Having moved back to Oz two years ago from having lived in europe for 6 years. I can say this: Australia is truely the lucky country. Anybody doesn't believe it, go and find out for yourself. Most countries in europe have much higher taxes. Not just income but when you look at the total. Such as mention before environmental, GST etc etc. Yes some countries actually use the money to provide for its people. But it comes down to this. You can do so much more with your money here than just about anywhere else in the world. And that is mainly on the large cost item such as cars, houses, swimming pool, boats etc. You just can't beat the dollar v's lifestyle that is available in Oz. I was paying AU$2.40 for 98RON and it cost twicethe insurance on a car that was one third the value of my T. The biggest problem with rising fuel prices is that it does make everything else dearer too. That is why most things are so expensive in europe almost everything is transported by road. Plus saying that we have to travel more in Oz isn't totally accurate either. Just because it is a big place does not mean you have to live far from work. I had to travel 160km each day to get to work and back. Because that is where work was available. Plus the cost of relocating is huge as there are no houses (too many people and no space) available and all asociated cost are huge aswell. In Australia we have the opportunity to keep these things in check, as they will change. This because we haven't reached that stage yet and things will get harder because of availability of goods and peoples never ending hunger for everything. Just my opinion. Australia provides you with the best option for a rewarding lifestyle... make the most of it. Baz
