanced,” she said.

Ms O’Dwyer’s response gained criticism online for beating around the bush and avoiding the question, while Mr Storrar was clearly unimpressed with her answer.

“It means my children have $7000 more money every year to live on,” he persisted.

“Low-income earners lose more money because every penny we pay in tax, that’s money we don’t have to spend at the bottom end.

“People who make $80,000 a year, dunno who they are… well, they don’t notice it, love. We notice it.”

Australian Industry Group CEO Innes Willox addressed Mr Storrar, warning him that his message might seem “harsh”.

“Duncan, I'll be harsh with you," Mr Willox began, "If you’re on the minimum wage with a family you would not pay much tax, if any at all.

“Would you? You would not pay much tax,” he said.

“I pay tax every time I go to the supermarket,” Duncan responded. “Every time I hop in my car.”

His answers prompted another round of applause from the audience.

When the focus was back on the Turnbull government minister, Ms O’Dwyer, she tried to praise her government’s tax relief measures for small businesses by highlighting an example from one café owner.

She detailed how the busy café, which turns over $2 million annually, can now afford a $6000 toaster – a response that left many scratching their head trying to find its relevance to Mr Storrar’s situation.

As the segment gained traction on social media, hundreds of viewers showed their support for the Aussie battler.

“He may have a lower education but he asked the most intelligent question of the night. And didn’t get an appropriate answer from any body there,” one woman wrote.

“How can someone talk about a six thousand dollar toaster, when this poor man can't afford to go to the movies?” another said.

“They've lost touch and again, this is a fine example of where the politicians aren't listening to the needs of the average Australian. Their responses did not actually address his concerns,” a viewer commented.

“I cannot believe that answers to low income are "not everyone wins in a budget". Well low income earners never win and the out of touch answers were ridiculous,” a user wrote.

The hashtag #IStandWithDuncan started trending on Twitter after the segment.