The productivity measurement is conceptual - of course parents are going to pick up the bill if the Gov fails to. The point is that going to uni does increase productivity compared to not going - and it is the Gov that benefits so should be the Gov who pays.
But it doesn't increase productivity if you're giving unearned money to people who could have easily afforded to go otherwise, which is why I was arguing in favor of a means tested scheme, so only those who are verifiably disadvantaged can access assistance. It does the opposite, it harms national economic growth to waste money in this way.
The alternative you're arguing for, is that students who are wealthy and have ample means to pay for their education should be given $10'000 just because. Why would you not want their wealth to at least be assessed and measured by the state, so that wealth would go only to those who are actually deserving, leaving money to assist these people?
Every dollar you pay to a student of ample wealth, is denying money to another area of need. Where would suggest the government cut spending in order to give millions of dollars to students from wealthy backgrounds?
But that's just it... minimum living costs are about 20K a year - which entails working about 25hrs a week. Full time study is at least that again.
So study part time.
If you're going to partake in a society and use its services (roads, parks, transport, arts, economic regulation etc) then I don't see how you can argue against tax.
All those things should be user pays. I'm not given the choice to opt out of society. The government creates a monopoly and prevents the existence of a privatized alternative to these services. I am forced at gun point to hand over my rightful property to sustain this crooked monopoly.
And I didnt say the Gov has a 'right' to redistribute income
(quote=aussie-boy)As with any adult,
the Gov has the right to collect tax from you(/quote)