Millions of Australians have started receiving their $900 stimulus payments promised by the Rudd government.

It is estimated that approximately 9 million taxpayers will be entitled to receive the one-off payment.

The $900 bonus will be paid to taxpayers with taxable income up to and including, $80,000. A $600 bonus will be paid to taxpayers with income exceeding $80,000 to $90,000.

A $250 bonus will be paid to taxpayers with income exceeding $90,000 to, and including, $100,000.

Neos Kosmos English Edition asked a number of Greek Australians how they are planning to spend their bonus. The majority of them revealed that they would use it to decrease their debts.

Engineer Jim Michalopoulos, who is single, indicated that he will put part of the money towards his mortgage and spend the rest on fishing gear. John Fotinos, an architect from Adelaide and married with a child, said: “I haven’t thought about it, I’ll probably buy a golf club that I’ve always wanted.” 

John Karagianis, a marketing consultant in Melbourne, also married with one child, said that he would “pay off some of the credit card and buy new blinds.”

The well known Greek Australian comedian George Kapinairis was not an exception as he suggested that he will pay off some of his credit card debt and jokingly added that with the rest of the money he will “hire help for his newborn baby.”

Other people indicated that they will spend the whole sum on various retail purchase is what the Rudd government’s intention to jump start economic spending in Australia.

Chris Linou for example intends to buy an interactive game for his children and upgrade his  entertainment equipment.

Maria Repanis a community development worker in Melbourne, said: “I’m going to be a recession buster and spend it on clothing, because I need it and all will be Australian made. My husband will put toward my sons education, I’m the frivolous one.”

But RMIT lecturer on Ethics and Governance Eva Tsahuridu expressed reservations as to the impact of this new stimulus package.

“It may be quick but not effective,” she said and clarified that “may be we’re seeking short term solutions for long term problems.”