ATO.. How I Hate Thee, let me count the ways.

I've been paying taxes since 1977, dutifully, honestly. 
I don't make nefarious claims, just put on the form what I reasonably believe to be my income, and the allowed deductions to the cost of that income.

Due to many things, I'll take full responsibility for all of it, for I am an idiot with finances, I have ended up with a large tax debt.  Divorce, failed relationships, a failed small business etc.

I would have thought that reliably paying tax for 34 years may have built some credit with the ATO, no, not at all.  I have been treated with contempt, nay disdain and all requests for a "fair go" have been thrown back in my face.
Maybe even spending 21 years in the army prepared to die for this country would allow me to claim some cutting a bit of slack?  Fuck off.

Now I was out of work for three months, but despite absolutely NO help from the gumbyment departments and programs,  I managed to find part time work.  It doesn't pay much, but it's very fulfilling work.  The ATO wants more than  their fare share tho.  After rent, and them, and me dutifully paying back all moneys I owe, there is naught left to enjoy life.

I would have thought that being a loyal customer of a credit union, actually a share holder, no less, I  may have been entitled to a bit of help from them?

I am silly, for they also said "fuck off fool".

Money, it is evil, a necessary evil, but still evil.