robson-on-politics, a weekly newsletter from Matt Robson MP Deputy Leader of the Progressive Party www.progressive.org.nz

Progressive: positive about people and jobs

Fri 10 September

Progressive work-life balance at Easter

This week, Progressive's two votes delivered the absolute majority needed to save families from NZ First's latest attack on work-life balance for workers on Easter Sunday. Their Shop Trading Bill, trying to make the day just another working day, lost with 61 votes saying No.

We've made gains since 1999 for the work-life balance of families - four weeks annual holidays and paid parental leave. To build on those gains, New Zealand needs Progressive to again be in Cabinet when the government is elected for a third term in 12 months time. For voting details see: http://www.progressive.org.nz/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1184 _________________________

Terrorists attack innocents and democracy

We've seen more crimes against humanity overseas with terrorist killings of innocents in many places: Russia, Bangladesh, Israel, and in Jakarta, only 7,700 km away. The horrible scenes not only highlight the evil committed against innocents, but also represent direct attacks at the heart of democratic government.

We must remember that various branches of the Indonesian security forces have used terrorism against their own people and in East Timor. Many of the shadowy terrorist organisations in Indonesia have been founded, funded and used by factions in the state security forces for their own purposes. More on a terror attack in Bangladesh http://www.progressive.org.nz/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1176 _________________________

Farming investment rising, S&P gives us AA+

The news on the economy has been exceptionally strong and noted all around the world. International ratings agency S&P gave us an AA+. The World Bank gave us a gold medal for being the very best place in the world for job-creating businesses to base themselves. And Rabobank's quarterly survey of farmers reported a surge in confidence and investment plans - that means more jobs in provincial Aotearoa are on the way. Rabobank's release: http://www.progressive.org.nz/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1188 on Standard and Poor's http://www.progressive.org.nz/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1181 and on the World Bank: http://www.progressive.org.nz/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1189

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Green-tinged government would say No to China

The Greens this week told us that any future Green-tinged government would abandon efforts to get preferential access to overseas markets for New Zealand-based exporters and employers. They may 'yet' call for trade sanctions against countries like China. But Chinese workers are not stupid and will be organising their own democratic trade unions. Greens are just emphasizing that New Zealand needs Labour Progressive government. On the Green' peasant village scenario: http://www.progressive.org.nz/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1180 _________________________

Progressive insurance against caveman mentality

My Bill proposing to raise the age to buy alcohol back to 20 years and to strengthen the law relating to the supply of liquor to minors and liquor advertising, missed what was probably the last ballot until February. Green Party tactics have clogged up the regular Member's Bill ballot by deferring their Bills from debate. That is continuing to delay the time when Parliament will be able to revisit the drinking age. It is time for action on our youth binge drinking culture. When Parliament does revisit the drinking age, Greens will be in a minority - perhaps with ACT support. http://www.progressive.org.nz/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1186 _________________________

Brash concedes defeat a year early

Kiwis deserve the respect of being told well ahead of the 2005 election who are potential coalition partners. So Don Brash can't be faulted for this week making it clear National would deal only with United and ACT. The National-United coalition government, in '95/'96, and the minority National government kept in office by ACT and Tau Henare's party, in '98/'99, were miserable governments most remembered for ignoring the will of the people completely, ramming through an unpopular agenda of asset sales, and cutting education and health. Dr Brash is new to politics and doesn't quite realize yet that National, ACT and United will always add up to Opposition, not government. http://www.progressive.org.nz/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1175 and http://www.progressive.org.nz/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1185 _________________________

Many submissions are being received on the Identity (Citizenship and Travel Documents) Bill which would make people already legally here wait for up to ten years to apply for citizenship. And George Hawkins has this morning released a long Supplementary Order Paper taking away citizenship for some babies born here. _________________________

The Robson Hour Sunday 12 - 1 Radio 531PI: talking to Dick Hubbard on putting snap into the Auckland mayoralty, Meng Ly on why he is campaigning for Progressive party votes in Pakuranga, and Sally Caswell on the harm alcohol does to young people. At www.progressive.org.nz there is more on the above, on launching a major initiatve in a region close to heaven, commemorating heroism at Gallipoli, why it's good Brash is no longer in charge at the Reserve Bank, and his failed policies which are costing superannuitants $100 per week.

ENDS

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