Some unpopular opinions I have:
- Rates of pay in Australia are incredibly good and people in regular paid employment should almost never have financial issues or live pay day to pay day as many do (of course, the are exceptions). For example, I earn a wage below the national average and considered low income (and I could not get a home loan on my own). Yet I am healthy, lead a good social life, pay all my bills on time, have everything I need and am paying my home off four times faster than required (the same loan no lender thought I could afford). Conversely, I have 'friends' who always are trying to borrow money despite earning more than I do and having fewer genuine financial obligations.
- The stuff that these friends and most Australians spend money on add abolutely nothing to our lives - they are certainly no happier/more content that communities I have lived in overseas without these things.
- Similarly, I think paying taxes is a good thing and would be happy to pay more for the right reasons. eg. the new disability scheme, health care, education, better public transport, etc.
- Beer is pretty average.
- 90% of TV is absolute trash (particularly reality TV) and is a complete waste of time (i.e. so bad it is not even good for enjoyment or just chilling out)
- Don't really get the appeal of going out and 'getting smashed' at every opportunity, particularly those who seem to beleive it is the only way to have fun. There is so many ways to have a great time.
- Primary and Secondary education should have an overhaul that sees them teach in a range of different learning styles. Rote learning and reading is the least effective way of learning for most people, particularly boys. Learning by doing, experiential learning and peer learning are but some of the methods that would see our education levels improve and see previously struggling students begin to excel. A balance of all these styles (and helping students identify how they learn best) would greatly benefit all individuals and the nation as a whole.