If my son paid $1,390 in tax last year, should he receive the stimulus package?

Q.

My 19 year old son is a fulltime third year apprentice motor mechanic. His taxable income for the year ending June 2008 was just under $11,000. He received a tax refund cheque of $1,390 which represented all the PAYG deductions taken out through the year. He has been looking forward to receiving the government stimulus payment of $900, however has been told that he is not eligible because he paid no tax last year. Is this correct? It seems so unfair for someone on such a low wage.

I suggest he makes further enquiries at the tax office because on the information supplied he should be eligible for the stimulus package. It appears that his employer has made larger than necessary tax deductions and he should not be penalised for this.