Yes, this is a common talking point from the Murdoch media and mining industry about why we cannot make any changes to Australia's climate policy. It's not true, but it's a common talking point.

Taxation has been far higher in our past than now, and has been far higher internationally than it has ever been in Australia, and often coincides with economic booms and record low inequality.

edit: Also a big LOL to the thought that the Australian government raises more tax in a year than would cost the Australian economy per year to enact policies to ensure the ongoing survival of Sydney.

Quick question (and don't look it up). One government spends 35% of GDP, another spends 37%. Which is Australia, and which the USA? That's a normal year: COVID stimulus sent both off the charts, of course.

The difference is that Australians are, for the most part, paying the bills as they come due.