Last summer we were fortunate to spend several weeks in Australia. What a beautiful, clean and safe country. We loved every minute.
We spoke to many locals who did not understand how our nation is in the shape it is financially. I must admit, it gave us pause.
They have national health care and have had for years. People our age are very happy with the system and did not understand why it is controversial here.
They have a living wage for all workers. The minimum wage is about $16-18/hr. There is no tipping. None expected.
They have a federal budget SURPLUS and when we were there, they were concerned that the surplus was a few billion less than expected. Banks pay 5%.....not 0.5% interest on CDs.
It was an amazing country to visit and we enjoyed the natural beauty of the great barrier reef, the fantastic contrast of historical and modern architecture of Sydney.
I must admit, it made us wonder how 2 countries so similar in so many ways could have such a financial contrast.
I don't have any answers. Just lots of questions........
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