Hypocrite

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Perth surgeon Michael Levitt is reported as saying that "the proposed changes [to superannuation fund rules] were preposterous, embarrassing, shameful and discriminatory" (Super rules paint collectors into corner, by Stephen Bevis, The West, 27 Oct 11).

The poor dear!

It seems that, from 1 July, personal super funds which collect art must collect it "as a genuine investment for retirement rather than as a way for members to indulge a hobby or gain a personal benefit from the items" (quoted from the article). The art investments must be documented, stored, insured against losses... not hung on the walls of the homes of family and friends. This rule has upset Levitt.

"Surely I am not the only person on the planet who thinks there is something wrong about being allowed to collect art but not look at it," he said.

Levitt wants to collect art. He wants to hang it on walls. He wants to admire it.

Levitt also wants to pay reduced tax on his investments, so he buys art through his own super fund.

Oh dear, he cries, if investment art cannot also be admired then the value of art will fall.

Oh my, he cries, what a great art lover I am!

Oh no, he cries, I'm certainly not going to buy art without a tax minimisation lurk. What sort of collector do you think I am?!

Oh crap, he cries, there's no way I'll buy art without a government subsidy through my super fund. What sort of pleb do you think I am?!

Hypocrite.

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