robson-on-politics 12 November

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

Fri 12 November

Some believe that left wing equals higher taxes. When asked, I said to the media "Taxation is not set in stone. It is a tool and being left wing doesn't mean you have to leave your brain out of your head." Tax cuts, carefully thought through, can contribute to the growth of the economy and therefore of high-quality well-paid jobs.

Full employment lies at the heart of Progressive policy. Sustainable growth in the economy takes us towards that goal and to free healthcare and free education at all levels. Our policies got another big tick Thursday as the unemployment rate collapsed to 3.8%, far lower than under National. 230,000 new jobs!

A response to critics on tax: http://www.progressive.org.nz/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1355 Jobs up, unemployment below 4.0%

http://www.progressive.org.nz/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1349

Creating jobs in small and medium enterprises: MED report http://www.progressive.org.nz/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1336 Tax policy - full statement: http://www.progressive.org.nz/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1333

We have announced we want to meet student loan payments for new graduates who work in New Zealand. Look out for policies on housing, alcohol, and health in the coming weeks and the New Year, as we set out a coherent platform of reasons for another term in Cabinet. Meeting student loan repayments for three years: http://www.progressive.org.nz/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1335 Student loans policy - full statement http://www.progressive.org.nz/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1334

Some spooks falsely assessed a refugee as a security risk and had him locked up for two years. They've now to forced to admit they were wrong and pay compensation. The agency fought in Court because it would 'jeopardise relations' with other countries. But that was Australia. Here, Ahmed Zaoui has been in our new Supreme Court, arguing that two years in jail without any charge being brought is unjust. I live in hope that justice will prevail.

See: The Age (registration required) http://theage.com.au/articles/2004/11/10/1100021829688.html?oneclick=true In Australia it seems they have a good Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security who produces an informative annual report. Read paras 153 - 167 at this link. Compensation has now been paid. http://www.igis.gov.au/annuals/1999_00/asio_complaints_inquiries.htm

Giving the Sydney Peace prize lecture this year, Indian Nobel Prize winner Arundhati Roy was spot on in saying: "As the battle to control the world's resources intensifies, economic colonialism through formal military aggression is staging a comeback. Iraq is the logical culmination of the process of corporate globalisation. The invasion of Iraq will surely go down in history as one of the most cowardly wars ever fought.

"It was a war in which a band of rich nations, armed with enough nuclear weapons to destroy the world several times over, rounded on a poor nation, falsely accused it of having nuclear weapons, used the United Nations to force it to disarm, then invaded it, occupied it and are now in the process of selling it." The Iraqi tragedy I: Human Rights Watch http://www.hrw.org/wr2k4/3.htm

This week the Unknown Soldier lay in Parliament. Many thousands remembered those who have lost their lives in war. Jim Anderton and I were privileged to host the family of Colonel William Malone, who died at Gallipoli where he refused to follow orders that would have needlessly lost lots of lives. Jim's campaign to have him remembered is about to result in a plaque at Parliament.

Speech on the Unknown Soldier, citing Col. Malone:
http://www.progressive.org.nz/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1354

Aceh's turn New Zealand has a proud record of welcoming those working for human rights outside our country. In the coming week the Aceh community (Indonesia) has public meetings on Sat 13th and Thurs 18th - ph 04 977 6258 for details or see www.caritas.org.nz.

Customs and Police, who falsely accused Ahmed Zaoui of terrorism, did not detain Peter Hain, Leader of the House of Commons in the UK. He backed Blair and Bush in the illegal attack on Iraq. He helped fabricate the Iraq-has- Weapons-of-Mass-Destruction lie and the 45-Minutes lie.

Surely Ministers Barker (Customs), Hawkins (Police), and Swain (Immigration) will be asking some hard questions at Labour's weekend conference as to why this dubious character is their guest speaker. Robin Cook, who chose resignation over dishonour, would be a better choice. The Iraqi tragedy II: The Lancet http://www.iht.com/articles/2004/10/29/news/toll.html

The Progressive Party is holding the first of its regional conferences and those of good character will speak. Members will discuss economic policy for growth, reducing the student debt, housing initiatives, election strategy and much more. On display will be the media and billboard December advertising campaign - paid for by fundraising efforts of members in our $100K club.

Progressive candidate selection under way:

http://www.progressive.org.nz/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1159

This week on www.progressive.org.nz < http://www.progressive.org.nz there are 18 new articles, from investing in Northland timber to the privilege for foreigners of owning New Zealand assets. Also action on alcohol harm to minors and progress on Misuse of Drugs Bill. Guests on The Robson Hour Sunday noon - 1pm are Labour MP Darren Hughes on his party's conference, Cr James Papali'i, and Lucy Lavakula on Niue.

Subscribe to robson-on-politics by fax to 04 472 7620 or email to matt.robson@parliament.govt.nz

ENDS

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