Scoop: Top Scoops + Just Politics

Thursday, 4 December 2003, 3:57 pm
Article: Alastair Thompson

TODAY’S TOP SCOOPS
Scoop Is In The House
LEAD STORY:
Employment Law Reforms Announced
Phew!!! Interest Rates Held At 5 %
NZ NEWS HEADLINES:
Russia Clarifies Position On Kyoto
INTERNATIONAL HEADLINES:

SCOOP COLUMNS:
Hard News & More Is There!
Images: Scoop Is On The Way To Nigeria
Ramzy Baroud On The Universal Declaration Of Human Rights
NYT's Krugman Weighs In On Black Box Voting
Cartoons: A Defiant Sharon And Turkey Air
Read An Extract From Chomsky's New Book (& Subscribe And Win It!)
Daily Katya Rivas

OTHER NEWS (Just Politics)
Smokefree Bars Law Passed
Charges Against Tractor Rebel Shane Ardern Dropped
Would Be Court Reformers Suggest New Targets
Waitaki Bill Suspected Of Being A Project Aqua Bill
International Student Levy Proposal Greeted Frostily
Report Shows Vietnam Vets Right About Agent Orange
Mallard Accused Of Union Busting With State Sector Changes
New Canterbury Drug Treatment Provider Welcomed
The Enemy Of My Enemy Is My Friend
Drug Cooks Expected To Walk Free – Ryall
And The Mainstream Employer Of The Year Is
New Medals To Be Struck For 21st Century Heroes
Planned Child Support Write Off Attacked By National

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...TODAY'S PHOTO STORY...

http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/BU0312/S00028.htm
The View From Frodo Air…

Scoop Is In The House

– For today's questions see... Questions for Oral Answer - Thursday, 4 December [1] . For earlier questions and answers see... Questions & Answers for Oral Answer - 3 December [2] and Questions & Answers For Tuesday 2 December 2003 [3]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0312/S00083.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0312/S00077.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0312/S00044.htm

LEAD STORY:
Employment Law Reforms Announced

- An Employment Relations Law Reform Bill with key amendments to the Employment Relations Act and other relevant employment legislation has been introduced to the House, Labour Minister Margaret Wilson announced today. See... Employment Relations Law Reform [1] MORE: - Employment Relations Law Reform Bill - Q&A [2] - Employment Relations Law Reform Bill - Summary [3] - Employment Relations Law Reform Bill - Examples [4] REACTION: - ACT - Giant Step Backwards [5] - Business NZ - Individual employees under the gun [6] - Greens - Greens welcome workers' Christmas present, if late [7] - PSA - Employment Relations law changes [8] - National - Business gets another kicking care of Labour [9] - CTU -Employment Bill Makes Modest Progress [10] - EPMU - ERA review a "first step" [11] - Nurses - Health Sector Singled Out In Bizarre Strike Clause [12]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0312/S00087.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0312/S00089.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0312/S00088.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0312/S00090.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0312/S00099.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0312/S00046.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0312/S00080.htm
[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0312/S00042.htm
[9] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0312/S00084.htm
[10] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0312/S00041.htm
[11] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0312/S00040.htm
[12] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0312/S00039.htm

Phew!!! Interest Rates Held At 5 %

- The Reserve Bank today decided to leave the Official Cash Rate unchanged at 5.0 per cent. See... OCR unchanged - 4 December 2003 MPS [1] MORE: - RBNZ - RBNZ MPS: Summary Of Economic Projections [2] - RBNZ - Reserve Bank MPS - Policy Assessment [3] - United Future - Copeland welcomes unchanged OCR [4]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/BU0312/S00033.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/BU0312/S00044.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/BU0312/S00034.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0312/S00093.htm

NZ NEWS HEADLINES:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/ED0312/S00019.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0312/S00038.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0312/S00036.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/BU0312/S00038.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0312/S00032.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0312/S00027.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/BU0312/S00042.htm
[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/SC0312/S00012.htm
[9] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/SC0312/S00014.htm
[10] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/CU0312/S00030.htm

Russia Clarifies Position On Kyoto

- Milan, Italy * The recent statement by Russia's deputy economy minister, Mukhamed Tsikhanov, clarifies that Russia is still moving towards ratification of the Kyoto Protocol, according to Greenpeace and WWF, participating in the Climate Change Conference ... Russia Clarifies Position On Kyoto Protocol [1] EARLIER: - Russian Winter Won't Freeze Kyoto [2] - Greenpeace & WWF - Russian Politicking Over Kyoto Hot Air [3] - Greenpeace - Kyoto Protocol Alive And Kicking [4]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0312/S00020.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0312/S00045.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0312/S00016.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0312/S00012.htm

INTERNATIONAL HEADLINES:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0312/S00026.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0312/S00021.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0312/S00025.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0312/S00024.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0312/S00023.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0312/S00022.htm

SCOOP COLUMNS:

Hard News & More Is There!

- If I were to say what I really thought of New Zealand First's 'Whose Country Is It Anyway?' leaflet things might get unseemly. So let's just observe that Winston Peters is a coward and a bully and his party is the home of fear, failure and resentment... See... Public Address 03/12/03 - Lies And Desire [1] and Public Address 04/12/03 - Silliness [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0312/S00043.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0312/S00052.htm

Images: Scoop Is On The Way To Nigeria

- The NZ Prime Minister Helen Clark is presently en-route to Nigeria to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). Scoop Co-Editor Selwyn Manning is travelling with the party aboard the RNZAF's new 757 aircraft. See... Scoop Images: The View From The PM's Skytrain [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0312/S00051.htm

Ramzy Baroud On The Universal Declaration Of Human Rights

- Five years ago, a stimulating commentary, by the United Nations Department of Public Information, celebrated the triumphs and reflected on the challenges still facing the ''Universal Declaration of Human Rights'', decades after its formation. See... Ramzy Baroud: Immortalizing ‘Ink on Paper’? [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0312/S00050.htm

NYT's Krugman Weighs In On Black Box Voting

- Inviting Bush supporters to a fund-raiser, the host wrote, ''I am committed to helping Ohio deliver its electoral votes to the president next year.'' No surprise there. See... Scoop Link: Paul Krugman - Hack the Vote [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0312/S00049.htm

Cartoons: A Defiant Sharon And Turkey Air

See... Chuckman Cartoon: What The British Pilot Saw [1] and Chuckman Cartoon: Israel Warns Powell [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0312/S00048.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0312/S00047.htm

Read An Extract From Chomsky's New Book (& Subscribe And Win It!)

- From the world's foremost intellectual activist, an irrefutable analysis of America's pursuit of total world domination and the catastrophic consequences that will follow. See... Noam Chomsky: Hegemony or Survival (Extract) [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0312/S00011.htm

Daily Katya Rivas

- Flower of My Passion, I want you to conceal yourself, concealment not only from the eyes of others, but from your own eyes… I know, you want to know what I find in you and I am going to answer you. See... Katya Rivas: I Want to Establish a New Kingdom [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0312/S00046.htm

Smokefree Bars Law Passed

- The passing tonight (Wednesday, December 3) of the Smoke-Free Environments (Enhanced Protection) Amendment Bill will save the lives of hundreds of New Zealanders every year says the Cancer Society of New Zealand. Smokefree Bill Passage Welcomed [1] MORE: - ACT - Smoking Gone - Along With Freedom [2] - Greens - Greens Welcome A Breath Of Fresh Air [3] - HANZ - See... Hospitality fears bleak 2004 Christmas [4] - Asthma Foundation - No More Smoke And Mirrors, Now Just Mirrors [5]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/GE0312/S00024.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0312/S00072.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0312/S00069.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/BU0312/S00039.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/GE0312/S00025.htm

Charges Against Tractor Rebel Shane Ardern Dropped

- Tractor driving Taranaki-King Country MP Shane Ardern is relieved the disorderly conduct charge against him has finally been withdrawn. See... Victory For Common Sense [1] and Justice for Shane, what about Nick? [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0312/S00086.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0312/S00085.htm

Would Be Court Reformers Suggest New Targets

- ACT New Zealand Social Welfare Spokesman Dr Muriel Newman today expressed disappointment - but not surprise - that, while media attention has been grabbed by a restructuring of our courts, little has been said about the need to re-vamp the Family Court. See... What About The Family Court? [1] MORE: - ACT - Less Law - Not More Courts [2] - Prop. Developer - Call To Reduce Environment Court Workload [3]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0312/S00071.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0312/S00061.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0312/S00034.htm

Waitaki Bill Suspected Of Being A Project Aqua Bill

- The Green Party is supportive of Government attempts to establish a framework for allocation of Waitaki River water, but concerned that the process could be just an elaborate way to rubber-stamp the Project Aqua power scheme. See... Greens Question Waitaki Plan [1] MORE: - Govt - Waitaki catchment legislation introduced [2] - Forest And Bird - Waitaki legislation not needed. [3]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0312/S00070.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0312/S00065.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0312/S00033.htm

International Student Levy Proposal Greeted Frostily

- Education Minister Trevor Mallard today announced new measures designed to increase protection for export education providers and their international students. See... New measures to protect export education industry [1] REACTION: - Education Forum - Levy Hike for Private Education Providers Absurd [2] - Auckland City - Intl. education industry lacks coherent strategy [3] - Private Ed. Providers - International Student Levy Increase [4] - ITI - New Tax on PTEs is Second-Best Option [5] - Education NZ - Fix the problem and move on! [6] - APPEL - Education industry to bail out Government [7]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0312/S00063.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/ED0312/S00026.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/ED0312/S00021.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/ED0312/S00017.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/ED0312/S00016.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/ED0312/S00015.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/ED0312/S00014.htm

Report Shows Vietnam Vets Right About Agent Orange

- A report presented to the Parliamentary Health Select Committee inquiry into Agent Orange has shown previous reports to be completely inaccurate, says National MP, Judith Collins. See... Vietnam Vets Vindicated [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0312/S00097.htm

Mallard Accused Of Union Busting With State Sector Changes

- Union-busting strikes again as Education Minister Trevor Mallard attempts to give Government the power to suspend and dock the pay of striking teachers, Green MP Metiria Turei said today. See... Trevor Gives A Lesson In Union Busting [1] and Another Step Toward Yesterday's Schools [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0312/S00094.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/ED0312/S00020.htm

New Canterbury Drug Treatment Provider Welcomed

- Progressive Party leader Jim Anderton is welcoming the announcement from the Canterbury District Health Board that it has selected a provider for the South Island's new Alcohol & Other Drug Treatment Service for young people. See... Youth Drug & Alcohol Service A Progressive Step [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0312/S00092.htm

The Enemy Of My Enemy Is My Friend

- "Jim Anderton may not have wanted to meet with Timber Industry Federation Executive Director Wayne Coffey, but the National Party has been only too willing to hear from him and his colleagues," says National's Forestry spokesman Brian Connell. See... National Hears Forestry Concerns [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0312/S00095.htm

Drug Cooks Expected To Walk Free – Ryall

- Drug cooks caught making methamphetamine may go free as drug testing delays are expected to get even worse, says National's Police spokesman Tony Ryall. See... Meth lab cases facing even longer delays [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0312/S00091.htm

And The Mainstream Employer Of The Year Is

- The New Zealand Police’s Tauranga office is the winner of the State Services Commission’s 2003 Mainstream Employer of the Year Award, recognising its work supporting an employee with a disability. See... Employers supporting staff with disabilities [1] and Mainstream employer of the year award - Speech [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0312/S00081.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0312/S00082.htm

New Medals To Be Struck For 21st Century Heroes

- Defence Minister Mark Burton today announced that the government has agreed to the institution of a New Zealand General Service Medal (NZGSM) to recognise the current service in Iraq. See... Medals for service in Solomon Islands and Iraq [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0312/S00075.htm

Planned Child Support Write Off Attacked By National

- After allowing child support debt to spiral out of control, the Labour Government's now planning to write off more than $400 million owed to the taxpayer by errant parents, says National Party Welfare spokeswoman Katherine Rich. See... Outrage Over Plan To Wipe Child Support Debt [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0312/S00073.htm

ENDS

© Scoop Media

Alastair Thompson

Scoop Publisher

Alastair Thompson is the co-founder of Scoop. He is of Scottish and Irish extraction and from Wellington, New Zealand. Alastair has 24 years experience in the media, at the Dominion, National Business Review, North & South magazine, Straight Furrow newspaper and online since 1997. He is the winner of several journalism awards for business and investigative work.

Contact Alastair Thompson

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