Fahey Sentenced - Fahey’s Employer - Business Confidence - Paid Parental Leave - Fiji Crisis Continues
FAHEY SENTENCED: Former GP and Christchurch Deputy Mayor Doctor Morgan Fahey received a six year jail term after
pleading guilty to charges of sex offences against his patients. However some of the victims of the offenses say the
sentence appears light. The judge on the case was not impressed with Fahey’s apologies to the victims, meanwhile Fahey’s
lawyer has said he had “lost everything” after the charges.
FAHEY’S EMPLOYER: Meanwhile a spokesperson at Ansett former employer of Morgan Fahey who fired Fahey after the charges
resurfaced said there were widespread allegations of Fahey’s misconduct from employees of the airline.
BUSINESS CONFIDENCE: The Government’s handling of the economy is attracting overseas attention with Credit agency
Standard & Poors considering a downgrading of credit rating because of the Government’s interventionist business policies. The NZ$
has dropped in reaction to the announcement. Meanwhile Labour has decided to put on hold some of the Alliance’s plans
including a legislation for paid parental leave and a people’s bank, causing friction with their minor partner.
PAID PARENTAL LEAVE: Labour’s plans to put on hold the Alliance’s eight-week paid parental leave legislation has been
greeted with disappointment from the young working mothers who supported the bill. Alliance Minister of Women’s Affairs
Laila Harre says she has had no formal notification from the Government to can the proposed laws.
FIJI CRISIS CONTINUES: In Fiji, George Speight is continuing to negotiate with the military rejecting their suggestions
for a new Prime Minister and one to set up a temporary military Government. One of the hostages released on “maternity
leave” says she may rejoin them to show support for the men. Meanwhile Maori rights activist Tama Iti has arrived to try
an unilaterally broker an agreement between Speight and the military.