Imagine, for a second, that the top 20 per cent of Australian income earners had their own government.

Say this government had the power to levy taxes. Only its constituents – the wealthy – would pay. In return, they would receive exclusive access to certain government services. This new government would fund schools, childcare and roads, but only for high earners.

Sure, the rich might still grumble about paying taxes. But you would expect that taxation would face a lot less resistance if redistribution wasn't involved.

You would also expect the beneficiaries of this arrangement to fight fiercely to protect it.