I think some of the points in the response are a bit flawed.
For example, volunteer work has value, what if he was a dentist and toured remote communities that couldn't afford treatment? That's a high value example, but there's lots of other vollie jobs that might benefit all of us - like he might devote himself to clearing plastic so fish don't eat it.
Second, if a woman retired early so she can raise her kids, there wouldn't be the same stigma, even if she didn't go back to work. Should SAHM's not get degrees?
Third, I doubt he'd be eligible for any age pension.
Fourth, I'll be retaining private health cover in retirement. Don't know about Pat.
Fifth - $40k a year is what some people earn. Are low earners taking the piss too? And you do pay tax on $40k, I don't think there's the implication that him and his SO would both live on that and claim $36k threshold is there?
I guess there is a scenario where Pat goes to live in Thailand and returns when he's 65 for the free healthcare etc. That might align with the issues raised & I think that is a little bit out of order. However I migrated in my 20s to here from the country that raised and educated me for free. So swings and roundabouts! I don't know what the tax rules are when you migrate from here - wouldn't he still be paying tax to Australia if overseas? I used to pay tax to the UK on income from assets held there.