Letters to the Tax Department

20th May 1990
Deputy Commissioner of Taxation,
I have enclosed a cheque for $4,092.37 being the amount of tax payable minus
$419.00.  I am withholding an amount equal to 9.3% of my income tax, assessed
at $4,511.37.  The figure of 9.3% represents approximately the amount the
government spends on defence.

I do not support expenditure for military purposes - for weapons of
destruction and the training of people in their use.

I particularly object to the use of Beecroft Peninsula (the northern arm of
Jervis Bay) as a weapons range.  This land is sacred to the Aboriginal people
of the area, it is also an integral part of a Marine and National Park
proposal for Jervis Bay.

If you are able to guarantee the outstanding amount will not be used for
military purposes, I will be pleased to forward the balance.  Perhaps this
money could be used to assist in a positive rather then a negative way ... to
aid purchase of land for National Parks, and the staffing of the same - or
other similar worthwhile community projects.
Yours peacefully
Janet Mayer

4th July 1990 
Deputy Commissioner of Taxation,
I received your notice issued 6th June in yesterday's mail.  This notice
states that I owe the Taxation Department an amount of $419.00, and asks for a
remittance or legal recovery action will be instituted without further notice
to me.

I would like to refer you to my letter of the 20th May, wherein I explain my
willingness to pay the above mentioned amount following an assurance from you
that this money will not be used for military purposes.  My reasons for this
decision are outlined in my previous letter to you.

You have not yet replied to my earlier letter.  However, in order that you
understand my sincerity in the matter, and that I do not appear to be making a
personal profit from the retention of the money, on 28th June, I sent a cheque
for $419.00 to the Peace and Development Foundation, to be held by them until
such time as I request otherwise.

I trust this explanation is satisfactory and that we may work out an
acceptable solution following your response to my previous letter.  I expect
that you will recognize my right to conscientious objection to militarism and
the means used for its support.

In 1987, Senator Norm Sanders presented a petition to the Senate, calling on
the Australian Government to introduce a Peace Tax Foundation, and in 1989,
Senator Jo Vallentine presented a Peace Trust Fund bill to the Senate.  If
there is presently, or will be shortly, such a fund, I will contribute $419.00
to that fund.

Yours peacefully
Janet Mayer